Dare Reports 15th Death; 53 COVID-19 Cases April 12-19
The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reports the 15th death of a local resident from COVID-19 occurred on April 19, with 53 new cases reported April 12-19.
This past week there were 50 new positive COVID-19 cases in Dare County and the percent of positive tests to total tests increased from 7.49% to 11.3%. The virus continues to be predominantly spread by direct contact between family members, co-workers and close friends. The total COVID-19 positive case count for Dare County is 3,075, of which there are 24 active cases among residents of Dare County.
An additional resident has died from complications associated with COVID-19.
Since the last report on 4/13, there have been 53 new COVID-19 cases. Of these 53 new cases:
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38 (72%) are symptomatic
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44 (83%) acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual or individuals who were positive for COVID-19.
We know we can control the spread of the virus by practicing the 3Ws. Please wear a face covering, wait 6 ft apart from others and wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. In addition to the 3Ws, the most effective tool in controlling the spread of this virus is to get your COVID vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccine
It is now easier and quicker than ever to get your COVID-19 vaccine. The DHHS no longer has a waiting list for the local vaccine clinics, so when you register online you should receive a call within approximately 24 hours to schedule your appointment. You can register online at www.darenc.com/covidvaccine or email [email protected].
Additionally, many of the area pharmacies are now providing COVID-19 vaccinations, including Walgreens, Sunshine Family Pharmacy, Island Pharmacy, Baer Drugs, and Beach Pharmacy. Availability may be limited and appointments are required. Please call the pharmacy directly to inquire about their vaccination protocols.
Over the past three and a half months, the DHHS has provided 15,369 initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and have fully vaccinated 13,149 individuals. In addition to preventing serious illness and death, getting your COVID-19 vaccine prevents you from being quarantined if you are exposed to a person who tests positive for COVID, as long as you remain symptom free. To date, there have been no reports in Dare County of serious illness or death of anyone who has been fully vaccinated. Now is a great time to get your vaccine so you can be fully vaccinated before the busy summer season is upon us.
Any North Carolina resident or property owner age 16 and older who wishes to receive the vaccine can now be vaccinated in Dare County. To register please go to the county website now at www.darenc.com/covidvaccine to complete the vaccination request form.
Key Metrics
This past week there were 443 COVID-19 diagnostic tests reported in Dare County. This brings the total number of tests performed since early March of last year to 37,003. There were 50 positive cases between April 12 and April 18. The percent of positive tests to overall tests in Dare County since the DHHS started testing in March 2020 increased slightly to 8.30%. The percent of positive tests to total tests for the past week increased to 11.3%. Syndromic surveillance of individuals presenting with COVID like symptoms to the emergency department and urgent care centers continues to show low levels of activity. These graphs can be found on the Dare County website at www.darenc.com/covid19.
“Non-resident” cases are those who do not have a Dare County address listed on their identification card, including visitors, non-resident property owners, individuals living and working in Dare County for the summer, and those who may have recently moved to the area and have not yet been able to update their identification card.
Cloth face masks or coverings are mandatory to be worn in any public spaces where social distancing can’t be maintained in Dare County and throughout North Carolina.
Local and state health officials continue to strongly encourage everyone to follow the 3 Ws – wear a cloth face covering if you will be with other people, wait at least six feet apart and avoid close contact with other people, and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
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