Total of 10 individuals have now tested positive for COVID-19 in Dare County

Published 12:55 pm Tuesday, April 7, 2020

: This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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According to the latest Dare County bulletin, as of April 7, a total of 10 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in Dare. Three of the four new cases are all associated with direct contact with the individual whose positive test result was announced on April 4. The other new case is an individual who also likely acquired the virus through direct contact when out of the area.

Of the 10 individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Dare County, five have completely recovered, three are asymptomatic (meaning they have not experienced any COVID-19 symptoms), one is recovering in isolation and one remains hospitalized out of the county.

In North Carolina, there are currently 3,221 cases of COVID-19 in 90 counties. There have been 46 fatalities in the associated with COVID-19. The state is reporting 270 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.

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“Now that community spread is likely in our community, you must act as if everyone you come in contact with has COVID-19 and has the ability to spread the virus. To protect yourself, your family, and our community, it is imperative that everyone in Dare County follows the Stay Home – Stay Healthy order (which aligns with Governor Cooper’s Stay at Home Executive Order),” stated the county’s bulletin. “Restrict ALL non-essential movement. Only go out when absolutely necessary (for essential needs). Avoid direct contact, other than immediate family members. Practice good hygiene.”

Recently, the CDC released an updated recommendation regarding the use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends the use of simple cloth face coverings as a voluntary public health measure in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies). “Please understand that the use of face coverings alone is insufficient to provide an adequate level of protection, and other measures should also be utilized,” stated the release.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/coronavirus or NCDHHS at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus. For information specific to Dare County, visit darenc.com/covid19.

A list of community resources and information on filing for unemployment, food support, emergency business loans, legal aid and utility assistance is available at darenc.com/covidresources.

Given the likelihood that Dare County is experiencing community spread of COVID-19, Dare County Transportation System will transport passengers for medical trips only, effective Thursday, April 9.

For updated information regarding Dare County services and department operations, visit www.darenc.com/covidservices.

The Dare County COVID-19 Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff is available to answer questions at 252-475-5008.

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