Hyde County reports first lab-confirmed case of COVID-19

Published 3:22 pm Saturday, April 25, 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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UPDATE: This case was later stated to be one of 122 tests inaccurately reported by Vidant Health. Read more here: https://www.thecoastlandtimes.com/2020/04/26/hyde-county-covid-19-case-one-of-122-inaccurate-tests-reported/

Luana Gibbs, health director for Hyde County, has reported that Hyde County now has its first laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.

According to a press release issued, Saturday afternoon, April 25, the individual is in isolation at home and the Hyde County Health Department has begun contact tracing to determine anyone who may have been exposed to the person.

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The release also stated that Gibbs “wants to remind everyone that COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus, which is why we should adhere to Stay At Home orders issued locally as well as state-wide.”

Also noted was a reminder to practice the following:

– Stay home unless conducting essential business, such as buying groceries or visiting a pharmacy.

– When conducting essential business, practice social distancing – which is staying at least six feet away from others – and wear facial covering. To learn how to make a facial covering, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4 or view below:

https://youtu.be/tPx1yqvJgf4

– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

– Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

– Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, which should be promptly thrown in the trash.

– Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces several times a day.

– Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing noses, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Reliable sources of information include:

– CDC, www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus

– NC Division of Health and Human Services, www.ncdhhs.gov, 1-866-462-3821 (NC Coronavirus Hotline)

– Hyde County Health Department, www.hydehealth.com, 252-926-4399

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