Two additional COVID-19 cases reported in Dare County

Published 1:24 pm Monday, May 4, 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. In this view, the protein particles E, S, and M, also located on the outer surface of the particle, have all been labeled as well. 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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Two additional positive COVID-19 test results were reported to the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services the evening of May 1, bringing the total count of positive test results to 18. The announcement was made by the county early afternoon on May 4 as part of their COVID-19 bulletin #55.

According to the bulletin, the two individuals who most recently tested positive are family members of the individual whose positive test result was reported on April 30, 2020. These cases were acquired by direct contact and are not indicative of community spread.

In North Carolina, 11,848 cases of COVID-19 in 99 counties have been reported as of May 4. There have been 430 fatalities in the state associated with COVID-19. Currently, North Carolina is reporting 498 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.

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The Dare County COVID-19 webpage has a section for quick reference, which provides the most up to date information on COVID-19 cases in Dare County and also the State of North Carolina. You can find this information at darenc.com/covid19.

Phased Entry Begins

Dare County is open to non-resident property owners who have a valid entry permit with matching government-issued ID according to the schedule below:

– Monday, May 4: Entry is ongoing for non-resident property owners whose last name begins with A – I.

– Wednesday, May 6 at 6 a.m.: Entry begins and is ongoing for non-resident property owners whose last name begins with J – R.

– Friday, May 8 at 6 a.m.: Entry begins and is ongoing for non-resident property owners whose last name begins with S – Z.

Entry permits can be obtained at darenc.com/entry. Following the instructions provided, non-resident property owners can receive permits by applying online. Permits will be issued to the two primary owners listed on the tax record for each property. Those who are entering should have permits and proper identification ready before approaching the entry checkpoint. A list of frequently asked questions about entry to Dare County is available on the COVID-19 FAQs page.

Dare County advises that all non-resident property owners should bring their own supplies to sustain themselves in their homes as much as possible, including groceries, prescriptions, paper products and other essentials.

Public Safety Alerts

As planned and announced in Bulletin #54, Dare County Emergency Management utilized the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to issue a public safety alert Monday morning. IPAWS allows public safety messages to be sent to enabled wireless cellular devices that are in or that enter Dare County.

“The goal of using IPAWS to issue these public safety alerts is to raise awareness of the State and County stay at home orders that are in place, as well as the Dare County requirement to wear a face-covering in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain,” stated the bulletin. “As our population gradually increases these alerts will be helpful in ensuring individuals in Dare County are informed of the required measures in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Future alerts will be issued late morning to early afternoon.”

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