COVID-19: Dare County starts moving toward ‘normal’

Published 9:17 am Wednesday, May 19, 2021

: 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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At the end of the Dare County Board of Commissioners Agenda for May 17, county manager Robert L. Outten announced that with COVID-19 requirements gone, the county will “start moving things back.”

On May 14, 2021 at 1:30 p.m., Governor Roy Cooper removed the state’s indoor mask mandate and lifted all gathering and social distancing requirements. Dare County orders follow those of the state.

The new state order remains in effect until June 11, 2021 at 5 p.m. unless repealed, replaced or rescinded.

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Certain settings require masks and other safety measures.

The following establishments, businesses and institutions are required to follow state guidance with respect to indoor face covering requirements and all other COVID-19 related restrictions and recommendations:

– Schools.

– Child care facilities.

– Children’s day or overnight camps.

– Certain health care settings like long term care centers.

– Public or private transportation regulated by the State of North Carolina and North Carolina airports, bus and train stations or stops.

– Prisons and establishments that are providing shelter to people experiencing homelessness.

Masks are strongly recommended for everyone at large crowded indoor events like sporting events and live performances.

Businesses can still require guests to wear face coverings in their establishments.

The governor’s May 14 order does not prohibit counties and cities in the state from enacting ordinances and issuing state of emergency declarations which impose greater restrictions or prohibitions.

Statewide: New cases reported on May 18 number 622, down from 688 on Monday. Deaths across the state since March 2020 are 12,911, an increase of 20. Across North Carolina, 820 people are hospitalized with coronavirus.

Dare County: As of May 17, Dare County is reporting a total of 3,199 cases of coronavirus since March 2020. Currently, 20 active positive cases exist in Dare County and all 20 are in home isolation. In Dare County, as of May 18, 50.0% of adults are vaccinated with one dose; 47.5% are fully vaccinated.

On May 21, Dare County Department of Health and Human Services is hosting a vaccine clinic for individuals 12 and older.

To schedule appointment for someone 12 years old or older for the Pfizer vaccine, visit the Dare County website at darenc.com/covidvaccine or call 252-47-5008. Parental permission is required and a legal guardian must accompany any minor youth to the vaccine appointment.

Hyde County: “Hyde County is in a good place right now with COVID-19. The Health Department continues to offer COVID-19 vaccine and encourages folks to get it. We have Moderna, a 2 shot regimen, and Johnson and Johnson, which is the one shot regimen. Both are safe and effective,” states the update dated May 14, 2021.

Health director Luana Gibbs states, “Thankfully we may be turning the corner in this pandemic, but I encourage everyone to remain mindful of where we have been, so we do not go back. In other words, get your shot, wear your mask and socially distance yourself if you have not gotten your shot. Let’s do everything we can to have a healthy summer.”

Hyde County has no new cases. Ten deaths have been reported since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Hyde County has 50.2% of its residents vaccinated with one dose and 45.1 fully vaccinated.

Tyrrell County: Tyrrell County has no new cases. In this county, 33.0% are vaccinated with one dose and 45.1% are fully vaccinated.

Call 252-793-3023 to schedule a vaccine appointment in Plymouth, Williamston and Columbia. Vaccines are free and available to anyone 18 and older.

On Saturday, May 22, the Martin-Tyrrell-Washington District Health Department will host a Youth COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience, 1215 St. Andrews Street in Jamesville. The Pfizer vaccine is available for youth 12 years and older; the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is available for those 18 years and older. Call 252-793-3023 with questions.

Currituck, Camden and Pasquotank: The Albemarle Regional Health Service has provided the following case information as of May 14, 2021.

The health agency reports it is collaborating with local school systems in its eight counties to implement a widespread vaccine campaign when students return to school in August.

Local health departments have first and second doses of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson available. Contact local health departments for an appointment.

Currituck County has 13 active cases and has registered 16 deaths since March 2020. According to the North Carolina COVID-19 dashboard, the county has 29.4% of its adult population vaccinated and 25.7% fully vaccinated.

Camden County has only one active case. According to the North Carolina COVID-19 dashboard, the county has 29.4% of its adult population vaccinated and 25.7% fully vaccinated.

Pasquotank County has 25 active cases and 80 total deaths. According to the North Carolina COVID-19 dashboard, the county has 32.6% of its adult population vaccinated and 28% fully vaccinated.

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