Local and state COVID-19 update

Published 8:28 am Sunday, August 8, 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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In four days, from Aug. 2 to Aug.5, Dare County positive COVID-19 cases jumped by 121 more people infected.

Currently, 135 active positive cases are in Dare County, with three hospitalized and the remainder in home isolation. Some 144 non-residents have been transferred to home counties. Three non-residents are in hospitals.

In Tyrrell County, an additional case was added on Aug. 4, bringing the total active cases for seven.

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People in the MTW District Health Department can schedule a vaccine appointment (Pfizer for 12 and older, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna for 18 and older) at any of the department clinics in Plymouth, Williamston and Columbia by calling 252-793-3023.

In Hyde County, five active COVID-19 cases were reported by the Hyde County Health Department.

“We are continuing to see significant spread of the Delta variant in unvaccinated individuals across the region,” states R. Battle Betts Jr., MPA, Albemarle Regional Health Services

health director. “Ninety-five percent of new COVID cases in the Albemarle region from May 1 through August 3 are among the unvaccinated. The Delta variant is significantly more contagious than the original virus.”

On Aug. 6, Albemarle Regional reported Currituck County with 64 positive cases, a 20 person increase; Camden County reported five active positive cases; and Pasquotank County showed 30 more cases increasing active cases 53.

Albemarle Regional reports it is continuing to monitor the facility outbreak at Elizabeth City Health and Rehabilitation. Currently there are 17 residents and three staff persons with lab-confirmed positive results. ARHS did not report any COVID related deaths this week, ending Aug. 6.

COVID-19 testing is still available by appointments at the local health departments across the region. Tests will be completed through a curbside screening clinic. To schedule an appointment, call the local health department directly.

Across the state, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Friday, Aug. 6, reported 4,506 new COVID-19 cases, up from 4,331 the day before. Thursday’s case count had been the highest in a single day since mid-February, The News & Observer reported.

Twelve additional coronavirus-related deaths were reported on Friday.

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