Regional COVID-19 case numbers continue to go up

Published 8:32 am Thursday, September 16, 2021

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Dare County reported “this past week marks the highest number of reported new positive cases (279) in any week since the pandemic started. The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests to total COVID-19 tests in Dare County last week was 22.5%.”

Of the 279 new cases last week:

233 are symptomatic.

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212 acquired the virus by direct contact with someone who was positive for COVID-19.

227 or 81% were not vaccinated.

Of the 52 vaccinated cases: 11 had J&J vaccine; 23 had Moderna, 18 had Pfizer.

NC Department of Health and Human Services epidemiological data indicates the state and Dare County are in the middle of another surge of COVID-19 infections. The Delta variant is believed to be the most prevalent variant in Dare County at this time. The CDC and NC DHHS indicate it is a significantly more contagious variant.

Across North Carolina, on Sept. 14, 4,760 new cases were reported on the state’s dashboard. Hospitalizations are 3,690 people. Since the pandemic started, the state has recorded 15,305 deaths. Some 67% of the state’s adult population has had one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 62% are fully vaccinated.

COVID Vaccinations in Dare:

COVID-19 vaccinations are readily available at numerous locations throughout the county including the health department and many area pharmacies such as: Walgreens, CVS, Sunshine Family Pharmacy, Island Pharmacy, Bear Drugs and Beach Pharmacies in Avon and Buxton.

Since late December 2020, a total of 25,449 (69%) of eligible Dare County residents have received an initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 23,971 (65%) are fully vaccinated.

Booster Dose Information:

“We are waiting on information from the FDA and NCDHHS regarding booster (3rd doses) for individuals who were fully vaccinated with an mRNA COVID vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at least 8 months ago. We are in the process of organizing multiple vaccine clinics to be hosted in late September, October and November to provide booster doses based on the criteria that will be released from the FDA and NC DHHS. Registration is not open yet for these clinics. We will share information on when the registration process will begin for these clinics as soon as it is available. At this time, registration is only open for those who can attest to moderate to severe immune compromise,” reports Dare County Health and Human Services Bulletin dated Sept. 14, 2021.

On Sept. 14, Dare County Schools reported 56 active student cases with 244 in quarantine. Among all staffers in the system are four active cases with two in quarantine.

Across the Region:

In Hyde County, the health department reports 14 positive active cases of coronavirus. The county has experienced 10 deaths due to COVID-19. As of Sept. 14, the state’s dashboard reports 64% of Hyde people have received one vaccine dose and 59% are fully vaccinated.

In Tyrrell County, the Martin-Tyrrell-Washington Health District reported eight new cases on Monday, Sept. 13. On Friday, the agency reported no new cases. The state’s dashboard reports that Tyrrell’s rate of vaccination is 46% for one dose and 41% for fully vaccinated.

Tyrrell County Schools now has a dashboard to report COVID-19 status. As of Sept. 10, one student had an active case and six were in quarantine. Among staff, one person was in quarantine.

The health agency says to call 252-793-3023 to schedule a vaccine appointment at offices in Plymouth, Williamston and Columbia. Vaccines are free and available to anyone 12 and older.

On Sept. 10, Albemarle Regional Health Services said Currituck County reported one death related to COVID-19. The individual was over the age of 65. In addition, Pasquotank County is reporting one death and Camden County is also reporting one death related to the virus. Both individuals were in the 50-64 year age range. No deaths were affiliated with a long-term care facility outbreak.

In Currituck County, active cases number 121. Deaths due to coronavirus are now 20. The rate of vaccination in Currituck County is 40% with one vaccine dose and 35% fully vaccinated.

In Camden County, active cases are 40 with eight deaths reported. The rate of vaccination in Camden County is 43% with one vaccine dose and 40% fully vaccinated.

In Pasquotank County, active cases are 129 and 97 deaths reported since the pandemic started. The rate of vaccination in Pasquotank County is 49% with one vaccine dose and 42% fully vaccinated.

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