The number of positive COVID-19 tests in Dare County is 301, of which 81 are considered active. Of the 301 cases, 176 are residents and 125 are nonresidents.
Most cases continue to experience mild to moderate symptoms, however there are cases that have experienced severe illness. Currently, two residents remain hospitalized.
Since the last update from Dare County DHHS on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, there have been 24 new positive cases. Of these 24 cases, 14 are residents and 10 nonresidents. The Dare County website has already been updated to reflect all of these cases.
Of the 14 new cases of residents since Tuesday, July 21:
- 4 of the cases are symptomatic, direct contacts with individuals whose positive results were reported on 07/21
- 2 of the cases, one symptomatic and the other asymptomatic, acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive test result was reported on 7/20
- 1 of the cases is symptomatic and acquired the virus from a family member whose positive result was reported on 7/18
- 2 of the cases are symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive test result was reported on 7/19
- 5 of the cases are not connected, 3 symptomatic and 2 asymptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus, indicating the spread of the community.
Of the 10 new cases of non-residents since Tuesday, July 21:
- 1 of the cases, symptomatic, is a family contact who acquired the virus through direct contact with a positive case whose test result was reported outside of Dare County
- 2 of the cases, both symptomatic, are family contacts who acquired the virus through direct contact with a known positive case not found in Dare County.
- 3 of the cases are not connected, 2 symptomatic and 1 asymptomatic, all of whom acquired the virus through direct contact with people outside of Dare County.
- 4 of the cases are unrelated, 3 symptomatic and 1 asymptomatic, all of whom likely acquired the virus through community spread outside of Dare County.
The monitoring of the contract has been completed in 20 of the 24 new cases and the direct contacts provided by these people have been identified, notified and directed to the quarantine for 14 days from the last exposure date with the positive case. We are currently in the process of working with the other 4 recent positive cases to identify their direct contacts.
Reducing the spread
We continue to see increasing cases of COVID-19 in Dare County. Most cases occur by direct contact in social circles or homes. We are seeing friends who transmit the virus to friends, as well as family members who transmit it to their relatives. There is also an indication of community spread as some people are unaware of how they acquired the virus. However, this number of individuals who contract the virus through community spread is lower compared to those who acquired the virus through direct contact with an individual who had previously tested positive.
Follow 3 W to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 3Ws are proven tools to help protect you, your family, and our community. Use, wait and wash.
Use a cloth face covering if you are going to be with other people.
Wait 6 feet away. Avoid close contact.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
Stay well
Practicing general wellness during these difficult times can help improve an individual’s likelihood of preventing or recovering from illness due to COVID-19. Nutrition plays a big factor in an individual’s overall health and abilities to fight infection and disease. We recommend eating a diet that supports a healthy immune system. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help strengthen your immune system. Citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, papaya, and kiwi are fruits and vegetables that can help keep your immune system strong. For more information on nutrition and healthy eating, visit https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/index.html
Tests
We will partner with Mako Medical Laboratories to organize another testing clinic on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 starting at 1:00 pm at Dare County Center located at 950 Marshall Collins Drive, Manteo NC. People can sign up for an appointment for the diagnostic test, the antibody test, or both. Registration required.
To schedule an appointment, call 252.475.5008. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Participants must send a photocopy of their government issued ID card and insurance card prior to the event.
Communications and information exchange
Dare County DHHS has established communication hours to share information about COVID-19. On Tuesdays, a written update and video update is released that includes an overview of the COVID-19 key metrics from the previous week, and on Fridays a written update is released. All posted videos and written updates can be found on our website, the DHHS Facebook page, the Dare County Twitter page and the Dare Emergency Management Twitter page. If you wish to receive these updates directly to your email, sign up to receive our notifications.
New positive cases are updated on our website dashboard and shared on DHHS Facebook page when we receive them. To find the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 cases in Dare County, visit www.darenc.com/covid19. COVID-19 state data is available at https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard.
– Dare County Department of Health and Human Services
Podcast: Dare Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard
