Dare County’s Positive COVID-19 Test Results Still at 15, per Friday Update
State Cases of COVID-19
In North Carolina, there are currently 5,859 cases of COVID-19 in 93 counties. There have been 152 fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 429 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.
County’s Positive Test Results Remains at 15
The number of positive COVID-19 test results remains at 15. Fourteen have recovered/or are asymptomatically cleared (meaning they are seven days post testing with no symptoms) and one died.
Proposed State and Federal Guidance for Opening
Within the past two days, both North Carolina and the White House have released guidance on pathways to open up the state and nation. Both recognize the value the restrictive measures have had on slowing the spread of COVID-19 and both also acknowledge the significant socioeconomic impact these measures are having as well. The guidance from the state and nation is aligned with the understanding that the COVID-19 virus will be with us for a long time and the necessity of lifting restrictions incrementally. A phased reopening will help ensure that hospitals do not become overwhelmed and unable to care for severely ill patients.
Officials Continue Discussing Entry to Dare County
Locally, we are closely monitoring what is happening at the local, state level and federal level. Local officials will continue to have serious discussions about ways to most effectively balance the health of our community and the economic impacts. They will base their decisions on what is in the best interest of our community based on the scientific data including trends and models that are frequently changing, the capacity of local healthcare providers, and the ability of local merchants to provide essential goods and services.
Continue Stay Home, Stay Healthy Guidelines
As we head into another weekend, please remember how important it is for each of us to follow the Stay Home, Stay Healthy guidance – maintain social distancing, limit direct contact other than family members and practice good hygiene. We also recommend wearing a cloth face covering when making trips to purchase essentials. Our individual actions have a direct impact on the health of our community!
In order to properly observe social distancing recommendations, the Beach Food Pantry has moved to an online application and appointment only process. Please complete the application at https://bit.ly/BFPApply Once the completed application is received, you will be contacted to set up an appointment and will need to go through this process each time you need assistance.
This process applies for those seeking in-person help and also for those requesting delivery because
- you are over 70 years old
- you are immunocompromised at any age
- you have received a positive or inconclusive COVID-19 diagnosis and you are quarantined at home
If you are coming to our site, we will ask you to bring a cell phone with at least 30 minutes of talk time with you. We will also expect you to bring the IDs you noted in the online application and display the ID through your car window. And, you must stay in your car the entire time. Volunteers will call you at your appointment time and walk you through all the items we have available so that you can tell us what you’d like.
We are sensitive to the fact that not everyone has internet access. If you need assistance in completing this process, please contact us at 252-261-2756. We want to help! However, we have limited labor resources, so please do not call us unless you absolutely cannot accomplish it any other way.
We are also aware that some may have limited minutes. Please let us know that when you arrive so that we can work out a solution for you on site.
Lastly, we are extremely grateful to all the donors that have been supporting us. However, we are asking that no donations be brought between :00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. . We need to focus 100% on clients during that time and our parking lot cannot accommodate all of the cars.
The Dare County Board of Commissioners will hold their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 20 at 5:00 p.m. at the Dare County Administration Building in Manteo. The meeting will be streamed live and can be accessed via www.darenc.com or www.currenttv.org. Public comments may be submitted to the Board by sending an email during the meeting to dcboc@darenc.com. Item 3 on the agenda is a public hearing for the Series 2020A Refunding Limited Obligation Bonds. Comments may be submitted for the hearing by emailing dcboc@darenc.com during the meeting.
The Dare County COVID-19 Call Center can be reached at 252-475-5008 and is open until 5:00 p.m. today and will reopen on Monday, April 20 at 8:30 a.m. Staff is available to answer your COVID-19 related questions.
A list of community programs and government services for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at darenc.com/covidresources.
Dare County continues to provide services for residents, property owners and businesses. Be sure to call the department or office before you visit to reduce the need for in-person interactions. For a full listing of departments and online services, visit www.darenc.com/covidservices.
The next bulletin will be issued no later than 1 p.m. on Monday, April 20.
