The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services wants to remind the public to stay prepared and informed regarding the Coronavirus. “At this time, the risk to the general public in North Carolina is low, and there are no individuals with Coronavirus in Dare County,” commented Dr. Sheila Davies, Dare County Health & Human Services’ Director. “It is important for everyone to stay calm and know where to get accurate information about the Coronavirus.”
Stay prepared by getting the latest information on Coronavirus directly from reliable sources. The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services recommends that you be thoughtful about what you read or hear about the virus and make sure you are separating rumor from fact before you act.
To assure accurate and reliable information is available, North Carolina Public Health has set up a call line where the public can direct any questions related to the Coronavirus, that number is 1.866.462.3821.
Reliable information can also be obtained from the following sources:
“The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services is working hard to keep all in Dare County informed and safe,” commented Davies. “The department is in daily communication with state and community partners. While the situation is constantly evolving, we are confident in our preparedness plans and will continue to adjust them as the situation changes.”
Davies encourages everyone to take everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, such as Coronavirus, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations for using a facemask. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including Coronavirus. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of Coronavirus to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Coronavirus symptoms can be similar to the flu, and include coughing, fever and difficulty breathing. Most people who become sick with Coronavirus will recover on their own. Symptoms are typically mild to moderate, but there have been individuals with severe symptoms and death due to the virus.
While there is no specific treatment for Coronavirus, there are some things you can do to relieve symptoms, including:
- Taking pain and fever-reducing medications (caution: do not give aspirin to children).
- Using a humidifier or taking a hot shower to ease a sore throat and cough.
- Drinking plenty of liquids and stay home and rest.
If your symptoms require medical care, please call your healthcare provider’s office prior to seeking care. Call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and/or exposure to sick individuals, and symptoms.
For more information on the Coronavirus, please visit one of the resources listed in this release or our website www.darenc.com/coronavirus.
