State Cases of COVID-19
In North Carolina, there are currently 9,948 cases of COVID-19 in 98 counties. There have been 354 fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 551 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.
County’s Positive Test Results Remains at 15
The number of positive tests results in Dare County has remained at 15 for the past 18 days. The Dare County COVID-19 webpage has a section for quick reference which provides the most up to date information on COVID-19 cases in Dare County and also the State of North Carolina. You can find this information at darenc.com/covid19.
Local Testing and Trends
Last week, Secretary of NC Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen shared specific information regarding key metrics for the state with regards to COVID-19. In today’s video message, Dare County Health and Human Services Director Dr. Sheila Davies provides testing information and data trends specific to Dare County. This information will be updated weekly and shared in the video message each Tuesday.
According to Dr. Davies, “Trend data is useful because it provides information on the intensity and spread of COVID-19 in our community. The collection, analysis, and interpretation of this data helps guide public health recommendations. Because data has limitations, no one metric should be viewed in isolation.”
Symptoms
The CDC has expanded the list of symptoms that may be associated with COVID-19. In addition to fever, cough and shortness of breath, other symptoms may include chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.
For people with mild symptoms who don’t need medical care, getting a test will not change what you or your doctor do. Testing is most important for people who are seriously ill, in the hospital, people in high-risk settings like nursing homes or long-term care facilities, and healthcare workers and other first responders who are caring for those with COVID-19.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms, seek medical advice. If possible, call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility.
Make Your Overall Wellness a Priority
The stress brought on from this pandemic is leading to increased anxiety and depression for many in our community. It is important to make your overall wellness a priority. Resources and information on staying physically and mentally healthy can be found on the Managing Your Overall Health page on the NCDHHS COVID-19 website. Included are phone numbers for helplines available to assist with coping, resilience, anxiety and stress.
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 listing of departments and their altered or online services, visit darenc.com/covidservices.
For a list of national, state, and local resources to help individuals, families and businesses during this difficult time, visit darenc.com/covidresources.
The Dare County COVID-19 Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 252-475-5008 to answer your COVID-19-related questions.
