Dare County provides details on its 24 new COVID-19 cases since Tuesday in latest update

Dare County released the following COVID-19 update for Friday, October 16, which details the county’s most recent active cases, testing efforts, and additional community information

Dare County COVID-19 Case Update

The number of positive COVID-19 tests in Dare County is 623, of which there are 29 active cases among residents of Dare County. Of the 623 cases, 344 are residents and 279 are non-residents.  One resident remains hospitalized from complications associated with COVID-19.

Since the last Dare County DHHS Update issued, Tuesday, October 13, 2020, there have been 24 new positive cases. Of these 24 cases, 17 are residents and 7 are non-residents. The Dare County website has already been updated to reflect all of these cases.

Of the 17 new resident cases since Tuesday, October 13th:

• 2 of the cases are family members. One is symptomatic and one is asymptomatic. They acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual who tested positive outside of Dare County.
• 2 of the cases are family members. Both are symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive test was reported on 10/15.
• 1 individual is symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive test was reported on 10/15.
• 1 individual is symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive result was reported on 10/8.
• 2 individuals are symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive result was reported on 10/13.
• 1 individual is symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive test was reported on 10/15.
• 2 of the cases are not connected. Both are symptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with individuals who tested positive for the virus outside of Dare County.
• 2 of the cases are family members. Both are asymptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus.
• 4 of the cases are not connected. Three are symptomatic and one is asymptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus.

All the 7 new non-resident cases since Tuesday, October 13th:

• 5  of the cases are not connected. All are symptomatic. It is unclear how these individuals acquired the virus
• 2 of the cases are family members. Both are asymptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual who tested positive outside of Dare County.

Contract tracing has been completed on 21 of the new cases and direct contacts provided by these individuals have been identified, notified, and directed to quarantine for 14 days from the last date of exposure with the positive case. We are working with the other 3 individuals to identify and notify their direct contacts.

Controlling the Spread

We have seen a rise in new positive cases in Dare County over the past 5 days. COVID-19 remains a very contagious virus. We cannot stress enough the importance of everyone doing their part to reduce the spread of this virus by using the proven tools available – the 3 Ws. Please be responsible by following the 3Ws:

• Wear a cloth face covering if you will be with other people.
• Wait 6 feet apart. Avoid close contact.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer

Testing

Two testing clinic opportunities will be available for Dare County Residents. One will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at Cape Hatteras Elementary School located at 47500 Middle Ridge Rd in Buxton. Another testing clinic will be held at the Soundside Event Site located at 6800 S. Croatan Hwy in Nags Head during the first week of November. Details about the testing event in Nags Head will be released by October 21st.  These testing events will be offering drive through diagnostic testing for ages 5 and older.  These clinics are not offering antibody testing at this time. The diagnostic test indicates whether an individual has a current COVID-19 infection.

To schedule an appointment for the October 20th testing event, please call 252.475.5008. The call center is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Participants registering for the community testing events are required to send a photocopy of their government-issued identification card and insurance card prior to the event.

Staying 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.  Physical activity is known to help promote a healthy immune system that can fight off sickness and disease. It is also known to help with stress, depression and anxiety, which many individuals are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the seasons and weather shifting, it’s a great time of year to get outside and enjoy all the Outer Banks has to offer. Get your steps in by taking a walk on the beach or at your favorite park. Make it a family affair and go on a nature scavenger hunt through your neighborhood. Try using items in your garage or home to make an outdoor obstacle course for you and your family. Whatever you decide to do, make it fun and engaging for you and your family.

The HOPE Program

North Carolina’s Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program will provide rent and utility assistance to low- and moderate-income renters that have fallen behind due to the coronavirus pandemic. With $117 million in federal funds, this program is designed to promote housing stability during the ongoing public health crisis we are now experiencing. The HOPE Program will provide up to 6 months of rent or utility assistance. Apply now by going to www.nc211.org/hope . Anyone who has difficulty accessing the online application can call 2-1-1 today and apply over the phone. The call center is open between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Communications and Information Sharing

Dare County DHHS has an established schedule of communication to share information regarding COVID-19. On Tuesdays, we release a written update and a video update which includes an overview of the previous week’s COVID-19 key metrics is issued. On Fridays a written update is issued. All released videos and written updates can be found on our website, DHHS facebook page, Dare County Twitter page, and Dare Emergency Management Twitter page. If you would like to receive these updates directly to your email, please sign up to receive our enotifications.

New positive cases are updated on the dashboard on our website and shared on the 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. State COVID-19 data is available at https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard.