Dare County reminds residents to wear masks when social distancing is difficult in Friday’s update
State Cases of COVID-19
In North Carolina, there are currently 8,052 cases of COVID-19 in 93 counties. There have been 269 fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 477 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 13 days. The Dare County COVID-19 webpage now 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.
The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services is pleased with the data being seen in Dare County. The community has responded positively to the call for social distancing, limiting direct contact and good hygiene. Your efforts are appreciated and are making a difference.
North Carolina’s Three-Phase Plan for Gradual Re-opening
Yesterday, Governor Cooper released North Carolina’s three phase plan for gradual re-opening of North Carolina. This plan aligns with the plan released last week from the White House as well as the steps and timing Dare County has initiated with the Plan for Gradual Lifting of Restrictions to Entry to Dare County.
During his briefing, Governor Cooper shared information about how North Carolina can gradually re-open over three phases to prevent hot spots of viral spread while also beginning to bring our economy back. The phases are based on the best information available now, but could be altered as new information emerges. Dare County’s plan aligns with this strategy and starts with lifting the restriction for entry to Dare County for non-resident property owners beginning May 4.
As part of the plan, the state will continue building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread to include an increase in laboratory testing, an increase in tracing capability, and availability of personal protective equipment.
Dare County Department of Health and Human Services will work closely with the state regarding updated guidance to further increase testing. The Department has already increased their capacity for contact tracing and will continue working with state partners to ensure the Personal Protective Equipment needs of our local healthcare providers are met.
Use of Masks or Face Coverings
Guidance from the CDC indicates wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) will slow the spread of COVID-19. Simple cloth face coverings can help to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Face coverings or masks are now required to be worn in public settings in Dare County ONLY where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Dare County Health and Human Services has developed a web page to provide a convenient resource with comprehensive and accurate information on face coverings. The page provides resources and tutorials on making your own face coverings, how to wear face coverings, and provides resources for businesses trying to educate and/or enforce this new requirement. Please visit darenc.com/FaceCoverings for more information.
Updated Bulletin Schedule
Starting next week, the Joint Information Center will provide video updates twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the COVID-19 bulletins will be issued three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays unless information warrants additional updates. The Dare County and State COVID-19 case numbers will continue to be updated daily and can be found on the Dare County website at darenc.com/covid19.
The Dare County COVID-19 Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff is available at 252.475.5008 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.
The next bulletin will be issued no later than Monday, April 27 at 1:00 p.m.
