Dare reports 38 new COVID-19 cases as some local businesses close due to COVID-19 exposure

The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services reported an additional 38 COVID-19 cases on Monday, August 9, after another week of high case counts, while some businesses on Hatteras Island have had to temporarily close due to staff exposure to the virus.

At least a half dozen businesses have announced on social media that they have closed temporarily due to a staff member testing positive for COVID-19, or a staff member being in recent contact with individuals who have tested positive. Citing the need for transparency and safety, the majority of affected businesses have temporally suspended service, (and have announced their status publically), in order to test all staff members as needed.

“Although we were sincerely looking forward to dishing out your dose of #solvibez to kick start your week, unfortunately, we must share in the spirit of transparency that Hatteras Sol will be closed until our entire staff gets tested as we just found out that we have a symptomatic employee who tested positive today for Covid-19,” stated Hatteras Sol in a Tuesday social media update. “We appreciate all the kindness and consideration that y’all can send our way as we await our results… stay tuned with hopefully good news for our #solstaff and a reopening date!!”

“Cafe Pamlico had a dinner server last on the facility Saturday 8/7/21 receive a positive COVID-19 test early Tuesday morning,” stated Cafe Pamlico in a Tuesday social media update. “We have sent ALL staff who were on the facility with her to be tested today.  While some results are already back, some won’t be available for 24-48 hours.  Out of an abundance of caution, we will be closed for dinner Tuesday and Wednesday evening.”

“Due to Covid exposure we unfortunately have to close,” stated Nino’s Pizza in an August 2 social media post. “Will update with re-opening date.”

“…although our entire staff is fully vaccinated, one of them did test positive for Covid,” stated Pangea Tavern in a social media comment. “As soon as we found out we decided to close the restaurant until our entire staff gets tested and cleared. We felt that this was the [best] decision for our staff, community, and customers to keep everyone safe in this difficult time.”

As of Wednesday morning, temporary business closures were reported in Avon, Buxton, and Hatteras village. Businesses include restaurants, shops, and the Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative office, which will be closed until August 20, per a recent online update.

Dare County is experiencing widespread community transmission of the COVID-19 virus, per a Tuesday update from Dare County’s Department of Health and Human Services.

Dare County is in the red category on the CDC’s Level of Community Transmission map, which indicates a high level of community transmission of the virus. The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests to total COVID-19 tests in Dare County last week was 20.2%.

The total number of new positive cases reported in Dare County for the past week was 217, (not including the additional 38 cases reported on Monday), which marks the third-highest week of new positive cases since the pandemic began.

During the same week last year, there were a total of 21 new positive cases reported in Dare County and a 2.8% positivity rate. Of the 217 new cases last week:

• 199 (92%) are symptomatic
• 167 (22%) acquired the virus by direct contact with someone who was positive for COVID-19.
• 50 were breakthrough cases (1 had Astrazeneca; 9 had J&J vaccine; 22 had Moderna, 18 had Pfizer).

Currently, there are 128 active COVID-19 cases among residents of Dare County. There are 7 individuals hospitalized due to complications from COVID-19, (one resident and six non-residents).

Per the county’s Tuesday update, all individuals ages 5 and over, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a mask when indoors in public settings. All individuals should also consider wearing a mask when outside if gathering in large crowds. Individuals ages 12 and over should get vaccinated for COVID-19 to help prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death.

For more information on the county’s virus response and current case count, visit https://www.darenc.com/departments/health-human-services/coronavirus. If you have specific needs or questions, you can also call the Dare County COVID-19 call center, open Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 5:00, at 252-475-5008.