Statewide Coronavirus count reaches 33; Dare County provides FAQs on local response

March 16, 2020 | Local News | By: Joy Crist

As of 10:15 a.m. on Monday morning, the state of North Carolina had a total of 33 presumptive positive and confirmed positive cases of the novel Coronavirus, however, there were still no cases of COVID-19 reported in Dare or Hyde Counties.

The total number of cases on Sunday morning was 32, indicating a slight increase over the last 24 hours.

The majority of current cases are in the central part of the state, and specifically Wake County. Craven, Onslow and Brunswick are the only coastal North Carolina counties to have cases of Coronavirus, with one case reported in each county. As of Monday morning, no deaths have been reported from COVID-19 in North Carolina.

Meanwhile, the Dare County Control Group is meeting on Monday morning to discuss the next steps as needed, and Dare County officials are continually updating their website, https://www.darenc.com/departments/health-human-services/coronavirus, with frequently asked questions from residents and visitors on the county’s response to the Coronavirus.

Specific questions and answers from the site are outlined below.

Why are there no restrictions on travel by visitors to Dare County?

Dare County’s public health response to COVID-19 follows all state and federal guidance and orders. While the Governor’s order mandated school closures and prohibited mass gatherings, it did not implement any travel restrictions. If future orders from the Governor, or mitigation guidance from public health officials include travel restrictions, Dare County officials will take action to implement them.

Why is the Health Department not releasing the number of individuals being tested for COVID-19?

COVID-19 reporting is following the same communicable disease reporting practices as used by the Health Department for other communicable diseases such as HIV, measles, or STDs. Only positive case numbers are released, not the number of patients tested. This decision is made to protect patient privacy. During this unprecedented health crisis, the fear and uncertainty being experienced by so many can lead to insensitive behavior. Recently, there have been photos circulated on social media of patients entering the emergency room or health providers’ offices with subsequent rumors about testing, positive cases and even the naming of businesses where these patients work.

How will I know when/if someone tests positive in Dare County?

If an individual in Dare County tests positive for COVID-19, the community will be notified as soon as possible by Dare County Department of Health & Human Services and/or North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services. You can sign up to receive news directly from Dare County at darenc.com/enotify and from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services here.

Where can I get tested?

Local health care providers in Dare County are able to test for COVID-19. Please call your primary care provider, urgent care, or emergency room prior to arriving. This will allow their staff to screen you over the phone and be prepared for you when you arrive.

Is testing free?

Dare County Emergency Management has confirmed local merchants are continuing to restock important household items. Buy only what you need.

How can I found out what offices and businesses are closed?

Visit the county’s Cancellations and Closures page to find out what county offices, services, and programs are closed and/or suspended. Some county services will be available online to limit person-to-person contact.

Contact the local news and media outlets to find what local businesses are closed and for community event cancellations/postponements.

Where can I access reliable information about COVID-19?