Dare County COVID-19 cases climbing again; 13 new positives reported Friday

COVID-19 cases in Dare County are on the rise, with 13 new positives reported Friday alone and 24 new cases since Tuesday.

Since testing began in March, there have been a total of 623 cases and three deaths. Of those, 344 were residents and 279 were non-residents. As of Friday, 29 cases were active among Dare County residents, the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services said, with one resident hospitalized.

Among new cases between Tuesday and Friday, 17 are residents and seven are non-residents.

Of the 17 new resident cases since Tuesday:

  • 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 seven new non-resident cases since Tuesday:

  • 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. Health officials are working with the other three individuals to identify and notify their direct contacts.

Following the rise in cases, health officials are reminding people that coronavirus remains “very contagious.”

“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,” health officials said in Friday’s update.

  • 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.

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About Kari Pugh 1073 Articles
Kari Pugh is digital director for OBXToday.com, Beach 104, 99.1 The Sound, 94.5 WCMS and News Talk 92.3 WZPR. Reach her at kpugh@jammediallc.com