The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services reported 10 new positive COVID-19 cases Friday, and said the numbers are “very likely to increase dramatically” in the week ahead.
The number of positive COVID-19 tests in Dare County as of Friday was 181. Of those, 103 are residents and 78 are non-residents. Forty of the resident cases are considered active, with one one hospitalized out of the area and 39 in home isolation. Sixteen of the non-resident cases are in isolation in Dare County.
Since the health department’s Tuesday update, there have been 31 new positive cases, 20 of them residents and 11 non-residents.
Of the 20 resident cases:
- 5 of the cases are connected, all symptomatic, are close contacts who acquired the virus by direct contact with an individuals whose positive test result was reported on 7/7
- 2 of the cases are family members, both symptomatic, who acquired the virus through direct contact
- 1 case is asymptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive test result was reported on 7/6
- 2 of cases are connected, close contacts, both asymptomatic, who acquired the virus from direct contact with an individual who tested positive outside the area
- 3 of the cases are connected, 2 symptomatic and 1 asymptomatic, who acquired the virus by direct contact with an individuals who tested positive outside the area
- 4 of the cases are household contacts, all symptomatic, who acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive result was reported on 7/8
- 3 of the cases are not connected, all symptomatic, and likely acquired the virus through community spread.
Of the 11 nonresident cases:
- 1 case is asymptomatic and acquired the virus by direct contact with an individual whose positive test result was reported on 7/4
- 2 of the cases are family members, both symptomatic, who who acquired the virus by direct contact with another family member
- 2 additional cases are family members, one symptomatic and one asymptomatic, who acquired the virus by direct contact with another family member
- 6 of the cases are not connected. All are symptomatic and most likely acquired the virus by a community spread outside of Dare County.
Contract tracing has been completed 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
Reducing the Spread
The majority of cases we are seeing in Dare County are the result of direct contact with a positive case.
“Often this direct contact is occurring before the individual who is positive develops symptoms. This speaks to the critical importance of limiting direct contact and maintaining physical distance to others,” the health department said in its Friday update.
The area is also continuing to see a large number of direct contacts associated with many of the positive cases, “which indicates our numbers are very likely to increase dramatically in the week ahead.”
“We understand social distancing is inconvenient and can be especially challenging for the young adult population given the desire to be social and enjoy time with friends,” the health department said. “Unfortunately, if we don’t follow the 3Ws consistently (WEAR, WAIT and WASH), we are going to continue to see our numbers grow. Please help support your friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors in following the 3Ws. We don’t need finger pointing and blame, we need cooperation and cohesiveness. We have a strong community – we can get through this together!”
Testing
On July 9, Dare County partnered with Mako Medical Laboratories to host an Antibody & Diagnostic testing event for COVID19 at the Fessenden Center in Buxton. Nearly 300 individuals were tested at the clinic. Results from this testing event are expected to be available by Monday, July 13 and will be summarized in the update on Tuesday, July 14.
Another testing clinic will be held on Tuesday, July 14, starting at 1:00 p.m. at Dare County Parks & Recreation located at 602 Mustian St, Kill Devil Hills, NC. Individuals can register for an appointment for the diagnostic test, the antibody test, or both.
To schedule an appointment, please call 252.475.5008. The call center is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Participants are required to send a photocopy of their government-issued identification card and insurance card prior to the event.
