Dare coronavirus cases hold at 15, but health officials say more are likely

Coronavirus test kit. [CDC photo]

Dare County’s positive coronavirus test count remained the same Tuesday, with results received over the past few days all negative. But health officials say this doesn’t mean COVID-19 is not in our community.

“Remember, the CDC reports that approximately 25% of patients with COVID-19 do not show symptoms,” Dare officials said in a news release.

Across North Carolina on Tuesday, there were 5,123 cases of COVID-19 in 93 counties. There have been 117 fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 431 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.

As of Tuesday, there have been no changes in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Dare County over the past three days. Dare County remains at 15 positive test results. Of the 15 individuals who have tested positive, 11 have recovered/or are asymptomatically cleared (meaning they are seven days post testing with no symptoms), three are asymptomatic (meaning they have not experienced any COVID-19 symptoms), and one died.

Local Testing for COVID-19

Every day, healthcare providers in Dare County are testing individuals they believe are in need of COVID-19 testing and meet the following criteria: fever of 100.4 or higher, cough and respiratory illness. While the test results received over the past few days have all been negative, this does not mean that the COVID-19 is not in our community. Remember, the CDC reports that approximately 25% of patients with COVID-19 do not show symptoms. We all must continue to do our part to keep our community healthy.

Importance of Continuing to Follow the Guidelines to Slow the Spread

An integral part of the COVID-19 public health response is community awareness and health education about the importance of social distancing, limiting direct contact, and proper handwashing and hygiene. The community’s diligence in practicing these measures is directly related to slowing the spread of COVID-19. According to Dr. Sheila Davies, Dare County Health and Human Services Director, “ I do believe what we are seeing in Dare County right now is a result of good public health practice. Much of the work of public health occurs in collaboration with key stakeholders, including community members.”

Economic Impact Payments

The IRS has launched the Get My Payment web application for Economic Impact Payments at IRS.gov. Due to high demand, there may be a delay while accessing the online tool. The web application will help taxpayers receive their stimulus check as quickly as possible. Get My Payment will also allow citizens to track the status of their payment. Taxpayers will need their social security number, date of birth, and mailing address. The IRS has created an Economic Impact Payments Information Center to answer questions about eligibility, payment amounts, what to expect, when to expect it and more.

The IRS and the U.S. Department of Treasury urge taxpayers to be on the lookout for scammers and email phishing attempts about the COVID-19 and Economic Impact Payments. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information.

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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