Dare County announces 15 new COVID-19 cases; mass testing event next week

The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday announced 15 new positive cases of COVID-19 among residents and visitors, as well as a testing event on Tuesday, July 28 in Manteo.

The latest dare cases bring the total since testing began in March to 292. They include:

Non-resident, 25-49, male, transferred isolation
Non-resident, 50-64, female, transferred isolation
Resident, 25-49, female, home isolation
Resident, 50-64, female, home isolation
Non-resident, 25-49, female, isolating in Dare
Non-resident, 50-64, male, isolating in Dare
Resident, 18-24, female, home isolation
Resident, 18-24, female, home isolation
Resident, 18-24, male, home isolation
Non-resident, 17 under, male, transferred isolation
Non-resident, 65 over, female, transferred isolation
Non-resident, 17 under, female, isolating in Dare
Resident, 18-24, male, home isolation
Resident, 17 under, male, home isolation
Resident, 65 over, male home isolation

The July 28 diagnostic and antibody testing event starts at 1 p.m. at Dare County Center located at 950 Marshall Collins Drive, Manteo NC.  Appointments are required. This event is open to permanent residents of Dare County, ages 10 and older. 

Individuals can register for an appointment for the diagnostic test, the antibody test, or both. The diagnostic test determines if an individual currently has a COVID-19 infection. The antibody test is used to determine if an individual had a COVID-19 infection in the past. A positive antibody test does not mean an individual has immunity to future COVID-19 infections.

Individuals only receiving the diagnostic test will be able to stay in their car and get the test via a drive-thru service. Individuals who wish to have the antibody test will be required to come into the building as the test requires a blood sample be drawn. 

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.

This is not a free event, however, individuals with insurance will not incur any out of pocket cost as the COVID-19 test is completely covered, no deductible and no co-pays. All insurances cover the COVID-19 diagnostic test, including Medicaid and Medicare. Mako Medical Laboratories will utilize the COVID-19 Relief Fund to cover costs of diagnostic testing for individuals who are uninsured. Mako Medical Laboratories will work with individuals without insurance who are seeking antibody testing. More information will be provided when individuals call to register for an appointment.

Individuals who participate in this testing event should understand they are coming to a community-based testing site located in a public location and therefore patient privacy cannot be assured. All results will, however, be confidential. 

Dare County Department of Health & Human Services will receive test results from Mako Medical Laboratories and call individuals to provide them with their results within 72 hours of the event. 

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider. This testing event is only for asymptomatic individuals. For those entering the building for testing, we will be providing temperature checks. For more information on testing locations in Dare County please visit darenc.com/covidtesting.

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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