No sooner had I published my last blog than I received notification from the Dare County Emergency Management that a second person in Dare County has tested positive for COVID-19.
According to the DCEM’s bulletin of today:
“The Dare County Division of Public Health has announced the second positive test result for COVID-19 in Dare County. The first positive test was reported on Wednesday morning, March 25. The two cases are not connected.
“’The individual has been self-isolating since being tested last week and continues to be monitored,’ according to Dr. Sheila Davies, Director of the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services. It is believed the individual acquired the virus through direct contact when out of the area. This is not a case of community spread. The individual’s spouse has also been tested but we have not yet received the test result.
“Similar to the first reported case, this case will not show up as a Dare County case with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Although the test was performed in Dare County, the individual did not provide a Dare County address when being tested. Dare County Department of Health and Human Services will not release further details about the individual to protect [his/her] privacy.
“In accordance with state guidelines for communicable disease reporting, Dare County Department of Health and Human Services staff is conducting an active investigation into this individual’s activity. Anyone who is determined to have had direct contact will be notified by public health staff.
“Dare County Department of Health and Human Services will continue to provide regular updates for our community regarding COVID-19. We appreciate the strong coordination between our agency, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Dare County Emergency Management, Outer Banks Hospital, and local healthcare providers to identify and manage any person who develops signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
“It cannot be stressed enough how important it is for each of us to do our part by following the social distancing guidance and other recommendations from the CDC and NC DHHS for the protection of public health. Residents are encouraged to rely on credible sources for updated information regarding COVID-19. Visit the CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or NCDHHS at http://www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus. For information specific to Dare County, visit www.darenc.com/covid19.
“The Dare County COVID-19 Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to help address your questions on COVID-19 and can be reached at 252.475.5008.”
Ann G. Sjoerdsma, 3/31/20
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The Southern Shores Beacon 