The post-Halloween spike in new COVID-19 cases continued today in Dare County, with the report of 16 more people testing positive for the disease, including 13 locals.
Yesterday, the Dare County Dept. of Health and Human Services reported a record single-day high of 24 new COVID-19 cases, a total that topped the previous record of 16 cases set in July.
Dr. Sheila Davies, director of the DCDHHS, also cited in her Tuesday update a variety of social settings and activities–frequented and performed without wearing masks or observing social distancing–as responsible for the increase in transmission of the virus via direct contact with an infected person. Among the gatherings she mentioned were funerals, weddings, and get-togethers with family and friends.
Are the increased case numbers of the past two days an aberration or the new norm? Have people decided to eschew compliance with COVID-19 precautions?
The 13 Dare County residents newly diagnosed with COVID-19 include four youths age 17 or younger. The other nine people are one ages 18 to 24; four ages 25 to 49; and four ages 50 and 64.
The three nonresidents include one person ages 25 to 49 and two people ages 50-64.
All are in home isolation.
Of the 57 Dare County residents who have active COVID-19, three remain hospitalized outside of the area.
THE BEACON, 11/4/20
The Southern Shores Beacon 