Updated–March 21; 2:36 p.m.
A morning press release (March 21) from Hyde County stated that Luana Gibbs, Hyde County health director, received notification of Hyde County’s first positive COVID-19 case.
A followup was posted at 1:26 p.m. by the Hyde County Health Department:
“After diligent contact tracing of Hyde County’s first case of COVID-19, it has been determined that the identified case has been isolating in another county, where the individual resides. The individual has more than one address and provided a Hyde County address when tested, causing Hyde to be the county of ownership. The individual reports there has been no travel to Hyde County during or after illness and there has been no contact with any individual in Hyde County during this period.”
As of this morning there have been 184 reported cases in North Carolina in 35 counties and no fatalities from it. Yesterday, Carteret County reported its first two cases. Mecklenburg County has reported the most cases with 43. Durham County has reported 39 and Wake, 32. The numbers are expected to rise due to more testing.
Hyde County Health Department is following NC DHHS guidelines on contact tracing and working diligently to determine anyone who may have come into close contact with the case. Close contact is anyone who has come within six feet of the individual for a period of 10 minutes or more.
Gibbs reminds the general public to practice prevention measures by doing the following:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Practice social distancing (six feet between individuals); avoid handshakes, hugs and other close contact.
Get your information from reliable sources, such as:
- CDC, www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus
- NC Division of Health and Human Services, www.ncdhhs.gov, 1-866-462-3821 (NC Coronavirus Hotline)
- Hyde County Health Department, www.hydehealth.com, 252-926-4399
