Editor’s note: This news report has been updated, click here.
The Hyde County Health Department today reported its first laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19.
Hyde County Health Director Luana Gibbs said in a press release that the individual is in isolation at home.
The release did not indicate if this person is on the mainland or Ocracoke, but the Health Department has begun contact tracing to determine anyone who may have been exposed to this individual.
Gibbs stressed that COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus, “which is why we should adhere to Stay At Home orders issued locally as well as state-wide.”
As a reminder, in order to protect yourself, family and friends and neighbors, she urged all to practice the following:
- STAY HOME, unless you are conducting essential business, such as buying groceries or visiting your pharmacy.
- When you must conduct essential business, practice social distancing, which is staying at least six feet away from others, AND wear facial covering. To learn how to make your own facial covering, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue that you promptly throw in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces several times a day.
- 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.
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