New Hanover County issued the following announcement on Mar. 26.
New Hanover County Public Health officials have identified one additional positive case of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in New Hanover County – bringing the county’s total confirmed case count to 15.
The individual is isolated, and Public Health is working on contact tracing to determine those who have been in close contact with them.
As of 5 p.m. on March 26 there are 489 test samples reported to the county. Of those, 15 have been confirmed positive, 196 have been confirmed negative and 278 are still pending.
SENIOR RESOURCE CENTER EXPANDS MEAL PICKUP SERVICES
Beginning Monday, March 30, the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center will temporarily expand the number of locations for drive-thru lunch options for senior customers who participate in the congregate program and those age 60 or older. Additional locations will run from March 30-April 9, 2020. Staff will continue to monitor the community needs and determine if service dates will be expanded. Current registered senior participants and new participants are encouraged to pick-up a carryout lunch at the following locations and times:
- Senior Resource Center (2222 S. College Rd. Wilmington, NC) Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Castle Hayne Baptist Church (4544 Parmele Rd., Castle Hayne, NC) Monday-Friday 12-1 p.m. (Expanded days and times)
- Veterans Park Soccer Field Parking Lot (835 Halyburton Memorial Pkwy, Wilmington, NC) Monday-Friday 12-1 p.m. (New location)
- Nir Family YMCA (2710 Market St.) Monday-Friday 12-1 p.m. (New location)
SYMPTOMS & TESTING
Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) recommends that individuals who are experiencing mild symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should immediately self-isolate at home and away from other household members, and call their healthcare providers to receive guidance over the phone or via teleconference. Testing will no longer be required, and healthcare providers have been instructed to now assume patients with symptoms have COVID-19.
Those currently identified to be at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 include those 65 and older, and those with underlying health conditions including chronic lung disease, asthma, compromised immune systems and obesity. Pregnant women should also be monitored since they are known to be at risk of complications for viral illness generally.
If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms such as cough or fever, call your healthcare provider or walk-in clinic. If you do not have access to a healthcare provider, call the New Hanover County Coronavirus Call Center at 910-798-6800 seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., to speak with a public health nurse to help assess your symptoms and, if needed, connect you with a provider.
TRAVEL GUIDANCE
The White House Coronavirus Task Force shared guidance on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, clarifying that travelers should self-quarantine for 14 days after returning from any area with active community transmission of COVID-19, including New York. More information on traveling within the United States, and precautions to take to prevent COVID-19 while traveling can be found at CDC.gov.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT DONATIONS HOURS EXPANDED
New Hanover County’s Emergency Operations Center, New Hanover Disaster Coalition, and New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) continue working together to procure additional personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers. Donations drop off hours run through Saturday, March 28. Outreach is ongoing to healthcare providers, industrial partners, the business community and the public. Those who have masks, gowns, gloves, and more are encouraged to donate this protective gear.
Accepted items include:
- Unused masks rated N95 or higher: 3M Healthcare or NIOSH approved preferred
- Full face shields
- Impervious gowns: AAMI Level 2
- Gloves: Nitrile or non-latex preferred
- Unused earloop masks
- Unused surgical masks
- Unused surgical masks with face shield
- Unused goggles
- Medical/dental gowns
- Drop-off at the NHRMC Business Center
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- 3151 S. 17th Street, Wilmington
- Friday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Coordinate with the New Hanover Disaster Coalition
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- Audrey Hart, Executive Director
- Audrey@NewHanoverDisasterCoalition.org
- Grocery Stores: Grocery and other retail stores are not included in mandatory closures and continue to operate while maintaining guidance of social distancing and increased cleanliness. Food and supplies are available and many establishments are dedicating time to older adults and those with underlying health concerns to shop during quiet times to reduce risk. Residents are encouraged to support local business while adhering to guidance to reduce risk, such as using online services, purchasing gift cards and ordering take out or delivery.
- Unemployment Services: North Carolina is waiving some requirements to apply for unemployment benefits for individuals out of work because of measures taken to prevent the impact of COVID-19. Learn more at DES.NC.gov.
- Food Assistance: The Cape Fear Food Council is sharing information about coordinated food assistance efforts. View the Food Assistance Resource Guide for resources for children, seniors and families.
- Community Resources: New Hanover Disaster Coalition is collaborating with community partners to share information and resources, and coordinate volunteers and donations as needed.
Residents can call the New Hanover County Public Health Coronavirus Call Center to speak with a nurse who can answer questions and assess their individual risk and, if needed, connect them with a provider. The Coronavirus Call Center can be reached at 910-798-6800 and is open Monday through Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
New Hanover County Public Health is deploying nurses to homes to conduct flu tests and, if needed, COVID-19 sampling. Individuals must be vetted by the Coronavirus Call Center and determined to meet criteria by the Community Health team.
COMMUNITY PROTECTIONS
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, residents must continue increased prevention measures and practice limited contact with others:
- Follow social distancing: gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited under the State of Emergency, and individuals are encouraged to maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched (like your phone, tablet, countertops and daily work surfaces).
- Stay home and away from others when you are sick.
Original source: https://news.nhcgov.com/news-releases/2020/03/new-hanover-county-daily-covid-19-update-case-count-now-15-senior-resource-center-expands-meal-pickup-services/
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