By WECT Staff | March 18, 2020 at 4:29 PM EDT – Updated March 18 at 11:09 PM
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Public health officials have identified the first presumptive positive case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in New Hanover County.
New Hanover County health officials say the person went to their doctor with symptoms on Monday, March 16 and a test was conducted at that time. Isolation protocols were implemented immediately and test results showed a presumptive positive result of COVID-19 on Wednesday.
The individual traveled internationally and flew through ILM, officials say. Contact tracing is currently underway to see who the individual may have had contact with. No other details were released.
“While this is the first case of the novel coronavirus in our community, it is something we’ve been preparing to respond to with our state and local partners,” said New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chair Julia Olson-Boseman. “Our Public Health team is working closely with this individual to monitor their wellbeing and to make contact with anyone they have had close contact with over the last two weeks to mitigate any potential spread of the virus.”
New Hanover County Public Health issued isolation orders. The individual is doing well and has agreed to isolate in their home until criteria for clearance of COVID-19 is met.
Olson-Boseman said during a Wednesday evening news conference that 65 people in New Hanover County have been tested with 20 negative results. The other test results are still pending.
NHC officials hold news conference over first presumptive positive case of COVID-19
“Our community has already implemented a number of measures that reduce individual risk of COVID-19, and have taken heed of the guidance shared from the state and our local team who has been working on these plans for the last several weeks,” said Olson-Boseman. “It’s important to remain calm and continue practicing social distancing, stay away from crowds and keep six feet between you and others to help keep our community safe and healthy. Stay home if you are able and make sure you are always relying on trusted resources for information.”
This is the second presumptive positive case identified in southeastern North Carolina.
On March 14, Brunswick County officials announced that an individual tested positive for the virus and has been in self-isolation since March 11. That person has been receiving regular check-ins by Brunswick County health officials.
That individual flew into ILM from Lousiana on Tuesday, March 10, and was reportedly symptomatic while in Lousiana. Once arriving at ILM, that person went straight to their home in Brunswick County in their personal vehicle and did not make any stops in New Hanover County.
As of 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services said there are 63 cases in North Carolina and no deaths. Approximately 1,850 COVID-19 tests have been administered. Note: The NCDHHS updates the latest COVID-19 numbers at 11 a.m. each day.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate respiratory illness, with those over 65 or with underlying health issues at higher risk of serious illness, necessitating community guidance to reduce risk to this population. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath and most cases are mild in severity. Residents are encouraged to continue prevention measures and practice limited contact with others:
- Practice social distancing: avoid crowds, gatherings of more than 10 people, and 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.
Currently, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has established COVID-19 testing standards. Only those who meet the following criteria should ask their doctor or local health department about being tested for COVID-19:
- Have fever or lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case within the past 14 days
- Have fever and lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and a negative flu test
If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, call your healthcare provider or walk-in clinic before visiting the office to alert staff of symptoms, so they can take appropriate steps to prepare for your visit.
New Hanover County has established a Coronavirus Call Center for residents to speak with a nurse to assess their individual risk and, if needed, be connected to a provider. The Coronavirus Call Center can be reached at 910-798-6800 and is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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