New Hanover County COVID-19 Update: Case Count Now 44, 19 Recovered, CDC Recommends Covering Face in Public, Clarification on Boat Ramp and Marina Closures, County Attractions Online Resources
Posted April 4, 2020 at 6:43 pm Category: Cape Fear Museum • Emergency Management • Emergency News • Fire Rescue • Library • News Release • Parks and Gardens • Public Health
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC – New Hanover County health officials are investigating two new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the county’s total positive case count to 44. Both new cases appear to be community transmission. The individuals are isolated and Public Health is working on contact tracing to determine those who have been in close contact with them.
Of the 44 cases of COVID-19 in New Hanover County, 19 are males and 25 are females. The age ranges of current cases are as follows:
- 0-17 years old: zero cases
- 18-24 years old: 4 cases
- 25-49 years old: 15 cases
- 50-64 years old: 13 cases
- 65+ years old: 12 cases
Of these 44 cases, 19 people have recovered. Of those recovered, active symptoms were present between 2 and 15 days, with an average of 11 days of symptoms. People are considered recovered when:
- they have been fever free for at least three days without the use of fever reducing medication; and
- have improved respiratory symptoms; and
- at least seven days have passed from symptom onset.
“The first case of COVID-19 in New Hanover County was identified on March 18, and now with the duration of time and information available, we can see that those in our community who have recovered from COVID-19 had varying experiences, and our team of nurses continue to check in with those who are isolated and their contacts to prevent further spread of the virus,” said New Hanover County Public Health Personal Health Services Manager Carla Turner. “Our community is working hard to flatten the curve of infection in our area, and the best thing we can all continue to do is stay home.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Recommends Covering Face in Public
On Friday, April 3, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared new guidance for individuals to wear a cloth face cover when in public where social distancing can be difficult, like the grocery store or pharmacy. Face coverings for personal use can be made from household items, which can be laundered for repeated use and allows for surgical and N95 respirator masks to be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders. Face coverings can further prevent the spread of COVID-19 if leaving home is necessary for essential items or services, and should be used in addition to social and physical distancing, hand washing, frequent cleaning and other protective measures. Learn more at CDC.gov.
Public and Private Boat Ramps and Marinas Closed
Public and private boat ramps and marinas closed Friday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m. in order to prevent congregating and spread of COVID-19. Restrictions, implemented at the direction of Board of Commissioners Chair Julia Olson-Boseman are specific to motorized boats and does not apply to kayaks, paddle boards or other non-motorized boats. This closure was added as an amendment by New Hanover County, in collaboration with the city, beach towns, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. It closes public boat ramps at: Castle Hayne, Sutton Lake, Wrightsville Beach, Snows Cut, River Road, Federal Point, Trail’s End, and Castle Street.
Subdivision communal boating facilities, including those owned by an HOA on behalf of deeded lot owners can be used, as slips are attendant to residential properties. More information and clarification on this and other items in the State and local Stay At Home orders can be found on New Hanover County’s Stay At Home Orders Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
New Hanover County Attractions Offer Activities and Information Online
County departments continue to find creative ways to serve residents. While facilities are closed to the public, departments are engaging with residents and sharing online resources, daily activities, video Storytimes, and guided tours. You can find them here:
- New Hanover County Parks & Gardens– a list of educational activities you can do at home, backyard fun like building a Toad Abode or having a scavenger hunt, discovering the birds of your backyard, and more.
- Cape Fear Museum– virtual tours of exhibits, Facebook Live events for kids science, Stories with Jorey and other activities.
- New Hanover County Library– eBooks, kids activities, Facebook Live events, NC Kids Digital Library, and more online resources.
- New Hanover County Fire Services– Storytime fun and fire prevention information.
Learn more about county attractions’ online resources on New Hanover County’s Facebook page.
Resources in Spanish and Other Languages
To ensure all residents have the latest news and guidance from New Hanover County Public Health, the coronavirus information website and all press releases are available for translation into Spanish and multiple languages through Google translate. To utilize this tool, visit Health.NHCgov.com/Coronavirus and use the drop-down menu on the right side menu to select your preferred language.
Slow the Spread
Steps that everyone can take to slow the spread of COVID-19 include:
- Comply with the Governor’s Stay at Home Order and New Hanover County restrictions.
- Follow proper social distancing protocols. Don’t gather in groups of more than 10 and stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Stay home if you are sick, even if you are an essential worker. And cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched (like your phone, tablet, countertops and daily work surfaces).
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As of 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2020, there are 44 positive cases of COVID-19 in New Hanover County. For updates and resources related to the COVID-19 virus in New Hanover County, visit Health.NHCgov.com/Coronavirus, call our Public Health Coronavirus Call Center at 910-798-6800, and follow the county’s trusted social media pages: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor.