Brunswick County Coronavirus Update (April 12, 2020)

By City of Northwest | April 12, 2020

Key Points

  • As of April 12, there are 35 positive cases of COVID-19, 34 pending test results and 843 confirmed negative test results, totaling 912 tests administered so far among Brunswick County residents. Of the 35 positive cases, 17 are male and 18 are female; 22 are considered recovered cases and one is a death associated to COVID-19.
  • There are seven cases involving non-residents testing positive for COVID-19 while visiting Brunswick County, resulting in their contacts having to quarantine as well; these cases are not reflected in the County’s total case counts. Two individuals are considered recovered cases, one has transferred monitoring to their home county, and one is a death associated to COVID-19.
  • You are encouraged to secure any loose outdoor furniture, umbrellas, garbage cans, and other items to prepare for gusty winds and severe weather that could potentially take place Sunday evening into Monday morning—such as temporary structures put in place due to COVID-19 response efforts.
  • Do not travel or encourage others to travel to and from Brunswick County during Easter weekend or the rest of April to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in our county and state.
  • If you recently traveled to Brunswick County from another country, another state, or even another county in North Carolina, you need to take responsible, proactive measures to quarantine yourself and any fellow travelers now.

MEDIA RELEASE

BOLIVIA, N.C. – As of April 12, there are 35 positive cases of COVID-19, 34 pending test results and 843 confirmed negative test results, totaling 912 tests administered so far among Brunswick County residents. Of the 35 positive cases, 17 are male and 18 are female; 22 are considered recovered cases and one is a death associated to COVID-19.

The two most recent positive cases are separate from one another and both are a close contact to previously reported cases. One case is isolating at home and has no contact with children or others in Brunswick County. The second case is isolating at home with other isolating or quarantining contacts and no additional contact with children in known. Contact tracing is completed for both cases.

There are also seven cases involving non-residents who tested positive for COVID-19 while visiting Brunswick County, resulting in their contacts having to quarantine as well; these cases are not reflected in the County’s total case counts. Four of these cases are male and three are female.

Two of the non-resident cases are considered recovered and the County has transferred monitoring for one additional case to the individual’s home county where they are now isolating; one case is a death associated to COVID-19, which the County announced in a press release Friday, April 10.

To protect individual privacy, no further information will be released.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY TEST RESULTS

The age ranges of the positive cases among Brunswick County residents as of April 12 are as follows:

  • 0-17 years old: Zero cases
  • 18-24 years old: 2
  • 25-49 years old: 5
  • 50-64 years old: 15
  • 65+ years old: 13

The age ranges of the positive cases among non-residents as of April 12 are as follows:

  • 0-17 years old: Zero cases
  • 18-24 years old: Zero cases
  • 25-49 years old: 2
  • 50-64 years old: Zero cases
  • 65+ years old: 5
COVID-19 TEST REPORTS IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY
Number of Test Samples Reported to the County Among County Residents912
Pending Test Sample Results at the State Laboratory or Private Laboratories Among County Residents34
Positive Test Results Reported to the County Among County Residents35
Confirmed Negative Test Results Reported to the County Among County Residents843
Recoveries Among Positive Cases Among County Residents22
Associated COVID-19 Deaths Among County Residents1
Positive Test Results Among Non-Residents7
Recoveries Among Positive Cases Among Non-Residents2
Associated COVID-19 Deaths Among Non-Residents1

Statistics as of April 12, 2020 at 11 a.m.

Note: Brunswick County Public Health is encouraging providers in the County’s jurisdiction to continue to report persons under investigation (PUI) at this time, however NCDHHS no longer mandates that the PUI form be completed and sent to the local health departments, which could result in under reporting of test counts. These numbers reflected the information reported to the County from local health care providers.

Public Health monitors all individuals who test positive and any individuals in self-quarantine on a regular basis.

Brunswick County will provide updates on any positive cases considered a low risk for community spread in its daily update unless a serious public health concern requires a separate release. The County will share statistics on the number of test samples and final reports Public Health is receiving in its daily update to allow for transparency and efficiency.

The location of COVID-19 cases in Brunswick County is a frequently asked question. Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 are in isolation in their homes, which are located within the majority of zip codes throughout the county. Brunswick County citizens should assume that community transmission of COVID-19 is present anywhere and take the appropriate precautions. Identified positive cases only represent a fraction of the actual positive cases as not everyone who is sick with COVID-19 are being tested in light of the CDC’s guidance that individuals with mild symptoms are typically able to recover at home without a test.

POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE WEATHER AND WINDS SUNDAY EVENING AND MONDAY MORNING

As of 11 a.m. Sunday, April 12, the National Weather Services (NWS) is projecting a strong cold front will push a line of severe thunderstorms from west to east across the coastal plains of the Carolinas Monday morning through early Monday afternoon. This weather system might pose a threat to any outdoor tents and other temporary structures—such as those that are set up for operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

You are encouraged to secure any loose outdoor furniture, umbrellas, garbage cans, and other items to prepare for gusty winds. Non-thunderstorms wind gusts of 35 to 40 miles per hour are possible as the weather system moves through. The strongest non-thunderstorm winds gusts are expected to develop Sunday night and continue into Monday.

The primary threats are damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour and tornadoes; some large hail is also a possibility. The greatest risk will occur Monday morning inland areas to the late morning and early afternoon at the coast.

Find the latest weather briefings on the NWS Wilmington NC main briefing webpage.

INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO RECENTLY TRAVELED AND THE NC STAY AT HOME ORDER

At this time, most of the County’s resident and non-resident positive tests have some relation to travel outside of Brunswick County. However, there have been a few positive cases now that were potentially caused by community transmission due to the individuals’ lack of travel history or known exposure.

If you or someone visiting you recently traveled to Brunswick County from another country, another state (including South Carolina), or even another county in North Carolina, take responsible, proactive measures to quarantine yourself and any fellow travelers for 14 days now. Quarantining is essential to protect your health and to avoid potentially exposing strangers to the virus if you start to develop symptoms.

Even if you own a second home in Brunswick County, you are urged to remain at your primary residence at this time. Even travel from one North Carolina county to another can spread the virus.

Due to extensive community transmission of COVID -19 in these areas, the CDC is urging residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days immediately.

If you are unsure if you need to self-quarantine or you and any travelers with you are alone in the County and need assistance, you are encouraged to call the County’s or state’s public health call lines or inquire with local neighbors via phone or email to see if you can get help. If you have an emergency health or safety issue, you should always call 9-1-1.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some answers to the County’s Public Health call line’s most frequently asked questions the past few days.

I HAVE EVENTS PLANNED IN MAY AND THE RENTAL ORGANIZATION I AM WORKING THROUGH SAYS THEY CANNOT GIVE ME A REFUND UNLESS ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE FOR THE TIME I’M RENTING. WHAT CAN I DO?

Answer: At this time, the state’s Executive Order will last through Wednesday, April 29. You are encouraged to reach out to the local municipal government in the jurisdiction of the rental to see if additional restrictions are or could be in place during the time of your planned rental. Ultimately, it will depend on if the state’s or any local restrictions are extended in the future. You are encouraged to take proactive preventative measures and avoid traveling for reasons such as vacations especially while travel restrictions are in place to prevent the spread and transmission of the virus to yourself or others.

SHOULD I WEAR A MASK? WHERE DO I FIND ONE?

Answer: Social distancing – staying six feet apart from others – cannot be replaced by face coverings. The very best evidence on reducing the spread is to social distance and stay at home. The CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain such as grocery stores and pharmacies.

The CDC is not recommending medical masks, which need to first go to those on the front lines, including our health care workers. Cloth coverings can play a part in controlling the spread if they are used properly and in combination with other tried and true everyday preventive actions like washing hands, wiping down surfaces. If used incorrectly, face coverings can expose someone to more germs rather than less. Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.

WHY ARE PEOPLE NOT PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING?

Answer: Social distancing measures are the best way to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus from person to person. Executive Order No. 121 is mandatory. All persons and other entities are required to comply if they do not fall within the exemptions that are specified in the Order. Governor Cooper is seeking voluntary cooperation from all state residents and businesses to ensure the health and safety of our communities. If voluntary cooperation is not achieved, state and local law enforcement officers have the authority to enforce the Order. If you have concerns about actions that might violate the Order, you are encouraged to reach out the local law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction to report activity using their nonemergency phone number. Do not report concerns through 9-1-1 unless it is a legitimate health or safety emergency.

WHY ARE CONTROLLED BURNS ALLOWED WHEN PEOPLE HAVE RESPIRATORY ISSUES?

Answer: There are no burn bans in place in Brunswick County and there are no plans at present to implement any bans. There are some management controlled burns occurring to help manage potential fire hazards due to the spring season. Some individuals might notice the smoke from these regular management burns due to spending more time at home during the daytime, which they might not typically experience while at work. There are other areas in western North Carolina that are under a burn ban because they are experiencing dryer conditions and less rainfall than our region.

WHAT MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?

Answer: Trillium offers free telehealth resources for individuals in our county including a call center available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and every day of the year. Call Trillium’s call center at 1.877.685.2415 (available in English and Spanish). Disaster Distress Helpline is also available at 800.985.5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (24-hour availability in English and Spanish). The NC Department of Health & Human Services also has a list of resources on their website to help you manage your overall heath.

See more answers to frequently asked questions and information about COVID-19 at https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/coronavirus/

IMPORTANCE OF WATER AND WASTEWATER ACCESS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

In these uncertain times, the COVID-19 pandemic has provided an urgent reminder that access to water and wastewater services is essential and fundamental to all aspects of life and society. Brunswick County’s two drinking water treatment plants are designed to filter and kill all kinds of viruses including COVID-19. The Environmental Protection Agency mandates through the Safe Drinking Water Act that all drinking water treatment facilities in the United States must be designed and built to inactivate viruses and bacteria.

We also want to remind you to help us maintain and care for our utility infrastructure now and always. This means only flushing human waste and toilet paper down the toilet; even if they are marked as a flushable product, items such as wipes and hygiene products can clog our system and should go in the trash. Also, refrain from pouring fats, oils and grease from food or other products down the sink, as this can also cause clogs and other problems for our system. Thank you for helping your Public Utilities team protect our water and wastewater infrastructure during this critical time.

FREE CLEAN UP WEEK AND SHRED EVENT NOW POSTPONED

Brunswick County has postponed the free clean up week at the Brunswick County Landfill originally scheduled for April 13-18 and the free shred event originally scheduled for April 24 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Brunswick County is assessing the situation with the pandemic and will attempt to reschedule these events at a later date.

FOOD RESOURCES IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY

Some individuals and families might need help to ensure they have enough food at this time. We understand that this is a stressful situation for many of our fellow residents—but there are a number of resources and programs available that want to assist anyone who needs help at this time. Here are a few of the major resources available:

BRUNSWICK FAMILY ASSISTANCE (BFA)

The Brunswick Family Assistance Executive Committee voted March 31 to increase the number of allowed pantry visits from once to twice per month. This effort is in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic and serves to ensure that no family goes hungry in the county. Additionally, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners approved a request at the April 6 regular meeting for $30,000 in additional funding to BFA to support their COVID-19 response. Those in need of assistance are encouraged to call BFA at 910-754-4766 for the Shallotte office or 910-408-1700 for the Leland Office to set up appointments for pantry visits and other assistance services.

BRUNSWICK SENIOR RESOURCES, INC (BSRI)

Eligible seniors aged 60 or older can request home meal deliveries on Tuesdays and Thursdays (two hot and three frozen) through the Meals on Wheels program or RSVP for drive-through meal service on select days at a BSRI center/site if they have not already. Contact BSRI to learn more and sign up for either of these services. Find the latest updates and contact information at www.bsrinc.org

APPLY FOR FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES (FNS) BENEFITS THROUGH THE NCDHHS

To help families access food during the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is temporarily increasing benefits for March 2020 and April 2020 to current Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) recipients in North Carolina. All families that receive FNS will receive the maximum amount allowed for March 2020 and April 2020 for their household size. Families and individuals who do not currently receive benefits can apply online with ePass.

WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC)

The WIC Program is a supplemental nutrition program that provides food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to income-eligible women who are pregnant, have recently given birth, are breastfeeding, as well as infants and children up to five years of age. Brunswick County’s WIC team members are providing all services over the phone and can be reached via the following phone numbers:

  • Bolivia Office: 910.253.2288
  • Shallotte Office: 910.253.2878
  • Leland Office: 910.253.2877
COVID-19 COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE WEBPAGE

Brunswick County is updating offers of community assistance including other food resources on its website. If you are aware of any other offers or notices, please email Volunteer and Nonprofit Coordinator Leslie Stanley at leslie.stanley@brunswickcountync.gov

LOCAL AND STATE PUBLIC HEALTH CALL LINES

BRUNSWICK COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH CALL LINE

The County is operating a joint information center with a Public Health Call Line and email to answer residents’ coronavirus questions (available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). More information is also available on our website at https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/coronavirus

Individuals who have questions afterhours are encouraged to use the North Carolina 2-1-1 program or call the North Carolina Public Health Call Line, which has public health professionals available 24 hours a day every day to answer questions.

NC PUBLIC HEALTH CALL LINE (OPEN 24/7)
  • 866.462.3821
NORTH CAROLINA 2-1-1 PROGRAM
  • For COVID-19 questions, dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162
  • Sign up for updates by texting COVIDNC to 898211

The COVID-19 situation is a stressful situation for many of us. There are several resources available should you need to speak with someone anonymously at this time:

  • Trillium: 877.685.2415 (24-hour availability in English and Spanish)
  • Disaster Distress Helpline: 800.985.5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (24-hour availability in English and Spanish)
  • More resources are available through the NC Department of Health & Human Services: COVID-19: Managing Your Overall Health

UPDATES FROM OUR PARTNERS IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS

BRUNSWICK COUNTY SCHOOLS
BRUNSWICK COUNTY COURTHOUSE

While most courts are closed, the Brunswick County Courthouse Clerk’s Office is open for limited services. The public is strongly encouraged to call in advance, as many trips to the Courthouse can be avoided.

BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE
NOVANT HEALTH
  • Online coronavirus assessment tool found at https://coronavirus.novanthealth.org/
  • 24/7 helpline for patients are experiencing symptoms and have questions on how to best seek care: 877-499-1697 or 877-9NOVANT
DOSHER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
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