BRUNSWICK COUNTY CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (APRIL 6, 2020)

By City of Northwest | April 6, 2020

KEY POINTS

  • As of April 6, there are 26 positive cases of COVID-19, 124 pending test results and 626 confirmed negative test results, totaling 776 tests administered so far. Of the 26 positive cases, 13 have recovered; one is a death associated to COVID-19.
  • 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 located within the majority of zip codes throughout the county. Brunswick County citizens should assume that community transmission of COVID-19 is present in their neighborhoods and take the appropriate precautions.
  • See a full list of food resources and programs available to those who need assistance in the full update (contact and/or applications/qualifications might be necessary).
  • 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. Stay at home unless you are visiting an essential service or operation (like visiting the grocery store, pharmacy, medical office, or work), exercising outdoors or helping a family member.
  • Brunswick County requires individuals to contact county departments via phone or email first and to schedule appointments for in-person visits if necessary

MEDIA RELEASE

BOLIVIA, N.C. – Brunswick County’s latest update on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is now available.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY TEST RESULTS

COVID-19 TEST REPORTS IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY
Number of Test Samples Reported to the County776
Pending Test Sample Results at the State Laboratory or Private Laboratories124
Positive Test Results Reported to the County26
Confirmed Negative Test Results Reported to the County626
Recoveries Among Positive COVID-19 Cases13
Associated COVID-19 Deaths1

Statistics as of April 6, 2020 at 12 p.m.

Note: Brunswick County 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.

As of April 6, there are 26 positive cases of COVID-19, 124 pending test results and 626 confirmed negative test results, totaling 776 tests administered so far. Of the 26 positive cases, 13 have recovered; one is a death associated to COVID-19.

Two additional cases were identified Monday. Because of these individuals’ lack of travel history or known exposure, these individuals potentially contracted the virus by community transmission.

Any household contacts are currently self-quarantining while contact tracing is being completed. None of these individuals have contact with children in Brunswick County. To protect patient privacy, no further information will be released.

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.

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

MAINTAINING SOCIAL DISTANCING AND CONFIDENTIALITY LAWS CONCERNING PATIENT INFORMATION

Today marks one week since the Stay at Home order (Executive Order No. 121) went into effect. Since that time, Brunswick County has identified three positive cases that are potentially caused by community spread—in other words, these individuals did not have any recent travel history or close contact with someone else who is known to have tested positive for COVID-19.

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.

“We understand that this is an uncomfortable development, and it is easy to think that if we can avoid places where someone who tested positive went or lives, we will be safe from contracting COVID-19,” Health and Human Services Director David Stanley said. “However, viruses do not work that way. The implementation of the Stay at Home Order is a key mitigation strategy to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the medical system from being overwhelmed. It’s vital that we all follow this Order through April 29 and beyond if necessary.”

In times of uncertainty, it is natural to want to have as much information as possible to make informed decisions. That’s why the County continues to provide daily updates on the COVID-19 situation in the county, including test result numbers as available.

However, it is important to remember that certain patient and health information is protected by a variety of laws and regulations, including the HIPPA Privacy Rule, North Carolina’s communicable disease confidentiality laws on records (G.S. 130A-143) and patient information (G.S. 143-518).

“Our team at Brunswick County is doing our best to both provide you with the latest information to help you make informed decisions to protect yourself during this time while also respecting our fellow county residents’ dignity and right to privacy while they are combating this disease,” Stanley said. “We encourage you to continue to follow the mandates and best health practices issued through the CDC, NCDHHS and the County and to seek the most verified information about COVID-19 from these sources as we move forward.”

The next two weeks are critical in how the COVID-19 situation will play out in our county, state and country. Everyone is urged to work to stop the spread together and stay home unless it is for the most essential, approved means of travel and keep six feet between you and others at all times. Follow best hygiene practices like washing your hands often, covering your cough or sneeze, and stay home if you are sick or if you do not need to make an essential trip to an approved COVID-19 essential business.

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 at www.bsrinc.org

CURBSIDE MEALS AT CENTERS FOR AGES 60+ (MONDAYS ONLY)

Time varies by center. New Participants Must RSVP.

  • Calabash Center / 10050 Beach Dr. SW Calabash, NC 28467 / (910) 754-7427
    Mondays from 11:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Shallotte Center / 3620 Express Drive Shallotte NC, 28470 / (910) 754-2300
    Mondays from 11:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Supply Center / 101 Stone Chimney Drive Supply, NC 28462 / (910) 754-7604
    Mondays from 11:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Southport Center / 1513 N. Howe St., Ste. 1, Southport, NC 28461 / (910) 754-7109
    Mondays from 12:30pm-1pm
  • Leland Center / 121 Town Hall Drive NE / Leland, NC 28451 / (910) 754-2889
    Mondays from 11:30 am-12:30 pm
CURBSIDE MEALS AT SENIOR SITES FOR AGES 60+

Day & Time Varies by Site. New Participants Must RSVP

  • Ash Site / 5859 Waccamaw School Road / Ash, NC 28420 (910) 754-2300
    Tuesdays Only starting 4/14/2020
    11:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Boiling Spring Lakes Senior Site / Community Center Senior Site 1 Leeds Rd. Boiling Spring Lakes, NC 28461 / 910-363-0018
    Mondays Only
    11:30 am-12:30 pm
    Site managed by BSL Parks & Rec (Nutrition Program sponsored by BSRI)
HOME DELIVERED MEALS FOR AGES 60+

Tuesday and Thursday deliveries (2 hot and 3 frozen) / Must meet eligibility guidelines

New participants should call the case manager at the center closest to you.

BSRI FOOD PANTRY

By Delivery & Appt. Only for 60+

  • Tammie Mullis, Shallotte Center, (910) 754-2300
  • Mallory Balice, Leland Center, (910) 754-7701
  • Jackie Knott, Southport Center, (910) 754-7109
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.

COVID-19 COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE WEBPAGE

Brunswick County is updating offers of community assistance including other food resources on its website.

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

UPDATES FROM OUR PARTNERS IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS

BRUNSWICK COUNTY SCHOOLS
BRUNSWICK COUNTY COURTHOUSE

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Courthouse hours have been reduced to 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning Monday, April 6.

The Courthouse urges you to visit their website at www.nccourts.org or call 810-253-3900 prior to visiting as most business can be handled over the phone or by mail.

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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For media inquiries, contact the Public Information Officer at 910.253.2995 or email meagan.kascsak@brunswickcountync.gov

COUNTY CONTACT INFORMATION & VIRTUAL SERVICES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Brunswick County is urging individuals to visit our website and to call or email county departments for assistance first before visiting county offices. The County now requires appointments for in-person visits.

Not sure who to contact? Call our main line and we can help direct your calls.

  • Main County Contact Information: 910.253.2000 / 800.442.7033
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