Brunswick County Coronavirus Update (April 7, 2020)

By City of Northwest | April 7, 2020

Key Points

  • As of April 7, there are 26 positive cases of COVID-19, 131 pending test results and 673 confirmed negative test results, totaling 830 tests administered so far. Of the 26 positive cases, 13 have recovered; one is a death associated to COVID-19.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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

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 County830
Pending Test Sample Results at the State Laboratory or Private Laboratories131
Positive Test Results Reported to the County26
Confirmed Negative Test Results Reported to the County673
Recoveries Among Positive COVID-19 Cases13
Associated COVID-19 Deaths1

Statistics as of April 7, 2020 at 10:30 a.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 7, there are 26 positive cases of COVID-19, 131 pending test results and 673 confirmed negative test results, totaling 830 tests administered so far. Of the 26 positive cases, 13 have recovered; one is a death associated to COVID-19.

The County was notified today of another positive case involving a resident from another state who tested positive for COVID-19 while visiting. This positive case does not count toward the County’s case counts as they are not from Brunswick County. This individual is currently isolating with five household contacts who are also self-quarantining. No children are involved.

To protect individual 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.

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.

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

Stay home and discourage travel over Easter weekend and beyond

With evidence of community spread of COVID-19 within Brunswick County and our region, it is imperative that everyone stops traveling or encouraging others to travel and visit during the Easter holiday and the rest of the month while the Stay at Home Order is in place through April 29.

Not only does traveling to and from Brunswick County from other countries, states, or other counties in North Carolina violate the spirit of the Stay at Home Order, but it also places you, anyone staying in your home, and any of your close contacts at risk of potential exposure to COVID-19.

The Easter holiday and spring season is typically the start of an influx of visitors to Brunswick County. Due to the serious nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone should follow the guidance from NC DHHS, CDC, and the Governor’s Office and stay in their primary residence at this time.

“Brunswick County has now had three cases of visitors from other counties or states who later become symptomatic and had to self-isolate here while they recover—meanwhile, any travelers with them must also stay and self-quarantine,” Health and Human Services Director David Stanley said. “It is strongly advised that everyone, whether they are from Brunswick County or not, remain at home and not travel outside of their primary county of residence at this time, as you might become symptomatic and risk being isolated away from your home and preferred primary care provider.”

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.

At this time, most of the County’s positive tests have some relation to travel outside of Brunswick County so far. If you recently traveled to Brunswick County from another country, another state (including South Carolina), or even another county in North Carolina, you need to 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.

This guidance is not unique to Brunswick County or North Carolina. Everyone should take steps to limit their travel as much as possible to only trips to places like the grocery story, pharmacies, medical offices and work during the pandemic. Everyone who travels anywhere in the nation should quarantine when they return or arrive wherever they are going—regardless of if you feel well, are younger, or are not considered an individual with a high risk of severe illness.

Anyone returning or arriving in Brunswick County after travel from areas with widespread community transmission, cruise ships, riverboats, or by air travel should stay home for 14 days after returning, based on guidance from the CDC and the NC Department of Health and Human Services.

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.

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 at www.bsrinc.orgCurbside 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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