Brunswick County Coronavirus Update (May 6, 2020)

By City of Northwest | May 6, 2020

Key Points

  • Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 138 Tuesday to modify North Carolina’s Stay At Home order and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions effective Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m. Read the full press release here.
  • More information and guidance for businesses about Phase 1 is available on the NCDHHS website.
  • As of May 6, there are now 49 positive cases of COVID-19, 23 pending test results and 1,485 confirmed negative test results, totaling 1,557 tests administered so far among county residents. Of the positive cases, 36 are considered recovered cases, 10 are currently isolating at six different homes (one is not located in Brunswick County), one is isolating at a hospital, and two are deaths associated to COVID-19.
  • There are 11 cases involving non-residents testing positive for COVID-19; five are considered recovered cases, three have transferred monitoring to their home county, one is isolating at a hospital, and two are deaths associated to COVID-19.
  • See answers and information to several of our most frequently asked questions concerning COVID-19.
  • See more information about COVID-19 testing and screening sites in Brunswick County

MEDIA RELEASE

BOLIVIA, N.C. – Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 138 Tuesday to modify North Carolina’s Stay At Home order and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions effective Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m. Certain businesses remain closed as the state continues battling COVID-19. Read the full press release from the Governor’s Office to learn more about the transition to Phase 1.

The Governor’s Order concerning Phase 1 is in effect until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22. However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase 2. The state will only start Phase 2 if data and indicators are in the right place.

Brunswick County has not issued additional restrictions beyond what is required in the Governor’s Stay at Home Order and has continued to operate and remain open to the public with modifications to allow for proper social distancing among our team members and visitors.

Individuals are strongly encouraged to follow the three Ws when visiting any public area:

Governor Cooper and NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen reported Tuesday, May 5 that North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:

TRAJECTORY IN COVID-LIKE ILLNESS (CLI) SURVEILLANCE OVER 14 DAYS
  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.
TRAJECTORY OF LAB-CONFIRMED CASES OVER 14 DAYS
  • North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over the last 14 days cases is slightly increasing.
TRAJECTORY IN PERCENT OF TESTS RETURNING POSITIVE OVER 14 DAYS
  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive over the last 14 days is decreasing.
TRAJECTORY IN HOSPITALIZATIONS OVER 14 DAYS
  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations over the last 14 days is level.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:

LABORATORY TESTING
  • North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate.
TRACING CAPABILITY
  • The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has received over 4,000 applications and is in the process of hiring 250 new contact tracers.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
  • Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.

More information about the Governor’s Executive Order No. 138 is available below.

 COVID-19 FAQ OF THE DAY

I HAVE EVENTS PLANNED AND THE RENTAL ORGANIZATION SAYS THEY CANNOT GIVE ME A REFUND UNLESS ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE. WHAT CAN I DO?
  • At this time, the Governor’s Stay at Home Order will last through Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m., after which the state will transition to Phase 1 of a three-phase plan to lift statewide restrictions. Phase 1 does include a modified Stay at Home Order that is in effect through Friday, May 22. During Phase 1, people are allowed to leave their homes for commercial activity at any business that is open.
  • 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.
  • Refunds and rental insurance for vacation rentals are legal or contractual questions. Rental agencies or companies should be contacted directly regarding these matters.

More information and guidance for businesses about Phase 1 is available on the NCDHHS website.

See more answers and information to several of our most frequently asked questions concerning COVID-19.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY TEST RESULTS

As of May 6, there are now 49 positive cases of COVID-19, 23 pending test results and 1,485 confirmed negative test results, totaling 1,557 tests administered so far among Brunswick County residents. Of the 49 positive cases, 26 are male and 23 are female; 36 are considered recovered cases, 10 are isolating at six different homes (one home is out-of-state), one is isolating at a hospital, and two are deaths associated to COVID-19.

There are 11 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. Seven of these cases are male and four are female. Five of the non-resident cases are considered recovered, one is isolating at a hospital, and the County has transferred monitoring for three cases to the individuals’ home counties; two are deaths associated to COVID-19.

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

  • 0-17 years old: 1
  • 18-24 years old: 3
  • 25-49 years old: 9
  • 50-64 years old: 19
  • 65+ years old: 17

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

  • 0-17 years old: Zero cases
  • 18-24 years old: Zero cases
  • 25-49 years old: 4
  • 50-64 years old: 2
  • 65+ years old: 5
COVID-19 TEST REPORTS IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY AMONG COUNTY RESIDENTS
Positive Test Results Reported to the County (County Residents)49
Pending Test Sample Results at the State Laboratory or Private Laboratories (County Residents)20
Confirmed Negative Test Results Reported to the County (County Residents)1,505
Number of Test Samples Reported to the County (County Residents)1,574
Positive Cases Isolating at Home (County Residents)10
Positive Cases Isolating at a Hospital (County Residents)1
Recoveries Among Positive Cases (County Residents)36
Associated COVID-19 Deaths (County Residents)2

Statistics as of May 7, 2020 at 11 a.m.

COVID-19 TEST REPORTS IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY AMONG NON-RESIDENTS
Positive Test Results (Non-Residents)11
Positive Cases Isolating in the County (Non-Residents)0
Positive Cases Isolating at a Hospital (Non-Residents)1
Recoveries Among Positive Cases (Non-Residents)5
Transferred Monitoring to Home County (Non-Residents)3
Associated COVID-19 Deaths (Non-Residents)2

Statistics as of May 7, 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 NCDHHS announced that it would share more information concerning the number of positive cases residing in zip codes and are looking at ways to protect populations located in smaller zip code areas. Brunswick County Public Health reminds individuals that zip codes only tell the location of where a positive case resides and does not mean that that is where the individual got the virus.

Most of the County’s resident and non-resident cases are related to travel to or from places outside of Brunswick County. Of the 49 identified cases, 36 are considered recovered cases, one is isolating at a hospital, and 10 are isolating at six different homes, one of which is not located in Brunswick County. These isolating positive cases pose a low risk to the public as they and any household contacts are isolated or quarantined. At this time there is no evidence that a known positive case has infected someone else in the county other than a household contact.

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. Everyone in Brunswick County, the state and nation needs to continue to take actions that best protect themselves from COVID-19 wherever they are and should assume that they can be exposed to the virus anywhere. 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.

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 [email protected]

PANDEMIC ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER (P-EBT) PROGRAM

On April 20, it was announced that North Carolina has been approved for the new Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program to help families purchase food for children impacted by school closings due to COVID-19. The program provides a benefit on an EBT card to North Carolina families whose children are eligible for free and reduced lunch at school. Families will not need to apply for the P-EBT program. Parents with school aged children attending a school in the Brunswick County Schools district who currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits will receive the additional benefit on their existing EBT card. Parents with school-aged children attending a school in the Brunswick County Schools district who are not receiving FNS benefits will receive an EBT card in the mail with a letter from DHHS explaining how to activate and use their card. Families will receive $250 in P-EBT benefits per child, provided in two installments, with the possibility of an additional benefit if North Carolina schools are closed beyond May 15. Families will be able to use the P-EBT benefit to purchase food items at EBT authorized retailers, including most major grocery stores. More information about the P-EBT benefits including information in Spanish is on the NCDHHS 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

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)
  • Hope4NC Helpline: 1-855-587-3463 (available 24/7)
  • Hope4Healers Helpline (for health care professionals, emergency medical specialists, first responders, other staff who work in health care settings and their families who are experiencing stress from being on the front lines of the state’s COVID-19 response): 919-226-2002 (available 24/7)
  • 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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