Brunswick County Coronavirus Update (March 26, 2020)

By City of Northwest | March 26, 2020

Key Points

  • As of March 26, there are 11 positive cases of COVID-19, 240 pending test results, and 155 confirmed negative test results in Brunswick County, totaling 406 administered tests so far
  • Travelers returning after domestic travel from areas with widespread community transmission, cruise ships, riverboats, or by air travel should self-quarantine at home for 14 days after returning
  • Brunswick County now requires individuals to contact county departments via phone or email first and to schedule appointments for in-person visits if necessary to support social distancing for our residents and team members
  • Testing is available in Brunswick County; if you suspect you have coronavirus symptoms, contact your primary medical provider first to determine if your symptoms warrant a test and if they provide tests; contact Public Health if you need assistance locating a provider to test.

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


Brunswick County Test Results

Novel Coronavirus Test Reports in Brunswick County

Number of Test Samples Reported to the County406
Pending Test Sample Results at the State Laboratory or Private Laboratories240
Positive Test Results Reported to the County11
Confirmed Negative Test Results Reported to the County155

Statistics as of March 26, 2020 at 10 a.m.

As of March 26, there are 11 positive cases of COVID-19, 240 pending test results, and 155 confirmed negative test results in Brunswick County, totaling 406 administered tests so far.

Brunswick County identified its eleventh case Wednesday evening. The case is travel related and the individual is isolating at home with a close contact who is also self-quarantining. Public Health has already identified potential contacts to this individual and contact notification is being completed. Neither individual has contact with children in Brunswick County.

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

Brunswick County provides its report numbers to the NCDHHS for its case count webpage. As of March 26 at 10:15 a.m., there are 636 positive cases (increase of 132 cases from the day prior), 12,910 completed tests (increase of 2,421 completed tests from the day prior) and one death due to COVID-19 in North Carolina.

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 to allow for transparency and efficiency. Tests occur in varying numbers each day and results can take several days to process and report back to the Public Health from either the state or private laboratories. Our team is actively responding to the novel coronavirus pandemic and having a dedicated, routine way to share test statistics will ensure we are providing everyone with the most accurate information.

Guidance on travel, self-quarantine measures

Older adults and domestic travelers with underlying health issues are encouraged to stay home, avoid crowded places, and refrain from non-essential travel.

Travelers returning to Brunswick County after domestic travel from areas with widespread community transmission, cruise ships, riverboats, or by air travel should stay home for 14 days after returning. Take the following steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing for 14 days after you leave the affected area:

  • Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever (temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher); watch for other symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath
  • Stay home and avoid contact with others; do not go to work or school during this 14-day period
  • Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares
  • Avoid crowded places and limit your activities in public
  • Stay six feet (about two arms lengths) away from others

NCDHHS’ guidance on travel asks all individuals to stay home as much as possible and limit travel for only essential purposes such as work and grocery shopping. Even if individuals feel healthy and are not exhibiting symptoms, they can still pose a risk to exposing themselves or others to COVID-19, especially those with a high risk for severe illness, including those 65 years or older, those with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, or those with weakened immune systems.

At this time, all individuals are encouraged to follow travel guidance from the NCDHHS and the CDC and limit their travel to and from other cities, counties or states for the next few weeks to practice proper social distancing and reduce the spread of novel coronavirus within the county or other areas in North Carolina. Individuals are encouraged to stay at their primary residence and limit their travel outside the home to only that which is essential, such as going to work or to get groceries.

There are no specific advisories or restrictions for travel within the United States. However, cases of COVID-19 have been reported in many states, and some areas are experiencing community spread of the disease. Crowded travel settings may increase your risk of exposure to COVID-19 if there are other travelers with COVID-19. Read the full NCDHHS travel guidance at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/covid-19-travel

How to Find Out If You Need a Test

Coronavirus tests are available in Brunswick County. If you suspect you have symptoms of coronavirus, you should contact your primary care provider first to alert them of their symptoms and have a physician determine if a test is required and if they provide tests. If your need additional assistance to locate a provider to test, you should contact Brunswick County Public Health for assistance.

Full details about testing in Brunswick County including information from Novant Health primary clinics and Dosher Memorial Hospital is at https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/coronavirus/testing/

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

Brunswick County Public Health Call Line

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

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