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DSS News

April 7 Situation Report

Sit Report 27_04072020

Here is today’s Situation Report. There are two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pender County. The health department knows of 89 residents who have been tested for COVID-19 (this does not include the number of tests by medical providers outside the county); 72 of those tests were confirmed negative and 16 tests are currently pending.

A Message About the Use of Cloth Face Coverings

Here is a message about face covering from Monique Travise, Health Educator here at the Pender County Health Department.

Take action to slow the spread by wearing a cloth face covering in public spaces, keeping at least 6 feet of physical distance, and frequently washing your hands.

A cloth face covering can be made from items around your home, such as a scarf or cloth napkin. Make sure the covering reaches above your nose and below your chin.

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

To learn more visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus

Pender County identifies second case of COVID-19

BURGAW- The second case of Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, has been confirmed in Pender County.

“The individual’s exposure was travel-related,” Carolyn Moser, Pender County Health and Human Services director, said. “The individual is in isolation.”

Pender County Health Department’s Communicable Disease staff continues working to conduct contact tracing to make certain everyone who came in close proximity to this individual is quarantined.

Close contact is defined as anyone who was within 6-ft. of the individual for 10 minutes or more.

To protect the individual’s privacy, no further details will be released.

The first confirmed case of COVID-19, reported April 3, was also a travel-related exposure.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, there are no approved treatments and no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

Pender County Health Department is open Mondays through Fridays, 8-5 p.m. The telephone number is 910-259-1230.

For updated information, visit pendercountync.gov, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus, or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services at www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina.

Pender County identifies first case of COVID-19

BURGAW –  The first case of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Pender County. The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 has traveled outside the county. The individual was tested on March 31, 2020 and confirmation of a positive test result was received at the Pender County Health Department on April 3, 2020. This individual self-isolated at the onset of symptoms and remains in isolation.

Pender County Health Department’s Communicable Disease staff is working to identify close contacts. Close contact is anyone who was within six feet of the individual for ten minutes or more. To protect individual privacy, no further information will be released.

“There is nothing to indicate this was a community-acquired transmission,” stated Carolyn Moser, Pender County Health and Human Services Director. “All indications are this was travel-related. We are following all state protocols for contact tracing.”

Currently there are no approved treatments and no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. However, there are known methods to reduce and slow the spread of infection. Residents should continue to shelter in place per the Governor’s Executive Order #121. We encourage everyone to practice social distancing of six feet, wash hands frequently, stay at home if you are sick, disinfect surfaces, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Social distancing is the best way to prevent or limit the spread of this disease.

For more information on COVID-19 preventive measures, please visit:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- www.cdc.gov
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services- www.ncdhhs.gov
Pender County Government- pendercountync.gov
Or call the health department at (910) 259-1230

Important Information from Pender County Deparment of Social Services (DSS)

Due to Declaration of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, NCDHHS encourages potential recipients/recipients to utilize online, alternate and telephone methods for applications and questions. Most transactions can be handled by phone, fax, email or mail. A Drop Box is located to the left of the Entrance Doors for your convenience. Appointments will be scheduled for transactions that can’t be handled by one of these methods. Caseworkers will follow-up by phone or email.

Click here for more information.

ePASS is a quick and easy way for individuals and families to learn about and apply for available benefits and services. Online applications are available for Food and Nutrition Services (formerly Food Stamps) as well as Medical Assistance (Medicaid and NC Health Choice or CHIP). You can learn if you are potentially eligible for Medical Assistance by completing an electronic pre-assessment screening.

To access ePASS click here 

Protecting Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak

It’s important to note that we are not helpless in light of current news events.We can always choose our response. If you are struggling, here are some things you can do to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty:

We are in this together, and help is always available. If you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can also reach out to The Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

For more information click the link: https://afsp.org/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-in-the-face-of-uncertainty/  

 

NC 2-1-1 to Provide Assistance for COVID-19

NC 2-1-1 to Provide Assistance for COVID-19

Statewide service can refer people to organizations in their community that are helping with health and human service resources

Governor Roy Cooper today announced NC 2-1-1 by United Way of North Carolina as a resource for people to call for assistance related to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

NC 2-1-1 is an information and referral service that families and individuals can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services resources within their community. NC 2-1-1 operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and resources are available in most languages.

“Services like NC 2-1-1 are critical during times of emergency,” said Governor Cooper. “North Carolinians can now call 2-1-1 to get the information they need while we continue working together to prevent the spread of this virus.”

North Carolinians can text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19. Sign up now to get regular alerts on the rapidly evolving situation and North Carolina’s response.

NC 2-1-1 can refer callers to the organizations in their local community best equipped to address their specific health and human services needs including food, shelter, energy assistance, housing, parenting resources, health care, employment, substance abuse treatment, as well as specific resources for older adults and for persons with disabilities, and much more. Simply dial 2-1-1 or TTY 888-892-1162 for assistance.

NC 2-1-1 cannot provide direct medical services, and COVID-19 can only be diagnosed by a health care professional. If you suspect you or someone you care for may have symptoms or have been exposed to the virus, you should contact your health care provider. If you do not have a provider, you can call your local health department, free and charitable clinics or a Federally Qualified Health Clinic for guidance.

People should only call 9-1-1 if they are experiencing an emergency. 9-1-1 centers across North Carolina have been receiving general questions and other non-emergency calls related to COVID-19. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you have an emergency.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in North Carolina, go to ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.
Due to anticipated high call volume, those seeking general information about COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to sign up for texts. People who are trying to locate specific services would benefit by calling. To learn more about NC 2-1-1, visit nc211.org.

North Carolina Coronavirus Helpline: 1-866-462-3821

Residents in North Carolina who have questions and concerns about coronavirus may call the Coronavirus Line at 1-866-462-3821. The helpline is staffed by North Carolina Poison Control officials 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Nurses and pharmacists handling the calls can help people know:

  • How coronavirus is spread
  • Whether or not a person is at risk
  • What precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of the virus
  • What the symptoms of coronavirus are
  • What to do if coronavirus is suspected

North Carolina Poison Control is partnering with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to monitor coronavirus concerns in our state.

If you have traveled to China recently and are wondering about the likelihood of infection, call the helpline at 1-866-462-3821.

You can also visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina for more information.

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