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CAPE FEAR MEMORIAL BRIDGE CLOSURE: UPDATES, RESOURCES, AND CONTEXT
Gathered at the bottom of this page is WHQR's ongoing reporting and coverage on COVID-19. In addition, below is a list of other resources pertaining to the virus.For questions/concerns about COVID-19, call the NC Coronavirus Helpline at 1-866-462-3821. To find out about the availability of community resources, call 211 or visit nc211.orgFor Brunswick County, the COVID-19 Helpline is 910-253-2339. The email is coronavirus@brunswickcountync.gov. New Hanover County's Helpline is 910-798-6800. National Resources Basic Protective Measures from the Coronavirus Coronavirus Myth Busters Coronavirus FAQs and Answers National Coronavirus Case Tracker Protecting Yourself and Your Family Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities International Travel Advisories Local ResourcesTesting in North Carolina State Case Count New Hanover County Updates and Info Brunswick County Updates and Info Pender County Updates and Info New Hanover Regional Medical Center Updates New Hanover Disaster Coalition Novant HealthDosher Memorial HospitalWAVE TransitWilmington HealthUNCWWHQR's Community Resources

NHC Officials Announce County's First COVID-19 Case

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As of Wednesday, Mar. 18, there have been 65 COVID-19 tests conducted in New Hanover County. To date, 20 negatives have been received. One is pending at the state lab, and 43 are pending through private labs.

New Hanover County leaders have announced the county’s first presumptive case of the coronavirus. The person, who recently traveled internationally, is doing well, and isolating at home. They’re just one of many individuals who have received COVID-19 testing in the county.

According to county officials, the person who tested positive for the virus returned to the United States last Thursday, Mar. 12. On Sunday, Mar. 15, they arrived in New Hanover County through the Wilmington airport, and were tested and placed in isolation Monday, Mar. 16.

While the case is the first presumptive positive result in the county, it’s unlikely to be the last. New Hanover County Commission Chair Julia Olson-Boseman says over 40 other COVID-19 tests are awaiting results:

“Currently, there have been 65 tests conducted in New Hanover County. To date, 20 negatives have been received. One is pending at the state lab, and 43 are pending through private labs.”

Per State Department of Health and Human Services guidelines, only those who meet one of two specific criteria cases should seek testing for COVID-19. The first example includes symptoms of either fever or lower respiratory symptoms -- like coughing or shortness of breath -- combined with exposure to a confirmed case of the virus within the past 14 days. The second example includes symptoms of fever and lower respiratory symptoms, provided the person has received a negative flu test.

For residents experiencing these symptoms, officials advise calling healthcare providers or walk-in clinics before showing up in person.

New Hanover County has established a Coronavirus Call Center for residents to speak with a nurse to assess their individual risk and, if needed, be connected to a provider. The Coronavirus Call Center can be reached at 910-798-6800 and is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hannah is WHQR's All Things Considered host, and also reports on science, the environment, and climate change. She enjoys loud music, documentaries, and stargazing; and is the proud mother of three cats, a dog, and many, many houseplants. Contact her via email at hbreisinger@whqr.org, or on Twitter @hbreisinger.