April 26, 2020: Luana Gibbs, Health Director for Hyde County is reporting that the laboratory confirmed COVID-19 case reported Saturday, April 25, 2020 was one of 122 tests Vidant inaccurately reported to NC Department of Health and Human Services. Vidant issued the following statement,
“On April 25, Vidant Health sent an electronic update to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) which contained inaccurate COVID-19 test results. We determined this was a technical error affecting 122 results and the data feed issue has since been corrected. It is important to point out that the actual lab test results in Vidant’s electronic medical record were correct; there was a technical issue with transmitting data to the state. We are currently working with NCDHHS to update the data. We apologize for any confusion this has caused the state, local health departments and patients.”
Gibbs is thankful Vidant issued the above statement and reports the patient was relieved to know there was a data feed reporting error. “We should use our heightened awareness from this as a reminder to be diligent in our efforts to protect ourselves from this extremely contagious virus,” reports Gibbs. NC DHHS is working to update the website to correctly reflect caseloads.
Editor's note: Ms Gibbs confirmed to the Current that there are NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the county.
Original post from April 25th: Luana Gibbs, Health Director for Hyde County is reporting that Hyde County now has its first laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19.
Editor's note: We don't know if this confirmed case is on Ocracoke or the mainland. Also please note that this is the first "laboratory confirmed" case. There are certainly other cases that have not been tested.
The individual is in isolation at home. Hyde County Health Department has begun contact tracing to determine anyone who may have been exposed to this individual. Gibbs wants to remind everyone that COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus, which is why we should adhere to Stay At Home orders issued locally as well as state-wide. As a reminder, please, in order to protect yourself, your family and friends and neighbors, practice the following:
- STAY HOME, unless you are conducting essential business, such as buying groceries or visiting your pharmacy.
- When you must conduct essential business, practice social distancing, which is staying at least six feet away from others, AND wear facial covering. To learn how to make your own facial covering, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue that you promptly throw in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces several times a day.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Get your information from reliable sources, such as:
- CDC, www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus
- NC Division of Health and Human Services, www.ncdhhs.gov, 1-866-462-3821 (NC Coronavirus Hotline)
- Hyde County Health Department, www.hydehealth.com, 252-926-4399
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