While no new deaths were reported this morning, the Columbus County Health Department reports positive COVID-19 cases are increasing.
Six of the 90 new cases reported since Monday come from congregate living facilities, Daniel Buck said in this morning’s report. Previously, nursing homes and the two prisons inflated the county’s numbers. Although inmates are not generally exposed to the general populace, state guidelines call for prison numbers to be included in county totals.
Recoveries as of Thursday morning total 2,259, Buck said. A total of 74 deaths have been reported here.
More than 38,000 tests have been administered in Columbus County alone.
Columbus remains in the state-designated “red” zone, meaning the county has a critical rate of spread of the novel coronavirus. Columbus was among the first ten counties to receive the designation when the state instituted the new system in November. Since that time more than half the counties in the state have been designated critical.
The Columbus County Health Department will be offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 rapid testing this Friday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. For appointments, call 910-640-6615 extension 7006 or 7007.
The continued growing spread likely does not include the anticipated “Thanksgiving Surge” that officials expect to become apparent this week. Gov. Roy Cooper warned in a briefing Tuesday that additional measures could go into effect if the state’s transmission rate doesn’t go down.
Cooper also placed the state under a “modified state at home” order Tuesday. The new order, which lasts into January, closes all businesses between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. On-premises alcohol sales will stop at 9 p.m. Residents are expected to be at home by 10 p.m., Cooper said.
Several groups are planning a protest in front of the Raleigh home of Mandy Cohen, N.C. Sec. of Health Human Services, Friday night beginning at 9:55 p.m.
A number of Columbus County business owners contacted after Cooper’s announcement Tuesday said they intend to defy the executive order.
The Columbus County Health Department is urging county residents to take the measures necessary to protect themselves, their families, and their community from COVID-19. If you leave home, practice your Ws: Wear, Wait, Wash. Wear a mask over your nose and mouth. Wait six feet apart and avoid close contact. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
