Update 2:30 p.m. — In a joint release from New Hanover County and the Wilmington International Airport, officials addressed new information released by Brunswick County that the region’s first Covid-19 case involved a person who flew into ILM while showing symptoms of the disease.
Related: You have flu-like symptoms. What should you do to get tested? [Free read]
The person, who according to Brunswick County was returning from Louisiana, flew into the airport on Tuesday, March 10. According to Brunswick County, the individual went ‘directly home’ in their own vehicle and did not stop at any locations in New Hanover County. The person was symptomatic at the time of the flight but did not receive a positive test until Friday (the test is still awaiting CDC confirmation, but it ‘presumptively’ positive).
State and county agencies are working to contact anyone who may have come “within six feet of the traveler on the plane;” those who may have been exposed may be asked to self-quarantine, according to the release.
The release in full is below, as well as the original notification from Brunswick County:
New Hanover County Public Health and ILM Airport received notification from Brunswick County Public Health regarding a Brunswick County resident who flew into ILM on Tuesday, March 10 and has since tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. According to Brunswick County Public Health, the resident was symptomatic during travel and is now self-isolated. To protect the confidentiality of the individual, specific flight information and times cannot be shared at this time.
New Hanover County Public Health has been advised that the traveler left the airport and went directly home in their personal vehicle, not visiting any locations in New Hanover County. Local public health staff, in coordination with information from North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, will notify anyone in our community who was within six feet of the traveler on a plane, and those notifications should be made in the coming days. Travelers who are contacted may be asked to self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms.
All residents are encouraged to follow the county’s community guidance for proactive prevention measures, continue to remain informed through trusted sources, and focus on facts – not fear. Preparing, practicing social distancing, and remaining calm are the best things our community can do.
For more than a week, ILM has been cleaning all of their major touchpoints on a schedule frequency of two to three times per day utilizing a disinfectant, in addition to general cleaning protocols. Additional information about ILM’s operations and COVID-19 response can be viewed here.
Travelers, and all residents, are asked to continue to follow the guidance of personal protective measures and if you experience fever or any potential COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or New Hanover County Public Health at 910-798-3500. Before visiting your doctor, urgent care or walk-in clinic, call ahead so they can plan safety precautions during your visit. As a reminder to the public, the flu is still active in our community so these measures should be followed for all potential viruses, year round.”
BRUNSWICK COUNTY — In a late evening statement, the county announced it had received information identifying a positive test for the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes Covid-19. Officials described the case, the first in the Cape Fear region, as an isolated incident.
According to officials, the “individual is in self-isolation at home and is doing well.”
County officials said they are monitoring the situation and working to identify any ‘close contacts’ with the person to help contain the spread of Covid-19; the county said it was also working with the state.
“We are in communication with the individual and the NC Department of Health and Human Services to follow the next steps in our response plan for this kind of situation,” Health and Human Services Director David Stanley said. “All our efforts are being made with the utmost concern and care for the health and well-being of both this individual and the general public.”
The county said it would release only limited information about the patient to protect their privacy.
“The individual traveled to Louisiana, where they became symptomatic while there. This individual was still symptomatic on their return to Brunswick County and contacted a medical care provider to determine if a test should be taken. The individual agreed to self-isolation after taking the test and has remained at home since that time. There is one adult contact in the home who has been self-quarantining with the individual and neither has direct contact with children,” according to the county.
Stanley joined other local officials by urging residents to remain calm and follow health guidelines passed down from federal, state, and county agencies:
- 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 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Stay home when you are sick.
Residents with general questions are encouraged to call the state hotline, operated by the Division of Public Health, at 1-866-462-3821. Nurses and pharmacists are available to answer questions, and the hotline is open 24/7.
Brunswick County also has a Public Health Call Line and email dedicated to coronavirus questions. At this time, the call line is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Questions submitted over the weekend will be handled by the next business day.
Brunswick County Public Health Call Line and Email Information
- Phone: 1.910.253.2339
- Email: coronavirus@brunswickcountync.gov
Residents can find information and receive updates from the County as they are issued a number of ways:
- Brunswick County website: https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/news/
- Sign up for email updates on emergency situation news releases: https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/info/email/
- Social media: https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/info/social/
- Emergency alert notifications (phone calls, text, and/or emails): https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/7BC24EDE14D3
More information is also available on the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus, the NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus and on the County’s website at https://brunswickcountync.gov/coronavirus.
