CAPE FEAR REGION —- In response to the potential spread of Covid-19 cases across the Cape Fear region, various hospitals and jails have canceled visitations and events.
As of early Monday afternoon, there has been only one confirmed case of Covid-19 in the greater Wilmington area, but on Friday New Hanover County Public Health Preparedness Coordinator Lisa Brown said it is not a matter of if we see cases of Covid-19 in the county, but a matter of when.
New information will be added when it becomes available.
Hospitals
New Hanover County Regional Medical Center
On Friday New Hanover County Regional said it is limiting its events and programs to limit the potential spread of Covid-19 cases in the area while protecting patients, staff, and providers.
The regional health care provider has canceled the following:
- All NHRMC events with 50 people or more;
- Tours of NHRMC facilities;
- On-site South East Area Health Education Center (SEAHEC) programs;
- And it is limiting gatherings involving high-risk patients to no more than 10.
“We want to create as safe an environment as possible for those who receive and deliver care,” NHRMC President and CEO John Gizdic said. “We encourage everyone in our community to take the threat of COVID-19 seriously and follow all recommended precautions to protect those who are most vulnerable.”
Dosher Memorial Hospital (Southport)
On Monday, Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport announced it is canceling scheduled events to comply with CDC guidelines and Governor Roy Cooper’s executive order, issued Friday, banning gatherings of more than 100 people.
The following events have been canceled at the hospital:
- April 2: “Operation Medicine Cabinet,” the hospital’s semi-annual drive-up prescription medication drop-off. The next drop off is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2020.
- April 4: “Spring into Health” 5K/1M color run has been cancelled. A reschedule date has not been announced at this time.
- April 17: The Dosher Memorial Hospital Foundation Annual Gala has been canceled.
“If you are experiencing fever, respiratory illness, or been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, call your healthcare provider for guidance,” according to the statement.
The hospital also urged to call ahead before visiting its Emergency Department, Urgent Care, or clinics, so that it can plan safety precautions to protect its patients and staff.
“Testing supplies are limited. You will be screened and evaluated before a test is administered,” according to the release.
The hospital also released a statement on March 12, expanding its visitation guidelines to as follows:
- Do not visit if you have a cough, sore throat, or fever.
- If you have been sick, do not visit until you are 49 hours symptom-free.
- Visitors will be limited to two adults at a time.
For questions about COVID-19, the hospital recommended the following state and Brunswick County resources:
- Brunswick County Public Health Call Line and Email Information (Available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.); call (910) 253-2339 or email: [email protected].
- NC Public Health Call Line (Open 24/7): (866) 462-3821
- See the NC DHHS FAQs on Coronavirus at ncdhhs.gov/frequently-asked-questions-about-covid-19.
County Jails
Brunswick County Detention Center
On Friday, the county announced the Brunswick County Detention Center (located at 70 Stamp Act Dr NE, Bolivia) is closed to the public.
“In an effort to minimize the risk of exposure and spread of the coronavirus, effective immediately, the Brunswick County Detention Center is closed to the public,” according to the release.
Anyone wishing to visit with an inmate can do so via webcam by going to www.videovisitanywhere.com. A webcam-capable computer and access to the internet is required.
New Hanover County Detention Facility
As of Monday, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office has not yet announced a public closure of its facilities, including the intake of “weekenders”, magistrate services, paying bonds, inmate visitation, and inmate classes and programs.
“We are aware of other facilities that are closing to the public, however, at this time, we are still open for normal business,” according to a post to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page on Saturday morning. “With that being said, if you are considered a “vulnerable class” or you are concerned about your current health situation, please be cautious and make an informed decision for yourself about your visit here.”
The Sheriff’s Office said it would update all of its social media pages as more information becomes available and if there are any changes.
Those with questions regarding the operations of the Sheriff’s Office and the New Hanover County Detention Facility are asked to contact the front desk at (910) 798-4200.
Pender County Jail
On Monday, Pender County Sheriff Alan Cutler announced the Pender County Jail (located at 104 N Walker St., Burgaw) is now closed to the public.
“To minimize the risk of exposure of the coronavirus and limit its spreading, Sheriff Alan Cutler has announced the Pender County Jail will be closed for inmate visitation effective immediately to the public. Anyone wishing to send money to an inmate can do so by visiting jailatm.com and add funds to an inmates account,” according to a release.
The Pender County Magistrate’s Office can still be accessed in the jail lobby, according to the release.
Those with questions are asked to call the Pender County Jail at (910) 259-1353.
