The Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH) has also confirmed two COVID-19-related deaths of Durham County residents, for a total of twenty-three COVID-19-related deaths confirmed within the county to date. The residents were over 65 years old and had multiple underlying health conditions, putting them at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, according to the CDC.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of these residents. The Health Department will continue to report COVID-19 deaths in daily COVID-19 case update news releases and on our website and on our
data dashboard.
The Durham County Department of Public Health is responding to COVID-19 outbreaks at four Durham long-term care facilities and one crisis and assessment center. This includes three Durham long-term care facilities
previously identified, along with outbreaks at two additional facilities - Hillcrest Convalescent Center and Durham Recovery Response Center. As of now, the following COVID-19 case totals have been confirmed for all residents and staff at the facilities:
- 111 at Durham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- 49 at Treyburn Rehabilitation Center
- 5 at Durham Recovery Response Center
- 4 at Durham VA Healthcare System Community Nursing Home
- 2 at Hillcrest Convalescent Center
Durham County COVID-19 Response
DCoDPH is coordinating with the North Carolina Department of Health Human Services (NC DHHS) as NC DHHS leads the COVID-19 response efforts for the state. On March 14, 2020, Chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners Wendy Jacobs signed a
Declaration of State of Emergency in Durham County. The declaration was made following President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency and Governor Roy Cooper's Executive Order and the North Carolina State of Emergency issued in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
On April 3, Durham County and the City of Durham issued
a joint City-County Stay-At-Home Order to reduce confusion between the city and county Orders and offer clearer guidance to businesses and residents. The specific provisions of the combined and amended Order are detailed
here. The Order will remain in effect until May 15, 2020.
COVID-19 Mitigation Recommendations
DCoDPH and NCDHHS encourage everyone to take steps to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
- Practice social distancing; maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet away from others
- Individuals at high risk should stay home to the extent possible. High risk individuals include those over 65 years of age; or with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes; or weakened immune systems
More Information
NCDHHS & DCoDPH offer COVID-19 hotlines for general questions and information related to COVID-19. For the DCoDPH hotline, call 919-635-8150 8:30am - 5:00pm, 7 days a week. For the NCDHHS hotline, call 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162. This hotline is available 24/7. Text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive text updates from NC DHHS. These hotlines can not provide direct medical services.
DCoDPH also offers daily emails providing specific guidance for different audiences. Click below to subscribe to one or more email lists:
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For media inquiries, contact:
Alecia Smith
Communications and Public Relations Manager, Durham County Department of Public Health
dcodphcommunications@gmail.com