Onslow EMS, Sheriff's Office short-staffed due to virus, requiring reinforcements

Daily News - 8/3/2021

Aug. 3—Onslow County Emergency Medical Services has been hit with a string of positive COVID-19 cases, leading county officials to reach out to the state in order to staff the gaps created.

Monday afternoon, officials announced 10 people are out at Onslow EMS as a result of COVID-19, and staffing demands have reached a critical level.

A request was made following the news to North Carolina Emergency Management to bring in members from the "State Ambulance Strike Force" to keep EMS responding in a timely manner.

EMS Director Norman Bryson shared his concerns with officials saying staffing challenges could have a significant impact on answering emergency calls.

The Onslow Sheriff's Office is also impacted by persons unable to work as a result of COVID-19.

State officials are processing the emergency request for assistance from Onslow County at this time.

Confined Covid: Onslow County jail currently experiencing outbreak of coronavirus

In January, the OCSO announced the jail facility had an outbreak of 12 detention officers and one inmate.

Statistical Information

Onslow has observed five more deaths due to the virus, and 499 new cases since Monday, July 26.

The county's percent of test positives has also increased to 12%, while the state's has increased to 9.5%.

The total number of cases reported in Onslow is now at 19,210 with 18,417 marked as cleared. The count of those who have been lost to COVID-19 is now at 162.

Reporter Trevor Dunnell can be reached by email at tdunnell@jdnews.com. Please consider supporting local journalism by signing up for a digital subscription for as little as $1 a month. JDNews.com.subscribenow

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