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The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is still a clear and present danger to Tyrrell County.

Eight cases have been confirmed since the disease broke into its full fury in March.

On Sunday the state Department of Health and Human Resources reported that more than 60,000 cases have been confirmed among North Carolina’s 10.4 million inhabitants, an increase of 1,719 cases over the total recorded the previous Friday, June 26.

Hyde County Health Department reported Sunday morning two more laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 there, bringing the total to 11.

“Covid-19 is with us to stay,” stated Hyde Health Director Luana Gibbs. “The best thing we can do as a society, is put aside our political views and be neighborly to one another by doing our share to protect one another. It may save a life, or keep someone from hospitalization.”

Is Tyrrell different from other low-population counties in the Tar Heel State? Here’s a summary.

Tyrrell, with the fewest inhabitants of North Carolina’s 100 couties, an estimated 4,131, reported 8 cases and no deaths from COVID-19. The ratio of coronavirus cases to number of inhabitants is 1:516.

Hyde, 99th in population at 5,230, reported 11 cases and no deaths, with a ratio of 1:475.

Graham in the far west, number 98 in population with 8,484 inhabitants, reported 9 cases and no deaths; a ratio of 1:942.

Jones County has 9,637 inhabitants (97th in rank), reported 32 cases and three deaths; ratio of 1:301.

And Camdan, No. 96, with 10,716 inhabitants, reported 23 cases and no deaths; ratio of 1:465.