Full Notification

December 3, 2020

The McDowell County Health Department has been notified that 23 additional McDowell County residents have tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  

This brings the total number of positives to 1,903 in McDowell County. There have been 24,844 people tested, 22,444 negative results and 497 tests are pending results.  Presently, there are 265 individuals in quarantine, 1,598 out of quarantine and 40 deaths.

“Widespread community transmission of COVID-19 continues across McDowell County,” stated Public Health Director Karen Powell.  “The 14-day positivity rate for McDowell County is currently 13%. We encourage anyone who thinks they may have been exposed or is having COVID-19 symptoms to please come and get tested.  It is our first defense on stopping the spread of the virus.   Please stay vigilant and wear a mask when you are out in the community.” 

“Today is day 263 that McDowell’s Emergency Operation Center has been activated for COVID-19,” states Emergency Services Director William Kehler. “Our metrics are moving in the wrong direction.  Each person can take simple steps to help cut the rate of transmission within our community. By wearing a mask and practicing social distancing you are helping protect your family, friends, neighbors, and our local economy. We can rapidly cut the rate of transmission if we all work together to practice these simple steps.” 

Emergency Services and Public Health staff continue to work 7 days a week responding to this pandemic.  Both agencies continue to offer assistance and logistical support to facilities that are experiencing current outbreaks of COVID-19. Outbreaks are defined by DHHS as:  two or more cases of COVID-19 in a congregate living facility within 28 days.  The current outbreaks in McDowell County are:

• Rose Hill Retirement Community: a total of 4 staff positives and 1 resident have tested positive.  3 staff members have recovered.
• Autumn Care of Marion:  a total of 32 staff and 66 residents have tested positive.  A total of 60 residents and 30 staff members have recovered since testing positive for COVID-19.  A total of 6 residents have died due to COVID-19.
• Marion Correctional Institution: a total of 17 staff and 8 inmates have tested positive.  A total of 11 staff have recovered. 

The McDowell County COVID-19 Hotline continues to operate 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The COVID-19 Hotline number is (828) 527- 6687. The Spanish line can be reached by calling 828-460-1256.  The operator will ask a list of questions and will provide the caller with the appropriate instructions based upon the answers given.  If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and inform the dispatcher that you have symptoms of COVID-19. 

To view McDowell County’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard, please click the following link: http://www.mcdowellem.com/covid-19-information.html

Free COVID-19 testing will be conducted at the following locations via a drive-thru setup:

• McDowell County Health Dept; Friday, December 4th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• McDowell County Health Dept; Monday, December 7^th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• McDowell County Health Dept; Wednesday, December 9^th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.