Full Notification

February 26, 2021

The McDowell County Health Department has been notified that 8 additional McDowell County residents have tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
 
This brings the total number of positives to 4,678 in McDowell County. There have been 39,771 tests conducted, 34,922 negative results and 171 tests are pending results.  Presently, there are 109 individuals in quarantine, 4,494 out of quarantine and 75 deaths.  McDowell County’s 14-day positivity rate is 12.0%. 

“This pandemic continues to effect every community member in McDowell County.  Families, schools, businesses and many more have suffered and struggled to get through the last year.  McDowell County is strong and resilient and continues to show that every day.  I want to encourage you to please be vigilant and wear your mask, practice safe social distancing and good hand washing practices. We know that COVID-19 transmission is still out there and individuals continue to get sick. The vaccine is going out quickly and Spring is coming, but don’t let your guard down.  Public Health is watching the emerging variants of COVID-19 and will let you know if it enters our community.  Masks are essential in stopping the spread of any variants that we might see.  Please take care of yourself, your families and your communities.” stated Public Health Director Karen Powell. 
 
McDowell County Vaccine Doses Administered:

• First Doses: 6,919
• Second Doses: 3,385
• Total Doses administered:  10,304

 
Vaccine supplies continue to be low across the state.  Those 65 and older and healthcare workers can get their name on the waitlist by calling the Vaccine Hotline (English and Spanish) at (828) 803-4552, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by visiting www.mcdowellem.com, clicking on the red button and filling out the online form.  Those on the waitlist will receive a call when there’s a vaccine secured for them. 
 
Emergency Services and Public Health staff 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 COVID-19 outbreaks in McDowell County are:

• Marion Correctional Institution: a total of 69 staff and 110 inmates have tested positive. 
• McDowell County Detention Center: a total of 30 inmates and 5 staff have tested positive.  A total of 30 inmates and 5 staff members have recovered.
• Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation: a total of 10 staff members and 2 residents have tested positive.
• Rose Hill Retirement Community: a total of 14 staff members and 36 residents have tested positive. A total of 8 residents have died due to COVID-19.
• McDowell House:  a total of 4 staff members have tested positive. 

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.  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; Monday, March 1^st from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• McDowell County Health Dept; Wednesday, March 3^rd from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.