Full Notification

September 13, 2021

The McDowell County Health Department has been notified that 139 additional McDowell County residents have tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  We are saddened to report 2 additional deaths.  This brings the total number of positives to 7,458 in McDowell County. There have been 56,261 tests conducted, 48,572 negative results and 231 tests are pending results.  Presently, there are 544 individuals in quarantine, 6,817 out of quarantine and 97 deaths.  McDowell County’s 14-day positivity rate is 28.4%.  McDowell County’s COVID-19 data dashboard is updated daily (Monday-Friday) and can be found by visiting www.mcdowellem.com or by clicking the following link: http://www.mcdowellem.com/covid-19-information.html. 

"Local and regional healthcare resources continue to be strained," states Emergency Services Director William Kehler.  "The workload being placed on healthcare providers is unprecedented.  Sadly, hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 continue to increase. Strained healthcare resources affect everyone that needs medical attention.  Please get vaccinated, wear a mask in public, and practice the 3W's to help decrease the rate of COVID-19 transmission within our community.  These actions can not only save your life but the lives of others, including your family and friends."

COVID-19 Outbreak and Cluster Information:
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. Clusters are defined by DHHS as: a minimum of five confirmed diagnostic cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases. The current outbreaks and clusters in McDowell County are:
Outbreaks

• Autumn Care of Marion:  a total of 6 staff members and 10 residents have tested positive.
• Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation: a total of 8 staff members and 3 residents have tested positive.
• McDowell Assisted Living: a total of 4 staff members and 20 residents have tested positive.
• McDowell County Detention Center: a total of 3 staff members and 16 inmates have tested positive. 2 staff members and 16 inmates have recovered from COVID-19.
• Cedarbrook Residential Center:  a total of 5 staff members have tested positive.

Clusters

• Old Fort Elementary School: a total of 9 students and 2 staff
• McDowell High School Cluster 1: a total of 11 students
• McDowell High School Cluster 2: a total of 6 students
• West McDowell Middle School: a total of 5 students

COVID-19 Testing Information:

• Andor Laboratories is offering FREE COVID-19 testing each weekday, Monday-Friday, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the old Bank of America building located at 120 N. Main St. in Marion.   
• Other COVID-19 testing locations include: primary care physician offices, local urgent care clinics, The Prescription Pad of Marion, and CVS pharmacy.

 
COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
The COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center (828-803-4552) is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day, 7 days a week.  Please call the hotline if you have questions or would like to set up an appointment to get your vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is free and there are multiple vaccine locations around our county to choose from including: McDowell County Health Department, Ingles, Wal-Mart, CVS, Atrium Health Physician Practices, The Prescription Pad of Marion and McDowell Family Pharmacy in Old Fort.  First dose vaccine appointments can also be booked online by visiting http://www.myspot.nc.gov.  Homebound citizens who want the vaccine but are unable to reach a vaccination site are encouraged to contact the Vaccine Call Center (828-803-4552) to have the vaccine delivered and administered at their home. 
 
Upcoming Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

• Wednesday, September 15^th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the McDowell County Health Department.
• Friday, September 17^th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the McDowell County Health Department.
• 3^rd Dose Clinic for Immunocompromised Individuals:  call 828-803-4552 to make an appointment

 
McDowell County Vaccine Doses Administered

• First Doses: 21,782 (48%)    
• Second Doses: 19,268 (42%)