Full Notification

November 15, 2021

The McDowell County Health Department has been notified that 15 additional McDowell County residents have tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Friday.  We are saddened to report 1 additional death.  This brings the total number of positives to 8,802 in McDowell County. There have been 67,909 tests conducted, 59,033 negative results and 74 tests are pending results.  Presently, there are 56 individuals in quarantine, 8,604 out of quarantine and 142 deaths.  McDowell County’s 14-day positivity rate is 3.6%. 
 
Foothills Health District press releases have transitioned to twice weekly, Mondays and Fridays.  McDowell County’s COVID-19 data dashboard continues to be updated each day (Monday-Friday) and can be found by clicking the following link: http://www.mcdowellem.com/covid-19-information.html
 
COVID-19 Testing Information:

• Andor Labs is offering free, drive-thru, COVID-19 testing Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Lady Marian Plaza at 1155 North 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.  Vaccine appointments can also be booked online by visiting https://takemyshot.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. 
 
Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Information

• McDowell County Health Department will offer a drive-thru vaccine clinic for ages 5 and up this Friday, November 19^th from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.  This clinic is open for first, second, third doses(immunocompromised) and booster vaccinations.  Appointments are not necessary but are preferred and can be made by calling the Vaccine Call Center at 828-803-4552. 

 
McDowell County Vaccine Doses Administered

• First Doses: 23,913 (60% of eligible residents)                
• Second Doses: 22,318 (56% of eligible residents)

 
COVID-19 Outbreak 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. The current outbreaks in McDowell County are:

• McDowell County Detention Center: a total of 3 staff members and 22 inmates have tested positive. 3 staff members and 22 inmates have recovered from COVID-19.