Full Notification

December 30, 2021
The McDowell County Health Department has been notified that 24 additional McDowell County residents have tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Presently, there are 215 individuals in quarantine, 9,018 out of quarantine and 147 deaths. McDowell County’s 14-day positivity rate is 8.7%. 
 
“We are continuing to diligently monitor the health of Rutherford and McDowell counties.  The rise in positive cases just over the past few days is extremely concerning.  We knew with back-to-back holidays and the new Omicron variant that our positive cases would increase and, unfortunately, our expectations were exceeded.  I encourage everyone to be diligent with mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing.  In addition, it is more critical than ever that you get your COVID-19 vaccine or booster. While we know that vaccinated persons can still get COVID-19, the vaccine prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death.   Please do it for yourself and those you love.” stated Karen Powell, Public Health Director.
 
Due to recent increases in positive cases, Foothills Health District press releases have transitioned back to daily, Monday-Friday.  Additional information can be found on McDowell County’s COVID-19 data dashboard and can be viewed by clicking the following link: http://www.mcdowellem.com/covid-19-information.html
 
COVID-19 Testing Information:
Upcoming testing locations and hours can be found by visiting http://www.mcdowellem.com/testing-and-vaccinations.html
 
McDowell County COVID-19 Testing Providers

• Andor Labs: 1155 N. Main St Marion, NC (on the left side of the Lady Marian Plaza)
• CVS Pharmacy: (828)652-4343, 555 N. Main St, Marion, NC
• Prescription Pad of Marion: (828)652-4343, 1211 N. Main St, Marion, NC
• McDowell Medical Associates: (828)652-8727, 2293 Sugar Hill Rd, Marion, NC
• Mission My Care Now: (828)652-1400, 430 Rankin Dr, Marion, NC
• Lake James Urgent Care: (828)707-7272

 
COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
Upcoming vaccination locations and hours can be found by visiting http://www.mcdowellem.com/testing-and-vaccinations.html
 
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. 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. 
 
McDowell County COVID-19 Vaccination Providers

• CVS Pharmacy: (828)652-4343, 555 N. Main St, Marion, NC
• Prescription Pad of Marion: (828)652-4343, 1211 N. Main St, Marion, NC
• Ingles Pharmacy: (828)652-7105, 625 W. Henderson St, Marion, NC
• Walmart Pharmacy: (828-652-1498, 2875 Sugar Hill Rd, Marion, NC 
• McDowell County Health Department: (828)803-4552

 
 
Upcoming Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

• Friday, January 7^th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the McDowell County Health Department.  To make an appointment, call the Vaccine Call Center at 828-803-4552.

 
McDowell County Vaccine Doses Administered

• First Doses: 24,564 (57% of residents ages 5 and older)                
• Second Doses: 22,982 (53% of residents ages 5 and older)

 
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:
Outbreaks

• Autumn Care of Marion:  a total of 3 staff members and 1 resident has tested positive.
• Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation: a total of 2 staff members have tested positive.
• Cedarbrook Residential: a total of 3 staff members have tested positive.