Full Notification

March 7, 2022

The McDowell County Health Department has been notified that 8 additional McDowell County residents have tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Friday, March 4^th.  Presently, there are 82 individuals in quarantine, 12,706 out of quarantine and 171 deaths. McDowell County’s 14-day positivity rate is 7.0%.  Foothills Health District has transitioned back to twice weekly press releases which are sent on Mondays and Fridays.  McDowell County’s COVID-19 data dashboard continues to be updated each day, Monday thru Friday, and can be viewed by clicking the following link: http://www.mcdowellem.com/covid-19-information.html
 
Since December 2020, the McDowell County Vaccine Center has been answering calls for citizens.  This was a joint effort between McDowell County Emergency Management and the McDowell County Health Department to ensure that all citizens had access to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments in an equitable manner.  At the present time, call volume into the Vaccine Center has declined significantly. The McDowell County Health Department has opened a phone line to continue providing public information regarding COVID-19 Vaccines, COVID-19 testing or exposure guidance.  Beginning Monday, February 28, 2022 the McDowell Vaccine Center Hotline will be closed.  For questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines or to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 Vaccine please call the McDowell County Health Department at 828-652-6811, extension 363.
 
COVID-19 Testing Information:
Upcoming testing locations and hours can be found by visiting:
http://www.mcdowellem.com/testing-and-vaccinations.html
 
COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
Upcoming vaccination locations and hours can be found by visiting:
http://www.mcdowellem.com/testing-and-vaccinations.html
 
The McDowell County Health Department has begun offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments Monday-Friday to offer more flexibility in scheduling for the public.  You can now receive your COVID-19 vaccine at the Health Department Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call the McDowell County Health Department at 828-652-6811 if you have questions or would like to set up an appointment to get your vaccine.  Homebound citizens who want the vaccine but are unable to reach a vaccination site are encouraged to contact the Health Department (828-652-6811 ext. 363) to have the vaccine delivered and administered at their home. 
 
McDowell County Vaccine Doses Administered

• First Doses: 25,080 (58% of residents ages 5 and older)                
• Second Doses: 23,618 (54% of residents ages 5 and older)
• Booster Doses: 9,839

 
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 26 staff members and 5 residents have tested positive.
• Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation: a total of 26 staff members and 48 residents have tested positive.
• Cedarbrook Residential: a total of 23 staff members and 22 residents have tested positive.
• Marion Correctional Institute:  a total of 41 staff members and 82 inmates have tested positive.
• McDowell Assisted Living:  a total of 9 staff members and 25 residents have tested positive.
• Lake James Lodge: a total of 7 staff members and 13 residents have tested positive.
• McDowell House:  a total of 3 staff members and 1 resident has tested positive.