Full Notification

March 18, 2022
The McDowell County Health Department has been notified that 20 additional McDowell County residents have tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Friday, March 11^th.  Presently, there are 44 individuals in quarantine, 12,793 out of quarantine and 173 deaths. McDowell County’s 14-day positivity rate is 3.0%. 
 
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 March of 2020, Foothills Health District along with McDowell County Emergency Services has remained committed to keeping the public informed with accurate and relevant data concerning COVID-19 in McDowell County.  Due to recent decreases in new COVID-19 cases and continued favorable trends, the final Foothills Health District COVID-19 press release will be sent on Friday, March 25^th.  For continued updated and relevant McDowell County COVID-19 information, citizens are encouraged to visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov.  The McDowell County COVID-19 Data Dashboard will also discontinue updating after March 25^th and will no longer be accessible after March 28^th. 
We would like thank the public for their vigilance, compassion and resiliency demonstrated over the last 2 years. 
 
 
COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
The McDowell County Health Department is 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: 25,093 (58% of residents ages 5 and older)                
• Second Doses: 23,665 (54% of residents ages 5 and older)
• Booster Doses: 9,974

 
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.
• Marion Correctional Institute:  a total of 41 staff members and 82 inmates have tested positive.
• Lake James Lodge: a total of 7 staff members and 13 residents have tested positive.