Full Notification

July 28, 2021

The McDowell County Health Department has been notified that 10 additional McDowell County residents have tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This brings the total number of positives to 5,338 in McDowell County. There have been 47,584 tests conducted, 42,220 negative results and 26 tests are pending results.  Presently, there are 105 individuals in quarantine, 5,155 out of quarantine and 78 deaths.  McDowell County’s 14-day positivity rate is 25.0%.  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.  Due to dramatic increases in COVID-19 infections across McDowell County, press releases have been transitioned back to Monday-Friday. 
McDowell County continues to see widespread community transmission of COVID-19.   The vast majority of these cases are in people who are not fully vaccinated.    Unvaccinated people are very vulnerable to the more contagious and dangerous Delta variant of COVID-19 that is spreading across North Carolina.  If you are not vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to get your vaccine as soon as possible.  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 and McDowell Family Pharmacy in Old Fort.  First dose vaccine appointments can be booked online by visiting http://www.myspot.nc.gov or by calling the Vaccine Call Center at 828-803-4552.  The next Public Health COVID-19 vaccination clinic is to be held Wednesday, July 28^th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the McDowell County Health Department.  This clinic is open for anyone 12 years old and older.   Walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is needed.   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) for further assistance.  In partnership with the Community Paramedic Program, homebound citizens can have the vaccine delivered and administered at their home. 
 
 
Citizens in need of a COVID-19 test are encouraged to call their primary care physician or CVS pharmacy for testing.  If you are uninsured or cannot afford a COVID-19 test, you can call the McDowell County Health Department at 828-652-6811 to schedule a test.  Homebound citizens who are experiencing symptoms and need a COVID-19 test can call
 
McDowell County Vaccine Doses Administered:

• First Doses: 18,611 
• Second Doses: 17,505
• Total Doses administered: 36,116