'We are still in a race against time with this virus'

Lenoir County has low community spread per the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services County Alert System map.

“I think the vaccines have significantly contributed to the decline in the number of cases we are seeing in the population and in congregate living facilities,” said Pamela Brown, Director of Lenoir County Health Department.

The decline in COVID cases, as well as COVID-related deaths, can be attributed to the increase in vaccines, masks, and social distancing.

“A lot of this can be attributed to our community’s actions to fight against COVID-19,” said Beverly Jenkins, UNC Lenoir Health Care’s Director of Marketing and Medical Staff Development.

As of data from April 23, 2021, Lenoir County has experienced 119 deaths related to COVID.

“Of course, the other measures contribute to this decline as well, such as mask-wearing and distancing. I am so proud of these efforts by our community members!” Brown said.

In the last 14 days, there were 96 new Lenoir County COVID cases, or up 24.7% since the previous Wednesday.

“We continue to report them to the appropriate health department based on the patient’s address of record,” said Jenkins.

Approximately 28% of the county’s residents are at least partially vaccinated with 23.5% of the county’s residents fully vaccinated.

“Following the 3W’s and getting vaccinated are making an impact,” said Jenkins. “Unfortunately, we aren’t done yet; we have seen a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations.”

Children under 16 cannot receive the vaccine. Having the adults in their lives vaccinated will help protect them until a vaccine is approved for their ages.

“I am anxious to get enough Lenoir County residents vaccinated so that we create herd immunity before a variant gets a foothold in the community,” said Brown. “We are still in a race against time with this virus.”