Swain sees its highest number of cases since January
Despite more than a third of the adult population of Swain County being fully vaccinated, the number of people testing positive for the respiratory virus continues to increase with the highly contagious Delta variant. This week, the county reported 120 active cases over a 14-day period on the state dashboard, numbers as such haven’t been seen in the county since the surge back in January that was linked to social gatherings during the holiday season before vaccines were widely available.
Just yesterday, Swain County Health Department reported on its Facebook page transmission is high, continues increasing and that there were 89 active cases that day. On Jan. 26, the county had 167 active cases over a 14-day period.
Statewide, 4,623 new cases were reported on Tuesday with the percent positive rate at 14.7%. There are currently 3,342 patients in the hospital with the virus. Vaccinations have increased somewhat recently with 59% of the adult population in the state being fully vaccinated and 64% being at least partially vaccinated, according to the state dashboard at covid19.ncdhhs.gov.
The Delta variant is nearly three times as contagious as previous strains of COVID-19. The original strain, on average, would lead to one person who test positive spreading the virus to two additional people. The Delta strain, is more effective at spreading, with one person more likely to spread the virus to five people.
The CDC and local health department encourage people to be vaccinated as the best protection against contracting and spreading the virus.
Those who test positive for the virus are strongly urged to quarantine, which can end by meeting the following: 14 days of quarantining, 10 days and no symptoms, 7 days and no symptoms and a diagnostic test with a negative result.
Even those who have been vaccinated are strongly encouraged to be tested if they show symptoms of the virus.
The CDC still urges the public to wear masks indoors in areas of high transmission as a precaution, both those who are vaccinated and unvaccinated.
Most people who contract COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Breakthrough infections, although uncommon, can still happen. However, the risk of developing severe symptoms is far less likely among those who are vaccinated, according to the CDC. In a recent clinical trial, both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were rated as 96% effective in preventing hospitalization and J&J vaccine was 85% in preventing hospitalization among those age 65 and older.
Following a recent federal decision to allow booster shots, the Swain County Health Department is now able to schedule appointments for booster shots for those who are immunocompromised and meet requirements. To schedule, call 488-3198.
Beginning as early as September, the CDC has authorized people who have been fully vaccinated to begin receiving a booster shot 8 months after their second shot.
The latest news is the Food and Drug Administration fully approved the Pfizer vaccine on Monday for people aged 16 and older. It’s also available for those 12-15 years old with the emergency use authorization.
Tests and vaccines are available through your primary care health providers, as well as at local pharmacies, as well as at the local health department. To schedule an appointment or for questions, contact Swain County Health Department at 488-3198.
Cherokee Tsalagi Public Health will be hosting a Covid-19 pop-up vaccine clinic for Pfizer vaccines for 12 and up tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 27) from 12:30-4 p.m. at the Cherokee Fair Grounds.
Cherokee Central Schools closed campuses on Friday, Aug. 20 due to the rise of community Covid cases and the number of children in quarantine. The district returned for on campus learning Monday but with a remote learning option.
Swain County Schools are continuing in person learning five days a week at this time.
On Monday, the NC Department of Health and Human Services launched a new site dedicated to providing information for teens regarding COVID-19, TeenVax.com.
Information on where to get a vaccine or for questions, you can also visit myspot.nc.gov or call the NC vaccine help center at 888-675-4567.