Hannah Styles
hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Swain County Statistics (as of Tuesday, October 5)
Total Positive Cases: 1,875
Total Deaths: 22
Percent of eligible population fully vaccinated: 48%
Percent of eligible population vaccinated with at least one does: 55%
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ website, there have been 52 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Swain County in the last seven days (Sept. 28-Oct. 5), showing some decline compared to 87 the previous week (Sept. 21-28). This seems to be the trend across the state with Buncombe County decreasing by 173 cases last week from the week prior, Wake County decreasing 219 cases, and Brunswick County decreasing by 235 cases. On another positive note, there have been no additional deaths due to COVID-19 in the past 14 days in Swain County.
Swain County Health Department Director Alison Cochran said that Swain County averages 100 active cases.
“Statewide cases have started to decline but we have not seen that yet,” Cochran said.
A Pfizer BioNtech booster shot has been approved nationwide and if it has been at least 6 months since your second Pfizer shot, you are 65 or older, immunocompromised, or especially at risk. Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional about whether you are eligible and should receive the booster. The Pfizer shot is not yet available at the Swain County Health Department but a third shot of Moderna is available for those who are high risk.
New free testing site
The Swain County Health Department has opened a new free testing site for anyone who would like to get tested for COVID-19.
“Last Friday, we had approximately 30 people visit the COVID testing site,” Cochran said.
The site is open on Tuesdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m -6 p.m. and is located at Swain County Recreation Center (old Pepsi building), 240 West Deep Creek Road in Bryson City. While Walk-ins are accepted it is recommended that you register and schedule an appointment at lhi.care/covidtesting or call (877) 562-4850 to cut down on wait times.