The wait is over in Swain County for those who were at the bottom of the list to schedule an appointment to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. All adults 18 and over can now call the Swain County Health Department to schedule an appointment for the two-dose Moderna vaccine. This includes those in Group 5, or everyone who wants a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination.
Swain County Health Department has been the main distributing source for vaccinations among county residents. The department has been receiving 200 first-doses each week, according to Director Alison Cochran.
As of Monday morning, she reported the department has put 3,284 first-doses of the vaccine in arms and 2,041 second doses.
Appointments are now available for anyone who needs the vaccine, 18 and older.
The wait time is about one-two weeks to schedule the first appointment. Call 828-488-3198, ext. 1 to make an appointment.
On the Qualla Boundary, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Mass Vaccination Team hosted a walk-in vaccine clinic on Tuesday at the Cherokee Hospital that was open to enrolled members as well as those who live work or interact with the community.
Following a slow in active cases, the numbers indicated a slight increase on Tuesday, March 30 with the daily percent positive increasing to 6.2% statewide- up from around 5% and 1,370 new reported cases. There were 924 hospitalized for the virus in North Carolina on Tuesday and a total of 12,087 people have lost their lives in the state since the pandemic began in March 2020.
The number of active cases in Swain County tipped up slightly compared to the previous week, with 21 active cases over the last 14 days, according to the state dashboard at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard.
Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 204 that relaxes COVID-19 statewide restrictions and is effective through April 30. Bars and restaurants can now sell alcohol beyond the 11 p.m. curfew and group limits increased for up to 50 people inside and 100 outside.
Capacity for businesses increased as well, up to 100 percent for museums, retail and salons; 75% for restaurants, breweries, gyms and parks; and 50% for bars, sports arenas and live performance venues.
The state also recently began reporting the total percent of the population who has been able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with more than 35% having at least had a first dose and 22% being considered fully vaccinated.
Health officials attribute widespread vaccination as among the top reasons for the decline of active cases of COVID-19 in the United States as well as a drop in deaths. The pandemic has been slowing in recent weeks, allowing for relaxation of some of the statewide restrictions that were in place.
Although the vaccine is available to more people, there has been some challenge in getting public buy-in for the free vaccines. Public distrust of such government efforts have their history, particularly for marginalized populations.
State officials reported last week that vaccine hesitancy and resistance is a challenge not just in communities of color but also in rural areas. On the local front, Cochran expressed that confidence will grow as more people are vaccinated.
“As more people receive the vaccine, word spreads, and other community members feel comfortable in receiving it,” she said by email. “SCHD posts regular updates on our Facebook page to inform and educate the public regarding accurate vaccine information.”
Although vaccinations have increased, health officials still urge caution to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Practicing the 3 Ws and getting vaccinated are the best tools we have to get us closer to normalcy,” Cochran said.
The statewide mask mandate is still in effect, requiring face coverings over your nose and mouth while in public places. People are also encouraged to wait six feet apart and wash their hands frequently or use hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of disease.