Macon County Public Health reported two additional deaths related to COVID-19 on Monday and Tuesday respectively.
According to MCPH records, the COVID-19 death toll stands at 26 in Macon County. The information provided by the health department did not state the ages of the patients who died or if they had any underlying health conditions.
“We continue to see additional deaths following the holiday season,” MCPH Director Kathy McGaha said. “We are thinking about these individuals’ friends and family, and hope for their comfort as they mourn their loss. It is essential that people continue to practice the 3Ws – wash our hands, wait six feet apart, and wear a mask.”
The news of additional deaths came on the same day that Macon County saw its biggest decline in active positive cases since before the Thanksgiving holiday. According to MCPH statistics, there were 292 active positive cases as of Tuesday. That number is down from more than 520 one week prior.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been 2,828 confirmed cases in Macon County. Of those, 2,510 are labeled as recovered and 26 have died. Statewide there have been 802,065 confirmed cases and 10,046 deaths. Nationally there have been more than 27 million confirmed cases.
Vaccinations continue to roll out in Macon County with 2,956 doses of COVID-19 vaccine dispersed as of Tuesday. MCPH reported that there are 300 doses of vaccine in stock at the health department.
“Macon County has begun to vaccinate the community against COVID-19 to prevent future infections and death,” McGaha said. “However, we still have a limited supply which has been outpaced by demand.”
In order to get on the vaccination list, a person has to register via Macon County Public Health. There are three registration options – either online via the county website at maconnc.org, by phone at 828-349-2517 or by phone at 828-524-1500. Call centers are being staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Once registered, the person’s information is put into the North Carolina COVID-19 Vaccination Management System. An appointment is scheduled once the person’s vaccination group is determined. North Carolina is currently in “Group 2” of the vaccination process, which covers anyone age 65 and older.