Update (5:19 p.m.): This week’s total numbers have been added to this story. 


The Lee County Health Department reported its 11th death from COVID-19 related complications today — the second in the last four days and the third in the past two weeks.

The county also confirmed 132 new cases since last Monday — bringing the total of confirmed positive tests since the start of the outbreak to 1,210 residents.

At this time, 930 of those individuals have recovered from the virus and have resumed normal activities. The department continues to monitor 269 individuals — more than double the active cases it was dealing with back on July 21 (128).

“We are saddened to report another COVID-19 related death in Lee County,” Health Director Heath Cain said. “Please keep the individual and their family in your thoughts and prayers.  And remember that COVID-19 remains widespread in our community and the public is encouraged to follow recommended guidelines to prevent the further spread of the virus.”

Due to the threat of inclement weather, the county has canceled the COVID-19 drive-thru community testing event scheduled for Tuesday at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center in Sanford. Additional community testing will be scheduled in August; more details will be forthcoming as events are finalized.

Lee County continues to provide a COVID-19 Information Hotline at (919) 352-3360; the hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.