Lee County government announced on Monday that 63 new COVID cases were confirmed since Thursday, bringing the total number of residents who have tested positive to 2,054, and also that a 20th resident has died as a result of complications from the virus.
The county doesn’t disclose identifying information about COVID patients in order to protect health privacy.
“Today’s announcement marks the fourth COVID-19 death reported in Lee County this past week,” said Lee County Health Director Heath Cain. “This is a difficult time for the family and friends of the individual and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We also ask the community to do their part to help slow and prevent the spread of coronavirus in Lee County by following the guidance and recommendations of health care professionals. While there is no guaranteed method to stop the virus, our behaviors and actions have the ability to significantly improve our chances.”
While the number of active cases remained high – 222 on Monday – it did see a significant decrease from the 292 reported on Thursday. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services COVID dashboard, Lee County’s rolling seven day average for new cases is 15.29 (down from 16.71 on Thursday), and the percent positive rate is 7.4 (up from seven percent on Thursday).
According to the county’s press release, dashboard data also shows that individuals ages 25 to 49 account for the largest percent of county cases at 42 percent; and while those over age 50 account for 33 percent of all county cases, they make up 95 percent of the reported COVID-19 deaths in Lee County. Additionally, county cases are fairly evenly distributed between men and women at 47 percent and 53 percent respectively; however, men represent 58 percent of deaths with women at 42 percent.
The Health Department will hold community testing events at 106 Hillcrest Drive every Tuesday through November from 9 to 11 a.m. by appointment only. To make an appointment, please call (984) 368-2112 Monday through Friday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.