For the second week in a row, new COVID-19 infections in Lee County number in the 160s.
The Lee County Health Department on Monday reported 162 new cases over the past week, bringing the total number of residents who have tested positive to 5,212. There have been 66 COVID deaths in Lee County.
A second consecutive week with numbers in the 160s offers an indication that new case growth is slowing significantly as more residents are vaccinated. Prior to Feb. 8, when the county’s last report was released, there were multiple weeks in a row where new cases numbered between 250 and 400.
The Health Department continues to register individuals for the COVID-19 vaccine eligible under Groups 1 and 2 of the NCDHHS vaccine rollout plan. This includes healthcare workers that have direct contact with patients, staff and residents of long-term care facilities, and adults aged 65 and older. The department is also registering K-12 educators and childcare workers who are eligible to receive the vaccine beginning February 24. All others in Group 3 (frontline essential workers) must wait until March 10 to register. Individuals not eligible under these criteria will not be registered for the vaccine at this time. For a complete description of the state’s rollout plan including a description of the rollout phases and eligibility, please visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines.
The Health Department has opened a temporary call center for vaccine registrations in Lee County. Individuals currently eligible to register may call (919) 352-3360 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Due to high call volume, individuals may need to call more than once to reach department staff. To register and speak with a staff member in Spanish, please call (919) 718-4640 and select option 8. Eligible individuals may also choose to complete a pre-registration form online at leecountync.gov/covid19; Health Department staff will contact those that pre-register within five to seven business days to complete the registration process and provide information for the next available vaccine clinic.
The county will hold a second dose COVID-19 drive-thru vaccination clinic at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center in Sanford on Tuesday, February 16. All scheduled participants for this clinic received an automated phone call reminder to confirm participation and assigned time for arrival. Those attending are asked to remember their vaccine record card.