The number of new COVID-19 cases in Lee County dropped significantly over the past week, with 107 new infections being reported by the Health Department.
The number comes after two consecutive weeks in which new cases numbered in the 160s; prior to that Lee County experienced multiple weeks throughout the winter with weekly numbers as high as 317. The total number of county residents who have tested positive is now 5,319; 67 have died.
Information about patients is not released in accordance with federal health privacy laws.
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.