Health officials warned earlier this year COVID-19 cases would hit a new surge in the fall months. Bladen County Health and Human Service has reported a double digit rise in COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases since last week. Two Bladen County Schools have shut down due to the virus.
Today the local health officials reported 96 active cases in Bladen County.
Last Monday, the active COVID-19 cases totaled 70, which means a jump of 26 active cases today over last week. In the county, hospitalizations dropped from eight COVID-19 related hospitalizations last week to five coronavirus related hospitalizations reported today. Today’s COVID-19 report is featured above, and last Monday’s report is in the graph below.
Dr. Teresa (Terri) Duncan, Director of Health and Human Services, stressed the importance of wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing hands. On Saturday, Dr. Duncan explained how one positive COVID-19 case could be detrimental.
Both Dublin Primary School and East Arcadia Elementary Schools have both closed due to COVID-19 positive cases. According to officials, following COVID-19 safety guidelines is a must to stop the spread of the virus.
An emergency use vaccine for COVID-19 was to make its way to Bladen County in November. However, Dr. Duncan confirmed that it might be another month before the vaccine is submitted for emergency use approval. Therefore, the hopes are stalled for the emergency use vaccine for Bladen County at-risk population.
It is essential to remember to rely on trusted sources for information and always double-check facts. CNN Health published the graph below, showing Bladen County with 3,163 COVID-19 cases. The report is not accurate. Bladen County Health and Human Services, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, John Hopkins University (which is the university cited on the CNN Health graph) all have Bladen County COVID-19 cases at 1,042 as of October 19, 2020.
No matter what the numbers report, it is always important to practice safety measures. Flu season is also on the rise in Bladen County and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the first death related to the flu in the state last week.
“This is a sad reminder that flu can be a serious illness and can lead to complications and even death in some cases,” said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH. “With flu season starting during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for people to get a flu vaccine this year.”
Keeping a safe distance, washing your hands, and wearing a mask may help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the flu this season.
Bladen County Health Department has extended its hours of operations on Tuesdays and Thursdays through October. Tomorrow the department will be hosting a Flu Drive-Thru for flu vaccinations. This year’s entrance for the Flu Drive-Thru is off McLead Street, in the health department’s back parking lot. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, from 4 pm until 7 pm.
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