Bladen County Nurse Jackie Dennis photoed administering the COVID-19 Vaccine to Bladen County Nurse Amber Scholar.
This Christmas season health officials are concerned with the rise in COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases. According to health officials, the flu season started in October, but COVID-19 continues to be a greater cause for concern.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services there has been one flu related death in North Carolina since the season began.
Dr. Teresa (Terri) Duncan reported, ”There have been more COVID-19 related deaths in the past 10 months than with flu related deaths over the past 10 years. I’m really concerned.”
The NCDHHS announced Bladen County as a critical county this week.
Dr. Duncan said, ”We now have more cases than Columbus County, and we have always been behind them in numbers until now. People who know that they have been exposed need to quarantine.”
She added, ”Wearing that mask is so important when your around people that are not living with you… Inside and outside.”
So far this week the COVID-19 related deaths in Bladen County has increased by two making the death total 24 with six currently hospitalized due to the illness. In North Carolina the death count totals 6,360 according to official reports.
The Bladen County Health Department has offered drive through COVID-19 testing. We will be testing again Tuesday through Thursday next week and we extended the testing through January.
On Tuesday there were 117 tests administered.
Dr. Duncan also said the health department staff has been vaccinated along with EMS, morticians, and other health care staff members.
Next week vaccines are expected to be administered in nursing homes and adult care homes.
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