Total cases to date is 365; recovered 242; and deaths 5.  Much research must go into death counts, so this number may change in time.

COVID-19 continues to increase. Today’s numbers have risen significantly due to another outbreak in the Hyde Correctional Facility. This outbreak, coupled with the community spread peaks explain the high number of cases. As mentioned in yesterday’s press release, this will continue.

NC DHHS has released a timeline for vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals. Individuals 75 years of age and older, health care workers who were not included in phase 1a, plus frontline essential workers (defined below) will be the next wave of folks to get the vaccine, which is expected to start the week of January 4th based on vaccine availability. This group of folks is considered the Group 1b. Appointments must be made, and a press release and additional information will be posted throughout the community for procedures on how to get your vaccine. Frontline essential workers are:

• First responders (e.g., firefighters and police officers) 
• Corrections officers 
• Food and agricultural workers 
• U.S. Postal Service workers 
• Manufacturing workers 
• Grocery store workers 
• Public transit workers 
• Education and child care workers (teachers, support staff, day care)

Other individuals will get vaccinations following Group 1b., but stay tuned for specifics as they roll out. For 24/7 on-call services, dial 1-866-462-3821, the Coronavirus Hotline.  

Please note, Hyde County Health Department is closed on New Year’s Day!

Get your information from reliable sources, such as:

• CDC, www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus
• NC Division of Health and Human Services, www.ncdhhs.gov, 
• Hyde County Health Department, www.hydehealth.com, 252-926-4399

Practice the 3 Ws - Wear, Wait, Wash!!!