COVID Cases/Vaccine Update
COVID-19 vaccinations are eligible for anyone in Phase 1b, group 1, which are individuals who are 75 years of age or older living in Hyde County, both mainland and island.
The Ocracoke Health Center is receiving the vaccine to immunize islanders, however, this does not prevent Ocracokers from getting their vaccine on the mainland if they so choose. To get your vaccine at the Ocracoke Health Center, you should call 252-928-1511. If you want the vaccine on the mainland, call 252-926-4399. If your call is not answered promptly, at either facility, leave a message or call back. All healthcare facilities are currently overrun.
These are trying times for everyone, and we must remain calm, patient, and be kind.
Vaccine allotments are coming every week, so eventually, people will get their shots. In the meantime, we all must continue to follow the 3 Ws, and stay home if we can. As has been said many times, this should be a community effort of protection.
Stay safe.
The Health Department is finishing up vaccination for the individuals who are classified in Phase 1a of COVID-19 vaccinations. If you fall into this category (healthcare workers working with COVID-19 patients or those administering COVID-19 vaccinations), and you want the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important you call 252-926-4399 as soon as possible.
The next groups to get vaccinated will be Phase 1b, Group 2 which includes health care workers and frontline essential workers age 50 years and older, followed by Phase 1b, Group 3, health care workers and frontline essential workers of any age.
Please continue to monitor press releases to determine when Phase 1b Groups 2 and 3, and future phases are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations.
ACIP defines frontline workers as those whose job is essential for the COVID-19 response and who work in a setting that puts them at risk for being exposed to COVID-19, including:
- 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).
Testing continues to be a priority for those who have been exposed to the virus, or develop symptoms. Contact Hyde County Health Department 252-926-4399, Engelhard Medical Center 252-925-7000, or Ocracoke Health Center 252-928-1511 for appointments. For 24/7 on-call services, dial 1-866-462-3821, the Coronavirus Hotline.
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!!!
