ROCKINGHAM — Federal health officials are suggesting citizens double up on mask-wearing to prevent spreading or contracting COVID-19.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its masking tips, which include making sure your mask fits and wearing two for extra protection.
The update comes two weeks after Dr. Anthony Fauci reportedly said wearing two masks makes “common sense.”
“Correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19,” according to the CDC. “Masks work best when everyone wears them, but not all masks provide the same protection. When choosing a mask, look at how well it fits, how well it filters the air, and how many layers it has.”
When it comes to double-masking, the CDC recommends wearing a disposable mask under a cloth mask. However, the agency also warns not to wear two disposable masks or wear another type of mask with an N95 mask.
Late last week, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association made an amendment requiring football players, coaches and all team personnel to wear a mask or face covering “at all times,” which includes on the field of play.
CASES
Despite new cases, Richmond County’s active COVID count continues to drop.
The Richmond County Health Department on Thursday reported 22 new cases — six more than the previous day — however, the number of active cases dropped by nine to 228, due, in part, to 29 recoveries.
Earlier in the day, the Health Department also reported two new deaths, bringing the county’s total to 81.
When compared to the other five counties with similar populations (43,000-48,000) Richmond now ranks the highest.
Records with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (which may not be up to date with county records, as only 79 are recorded for Richmond) show the following death totals:
- Vance – 77
- Beaufort – 76 (including the mayor of Washington)
- McDowell – 55
- Stokes – 61
- Jackson – 46
There have been 10,294 COVID-related deaths in North Carolina, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. The state topped the 10,000 mark on Feb. 9.
Richmond County Schools on Thursday reported four new cases: one staff member at West Rockingham Elementary; and one virtual student each at Hamlet Middle, the Ninth Grade Academy and Richmond Senior High.
The high school has had the most student-involved cases since the district began keeping track in late August with 81 virtual students and 17 traditional students testing positive for the coronavirus.
Hamlet Middle has recorded 21 cases of virtual students and five of traditional students, and Fairview Heights has had 11 of each.
Of the 123 staff members who have tested positive, there have been 17 at Richmond Senior and 13 each at Rockingham Middle and West Rockingham.
Students were allowed to return to in-person instruction last week.School records show there have been more than four times as many virtual students to test positive as traditional students.
Daily statewide cases rose slightly again on Thursday to 4,568 after hitting a two-month low earlier in the week.
COVID-related hospitalizations, however, have decreased again. DHHS reports there were 2,185 on Wednesday (state hospital numbers run a day behind) and 14 were reported by the Health Department on Thursday.
FirstHealth reports that 47 of its 360 patients (13.1%) are COVID-positive, down from 100 patients on Jan. 14.
VACCINE
DHHS reports that 5,377 people in Richmond County have received the first of the two-dose Moderna vaccine, and 1,097 have been administered both.
State officials announced Wednesday that teachers, school staff and child care workers will be eligible for the vaccine starting Feb. 24.
To sign up for the vaccine locally, call 910-417-3030 and leave your name, date of birth and phone number. Local health officials ask that callers not leave multiple messages.
Vaccinations aren’t restricted by residency.
To schedule an appointment in Scotland County, call 910-291-7654 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
McLeod Health Cheraw will also be holding a walk-in vaccination clinic from 1 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 at Pine Grove Baptist Church, 293 Zoar Road, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
Supplies are on a first come, first serve basis while limited supplies last for the first dose only.
The clinic is for those in the health field or 65 and older. Those who wish to be vaccinated should bring a photo ID, to verify age, or work badge.
TESTING
COVID testing was cut short on Thursday. While no explanation was given by the Health Department in the Facebook post, it was likely due to weather.
The new hours for the free drive-thru testing clinic behind the Health Department are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays.
Of all the tests performed in Richmond County, 29,503 have been negative and 3,960 have been positive.
