One dozen cases recorded in jail outbreak
Even as the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be waning nationally – and numbers continue to stay low around the state and the country – the virus has again taken its toll in Graham County.
A notice from the Graham County Department of Public Health confirmed another COVID-19 fatality last week, bringing the county total up to 14. The death was the first confirmed in the county since mid-January and is the second one of 2021.
The release also stated that the deceased was not a nursing home resident.
“It is an unfortunate reminder that COVID-19 is a serious illness and poses a severe threat for the most vulnerable among us,” read a portion from the release. “Please be mindful of your social gatherings, mask wearing and close contact with those around you. Please practice good hygiene and wear a mask.”
More information has also been released regarding the coronavirus outbreak in the Graham County Jail.
A press release issued by the Graham County Department of Public health has said that the outbreak has caused 12 cases in the jail so far, four of which were employees of the facility. The health department is also assisting the jail in addressing and controlling the outbreak.
The department first confirmed the outbreak on June 4. Due to the circumstances, the jail is currently closed to the public, with anyone arrested in Graham County being held in neighboring jails.
As of Monday, the county has seen 36 new cases of the virus this month and 651 total positive cases through the pandemic.
As of Sunday, 29.69 percent of Graham County had been fully vaccinated, with 31.4 percent of the population having received one dose.
Statewide, 39.8 percent of North Carolinians have been fully vaccinated, with 46.1 percent receiving at least one dose.
Publisher/editor Kevin Hensley also contributed to this story.