Pittsboro, NC – Chatham County’s COVID-19 case numbers are continuing to rise as the Delta variant spreads. A recent peak came on August 3, when 30 new cases were reported, a number that had not been reached since late January 2021. In light of these numbers, the Chatham County Public Health Department continues to urge residents to get vaccinated, wear masks in indoor public places and be tested if they are exposed to the virus or begin experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Chatham County reported 273 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents from August 5-11, which is considered high community transmission. The NCDHHS reports no COVID-19 deaths among Chatham County residents during the same period of time.
Current COVID-19 case rates are nearing the county’s peak over the entire pandemic. According to NCDHHS, 10.1% of Chatham County’s recent COVID-19 tests have come back positive. This is double the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC’s) benchmark of 5% positive and shows how easily the Delta variant, which has been labeled a “variant of concern” by the CDC, can spread. More than 90% of North Carolina’s recent COVID-19 cases have been caused by the Delta variant.
“The data can be overwhelming, but what is important to understand is that there are nearly as many cases of COVID-19 today as there have been at any point in the pandemic,” said Chatham County Public Health Director Mike Zelek. “Hospitals are filling up, mainly with those who are not vaccinated. Cases are not contained to any setting or neighborhood, but 90% are among the unvaccinated. The answer to this problem is clear: Vax up and mask up.”
As of Wednesday, August 11, 38,793 Chatham County residents (52% of the population) had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 36,129 residents (49%) are fully vaccinated.
The Chatham County Public Health Department feels that most important step to take right now is to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Everyone ages 12 and up is eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, and everyone ages 18 and up is eligible to receive the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Many options exist in Chatham County, including:
Chatham County Public Health Department clinic (Moderna): 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fridays; 1000 S. Tenth Ave., Siler City. Call 919-742-5641.Goldston Town Hall (StarMed Healthcare) (Pfizer): 2-7 p.m., Wednesdays; 40 Coral Avenue #A, GoldstonTo see a full list of options, visit www.vaccines.gov.
Additionally, a full list of testing options in Chatham County can be found here. Two new testing sites have in Chatham County operated by StarMed Healthcare. No appointment is necessary for testing at these locations:
Siler City: Mondays, 12-4 PM, Central Carolina Community College campus, 400 Progress BoulevardPittsboro: Thursdays, 12-4 PM, Central Carolina Community College campus, 764 West Street
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit here. To learn more about the Chatham County Public Health Department, visit here or on Facebook.