Across Moore County, the number of active COVID-19 cases is down, the number of new infections has decreased and the percentage of positive test cases continues to decline, according to local health officials. The encouraging news was shared with the Moore County Board of Commissioners in an online meeting Tuesday.
Moore County had a total of 269 active COVID-19 cases on February 14. The lowest number since the end of November. Tuesday, the county reported only 13 cases compared to 303 reported just a month ago. In another favorable marker, the percent of positive test results stand at 7.4% compared to 19.4% just a month ago.
Also, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), recently announced teachers and child care workers will be eligible for vaccination beginning on February 24, depending on the supply of vaccines. Currently, people over the age of 65 qualify.
Frontline essential workers can be vaccinated starting March 10. But that is assuming the number of vaccine doses, currently in short supply, is increased.
According to Health Director Robert Wittmann, Moore County has received 900 doses of vaccine a week for the past three weeks. Wittmann said he is hoping for a substantial increase the next time NCDHHS adjusts the allocations to the counties. The announcement is expected during the week.
Also discussed was the way COVID-related deaths are reported. In response to a question by Commissioner Louis Gregory, Wittmann said he was open to the idea of adding unconfirmed deaths to the information released to the public. Unconfirmed deaths are those that have COVID-19 listed on the death certificate, Wittmann explained.
Currently, only laboratory-confirmed deaths are reported by the Moore County Health Department.
In other matters, commissioners approved a request to rezone a parcel of land at the intersection of N.C. Highways 705 and 24 in Robbins. A Dollar General is planned for the site located across from the Shell gas station.
Commissioners also tabled a public hearing for an ordinance that would control development along N.C. 24/27 and U.S. 15/501. The matter, known as the Highway Corridor Overlay District, will be taken up at the April 20 meeting.
Feature photo: Screenshot of Moore County Board of Commissioners virtual meeting on Feb. 16.
~Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter John Patota.
