SALYERSVILLE – The state has released statistics concerning local COVID-19-related deaths this week.
Magoffin County Public Health Director and Salyersville Mayor James “Pete” Shepherd told the Independent on Wednesday that the regional epidemiologist from the state released to the health department that there have been 10 deaths of Magoffin County residents as related to the novel coronavirus. Those included people ranging in age from 42 years old to 95.
The number had been holding at two for months, with many cases known by family disclosures, but no official cause of deaths had been released as they pertained to COVID-19, so those deaths could not be counted until the state released the updated numbers.
Shepherd explained that the 10 deaths do not include deaths from the nursing home, however, which will be released at a later date. Five have previously been reported at Salyersville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, though it is not known if that is an up-to-date number.
To date, 1,039 people have tested positive for COVID-19 from Magoffin County, 17 since last week’s paper printed.
The health department has distributed over 1,400 COVID-19 vaccines to date, making up for over 10% of the county’s population and not counting any that have received their vaccines at other sites.
Shepherd said that starting this week the vaccination process is being opened up to all adults, noting that people 18 and older can call the Magoffin County Health Department at 606-349-6212 to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine.
Shepherd also noted that the Floyd County Health Department has extra doses of the vaccine and people from Magoffin can also be vaccinated there by calling 886 -2788 and asking for Leslie.
Walgreens has started taking appointments for the vaccine, with people able to go online at www.walgreens.com to schedule their first and second appointment. People will have to fill out a brief questionnaire to determine eligibility and make or sign into their Walgreens account to schedule the appointments.
Also available in this region, people can still call or go online to get on the vaccine list at any of the following providers: Paul B. Hall Medical Center, Highlands ARH, Pikeville Medical Center, Kings Daughters in Ashland, ARH West Liberty and Saint Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead.
Shepherd also explained that having the virus once does not make people immune to catching it, again, with the CDC stating that it will generally protect the person for up to 90 days, though there have been at least two cases in Magoffin County where people have tested positive for the virus, again, less than 90 days after having COVID-19.
North Magoffin Elementary announced Wednesday they would move to all virtual instruction starting March 25 through March 31. Spring Break is April 1 and 2, so classes at NME will return on Monday, April5. Within the announcement, they explained that a member of the custodial staff had tested positive and had contact with the kitchen staff, which had no symptoms, but were now quarantined, requiring them to cancel in-person classes.
The health department also announced on Wednesday the following concerning a case related to the Dollar General on Parkway Drive: Out of an abundance of caution, the Magoffin County Health Department makes the following statement. If you shopped at Dollar General Store beside of Walgreens on Thursday, March 18th (3-10), Friday, March 19th (8-3), Saturday, March 20th (3-10), Sunday, March 21st (3-10) and/or Tuesday, March 23rd (4-10) you may have had a possible exposure to COVID-19. We are asking that you monitor for symptoms and consider testing. Thank you for your cooperation.
