An open letter to the residents of Lenoir County:  

Lenoir County is facing a truly unprecedented time in our history. The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting our families, our businesses, our local economy, our education and our way of life. As we all know, this is unlike anything we have seen in our community.  

This pandemic can affect anyone of us at any time and I send my prayers to families who have lost a loved one due, either directly or indirectly, to COVID-19. As the impact of COVID-19  has become more apparent in Lenoir County, the one thing that has remained a constant since our first case in March is that everyone is able to play a part in keeping our community safe.  

I would like to also recognize the outstanding work of the health professionals in our community who have faced very difficult situations to save lives and provide comfort during this pandemic.  Your continued sacrifice and dedication to the people of Lenoir County cannot be overstated.  

As we approach winter and the holiday season, which brings so much joy to us all, it is more  important than ever that we acknowledge and embrace our individual responsibility to combat  COVID-19. We should first and foremost keep in mind the ways in which we can keep our families safe, our friends safe and our coworkers safe. Like all of us, I too, can be more mindful   of the actions to take that will help our businesses remain open, our schools operational, our  hospital caseload manageable and our churches safe for worship. I know we can pull together in service to our community and in service to each other.  

Recent COVID-19 statistics from the Lenoir County Health Department have shown significant increases in confirmed cases and, sadly, the continued loss of life due to this disease. I wish to encourage everyone to continue to wear face coverings, social distance when possible and avoid large gatherings when you can. These protective measures are extremely beneficial to the overall health of our community.  

I wish everyone a safe and healthy Holiday season.

Linda Rouse-Sutton  
Chairman  
Lenoir County Board of Commissioners