Dear Lenoir County Residents,

I know I do not have to tell you the last year and a half has been a challenge. You have had to navigate health, family, work, school, religious activities, sports, hobbies, and all other areas of life in the midst of a pandemic. Many of you have made tremendous sacrifices and some of you are mourning the illnesses and deaths of family and friends from COVID-19.

I wanted to write to you for two reasons; first, to express my recognition of what you have been through and my appreciation for all you have done to keep yourself, those you love, and this community safe from COVID-19.

Second, I wanted to let you know there is now a new, real and dangerous threat to our community from COVID because of the Delta variant. The Delta variant moves more easily from person to person, so the threat is that more people could become sick with COVID-19 faster than before if we don’t take protective actions. More people becoming sick will most likely lead to more hospitalizations and more deaths in the county.

The good news is we have things we can do to stop the spread of COVID-19, even the more transmissible Delta variant:

• Take the vaccine. No vaccine is perfect; however, the three vaccines that are currently available are safe, free, and effective at preventing serious illness in those ages 12 and older. Preventing serious illnesses will also help to protect our medical system so it can be available for other emergencies

• Wear a mask and maintain distance, especially if you are inside and around people you are not normally around

• Stay away from others when you are sick to protect them

• Make a family/friend plan to be diligent to protect those who might be more severely impacted by COVID-19, like those who are older or those who have a compromised immune system

• Be diligent in your activities to protect children who are too young to be vaccinated

• If you are an employer or manager, support your staff or employees who need time off to get a vaccine or a COVID test

• Postpone activities that require being around a large number of people, especially indoors

The number of people who are now getting sick in Lenoir County is greater than the number last year at this time and greater than the number from just a few weeks ago. The Delta variant can sweep through a family, a workplace, a place of worship, or a gathering of friends fairly easily, especially if people are unvaccinated. However, taking protective steps can minimize the impact this variant has here.

It is distressing that after a June and July of few cases when life seemed to be returning to normal, that we should be faced with this new variant. This is not where any of us want to be, but it is going to take all of us working together as a community to get through the Delta variant.  

Even if they are frustrating and aggravating, I am asking you to take the protective steps needed to get through this stage of the disease in our community so it will have the least amount of impact on the health of any of us.

Thank you for all you are doing.

Pamela Brown

Director, Lenoir County Health Department