The Greater Greenbrier COVID-19 Task Force met on May 24 via conference call and reports the following information.
GREENBRIER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT. While COVID has not gone away, we are dealing with variants of the virus that are not causing widespread issues right now. We continue offering vaccines and boosters regularly. Getting a vaccine and booster is the single best thing you can do to prevent sickness. Currently, we have 64 active cases in Greenbrier County. Maverick Health will be at the State Fair through June 30 to offer daily testing. At that time, they will either move to a new location or cease operations. Stay tuned for more info.
BOOSTERS FOR KIDS. 5-11 year olds are now eligible for booster shots. Call 645-1787 to make an appointment with the health department. We offer boosters via appointment on Wednesdays.
GREENBRIER COUNTY SCHOOLS. Our numbers are starting to trend back upward, but fortunately we are not seeing folks get as sick. Masks are optional in schools. We have plenty of masks, cleaning supplies, etc. when needed.
GVMC. We have 2 COVID patients in-house right now. The average positive rate out of the emergency room is 13%-15%. While we are seeing positive cases, thankfully they are not so sick they have to be admitted to the hospital. Visitation is still 11am-8pm daily. The cafeteria is closed to the public currently and the gift shop is closed permanently.
WVSOM. Graduation is this weekend at the school. Be prepared for traffic.
ROBERT C BYRD CLINIC. We continue to do a good bit of testing. Over the past 5-6 weeks, positives are up. We’ve done over 4,000 COVID tests since January with a positivity rate of over 20%. Fortunately, the severity of illness is less. Our mobile clinic is open five days a week and we offer vaccines all five days. No appointment necessary. Masks continue to be required within the building for all patients and staff.
RAINELLE MEDICAL CENTER. We no longer require masks or screenings at the door. This could change if the COVID situation worsens. We have opened two new locations in this region–RMC Lewisburg Pediatric and Family Health Center (beside Habaneros) and Summers County Health Center (behind the high school). We continue to offer vaccines at all locations by appointment.
COMMITTEE ON AGING. We are doing meals on-site again and offering grab & go meals for those who prefer that option. We continue providing our services as normal!
HOMELAND SECURITY & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. We continue to provide PPE to first responders.
LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC). The work of the COVID task force will transition into the LEPC this year. The LEPC handles emergency planning for all types of scenarios. The task force has essentially operated as a subcommittee of the LEPC for the past 2.5 years. We can stand the task force back up if needed at any time if the situation warrants it. A huge thank you to all the organizations, businesses, offices, and leaders who stepped up to serve on the task force for the past two-plus years! You are a shining example of what communities can do when they work together. We are all eternally grateful for your service.
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