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Murphy – Sheriff Derrick Palmer thought an outbreak was likely to occur at the Cherokee County Detention Center when he saw cases increasing a few weeks ago. At that time, he worked to reduce the jail’s population by making sure our county wasn’t housing inmates for other counties.
The population of the jail decreased from 130 to about 80, he said.
Then last week, deputies arrested people with warrants in Macon County. When Macon accepted them, they were tested for COVID-19 and found to be positive.
As a precautionary measure, Palmer had officers involved with those inmates tested, and three tested positive on the rapid test.
“It already made us a cluster,” he said.
All employees and 68 inmates who agreed to be tested were tested Thursday. On Sunday, the results showed four more staff members were positive along with 28 other inmates. More testing was being performed Monday to make sure no one was tested too early for the virus to show.
“It’s amazing we’ve made it this long,” Palmer said, adding that there was always a possibility an outbreak could happen, as seen in other jails and even nursing homes across the country. “We’re lucky we made it this long.”
Since spring, the detention center has had measures in place to help prevent the spread of the virus. Inmates have masks to wear when outside their cell, staff wears masks daily, a video arraignment system was implemented, inmates were segregated for 10 days and cleaning carts were available daily for inmates to use.
“We’ve been very vigilant,” Palmer said.
All inmates who tested positive were segregated from the rest of the population and isolated in their own “pod.” Positive detention officers are not working, and Palmer has flexed the staff – several patrol officers previously worked as detention officers – to cover the jail. He has no need to call in help from other jurisdictions at this point.
He said all were well, with most asymptomatic.
“We don’t have anyone acutely sick,” Palmer said.
He said his office – along with the Cherokee County Health Department and their health partner – would continue to monitor the situation.
Health Director David Badger said the outbreak highlights how settings where people live in close proximity can allow the virus to spread quickly.
“By the time you realize it, it’s too late,” he said. “I don’t think they did anything intentionally wrong.”
Worst of times
January was the worst month for COVID in Cherokee County, with 655 new cases reported and seven deaths of individuals who tested positive. The previous high was in December, with 368 positive cases.
Badger said the high number of cases were from holiday gatherings and significant community spread. He expected January’s numbers to be high based on what he saw after Thanksgiving.
“It didn’t come as a surprise,” Badger said. “Was I shocked sometimes by daily numbers? Yes. I’m just thankful we didn’t see those numbers consistently.”
The highest one-day total of new cases was 50 on Jan. 6. Besides that one day, daily new case numbers ranged from five to 38.
Badger said they were testing a lot of symptomatic people each day. In January, 613 of those who tested positive were experiencing symptoms, while 15 were hospitalized at the time the health department reported their test results.
Only September saw more deaths at 13. Of those 13, 10 were nursing home residents. None of those who passed away last month were nursing home residents, although all were ages 70 or older.
“We all have to be aware of all of this, and don’t let our guard down,” Badger said.
Schools
Cherokee County Schools continued to see no spread of the virus through January. During the month, 35 students and 22 staff members tested positive in the district. Lead nurse Heather Watson said most of the illnesses were when schools reopened after the holidays.
As things have gone well in the elementary schools since they let students on campus four days a week, she saw no issues with opening the opportunity to all students, as approved by the Cherokee County Board of Education last week. She added that safety precautions would still be in place.
“I hope they will be fine,” she said.
Nursing home
Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing had its second vaccine clinic Thursday. Those who got their first doses in December received their second doses, and anyone who didn’t get vaccinated at the first clinic was able to get their first doses.
Executive Director Kelly Roberts said 15 additional employees decided to get vaccinated, and a few residents got first doses, too.
“Second round went well,” she said. “The primary side effect seems to be sore arms.”
Vaccines consistent
Badger said he’s seen the health department’s allotment for the next three weeks, and the shipments will remain consistent. No vaccination appointments will need to be rescheduled.
Last week, President Joe Biden announced plans to provide states with a “reliable three-week supply look-ahead.” Previously, states were being given a one-week look-ahead from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
“This is going to help make sure governors, mayors and local leaders have greater certainty around supply so they can carry out their plans to vaccinate as many people as possible,” Biden said.
As more people got their second doses of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine in Cherokee County, Badger said there weren’t any significant reactions that needed medical attention. Some people did feel bad for 24-48 hours, but those reactions were expected as it’s showing the vaccine is working to protect the body.
“When you have a reaction, that’s the body reacting to the vaccine in a positive way,” Badger said.
The sheriff’s office has also received some vaccines for patrol and detention officers. Palmer said they started provided vaccinations to older deputies and would continue to prioritize by age.
Across the sate, Gov. Roy Cooper extended the Modified Stay At Home Order through 5 p.m. Feb. 28. Under the order, people are to be home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and business capacity limits and gathering restrictions are still in place. The mask mandate continues.