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6.19.21
 North Carolinians 18 and over who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings for a chance to win a $1 million cash prize. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings to win $125,000 toward post-secondary education. The $125,000 can be used at any post-secondary institution and are awarded by funding a savings account in the NC 529 Plan. Some eligibility restrictions may apply. See the official rules for details. 5.24.21 I am fully vaccinated - so how have my options changed? The CDC recently published this guidance. COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic. These recommendations can help you make decisions about daily activities after you are fully vaccinated. They are not intended for healthcare settings. Read More 5.11.21 I'm Going Outside, Do I Still Need a Mask? Outside activities have always been safer than inside ones, and now that many people in Pamlico have been vaccinated and we know more about COVID-19, it’s a good time to ask whether you need to wear a mask if you are going to be outside. As a general rule if you are out walking your dog, riding a bike, hiking on a trail or picnicking with members of your household or with vaccinated friends, these are examples of activities where you do not need a mask as the risk for virus exposure is negligible. Read More 5.4.21 Talking with Unvaccinated Family and Friends If you receive the CCTF newsletter, chances are you have taken advantage of the recent opening of vaccinations to everyone, and either have had your shots or have an appointment for one. Once fully vaccinated (2 shots plus 2 weeks waiting after the second shot), many people experience a wonderful sense of possibility: the vaccination significantly reduces the risk from COVID-19. Fully vaccinated friends and families can begin to gather together again and enjoy the interactions we have all been missing for too long. But you may have a few friends or family members that are still not vaccinated, which may limit your willingness to get together with them. How can you talk to them about the importance of getting the vaccine? Here are a few talking points to help you overcome the most common objections to the vaccine. Read More 4.8.21
The availability of COVID-19 vaccines is accelerating in the US, with availability for everyone expected by May, and in some locations, doses are already being made available to all ages if local supplies allow. 3.11.2021  For almost a year, we have been living with change and uncertainty. Many are mourning the passing of family members and friends. Others are struggling to recover from the effects of the virus, and still others are coping with the financial impact of lost income. And even those of us who have not been infected by the virus are suffering from the grief that comes from missing the lives that we thought we would be living right now - the family visits that were cancelled, the life events that were marked in ways that we never thought possible, the daily routines that have been changed beyond recognition. There is an accumulated sadness that weighs on each of us. Development of vaccines promises to bring the virus under control in the near future, but in the meantime, about 4 in 10 adults nationwide have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder – a four-fold increase from pre-pandemic level, according to a recent report by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Read More 3.4.2021  This time last year, many of us were trying to figure out how to celebrate the Spring holidays of Easter and Passover in a safe way. Many houses of worship cancelled in-person gatherings, and families struggled to modify long-held traditions to stay safe. Almost a year has passed, and COVID-19 is still a risk to our community. The good news is that many of us that are over 65 have been vaccinated, lowering our personal risk of becoming sick. But there are many who are still not vaccinated, and new variants of the virus are circulating. It will be wise for us to not let down our guard. Read More 2.25.2021 In recent months, a growing number of public figures including football coaches and politicians have been spotted wearing two masks — usually a cloth covering over a medical-grade mask. The purpose of wearing two masks is to improve fit and filtration. And if the masks are layered properly, they can closely simulate the effectiveness of an N95 respirator, which many experts consider to be the gold standard. Read More 2.9.2021 2.4.2021 1.28.2021 As more and more Pamlico County residents receive their second COVID-19 vaccination, some have asked: Can I stop wearing a mask? Can I hug people now? Can I visit family and friends? Can I travel without thinking about precautions? Read More 12.17.2020 11.19.2020 11.12.2020 10.29.2020 The Flu vs COVID: How Do I Tell the Difference? 10.22.2020  By now, you are used to it. You probably have a mask (or several) in your car and in the pocket of your favorite jeans, just in case you forgot to bring one. You probably even have a "favorite" mask. We have been wearing masks for a while now - and have figured out how to solve some of the aggravations that come with it. Read More 10.15.2020 Understanding the Rise in Pamlico County’s COVID-19 Cases- and Actions You Can Take  Since September, Pamlico County has seen a marked increase in COVID-19 cases; since the beginning of October, 24 new cases have been identified in the County (as of 10/13). And while our number of cases may seem low, Pamlico County’s cases-per-capita rate is higher than several nearby counties. Read More 10.8.2020  Like everything else in 2020, the usual festivities for Halloween will need to be modified to keep everyone safe and healthy. It will be important to continue following the 3 W’s – wearing a mask, waiting a safe distance from others and washing your hands. A costume mask is NOT a substitute for a well-fitting cloth face covering. Outdoor activities are strongly recommended as a safer option than indoor gatherings. This does not mean you can’t have a good time, as there are lots of fun suggestions on various internet sites that can help you create a memorable Halloween. What you plan should be determined by the current COVID-19 situation in your community. Read More10.1.2020  What to Expect at Pamlico County Polling Locations The Pamlico County Board of Elections is working hard to provide safe and secure voting during the 2020 Election season. Registered voters have choices about how they cast their ballot; the article below helps you to understand your options and choose what works best for you. (Please note, this is NOT an official message from the Board of Elections, but we did ask them to take a look at it to make sure it is accurate.) Read More 9.24.202  For more than six months, we have been living in a reality that is characterized by constant change and uncertainty. Many are mourning the passing of family members and friends. Others are struggling to recover from the effects of the virus, and others are coping with the financial impact of lost income. And even those of us who have not been directly impacted by the virus are suffering from the grief that comes from missing the lives that we thought we would be living right now - the family visits that were cancelled, the life events that were marked in ways that we never thought possible, the daily routines that have been changed beyond recognition. And the uncertainty remains: how long will it be this way? There is an accumulated sadness that weighs on each of us. Read More
9.10.2020
COVID-19 Testing in Pamlico County Who should get tested?
8.25.2020 As summer winds down, we need to be preparing for the fall and flu season. Since we will be dealing with COVID-19 infections for some time, we need to carefully determine how to reduce our risk of other infections and the flu is one of the most important to consider. Read More
7.31.2020
7.28.2020  Back to school for the 2020/21 school year brings with it more uncertainty and decision making than any school year in history due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And there is not a clear-cut answer that will be right for everyone. The Pamlico County School Board has voted to follow Plan B, offering both blended (classroom & remote) and virtual learning options, leaving the decision up to parents as to what is best for their children. The deadline to apply for virtual learning is July 31. Read More 7.24.2020 You may have heard someone say “maybe we should just let the infection spread so that we can all get immunity and then go back to normal”. There are several reasons why we should continue to practice the 3W’s and SHOULD NOT let the virus spread. As experts consider how we can best progress through this COVID-19 pandemic, they frequently discuss “herd immunity”. Understanding what it is, how it is produced, and what may result from it are all important topics. Read More 7.20.2020 Many factors that positively affect your immune system are within your control. Having a stronger immune system may determine how badly you'll be infected if you are exposed to the virus. This article from AARP suggests ways for older adults to strengthen your immune system. Read More 7.15.2020 |
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7.13.2020 |
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7.10.2020 |
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7.8.2020 If you’re young you probably think your risk of catching COVID-19 and having serious problems is low, so you are starting to go out with friends again. But the truth is starkly different. A of COVID-19 cases are in teenagers and young adults in North Carolina. Read More 7.1.2020 
Ever been in a park and without seeing them knew that someone was smoking a cigar? Or been on a walk and knew that someone was burning leaves in their yard? You recognize these smells because of aerosols, which are tiny solid or liquid particles that are too small to see and that can float in the air for minutes or hours before settling onto a surface or the floor. Burning tobacco or leaves produces aerosols that cause the smells that let you know about their presence. Read More |
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6.29.2020 Summer is here which typically means vacations, July 4th festivities and staying busy with family and friends. But summer 2020 is unlike any summer we have previously experienced, thanks to the Coronavirus. How should we modify our usual activities and which activities should we avoid? Read More 6.22..2020
What’s Different? Why should I be concerned? 6.16.2020 For months, we have heard about the coronavirus and the respiratory complications that can occur when one is infected. We initially learned that symptoms include fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. We now know that the CDC has reported additional symptoms of COVID-19 that include chills, muscle pain, difficulty breathing (one of the most concerning symptoms), sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. Hospitals treating COVID-19 patients have reported digestive symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Read More |
With new and more contagious variants of COVID-19 circulating the globe and reported to be spreading in North Carolina, some medical experts are saying it’s time to up our mask game by taking extra care about the quality of the “barrier” provided by what we are wearing.
Who should get the vaccine? Virtually everyone should ultimately be vaccinated. Because of limited supplies, the distribution of vaccines will be prioritized according to risk. The currently available vaccines are approved for those 16 years or older (Pfizer) or 18 years or older (Moderna).
With new and more contagious variants of COVID-19 circulating the globe and reported to be spreading in North Carolina, some medical experts are saying it’s time to up our mask game by taking extra care about the quality of the “barrier” provided by what we are wearing. 
North Carolina is experiencing record high numbers in COVID-19 cases reported daily, hospitalizations, and the percent of tests that are positive, indicating very high levels of viral spread across the state. 
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) released guidance for celebrating the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and we are sharing this guidance with you. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October, and they 
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One of the biggest concerns for us in Pamlico County is not what is happening in our county or in North Carolina, but the rapid spike in case counts we see happening in other states. Our current situation with COVID-19 in Pamlico County and in NC is not good, but it is not out of control - yet. The number of cases in the state continues to climb, while the percentage of tests that are coming back positive is remaining relatively stable at about 9 to 11%. That means the absolute number of cases is going up, but the rate of growth is not. So we have linear growth, but as of now, not exponential growth in the number of cases. 
