One died at Haywood Regional Medical Center on Nov. 8, and the other died at Mission Hospital on Nov. 10. Both listed COVID-19 as the immediate or underlying cause of death on the death certificate.

Privacy laws prevent telling these people’s stories and sharing the details of their lives that would help those outside their family to know them better, but surely each was loved and cherished in their lifetime. Each life is valuable. Please consider this when you make choices about your health and COVID-19.

To protect the families’ privacy, no further information about the patients will be released.

“We at Haywood County Health and Human Services extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones during this time of loss,” said Health Director Sarah Henderson. “COVID-19 is a serious and sometimes deadly illness. We ask everyone to consider the pain and loss this virus can bring with it and do everything you can to help prevent its spread.”

Haywood County Public Health has received notice of 100 new cases of COVID-19 in the last week.  As of 5 p.m. on Nov. 15, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has recorded a total of 7,660 cases in Haywood County since the pandemic began. 

According to the CDC, most of North Carolina is listed as an area of high community transmission. All surrounding states are also high-transmission areas. Mask-wearing indoors is highly recommended. Masks are required in Haywood County facilities, including the libraries, for employees and the public. 

This week 89.9 percent of new COVID cases were unvaccinated. Nearly all of those who require hospitalization are unvaccinated.  

“We urge everyone to continue to be vigilant about masking and social distancing any time you’re going to be around people who are unvaccinated or in large group settings. Get vaccinated, wash your hands regularly, and stay home if you’re not feeling well,” said Henderson.

If you have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 we strongly encourage you to do so. Booster doses are now available for anyone 65 and older or those 18 and up who are immune-compromised and are at least 6 months past the date of their initial vaccination. Anyone who was vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson more than two months ago is also eligible for a booster.

All ages 5 + are now eligible to receive safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination.

Call 828.356.2019 to schedule a booster or initial COVID-19 vaccination doses.

To stay up to date on COVID-19 in Haywood County visit https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/684/Coronavirus-Covid-19-Information