Lincoln County awaits first round of COVID-19 vaccine; 264 active cases reported

Published 4:13 pm Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Lincoln County front line staff, first responders and healthcare workers are expected to receive their first COVID-19 vaccines by next week, according to Lincoln County Health (LCHD) Department Director Diane Miller.

LCHD will be administering the Moderna vaccine, Miller said, which will require two separate shots.
Many surrounding counties have already received the first round of vaccines, she added.

“We haven’t got any yet but surrounding counties have, so hopefully we will get some today or tomorrow. If not, definitely by some time next week,” Miller said. “We just need to be patient and as soon as we get it in we will start with the first tier of front line staff.”

Email newsletter signup

Miller said even after receiving the vaccine, individuals still need to wear masks when out in public or instances in which social distancing is not possible.

“When you do get vaccinate, you still need to wear your mask,” she said. “Just because you’re getting vaccinated doesn’t mean you take away the mask. We’ll have the Moderna vaccine: you’ll get the first dose and in 28 days you’ll get the second dose.”

Miller said she has received a lot of calls from the public about the vaccine and when the general public will receive it.

“It’s going to be administered to the public, everything is happening in phases,” she said.

Once front line staff, healthcare workers and first responders have received their vaccinations, then the vaccination will be administered to those 70 years or older.

“I expect it to happen quickly,” Miller said. “The goal of the Department for Public Health is to get as many individuals vaccinated by the end of January.”

As of Tuesday morning, the LCHD reported 264 active cases of the novel Coronavirus in Lincoln County and, of those cases, the health department is monitoring 67 contacts.

Miller said there are currently five individuals hospitalized due to the virus.

“None of those, at the moment, are in ICU (Intensive Care Unit),” she said.