Area providers start distributing COVID vaccine in Franklin County

COVID-19 vaccine rollout has started for the next priority population in Franklin County.

Now that most healthcare workers and long term care facility staff and residents have started or finished their vaccination, the focus is now on vaccinating child care workers and first responders along with seniors aged 65 and up.

According to Franklin County Public Health, 1,174 residents in Franklin County have started their vaccine series, with 227 of those receiving both doses. The county anticipates being allocated 200 doses per week through the rest of February.

"This remains just a fraction of what we want/need to vaccinate all who qualify," wrote Franklin County Public Health on their Facebook page. "Be patient with us as we work our hardest to get the vaccine in arms as quickly as possible."

In the county, the vaccine is being distributed by three entities. Along with Franklin County Public Health, clinics are also being run by Franklin General Hospital and Koerner Whipple Pharmacy. Each one is working to effectively manage their limited supply of vaccine.

As of Monday, February 8, the state is reporting a total of 1,076 individuals testing positive for COVID-19, an increase of 20 from the week prior. With 962 cases considered recovered, there are currently 95 known active cases in the county.

Of the total positive cases, Franklin County Public Health is reporting that 80 are elderly (age 81+); 211 have been older adults (61-80); 288 have been middle aged (41-60); 345 have been young adults (18-34); and 135 have been children.

As of Sunday there was one case resulting in hospitalization.

No additional deaths have been reported, leaving the count at 19.

In the county, 4,655 individuals have been tested at some point during the pandemic, with a total of 16,011 tests being performed on Franklin County residents. In the last 14 days, 7.5% of individuals tested have been positive for the virus, a fractional up-tick in the positivity rate.

In the Hampton-Dumont School District, an unspecified number of cases were confirmed on February 1 at the middle school and on February 2 in the middle school and South Side Elementary.

In Franklin County's long term care facilities, the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton has one confirmed case of COVID among its staff, but no cases or symptoms among its residents. The Sheffield Care Center is reporting no new cases among residents or staff and is still eager to receive their second round of vaccinations on February 12.