Vaccinations Down, COVID-19 Cases Up In Forsyth County

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Forsyth County and fewer people are signing up for vaccination appointments. That's according to Forsyth County Department of Public Health Director Joshua Swift. 

Swift says two weeks ago the county was averaging about 45 cases per day — now it's up to 69 per day. The percent positive rate is also up three points from a March low. 

“So that's continuing to go up and I think it's going to continue to go up if we don't keep getting the vaccine out there and get more people taking it," said Swift. "We have thousands of appointment slots that are available and we're not filling up and we need people to get the vaccine.”

Young people make up the majority of the county's unvaccinated population. About 77% of those over age 65 are least partially vaccinated. Among 25-49-year-olds, that number drops to 38%. 

Swift says since earlier this month, they've seen a steep drop off in the number of appointments. The health department's fairgrounds vaccination site is still operating well under capacity, despite allowing walk-in appointments.

"We have an awesome facility at the fairgrounds, have National Guard support, state support, and hundreds of volunteers that are helping us," said Swift. "And so we have this capacity to serve the citizens and the residents, and people aren't coming like they should."

Statewide, first doses vaccinations were also down significantly last week. Just over 145,000 people received their first shots — the lowest number since the week of February 15, when severe weather shut down many vaccination sites. 

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.