SE North Carolina News

Due to the higher risk that COVID-19 poses to older individuals, the virus's presence in aging communities may be felt more acutely. 

According to Carolina Public Press on March 21, there are North Carolina communities at a higher risk to COVID-19 because of local demographics.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that fatalities are more likely for individuals with pre-existing conditions — such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma — and generally for those who are at least 65 years old.  

Within 20 of North Carolina’s counties, 25% of the residents are in that age group — including Clay, Cherokee, Polk, Macon, Henderson, Alleghany, Haywood, Ashe, Yancey and Graham — which may create challenges for these individuals and the health system.  

In Transylvania County, 1-3 residents are at least 65 years old.

Other counties within the high-risk category for senior residents include Beaufort, Brunswick, Carteret, Chowan, Pamlico, Perquimans and Washington. 

The counties with high concentrations of adults aged 65 and older have taken measures — as has much of the country — to protect those who are at risk. 

Brunswick County canceled park and library-based events and closed its senior centers in March, according to its website. In addition to closures and cancellations, the county is offering the senior community meal services through drive-thru pickup programs and deliveries at several locations.

Polk County Health and Human Services director, Josh Kennedy, anticipated the outbreak of the disease for months now and urged local communities and organizations that help senior residents to change their practices. 

“Many [retirement homes] are restricting visitors,” Kennedy told the publication. “Communication is key. The more folks stay informed, the better. We are doing our best to communicate to our various stakeholders what’s going on, why this is happening and why these mitigation strategies are being held. We are making sure people are understanding the solidarity in this process.”