WS Chronicle

Last week the number of COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Forsyth County topped 100. 

During the virtual meeting of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, April, 9 Joshua Swift, county public health director, said at the time there were 113 positive cases in Forsyth County. 

“There are currently 113 positive cases in Forsyth County, with 61 cases having been resolved, and there have been three deaths,” Swift said. 

According to Swift, 47% of the positive cases in Forsyth County are people under the age of 45. Twenty-Seven percent of the cases are people between 45 and 64 and 26% of cases are persons aged 65 and older. Swift said he and his staff are concerned that young adults may not have any of the symptoms of coronavirus but are still spreading the illness.   

“As of April 7, 47% of Forsyth County cases are in persons under 45 years of age,” Swift continued. “We’re concerned that young adults may have few symptoms or no symptoms and spread COVID-19 to those at highest risk.”

When looking at race and ethnicity, 14% of cases are African American, 4% Hispanic, 44% white, and 37% unknown. Swift said the “unknown” category is dedicated to patients who did not report their race when they were tested. Swift said although testing is ongoing, because there is community transmission, there are undiagnosed cases in Forsyth County and the community should continue to adhere to the stay-at-home order when possible and practice social distancing. 

“We are continuing to work hand-in-hand with emergency management, local first responders, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System, local colleges and universities, both hospital systems, and many other partners to ensure we are prepared and we respond appropriately,” he said. “I want to remind the public there are undiagnosed cases of COVID-19 since we have community transmission and people may be transmitting the virus to others without knowing.

“You must follow the stay-at-home order. Earlier this week, I spoke with state epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore and he believes the stay-at-home orders across the state are making a difference, but we can’t let up.”

During a press conference on Tuesday, April 14, Mayor Allen Joines extended the citywide stay-at-home order until May 7. The initial order put in place on March 27 was scheduled to expire on Thursday, April 16. 

“I know it’s been very difficult for our citizens because we’ve not been able to visit with our family, with our friends, and go out and do things that make our lives enjoyable, but it was very crucial that we took that action when we did,” Joines continued. “It does appear that our actions are making a difference even though the number of cases are still rising.”

At the time of publication, the number of cases in Forsyth County had reached 124. Joshua Swift, Forsyth County Public Health director, gives a weekly update during the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners meetings held on Thursdays at 2 p.m. The meetings can be viewed online or by tuning into WSTV 13, the government channel.