According to Cherokee County EMA Director Shawn Rogers, the Alabama Department of Public Health says that they are seeing over 18 percent of the population testing positive for COVID-19.

Rogers said that at one point in July there were zero cases of COVID in the county that has now changed – with almost 30 cases being reported in the last two weeks.

Rogers said that there have been some vaccinated people test positive for the virus but their symptoms were mild. Rogers says vaccinated or not this not the time to let your guard down.

Director Rogers said that his office is monitoring trends but they need the public’s help – the most important things are to make sure you wash your hands and practice good personal hygiene.

The COVID vaccine is available at most all health clinics and pharmacies throughout the county.  Rogers said that is important for people to educated themselves about the vaccine and to not the opinion of others to influence their decision on whether or not they will take it.