Murphy City Councilmem­bers received an update on Murphy and Colin County COVID-19 infection and fa­tality numbers at the March 16 meeting.

The update arrived at around the one-year anniversary date of the pandemic hitting the country.

Fire Chief Del Albright told council that the county had 71,177 cases, with active cas­es now at 1,190. The virus had killed 767 people countywide.

As far as Murphy data, the county health department does not provide numbers to the city anymore, but the city may re­ceive information from local health authority Dr. Mark Gam­ber. Murphy has had just six fatalities. Current COVID-19 statistics in the state and county continue a downward trend.

Over the year, the city had 71 employees tested and received 16 positive tests.

Albright discussed informa­tion on the city’s vaccination plan, including the site – MCC/ Gymnasium – and staffing lev­els, with employees from all de­partments participating.

“We did have our first vacci­nation clinic on March 10-11,” Albright said, noting the city administered 119 doses. He said the city could have administered a few hundred more doses that day – up to 400. He provided some more data before encour­aging people to consider getting inoculated against the virus.

“Bottom line is, we want to get over this thing,” Albright said. “Do not hesitate, procrasti­nate or negate – vaccinate.”

For the full story, see the Apr. 1 issue or subscribe online.

By Don Munsch • [email protected]