Health officials still urge people to wear masks and to get vaccinated even as Covid-19 cases continue to decline in Madison County and statewide.
In Madison County, the positive Covid rate is down to 15.5%, from 22% just two weeks ago. Huntsville Hospital President Tracy Doughty said even though things are improving, it's not the time to let one's guard down.
"The numbers are looking good because, I think, we're wearing masks and people are doing right when they're out and about," Doughty said.
As the first set of booster shots were administered Wednesday at John Hunt Park, health officials were telling people to get it if they can. Not only is the demand for vaccines going down, but so is the demand for the monoclonal antibody treatment.
"Monoclonal therapy is not a substitution for the vaccine," Doughty said. "You still want to get vaccinated. But, if you do get sick, the monoclonal therapy helps you reduce the chance of you getting really sick and being hospitalized."
Meanwhile, United Way of Madison County has seen an increase in calls for resources due to the pandemic. The 211 phone system has been used more than 19,000 times, for everything from how to get rental assistance to transportation for vaccine appointments.
By comparison, in 2019, United Way took nearly 9,000 calls for people looking for help.
Kathy Miller, community impact director at the nonprofit, thanked the community for allowing them to help in a time of need. Miller plans to continue helping and working to reach more people.
"When we collaborate as entities and organizations, individuals, we build our capacity to respond to all kinds of situations, including the pandemic," Miller said.
Miller said United Way has been partnering with the ride-share program, Lyft, to get people to vaccine appointments for free.
