Continued calls for vaccination and vigilance as the coronavirus keeps circulating in the community.

During Tuesday’s county board meeting, Wayne County EMS Director Dave Cuddeback talked to the commissioners about his recent experience battling COVID-19.

Despite being fully vaccinated against COVID, Cuddeback still contracted the virus and says he’s “never been so sick” in his life.

Cuddeback says he’s living with the remorse of spreading the virus to others that he cares about.

County Commissioner Freeman Hardison took issue with politicians weighing in on some of the recent safety recommendations.

Hardison says individuals and businesses, including healthcare systems, will need to make their own decisions regarding vaccinations.

At Monday’s Goldsboro City Council meeting, Councilman Gene Aycock admonished citizens regarding the county’s vaccination rate, which he says is “way too low.”

Aycock says the reason we have to continue wearing a mask is “because other people won’t take the responsibility to get the vaccination.”

According to Tuesday’s figures from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, 43,128 people have received at least one COVID vaccine dose in Wayne County, representing 35% of the county’s population.

39,647 people have been fully vaccinated, which is just 32% of the population in Wayne County.

The rolling average of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to increase in Wayne County, with 237 cases per 100,000 residents reported in the last 14 days.

Vaccination appointments can be scheduled with the Wayne County Health Department by visiting WayneGov.com/vaccine.