School vaccine update provided

At Tuesday’s Wise County School Board meeting, Superintendent Greg Mullins had good news regarding coronavirus vaccination numbers.

Mullins said more than 70 percent of the academic staff has either received their first vaccine dose or are signed up to do so. Within the last few days, several staff members have also begun receiving their second vaccines.

Gov. Ralph Northam has said that school workers in Virginia are not required to get the vaccine. Despite the lack of a mandate, Mullins said he believes this is one of many steps in “taking us back to normal,” and as more receive the vaccine, he sees more signing up to receive theirs. Mullins also commented that it is imperative that people continue to be diligent in current mitigation strategies such as social distancing and mask wearing.

Board member Donnese Kern missed last month’s meeting as she was fighting COVID-19. In closing comments, Kern wanted to assure everyone that while she no longer has an active case of the virus, getting past it is not an easy thing to do.

“I’m having a very difficult time getting my energy level back and getting the headaches gone and all of that,” Kern said. “So, please understand COVID is real and, if you have a chance to get the vaccine, please get the vaccine.”