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Buncombe County -- Buncombe County Government Community News Oct. 26 Update:
Buncombe County COVID Case Rates and Percent Positivity Continues to Decline; Safe Trick or Treating Encouraged
Buncombe County continues to see the case rate and percent positivity decline when compared to prior week. Cases per 100,000 per week decreased from 162 last week to 119 this week. Percent positivity has remained below 6% for the last week and is currently at 5.4%. This case rate continues to be high, and Buncombe County remains an area of high transmission. The percent positivity, while improved, is higher than the desired 5%.
The death rate decreased since week prior but remains in the substantial indicating still a large burden of deaths for the population. In the last week, there were five new deaths reported.
Hospitalizations and ICU utilization remain stable for this week.
“I think we can be encouraged by these trends but we cannot let our guard down today,” states Public Health Director Stacie Saunders. “We are still in a time of very high spread of COVID-19 We have typically seen an increase associated with holidays like the ones coming up, so please continue to be diligent. Get vaccinated if you are not yet, wear your face covering in all indoor public spaces, keep some distance between you and others, and always remember to wash your hands.”
Incentive Cards
Currently, locally funded $100 incentive cards are available while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic or at any BCHHS pop-up clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit www.yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.
Remember to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces to help stop the spread during this time of continued high transmission.
If you are having symptoms consistent with COVID-19, get tested. Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. StarMed offers testing at Harrah’s Event Center Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and on Sundays at A-B Tech from noon until 4 p.m.
Halloween is fast approaching, stay safe by following some simple tips. If you are trick or treating:
Keep it outside. Trick or treat in small groups and avoid crowds particularly indoors
Remember to wear a costume that allows you to wear a face covering
Maintain six feet of distance between you and other trick or treating groups, especially if knocking and gathering near front doors
If you are 12 years or older and not yet vaccinated, now is the time to get your vaccine
Grown-ups: Carry hand sanitizer with you while trick or treating and remind children to use it between candy stops
If you are handing out treats this Halloween:
Wear a face covering while interacting with trick or treaters
Set up a candy table and distribute candy outside and not at your front door
Remind groups to stay six feet apart so there are not too many people gathered together
Consider making grab bags or lay out individual pieces of candy on a table to avoid several hands in a candy bowl
Have some sanitizer ready for visitors to use
Oct. 19 Update: Buncombe County COVID Rates Decline Slightly but Transmission Remains High
Since July 1, there have been more than 9,500 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Buncombe County and more than 80 COVID-19 related deaths in this same timeframe. While cases have declined slightly, transmission remains high, and 412 Buncombe County residents have died as a result of the virus since the beginning of the pandemic. The percent positivity as of Oct. 18 was 6.1%.
“I wanted to take a moment to highlight vaccination status on COVID-19 outcomes,” said Public Health Director Stacie Saunders in a briefing to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. “As we are moving through this Delta surge, vaccination status has mattered. In particular, those who were unvaccinated had a risk over four times that of the vaccinated to become ill. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of hospitalizations (over 85%) and ICU utilizations (90%) were in the unvaccinated, showing us that the COVID-19 vaccine that is widely available to us right now is reducing our risk of becoming ill, reducing the risk of serious illness should someone become ill and significantly reducing the risk of need for ICU intervention. Lastly, most recent data from NC DHHS indicates that the risk of dying for the unvaccinated is almost 20 times than of a vaccinated individual.”
In Buncombe County, 73% of adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 71% of the eligible population ages 12 and up has been at least partially vaccinated. To date, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) has administered 102,483 doses of the vaccine, including 231 to homebound individuals.
Saunders also warned about cold and flu viruses, which are also spreading and can present with some similar symptoms: “If you are having any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, which sometimes are the same as a cold, please get tested. Don’t assume it’s a cold.” Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. StarMed offers testing at Harrah’s Event Center Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and on Sundays at A-B Tech from noon until 4 p.m.
With fall events and celebrations approaching, BCHHS recommends the following attending outdoor or virtual events where the risk for spread of COVID-19 is lower. If you are planning to attend in-person, indoor events with groups of people:
Get your COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t already and encourage others attending your gathering to do so. Pfizer boosters are available via a drive-through at Biltmore Church – Arden between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. until Oct. 22
Have guests wear a face covering and maintain physical distance from others when they are indoors
Move events and activities outdoors to reduce the risk of spread
The FDA is scheduled to meet on Oct. 26 about vaccines for children ages 5-11, and it’s anticipated that vaccine eligibility to begin for that age group in early November.
Stay up-to-date about vaccine opportunities using the Buncombe County emergency alert program. To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or go to www.buncombecounty.org/codered.
Currently, locally funding $100 incentive cards are available while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic or at any BCHHS pop-up clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit www.yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and isolate from others while waiting for your test results.
