The Buncombe County COVID-19 weekly update: Back to a low community level

There is a trend downward to the pre-holiday season COVID-19 community levels. The CDC reports that the community level for Buncombe County is low for the week ending February 6^th. More than two-thirds of the counties in North Carolina are low. More than three-quarters of the counties in the U.S. are at a low level with about 2% at a high level.

The Buncombe County COVID-19 metrics are on the North Carolina COVID Dashboard. Data from the week ending on February 4^th indicate:

• Last week’s total cases are up 6% from the previous week.
• 68% of the total population have received their initial vaccination series.
• 32% of people with their initial vaccination series have had the updated booster. Up 1% from last week.
• The seven-day daily average of COVID-19 hospitalizations has decreased 28% and of ICU patients has decreased by 50% from last week.

An updated COVID-19 booster is now available for eligible persons 6 months and older. It is more effective at protecting against severe illness and death from the new variants.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends:

• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and the updated booster.
• People with any COVID symptoms should get tested
• People who are positive for COVID-19 or do not feel well should stay home

For a county at a low community level, like Buncombe County, the CDC recommends:

• If you are at high risk for getting sick, wear a high-quality mask in a public indoors space.
• If you plan on being with someone at high risk for getting sick, consider self-testing for COVID-19 infection and wear a high-quality mask when indoors with them.

Listen to the full report below:

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]