ASHEVILLE, NC – April 5, 2023 – The CDC reports that the community level for Buncombe County remains at a low level for the week ending March 27th. Every county in North Carolina has been low for the past 3 weeks. About 90% of the counties in the U.S. are at a low level with less than 1% at a high level.
The CDC reports that the community transmission level for Buncombe County remains at a substantial level for the week ending March 27th. Most counties in North Carolina have been at a moderate level. More than 30% of the counties in the U.S. are at a high level with about 10% at a low level.
The Buncombe County COVID-19 metrics are on the North Carolina COVID Dashboard. Data from the week ending on March 25th indicate:
- Last week’s total cases are up by 11 (16%) from the previous week
- 68% of the total population have received their initial vaccination series.
- 33% 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 by 1 and of ICU patients has decreased by 1 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, healthyasheville@ashevillefm.org