Press release from Buncombe County:
Since the COVID-19 update at the Aug. 3 Board of Commissioners meeting, the COVID-19 incidence rate has grown to 219 per 100,000 per week, which is a two-fold increase from two weeks ago. More than 90% of all newly investigated cases are in those not fully vaccinated. In addition, the number of inpatient beds with COVID-19 has grown to 8.3%. Hospitalization data are lagging indicators, since the new cases rise as individuals become sick, with hospitalizations following.
The current rate of incidence is 7.4%, up from 3.4% three weeks ago. On average, 67 new cases are entering the public health workflow daily.
Currently, 61% of the total population in Buncombe County is partially vaccinated, and 58% of the total population is fully vaccinated. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently added federal doses on the state dashboard, which gave counties a better picture of vaccination rates.
When broken down by age, Buncombe County has considerable vaccine coverage for those who are 65 years and older. With federal doses now included, these rates are 80% or more partially vaccinated. Groups in younger brackets still lag with 25-49 years at only 60% partially vaccinated and 18-24 years at 50% partially vaccinated.
Buncombe County Health & Human Services vaccine administration takes place at the Buncombe County Health Department, 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville. Walk-in vaccines are available between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments can be scheduled online at www.buncombeready.org. Additional vaccine providers can be found by visiting https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines. In addition, a mobile vaccine event will be held on Monday, Aug. 16 from 12-3 p.m. at Smoky Park Supper Club for anyone 12 and older.
Visit the Find my Testing Place website to find COVID-19 testing locations in Buncombe County or to request a free, at-home COVID test. Individuals who are showing symptoms or believe they have had close contact to COVID-19 should get tested.
For more information about COVID-19 and vaccines in Buncombe County, go to www.buncombeready.org.
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