Press release from Buncombe County:
“COVID-19 case rates are skyrocketing.” That’s how Public Health Director Stacie Saunders began her Jan. 4 briefing to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. “As of yesterday, we were experiencing 654 cases per 100,000 per week,” Saunders explained. “This is a tremendous increase from last month when the rate was around 200 per 100,000, and this is far greater than what we saw at the peak of the surge just a year ago.”
As of Jan. 3, the percent positivity increased to 13.7%, more than double the case rate from a month ago. Hospitalizations have increased, and almost 10% of inpatient beds are occupied by patients with COVID-19 up from 6% two weeks ago. To date, 454 Buncombe County residents have died related to COVID-19.
Saunders recommended that the face covering requirement be extended because cases are exponentially increasing, the Omicron variant is far more contagious than previous iterations, hospitalizations are rising, and new at-home therapeutics are in limited supply. The Board of Commissioners voted to extend the face covering requirement in indoor public spaces through Feb. 16, 2022.
Dr. Bill Hathaway, Mission Hospital Chief Medical Officer, provided an update on hospitalizations: “The number of patients who are hospitalized who are vaccinated is a very, very small number compared the total populations – between 5 and 10%. Those who have been boosted comprise an even smaller number. The vaccines are safe and effective, and they work when it comes to decreasing serious illness, hospitalization, and death.”
As a result of the concerted effort by vaccine providers, about 1/3 of the Buncombe County pediatric population received their first dose in the last two months. Approximately 55% of adolescents 12-17 years have received at least one dose, 60% of those 18-24 years have received at least one dose, and 70% or more of populations 25 and older have received at least one dose. Overall, 71% of the eligible population (5 years and up) has received one dose of vaccine and 68% of the eligible population has received their initial series. More than 40% of the fully vaccinated population has received a third or booster dose.
Saunders also announced new planned testing initiatives for Buncombe County, including purchasing a supply of rapid at-home test kits for community distribution. Depending on vendor supply, the tests are expected to arrive in the next week. Upon receipt, tests will be distributed to existing to community partners to have rapid tests available at their locations for distribution and pick-up. These locations may include community centers, fire departments, homeless shelters, libraries, churches, vaccine events and through community health workers. Details will be finalized upon receipt of the test kits and are dependent on the quantity of tests obtained. In addition, prepackaged face coverings will be sent to selected community locations for distribution to the public.
Saunders provided tips for utilizing at-home rapid tests:
- Results are dependent on obtaining a good sample. Follow the directions closely.
- Rapid antigen at-home tests are most accurate when viral load is higher and when symptoms are present. They can be less accurate in those who do not have symptoms or who have lower viral loads.
Buncombe County Health and Human Services has also inquired about additional testing resources for limited time including additional N.C. Department of Health and Human Services resources and a FEMA team much like the one our area had for vaccine outreach. These two requests are pending.
If you are having symptoms consistent with COVID-19, get tested. Testing locations can be found atFind My Testing Site NC.
To find a vaccine provider near you, visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines to search by zip code.
To answer questions about the local COVID-19 metrics, Buncombe County Health and Human Services will host a virtual media Q&A on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. for credentialed media outlets. Buncombe County Public Health Director Stacie Saunders will be available to answer questions related to the COVID-19 response in Buncombe County. To participate in this Media Q&A, please reply to hhspio@buncombecounty.org. Zoom details will be sent out by 1:45 p.m.
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