Buncombe County Public Health COVID-19 summary and statement Sept. 28

Press release from Buncombe County:

COVID-19 cases are continuing to trend down as does percent positivity. For the second week, there is a downward turn in case rates and percent positivity. Cases fell from 295 to 240 per 100,000 in one week. The percent positivity decreased from 8.3% to 7.1%. Deaths decreased slightly in the last week. Hospitalization decreased slightly since last week but remains high and stable. ICU utilization decreased in the last week and is now below 50%.   BCHHS administered 216 first doses the week of Sept 20th and this represents a third week of leveling of first doses administered. Outreach events for those who have yet to receive their first or second dose are scheduled for next week at Enka High, Erwin High, and North Buncombe High Schools on October 4th from 12 pm – 6 pm. Incentive cards will be available at these events.   Pfizer booster vaccinations began September 27, 2021 at the Biltmore Church Arden Campus with just over 260 estimated doses administered on the first day. The Pfizer Booster Site at Biltmore Church Arden is open M-F from 10-6 pm and no appointment is necessary.   Stacie Saunders, Buncombe County Public Health Director, advises the community to get a COVID vaccine wherever they can and to get it soon, saying, “While there is a lot of attention on boosters at the moment, we are still urging those not yet vaccinated in our community to start their vaccination series if they haven’t already gotten their first dose. While the metrics show a decline, these case and transmission rates are still too high.  One of our best tools to control and manage COVID-19 is vaccination. Bottom line, those who are unvaccinated are still at greatest risk for hospitalization and death if infected with COVID-19. These bad outcomes can be prevented. Get vaccinated, wear a mask, wash your hands, and put distance between yourself to reduce your risks”