From Staff Reports

The Buncombe County COVID-19 case rate per 100,000 has continued to fall in the last week (Feb. 13-19), county Public Health Director Stacie Saunders said Feb. 22 during her weekly Buncombe COVID community update. 

“Last week (Feb. 6-12), this indicator was 386 cases per 100,000, and this week (Feb. 13-19) it has fallen to 237 cases per 100,000,”

Saunders told the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners during her presentation. 

“The current percent positivity is 12.2, compared to 15.5 one week ago.

“Deaths have decreased since last week, with 14 reported deaths submitted to the dashboard, bringing the deaths per 100,000 to just over five. 

“As stated in previous weeks, deaths may continue to be high despite cases continuing to decrease.

“Hospitalizations are also continuing to decrease with Mission Health reporting 84 COVID-19 patients systemwide.”

What’s more, Saunders noted, “Vaccinations continue to slowly increase with 72 increase of the eligible population having at least one dose and 69 percent of the population with the full primary series. 

“Boosters doses continue to rise, with 96,240 total third-booster doses being administered in Buncombe County.”

Speaking more generally, Saunders said, “The 40 Coxe COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic has been integrated into the Health Department Immunization Clinic as of Monday, Feb. 21. 

“This clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — and COVID-19 vaccines will be available on a walk-in basis. Visit www.myspotmyshot.nc.gov for a vaccine provider near you.

“Public health officials continue to stress the importance of being fully vaccinated and emphasize the importance of the booster doses as well. “

She added, “Please stay home and away from others if you are symptomatic or have COVID-19 to keep from spreading it to others. 

“It is still important to bring the rate of infection down by following simple preventative steps, such as staying home when you are ill, wearing a face-covering in public, and handwashing. Testing is available in many locations. If you need to be tested for COVID-19, please visit www.findmytestingplace.nc.gov.

“Public health officials are reminding the community that there are ways to reduce your risk,” Saunders said, including the following:

• “Vaccinate: Vaccinate yourself, if not already, and get boosted when eligible.

• “Test: Get tested if you have ANY symptoms of COVID-19 or know you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

• “Mask: Buncombe County Health and Human Services Public Health still strongly recommends the continued use of face coverings in all public indoor spaces, even if you are vaccinated.”

As of Feb. 11, Saunders said, “the CDC stated that it is no longer necessary to delay vaccination following receipt of monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma. 

“The CDC has also updated guidance about additional doses for moderately to severely immunocompromised people.

“The booster dose for those who received three doses of Pfizer or Moderna is now recommended at least three months after the third dose.

“For those who received the J&J vaccine as their primary series, a single-booster dose is recommended at least two months after the second additional dose, for a total of three doses (one J&J followed by one additional mRNA dose, then one booster dose — mRna vaccines are preferred for the booster dose.” Saunders said in concluding her weekly update.