From Staff Reports

There were 15 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 in Buncombe County during the seven days ending June 14, down from 28 cases per 100,000 the previous week, according to Buncombe County Health Director Stacie Saunders.

She provided the findings during her regular COVID-19 and vaccine update briefing during the June 15 meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners in Asheville.

What’s more, a county press release noted, “Due to increases in vaccination rates and reductions in positivity rates, additional regular, formal briefings will be suspended unless needed.”

As for COVID-19 trends in Buncombe, as of June 15, Saunders noted there have been 18,044 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Buncombe since the pandemic’s start — along with 325 COVID-19-related deaths.

“The percent positivity remains below 2 percent in the weekly metrics, with it being 1.2 percent today,” Saunders reported.

“About five new cases per day are entering the public health work flow, with all new cases in the previous week in individuals younger than 64 years old, with the majority being 25-50 years old.

“Local hospitalizations remain low,” she said.

Regarding vaccines, Saunders pointed out, “Since Dec. 22, Buncombe County Health and Human Services has administered more than 95,300 total doses of the vaccine with help and support from Buncombe County Emergency Services.

“We continue to see the greatest portion of our time and effort in our outreach focused on equity and reaching those not yet vaccinated. We continue to work with community centers, community-based organizations, workplaces, recreation, schools and many other places.” 

What’s more, Saunders reported, “In the last month (June), Buncombe County Health and Human Services staff have planned, facilitated and/or implemented 18 events reaching about 440 people.

“According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Dashboard, about 52 percent of the total Buncombe County population has been vaccinated, with at least one dose of the vaccine.”

In addition, Saunders reported that “vaccination uptake among those 65 years and older remains high at more than 78 percent.

“Vaccination rates among the 12-17 year old group saw the biggest increase from 26.7 percent to 31 percent.”

While BCHHS vaccine administration has been taking place at the A-B Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville, she noted, the location is changing.

“We are thankful to A-B Tech,” Saunders said. “Many thanks to President (John D.) Gossett for the use of the incredible conference space, and special gratitude to Clint Gorman and Kevin Mills of A-B Tech for assisting us in so many ways at the site.”

On June 23, vaccine administration moved to the Health Department site at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville, she said. Walk-in vaccine hours will be 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Appointments also may be scheduled by visiting www.buncombeready.org, or by calling 419-0095.

Saunders added, “Last week, Governor (Roy) Cooper announced the Your Shot at A Million statewide vaccine incentive. Four vaccinated North Carolinians 18 and older will win $1 million each and four North Carolinians ages 12 to 17 will win tuition for post-secondary education. The $4 Million Summer Cash and Summer Cash 4 College Drawings will run every other Wednesday from June 23 through Aug. 4. Those vaccinated on or after June 10 will be entered twice for each drawing increasing the chance of winning for the newly vaccinated.”

As for testing, Saunders said, “Visit the Find my Testing Place website or visit starmed.care to register for COVID-19 testing in Buncombe County. Individuals who are showing symptoms or believe they have had close contact to COVID-19 should get tested.”

Saunders closed the briefing by encouraging people to get vaccinated. “Nationally, nearly all of the people who are hospitalized with COVID-19 are not vaccinated,” she said. “Please get vaccinated, if you haven’t yet. While new cases are low, the virus is still among us, posing particular risk for those not protected.”