From Staff Reports

For the third straight week, Buncombe County’s COVID-19 cases continued to decline, and the percent positivity was 6.7 percent, down from the mid-9 percent range a month earlier, Stacie Saunders, Buncombe’s public health director, reported Oct. 5 in a community update.

Her bimonthly coronavirus update focusing on Buncombe was unveiled during a meeting of the Buncombe Board of Commissioners.

As transmission rates decrease, hospitalizations have also decreased,” Saunders stated. However, with 397 COVID-related deaths, Buncombe County is closing in on what Saunders termed “a grim milestone” — cases per 100,000 per week is now 216, and school-aged children make up approximately 24.5 percent of new cases.

“We anticipate children ages 5-11 to become eligible very soon, but until then, the rest of us need to do our part to keep our youngest protected,” Saunders said. 

“This means eligible populations who are not yet vaccinated should consider vaccination now. The more we as a community are protected, the better we build a shield around those who cannot be vaccinated, including our younger children.”

Because of sustained high transmission levels, the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces was extended by the commissioners until Oct. 31.

Regarding vaccinations, Saunders said, “To date, BCHHS has administered more than 100,000 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with about 3,000 of those coming in outreach settings. 

“Currently 59 percent of the total Buncombe County population is partially vaccinated, and 62 percent of the total population is partially vaccinated, which are slightly lower than previous reports. 

“The Department of Health and Human Services released a statement on Friday (Oct. 1) that federal doses (like those administered by the Veterans Administration or a federal prison) that were submitted by the CDC to be added to the state vaccine dashboard had been submitted by county of administration and not county of residence. 

“The CDC has since corrected this data submission to the state, and as of Friday (Oct. 1), the dashboard has been updated to reflect all providers including those federal doses by county of residence.”

Further, Saunders asserted, “Of note, 71 percent of the eligible Buncombe County population (residents 12 and older) has received at least one dose of vaccine and 67 percent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated.”

Saunders also encouraged community members to get flu vaccines, noting, “Many providers have flu vaccine readily available now and you can visit your local pharmacies, grocery stores, primary care providers or us at the health department. 

“Additionally, the measures that help reduce your risk of COVID-19 exposure, will also help reduce your risk of flu and cold exposure — like wearing a face covering over your mouth and nose, keeping distance, and washing hands.”

According to recent NCDHHS data, individuals who haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19 have a risk that is four times that of their vaccinated counterparts in becoming ill with COVID-19, Saunders noted. “Additionally, unvaccinated individuals have a risk of death that is 16 times that of their vaccinated counterparts.”

She urged residents to stay up-to-date about vaccine opportunities by using the Buncombe County emergency alert program. “To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or go to www.buncombecounty.org/codered,” Saunders urged.

What’s more, she reported, “It is anticipated that Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 will be announced soon.

“Currently, locally funded $100 incentive cards are available while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic or at any BCHHS pop-up clinic. 

“Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit www.yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.

“If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and isolate from others while waiting for your test results,” she urged. 

“Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. StarMed offers testing at Harrah’s Event Center Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and on Sundays at A-B Tech from noon until 4 p.m.,” Saunders said in concluding her update.