From Staff Reports

Buncombe County recently recorded a slight decrease in COVID-19 case rates, county Public Health Director Stacie Saunders said during her weekly Buncombe coronavirus community update on Jan. 25.

However, she warned, during the same period (Jan. 9-15), the county recorded an increase in its COVID-19 percent positivity, hospitalizations and deaths.

“It is still too early to know if new cases of COVID are decreasing in Buncombe County. Current numbers suggest a decline in cases from 1,152 new cases per 100,000 per week to 907 currently,” Saunders told the county Board of Commissioners during her presentation.

“This week’s case data will help us determine if the decrease we are seeing is truly due to decreasing exposure and transmission, or if this decrease is a result of limited movement of people, including those seeking testing, during the recent winter storm,” she said.

The local percent positivity increased during the Jan. 9-15 period from 22.9 percent to more than 25 percent, Saunders noted.

The local death rate increased from 1.9 deaths per 100,000 to 4.2, representing 11 new deaths reported to the dashboard in the week’s period, she said.

“Almost 15 percent of inpatient hospital beds systemwide are occupied, with COVID-19 patients,” Saunders reported. “The ICU hospitalization went up from 31 percent to over 33 percent.”

She added, “Though our case rate is showing a decline right now, our other indicators continue to increase. Transmission remains high, and that means the risk of exposure and spread remains high. Remember to wear your face-covering, keep distance and wash your hands to help reduce the spread.”

What’s more, Saunders asserted, “If you are having symptoms consistent with COVID-19, stay home and contact your provider or visit a testing provider to get tested. Many community partners are providing testing, and home kit options are available. These locations and resources are listed at ncdhhs.gov/GetTested. 

“If you know you need an appointment, confirm your testing opportunity by booking an appointment in advance. Please do not visit a hospital emergency department if you only need a COVID-19 test. If you are tested and your test is negative but you have symptoms, continue to stay at home to reduce the spread of COVID-19 or other illnesses.”

Continuing, Saunders said, “In Buncombe County, 72 percent of the eligible population is now partially vaccinated and 68 percent of that eligible population is fully vaccinated. Additionally, 92,290 individuals have received a third/booster dose, which is roughly 54.5 percent of the fully vaccinated eligible population. 

Saunders urged a continued focus on vaccines, notng, “We’ve made great vaccination progress as a community. We have several vaccine providers in our community, including the health department, and two upcoming community vaccine events, so now is a great time to consider starting your series if you haven’t or get the dose you’re missing.” 

To that end, she said, “Even with the new variant, boosters are showing to provide a significant level of protection, particularly against severe illness, hospitalization and death.”

Regarding vaccine events, Saunders pointed out that, “to ensure that our community has opportunity to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccine, Buncombe County Health and Human Services will partner with Buncombe County Schools to host two school-based vaccination clinics. All vaccines will be available and free. (One of the two clinic swas held before this edition of the Daily Planet was published, so it is not listed here.)

“Please check www.buncombeready.org for confirmation” of the as the weather forecast in the coming weeks may necessitate rescheduling clinics,” Saunders said.

The upcoming vaccination clinic is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 5 at T.C. Roberson High School at 250 Overlook Road in South Asheville.

“Public health officials continue to remind the community that there are ways to reduce your risk of contracting and/or spreading COVID-19,” the public health director noted.

As for vaccinations, Saunders said, “Vaccinate yourself, if not already, and get boosted when eligible.”

Regarding testing, she pointed, “Get tested if you have ANY symptoms of COVID-19 or know you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.”

Insofar as isolating, the health official noted, “Stay at home if you have any symptoms, regardless of your test results.”

As for face-masks, “Wear a mask in all public indoor spaces, even if you are vaccinated,” Saunders said, as she concluded her update.