Due to an uptick in local cases + hospitalizations, and the contagious nature of the Delta variant of COVID-19, Buncombe County has shared new recommendations, masking policies + vaccination incentives to help curb the spread of the virus.
Here are the latest stats + facts:
- The CDC has designated Buncombe County, as well as the majority of the state, as a high transmission area.
- BCHHS is seeing 50 new cases per day and 151 cases per 100,000 per week.
- The current rate of incidence is 7.2%, up from 3.4% 2 weeks ago.
- The average age for people with new cases is 39.
- 150,085 — or 54% — of Buncombe residents are fully vaccinated as of Aug. 4.
Here’s what the county has implemented:
- A vaccine incentive program that will dole out a $100 “incentive card” to individuals 18+ who receive their first vaccine after Aug. 4 at a BCHHS clinic. Those providing a ride to these individuals also qualify for a $25 incentive card. The program will run at least through the end of the month.
- The authorization of $665,000 in funds to establish Buncombe as a state hub for vaccination efforts. The money will go towards ultracold vaccine storage units, a mobile vaccine unit + outreach efforts.
- Asheville City Schools is requiring masks for all students and employees, regardless of vaccination status. Buncombe County Schools will meet about this today.
- A recommendation to wear masks in all public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status, and to implement a mask mandate and mandatory monthly testing for unvaccinated county employees.
What you should know:
