NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Covid-19 cases are on the rise due to the new dominant BA.2 variant and the county continues to operate at a medium CDC level.
This is the second consecutive week of a medium rating based on a case rate of 255 cases per 100,000 people in New Hanover County, as updated on Friday. That number is up from 232 on July 8. Medium levels include case counts above 200.
The county’s positivity rate for the last two weeks is 26.7%, up from 21% on July 1. Around 64% of New Hanover County residents are considered fully vaccinated with either two doses Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of J&J.
“We are continuing to see elevated case numbers locally, but we are also fortunate to have many ways to protect the community, such as face coverings, testing and, of course, vaccines,” Pandemic Operations Manager Jon Campbell said.
Because of the medium level, the county recommends speaking to a healthcare provider if you are at high risk about suggested mask wearing and treatment eligibility, being fully vaccinated and boosted, and testing for COVID if you develop symptoms or before being in contact with a high-risk individual. The CDC also recommends having a plan for rapid testing and to follow current quarantine and isolation guidelines if necessary. Mask usage at community level is optional.
CDC Community Levels are based on three factors – case rate per 100,000, new hospital admissions per 100,000, and percent of hospital beds used for people with confirmed COVID-19. Any case rate above 200 per 100,000 moves a county to the medium level.
“The overall goal is to stop or limit overall viral spread in the community, but making sure people who do catch COVID don’t place a burden on our hospital system is equally as important. That’s why vaccines remain so crucial.”
Vaccines are available to those 6 months and older. The Pandemic Operations Team offers vaccines during its normal operating hours, but will also hold a clinic at t Nourish NC on July 27 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
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