SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — The latest community level update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has bumped up the tri-county region into a level of high spread for Covid-19.
Once yellow — an indicator of medium transmission of cases — Pender, Brunswick and New Hanover counties now are marked red on the map, showing increased numbers in Covid-19 cases are circulating.
In New Hanover County, the current case rate per 100,000 is 298.97 and new Covid-19 admissions per 100,000 is 12. It’s a trend officials have expected to coming out of the holiday season with families and friends gathering.
“We have seen an increase in Covid-19 this week, much like we have seen the last couple of years,” Pandemic Operations Manager Jon Campbell said in a press release. “We are in the part of the year where respiratory virus cases increase as people spend more time indoors and take part in more social gatherings.”
With the virus more widespread, CDC recommends further protective measures to prevent contracting the virus. This includes practicing proper hygiene, such as hand-washing, and staying at home if feeling ill.
Limited indoor interactions, wearing a properly fitted face covering and staying up to date on vaccines and boosters all help fight against Covid-19, the county noted in a release Friday.
“It’s important to remember we have the tools to be proactive in getting the community level back down,” Campbell added in the release. ”Covid-19 boosters were updated in September and are built to help combat the Omicron variants like we are seeing circulating now.”
Anyone who is immunocompromised should avoid non-essential indoor activities and also ensure rapid tests are accessible, according to the county.
Its Pandemic Operations Center at 1507 Greenfield St., open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, offers vaccines and boosters on a walk-in basis. It also has free at-home tests for the community.
According to the county, New Hanover residents that completed the initial Covid-19 vaccine series lands around 64%. Since March 1, 2020, there have been 62,504 confirmed cases in New Hanover County and 450 deaths.
The CDC updates its community levels weekly. Pender is showing 299.71 cases per 100,000 with new Covid-19 admissions per 100,000 also at 12. Brunswick County is tracking higher 433.21 cases per 100,000, also with 12 new Covid-19 admissions per 100,000.
Have comments or tips? Email info@portcitydaily.com
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
