Pandemic Operations Team continues to monitor COVID-19 indicators –

Pandemic Operations Team continues to monitor COVID-19 indicators

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC – As part of ongoing efforts to protect the community, the New Hanover County Health and Human Services’ Pandemic Operations team is monitoring recent trends in local COVID-19 indicators to help keep the public informed.

Since April 8, the percent positivity rate for New Hanover County testing has risen from 3 to 7.7 percent while the average number of new cases reported per day is up from 10.7 to 13.7.

“Over the past two weeks, New Hanover County has seen an increase in several indicators, however, we remain in the low category for the CDC’s community level tracking at this time” said Pandemic Operations Epidemiologist Ian Appling. “As we see the indicators start to increase, it is important to remember there are precautions available to help keep you safe and reduce transmission. This includes staying up-to-date with vaccines and boosters, getting tested if you are experiencing symptoms and wearing face coverings while indoors, especially in crowded settings.”

While current community monitored trends remain in a positive place, hospitalization and severe illness from COVID-19 remains a concern, especially for the county’s older population or those who have underlying health conditions, as well as the people that live with or take care of these individuals.

“It is important to continue taking care of each other as we move forward into the summer months of traveling and family gatherings,” Appling added.

To help keep the community safe, the Pandemic Operations Center (1507 Greenfield Street) is continuing to offer initial vaccines and boosters throughout the week. Appointments are recommended but not required and can be made by visiting TakeMyShot.NC.gov. Vaccines and boosters will be available during the following days and times:

• Mondays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Thursdays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Fridays from 1-5 p.m.

The Pandemic Operations Center is also offering no cost rapid testing.  An appointment is recommended and can be made by visiting this link, but again it is not required. Rapid tests will be available during the following days and times:

• Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Fridays from 9 a.m.-noon

For more information on the Pandemic Operations Center, vaccines, boosters or testing, visit Health.NHCGov.com/Coronavirus or call the Coronavirus Call Center at 910-798-6800.

Low COVID-19 Community Level

Following its weekly review of county-specific data, the CDC has kept New Hanover County at a low COVID-19 community level. Recommended precautions for this level include being fully vaccinated and boosted, and testing for COVID if you develop symptoms. Mask usage at this community level is optional. The CDC plans to update community levels weekly, so residents can check the CDC website here to know the current community impact level.

COVID-19 Community Data, as of April 22:      

• New Hanover County’s percent positivity over the past 14 days is 7.7 percent (this represents positive Molecular (PCR) tests as a percent of total PCR tests performed countywide).
• Over…