As of, Friday, July 8, Mecklenburg County is once again at CDC COVID-19 Community Level Medium/Yellow after just one week at COVID-19 Community Level Low/Green.
The change from low to medium in the County reflects an increase in positive cases. The Omicron BA.5 variant currently represents the majority of new cases in the U.S. and is increasing in prevalence locally. Early evidence suggests this subvariant is potentially more contagious and more resistant to immunity from vaccines or previous COVID-19 illness.
"Given the increased activity within our healthcare systems and growing prevalence of BA.5, I’m concerned this may escalate," said Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health director. "Take steps now to protect yourself and your loved ones—test before you gather, get up to date with your vaccines, and meet outdoors when possible."
Indoor masking should be considered for those at risk for serious illness from COVID-19. Stay home if you're experiencing symptoms, even if it's just a scratchy throat or you think it's "just allergies." Before gathering, get up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, including any recommended booster doses, to protect yourself and your community.
The COVID-19 Community Level tool helps people decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest COVID-19 data in their community. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. The following are CDC recommendations for people living in counties at COVID-19 Medium Community Level:
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
- Get tested if you have symptoms.
- Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.
- If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease, have a plan for rapid testing if needed (e.g., having home tests or access to testing) and talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals and monoclonal antibodies.
- Keep indoor areas ventilated when possible.
Everyone can take these precautions now to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
- Get vaccinated at the two Mecklenburg County Public Health (MCPH) locations (Southeast Health Department, 249 Billingsley Road, Charlotte and Northwest Health Department, 2845 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte) or at a local provider, pharmacy, or community clinic or event.
- Get tested if you feel ill, either in person at a provider or testing event or at home using a test kit.
- If you cannot travel, request a mobile vaccination visit and order free at-home test kits delivered to your home.
- If you feel ill and are at high risk of hospitalization, visit the federal Test to Treat locator to find locations that offer testing, diagnosis, and treatment in one place.
Original source can be found here.
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