SE North Carolina News

As metrics related to COVID-19 tracking in New Hanover County remain low, officials continue to encourage members of the community who are not yet vaccinated or boosted to do so.

“The last few weeks have seen significant declines in the number of new cases and hospitalizations among our residents, which is such a promising thing to see,” Pandemic Operations Manager Jonathan Campbell said. “While we continue to monitor the latest developments of COVID variants and their potential impacts on our county, the goal is to keep our current metrics at the level they are now or see them reduce even further. The best way to make that happen is to get vaccinated and boosted to protect yourself from the virus.”

To provide residents with flexibility, appointments to receive a vaccine or booster at the Pandemic Operations Center (1507 Greenfield Street) 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.

Additionally, no cost rapid testing is also available at the Pandemic Operations Center. An appointment can be made by visiting this link but 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 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 March 25:      

• New Hanover County’s percent positivity over the past 14 days is 4.3 percent (this represents positive Molecular (PCR) tests as a percent of total PCR tests performed countywide).
• Over the past 14 days, 137 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the county which is an average of 9.7 cases per day.
• According to Novant Health NHRMC, as of March 21, the average daily number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized over the previous week was 6.
• Approximately 148,290 residents (about 63 percent) have been vaccinated with two doses or one dose of J&J, and 79,440 residents (about 33.8 percent) have been vaccinated with one booster or an additional dose.

Original source can be found here.