At Monday’s meeting, the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners voted to rescind the State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic that had been in place since March 20, 2020, now that pandemic response resources are readily available and the exercise of policing powers for county-wide restrictions is no longer needed.
While the declared State of Emergency is no longer in effect, the importance of continuing to be mindful of safety protocols to limit the spread of COVID-19 still remains.
“Though we may no longer be operating under a county State of Emergency, it is important to remember that COVID-19 is still circulating in our community, and most recently there has been a slight increase in COVID-19 cases among residents. So, we should continue to focus on community measures to minimize the impact of severe illness and protect those that are most vulnerable,” said New Hanover County’s Pandemic Operations Manager Jon Campbell.
To help keep the community safe, Campbell and the Pandemic Operations team continue to encourage proper safety measures, including testing if symptomatic or exposed to COVID-19, remaining up to date on vaccines and boosters, and wearing a face covering when appropriate.
“New Hanover County’s Pandemic Operations Center will continue to provide vaccines, testing, and resources to all community members while monitoring ongoing COVID-19 developments,” said Campbell.
Initial vaccines and boosters are available at the Pandemic Operations Center (1507 Greenfield Street) 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.
- Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Fridays from 9 a.m.-noon
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 May 5:
- New Hanover County’s percent positivity over the past 14 days is 12.9 percent (this represents positive Molecular (PCR) tests as a percent of total PCR tests performed countywide).
- Over the past 14 days, 402 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the county which is an average of 28.7 cases per day.
- According to Novant Health NHRMC, as of April 25, the average daily number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized over the previous week was 5.
- Approximately 148,849 residents (about 63 percent) have been vaccinated with two doses or one dose of J&J, and 86,389 residents (about 36.8 percent) have been vaccinated with one booster or an additional dose.
Original source can be found here.
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