As COVID trends spike in Orange County, new guidance from the CDC urges mask wearing indoors.

Orange County is now classified as having substantial community spread of COVID-19, according to data from North Carolina Health and Human Services.  Just last week, Orange County was in the significant impact category. This change represents an increase in spread of the virus.

This map shows COVID data from July 26th to August 1, 2021. It classifies North Carolina as having substantial community spread. (Photo via CDC)

The levels of spread are low (least spread) , moderate, significant, substantial and critical (most spread). Designations of North Carolina counties are based on case rates, test positivity rates and hospitalization impact throughout the county.

COVID data from July 4-17th shows Orange County at significant spread. Viral spread has increased since then. (Photo via North Carolina Department of Health and Humans Services)

Guidance from the CDC issued last week said counties in substantial or high community spread areas should be wearing masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

This includes wearing masks in schools, health settings, and public transportation.

Governor Roy Cooper addressed the changing guidance last week.

“We are recommending people in North Carolina follow these health protocols,” Cooper said. “Everyone in a county with high rates of virus spread, including those who have been vaccinated, is encouraged to wear a mask in public indoor settings.”

Cooper said more than 80 percent of counties now have high virus spread.

According to CDC data, North Carolina has reported more than 2,000 cases every day since July 29. Orange County has also seen its cases spike 128 percent in the past week with 73 new cases.

North Carolina has also seen more than three consecutive weeks of increased hospitalizations. 1,359 people are currently hospitalized as of August 1.

Vaccinations are proven effective against the virus and minimizing the spread of variants. Orange County currently has the highest vaccination rate in the state at 66 percent, according to state health department data. Despite this, the county has seen increased spread as the delta variant rapidly circulates.

The map displays the number of people vaccinated by county as of August 2. Orange County has 95,660 people fully vaccinated (Photo via North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services)

Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Mandy Cohen said one infection from the delta variant spreads to an average of six new people, while the original strain only infected two to three others.

“This is a moment of rapid viral spread,” Cohen said. “Driven by a highly contagious virus, finding and infecting those who are still unvaccinated.”

Ninety two percent of new cases in North Carolina are from those who are unvaccinated.

Governor Cooper emphasized the importance of getting shots in the arms of all North Carolinians to stop the alarming trends.

“It’s simple. Get a vaccine now,” Cooper said. “It will protect you and prevent future variants like delta that could emerge to threaten our health and the economic recovery. Do it for yourself, do it for your family, do it for the children under 12. Do it today.”

 

Featured photo via Travis Long / News & Observer

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