Mecklenburg County is experiencing a surge in summer season COVID-19 circumstances, county well being officers say.
Whereas the U.S. COVID-19 public well being emergency formally ended on Could 11, officers warn {that a} surge of COVID circumstances might final into the autumn.
In keeping with a Mecklenburg County press launch, emergency division visits and hospitalizations attributable to COVID-19 an infection have elevated.
From July 14 – July 27, 2023, there have been 316 emergency division visits for COVID-19-like sickness in Mecklenburg County.
For comparability, final month, from June 18 to June 24, there have been 121 emergency division visits for COVID-19-like sickness in Mecklenburg County, in accordance with the well being division.
Proof of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 sickness, in wastewater, has been rising since early July, in accordance with a Mecklenburg County press launch.
A brand new variant, Omicron XBB, precipitated circumstances to extend in January however has not precipitated the present surge, although it nonetheless accounts for many circumstances in North Carolina.
From July 9 – July 22, Omicron XBB-like variants made up 98% of strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in accordance with Mecklenburg County.
Well being leaders consider waning immunity, elevated journey, and extra time indoors attributable to record-breaking warmth are probably inflicting the surge.
“If it’s been some time because you’ve obtained a COVID dose or because you’ve had COVID, you’re slightly extra weak” Dr. David Priest, an infectious illness specialist at Novant Well being, mentioned.
Folks whose immunity could also be fading — those that had a vaccine or COVID-19 sickness greater than 5 months in the past — ought to keep away from indoor crowds.
Officers additionally advocate washing arms with cleaning soap and water extra typically than regular.
Well being officers advocate following suggestions for isolation in case you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and to observe suggestions in case you are uncovered to the virus.
Irrespective of the signs, Dr. Priest recommends staying house in the event you really feel sick or unwell.
“Be thoughtful and keep house,” Dr. Priest informed QCity Metro in a press convention.
Dr. Priest additionally recommends sporting a masks whereas utilizing public transportation.
In keeping with Dr. Priest, new vaccines focusing on the Omicron XBB variant are anticipated to be accessible in September, across the identical time because the seasonal flu vaccine.
Well being consultants will probably advocate these vaccines in preparation for the anticipated fall surge when colleges are again in session and when colder climate strikes extra folks indoors. To search out COVID provides close to you, resembling vaccines and at-home take a look at kits, use the county’s interactive map.
