Pandemic Operations Team offers tips for safer holiday weekend celebrations
Posted July 1, 2022 at 9:00 am Category: News Release • Public Health
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC – As summer gets into full swing, many in the community are preparing for Independence Day celebrations over the coming weekend. New Hanover County’s Pandemic Operations Team is encouraging citizens to celebrate the holiday safely to limit the impacts of COVID-19.
“Unfortunately, COVID is still in our community, so it’s important to keep that in mind as you make plans for the Fourth of July,” said Pandemic Operations Manager Jon Campbell. “Reduce risk where you can by having gatherings outside or consider wearing a face covering. And, most importantly, if you aren’t feeling well, get tested. Plan to stay home if you aren’t feeling well or those results come back positive.”
To help keep everyone in our county safe, the Pandemic Operations Center is offering both Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to everyone 6 months and older following recent FDA and CDC approval.
Initial vaccines and boosters continue to be available at the Pandemic Operations Center (1507 Greenfield Street) every week. Appointments are recommended but not required and can be made by visiting TakeMyShot.NC.gov. Please note that the Pandemic Operations Center will be closed on Monday, July 4 for the holiday and will resume normal operations on Tuesday, July 5.
Vaccines and boosters are available during the following days and times each week:
- Mondays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed this Monday, July 4 for the holiday)
- Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Thursdays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Fridays from 1-5 p.m.
The Pandemic Operations Center also offers no cost rapid testing. An appointment is recommended and can be made by visiting this link, but again 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 a.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 July 1:
- New Hanover County’s percent positivity over the past 14 days is 21 percent (this represents positive Molecular (PCR) tests as a percent of total PCR tests performed countywide).
- Over the past 14 days, 886 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the county which is an average of 63.3 cases per day.
- According to Novant Health NHRMC, as of June 20, the average daily number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized over the previous week was 25.
- Approximately 149,429 residents (about 64 percent) have been vaccinated with two doses or one dose of J&J, and 93,042 residents (about 40 percent) have been vaccinated with one booster or an additional dose.