Western North Carolina counties continue to see a rise in COVID-19 cases as the state moves forward with reopening.
COVID-19 cases continue to rise in North Carolina as the governor’s Phase Two executive order goes into effect. North Carolina has had over 28,000 cases with over 800 deaths thus far, those numbers expected to rise. Meanwhile, across the country, cases continue to rise surpassing 1.7 million and over 100,000 deaths.
Gov. Roy Cooper’s multi-phase process to reopen North Carolina continues on with Phase Two which loosens certain restrictions. Some changes happening under this phase include no more than 10 people indoors or 25 outdoors. Businesses such as restaurants, salons, and pools are able to open up to 50 percent of their capacities. Meanwhile, other businesses such as bars, night clubs, indoor entertainment venues and more will remain closed. Phase Two will run through to June 26.
As of Tuesday, June 2, Henderson and Buncombe counties are the most infected in the western region of the state each with 346 cases. Henderson has the most deaths with 45 and Buncombe with 24. According to Blue Ridge Public Radio, “Buncombe County will operate three free COVID-19 community testing sites this week.” Henderson County will also provide free testing.
On May 26, Asheville Citizen Times reported that “six staff members in one of Mission Hospital’s pulmonary units have tested positive for COVID-19.” The representatives for the hospital continued on by saying there was no current threat to patients. On Mission Health’s website, they state “we have established enhanced protections throughout our sites of care to create a safe environment for everyone who walks through our doors.” One of those protections include restrictions on visitors. “We will no longer allow visitors at any Mission Health Hospital,” reads a statement on their website, which continues by saying there are exemptions such as for “pediatric, Labor & Delivery and end of life care” where one adult visitor is allowed at a time.
Source: Macon County Public Health
Macon County has seen as significant spike in cases in the last week. On May 27, Macon County Public Health (MCPH) had reported 21 total cases and 1 death. As of June 1, the county saw nearly 70 new cases bringing the total to 90. Health officials reported groups of COVID-19 within the Franklin Walmart, the Evangelical Ebenezer congregation in Franklin (a predominantly Hispanic church community) and Old Edwards Inn in Highlands. According to MCPH, there are currently three individuals under 18 with the virus.
Haywood County has reported 48 cases and no deaths, Jackson County has 34 cases and 1 death, and Cherokee has 20 cases with 1 death. All other counties in the western region have under 20 cases and no deaths reported.
Health experts continue to push for social distancing, washing your hands frequently and wearing face coverings when in public. Symptoms for COVID-19 include fever, coughing and shortness of breath. To learn more please visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.
