Mecklenburg County sees COVID cases rise, moves up to code yellow for exposure level
Mecklenburg County moved back up to code yellow or medium level exposure on Friday as COVID cases continue to increase significantly.
Levels can be low, medium, or high, and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions and the total number of new COVID cases in an area, the county said in a news release. Mecklenburg was in code green or low exposure prior to the change.
Mecklenburg has been in the low community burden of illness tier since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched that classification system in March, county spokeswoman Rebecca Carter said.
This is the first time the county has been elevated to medium in this new system, she said.
From May 13-26 there were 6,403 reported cases, a 34% increase from the previous two-week period, according to Mecklenburg County.
People with underlying conditions — including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high blood pressure, heart disease or a weakened immune system — should be “more cautious” now that the county is in code yellow, Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health director, said in the release.
“To stay safe, all individuals should consider masking, avoid large gatherings and make sure that you are up to date on COVID vaccines, including booster doses for those who are eligible,” Washington said. “If you do have symptoms, please get tested or take a rapid test, and consult with your health care provider about available treatment options.”
CDC recommendations under COVID code yellow
The CDC recommends tha people living in counties in code yellow:
▪ Talk to a healthcare provider to determine if they need to wear a mask and take other safety precautions if they are at high risk for severe illness.
▪ Stay up to date with coronavirus vaccines.
▪ Get tested if symptoms arise.
Mecklenburg COVID recommendations
To prevent COVID spread, the county recommends people:
▪ Get vaccinated at the two Mecklenburg County Public Health locations (Southeast Health Department, 249 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, and Northwest Health Department, 2845 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte) or at a local provider, pharmacy, or community clinic or event.
▪ Get tested if they feel ill, either in person at a provider or testing event or at home using a test kit.
▪ Request a mobile vaccination visit and order free at-home test kits if they can’t travel.
▪ Visit the federal Test to Treat locator to find locations that offer testing, diagnosis and treatment in one place if they feel ill and are at high risk of hospitalization.
This story was originally published June 3, 2022 at 2:31 PM.
