Due to an uptick in local cases + hospitalizations, and the contagious nature of the Delta variant of COVID-19, Buncombe County has shared new recommendations, masking policies + vaccination incentives to help curb the spread of the virus.

High transmission is defined as having more than 100 cases per 100,00 residents in a 7-day period. | Screen grab courtesy of the CDC

Here are the latest stats + facts:

The CDC has designated Buncombe County, as well as the majority of the state, as a high transmission area.
BCHHS is seeing 50 new cases per day and 151 cases per 100,000 per week.
The current rate of incidence is 7.2%, up from 3.4% 2 weeks ago.
The average age for people with new cases is 39.
150,085 — or 54% — of Buncombe residents are fully vaccinated as of Aug. 4.

Here’s what the county has implemented:

A vaccine incentive program that will dole out a $100 “incentive card” to individuals 18+ who receive their first vaccine after Aug. 4 at a BCHHS clinic. Those providing a ride to these individuals also qualify for a $25 incentive card. The program will run at least through the end of the month.
The authorization of $665,000 in funds to establish Buncombe as a state hub for vaccination efforts. The money will go towards ultracold vaccine storage units, a mobile vaccine unit + outreach efforts.
Asheville City Schools is requiring masks for all students and employees, regardless of vaccination status. Buncombe County Schools will meet about this today.
A recommendation to wear masks in all public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status, and to implement a mask mandate and mandatory monthly testing for unvaccinated county employees.

What you should know:

Your local restaurants may be implementing mandates, too, so check before you go.
Walk-in vaccines are available M-F, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Buncombe County Health Department (40 Coxe Ave.)
Local appointments can also be scheduled online
Additional vaccine providers can be found here.