On Tuesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced new face covering guidelines now that more than a third of the population is fully vaccinated. People who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can take their masks off outside while exercising or in small gatherings with other vaccinated people and people at low risk.
Everyone is encouraged to continue wearing masks at crowded outdoor events like concerts or sporting events, as well as indoors. Those who are unvaccinated are advised to continue wearing masks and avoid gatherings.
President Joe Biden hailed the progress. He cautioned, however, the need for more adults to get vaccinated to reach a goal of a return of more normalcy this summer.
In other actions this week, the CDC and FDA announced they were lifting the recommended pause for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in the United States after a pause was put in place due to extremely rare cases of blood clots.
Also last week, N.C. Governor Roy Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen shared a timeline to lift the current pandemic restrictions if the outbreak of cases remains low and the percent of the population that is fully vaccinated grows. The anticipated timeline is to lift mandatory social distancing, capacity and mass gathering restrictions by June 1.
“Each shot in an arm is a step closer to putting this pandemic in the rearview mirror,” said Governor Cooper. “North Carolinians have shown up for each other throughout this entire pandemic and we need to keep up that commitment by getting our vaccines.”
Local positive cases low
Swain County has had 7 positive cases of COVID-19 over the past 14 days, according to the state dashboard. A total of 18 Swain County residents have died from the virus. Through April 27, there were 3,167 fully vaccinated adults in the county or just over 22% of the population.
To schedule an appointment for the Moderna vaccine with Swain County Health Department, call the office at 488-3198 and dial 1.
Walgreens in Bryson City also has the free vaccine now, with appointments available by scheduling online at walgreens.com.
On Tuesday, Western Carolina University announced its vaccine clinic will operate with extended hours including evening and weekends and resume administering the administering Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit vaccine.wcu.edu.
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who has administered its own vaccination program, reported on Tuesday that 33% of its community members are now fully vaccinated, halfway to its goal of 75%.
The state is reporting a 7.5% daily percent positive rate for COVID-19 among those tested and 1,148 newly reported cases for April 27.
Statewide, over 38% of the population 18+ is fully vaccinated. Administration of the vaccine hit a statewide peak the week of April 5 and has been slowly declining since. Although the vaccine is more broadly available, fewer are signing up for the shot.
The state anticipates lifting the mask mandate and easing other public health recommendations, once two thirds of adult North Carolinians have received at least one vaccine dose and if trends remain stable.
Cooper had a press conference scheduled to announce guidelines for May on Wednesday, April 28, after press deadline. It was anticipated he plans to lift more restrictions with indoor capacity and gathering sizes to increase.
The state has a vaccination hotline for those with questions that can be reached by dialing 1-888-675-4567. To learn more about vaccination, visit yourspotyourshotnc.gov.