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Buncombe County reports nearly 20 COVID outbreaks in nursing homes


JAN. 19, 2022 - Buncombe County health officials said, despite the number of COVID outbreaks, those 65-74 years old makeup only 5 percent of the new cases, while those 75 and older make up 3 percent. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)
JAN. 19, 2022 - Buncombe County health officials said, despite the number of COVID outbreaks, those 65-74 years old makeup only 5 percent of the new cases, while those 75 and older make up 3 percent. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)
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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has reported 24 COVID-19 related outbreaks in Buncombe County -- 16 at nursing homes, seven at residential care facilities and one at a correctional facility.

“We’ve got long-term care facilities seeing increases in clusters/outbreaks,” Buncombe County Public Health Director Stacie Saunders said. “With a variant as contagious as omicron, I don’t think anybody was particularly surprised that this was going to happen.”

The increase in cases has brought seniors once again to a focus of concern in Buncombe County.

“They continue to be the most vulnerable population because, typically, they’re going to be over 65 and have comorbidities,” Saunders explained.

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The county public health director explained Wednesday, despite the number of outbreaks, those 65-74 years old make up only 5 percent of the new cases, while those 75 and older make up 3 percent.

“It’s a testament to that population of getting fully vaccinated and booster,” Saunders said. “The infection prevention protocols that have been put in place since the pandemic started ensured the safety of that population.”

Meanwhile, the executive director of the North Carolina Senior Living Association, Jeff Horton agrees.

“From what I’ve read, this is a more contagious virus than the previous ones we dealt with,” Horton said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if we had more (outbreaks). I don’t know if it would be at the same level as it was a year ago.

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Horton said high vaccination rates are playing a major factor in the safety of these facilities.

“One of the reasons it hasn’t been so pervasive this go-around is because most of the residents are vaccinated and many have received boosters,” Horton said.

But there are still challenges -- including COVID fatigue.

“I think remaining vigilant (could be an obstacle ahead),” Horton said. “Typically, what humans do is after they’ve been in a situation for a while, they start to get complacent.”

Click here for the latest COVID-19 data from the NCDHHS.

COVID-19: HUNDREDS OF NEW CASES REPORTED IN WNC SINCE MONDAY, JAN. 17

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