Peak 'phase' of COVID-19 in WNC may be three weeks away, health officials say

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — There are now 21 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Buncombe County.

Health officials over the past weekend reported the county’s first death of an elderly patient with underlying health issues who passed away March 28 of issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Buncombe County interim Public Health director Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, 16 individuals who had lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have recovered and are out of isolation. The patients range in age from 20 into their 80s. Buncombe County had five out-of-state travelers test positive for the COVID-19 virus. They’ve had no new cases, and all have recovered.

Environmental Health inspectors with Buncombe County have been working with adult day facilities and residential nursing homes. The goal of the visits was to conduct inspections and ensuring they’re following the CDC’s guidance on precautions to take against the spread of COVID-19 in their facilities. Monday, Mullendore said inspectors are satisfied that having taken a proactive approach with these facilities could help prevent spread of the virus.

WATCH: COVID-19 UPDATES FROM NC, BUNCOMBE COUNTY OFFICIALS

Differences in state and Buncombe County declarations

Monday afternoon, Buncombe County also clarified differences between its “Stay Home, Stay Safe,” declaration and the state's “Stay home” order.

“Buncombe County will maintain its declaration until April 9, at which time we will reassess the situation and the latest data to determine if we will align our county with the state guidance from April 9 until April 30,” Buncombe County Emergency Preparedness Director Fletcher Tove said.

The county's declaration is more restrictive than the state’s declaration in three areas. In those instances, the county’s rules override what the state has in place. The first area where they differ is Buncombe County prohibits any public gatherings and limits religious services preparations for live broadcasts and funerals to fewer than 10 people. The state’s asked that gatherings be fewer than 10 people, still adhering to social distancing guidelines of 6 feet of separation, with the exception of funerals, which can have up to 50 people.

Buncombe County has also prohibited hotels, motels and short-term rentals from accepting any new leisure guests through April 9. They can accept new clients if they’re here for business. Anyone visiting from New York, New Jersey or other areas with a severe outbreak of cases must self-quarantine upon their arrival for 14 days.

The state's order calls for short-term rentals, hotels and motels to have no new patrons until April 9. Also, visitors to town must self-quarantine for two weeks.

The third difference between the declarations deals with the operation of businesses. In Buncombe County, for a business to operate it must meet the essential business criteria spelled out in the county's declaration. The state just requires those businesses that remain open to observe the 6-foot social distancing guidelines.

The state's Stay Home order:

COVID-19 'peak phase' 3 weeks away

Monday, health officials explained a little more about the timeline of the coronavirus for Western North Carolina. The worst may be yet to come. While Buncombe County continues to report a handful of new COVID-19 cases daily, health officials are projecting cases could spike in as little as three weeks.

“Our peak use of resources is projected to occur on April 22 in three weeks,” Tove said.

County officials cautioned, that could be a peak “phase,” which could last four to 10 weeks. During that time, resources, meaning health care settings which could include doctor’s offices and hospitals, could be strained or overwhelmed. Officials hope the enhanced mitigation efforts enacted now will flatten the number of cases the area sees.

United Way of Buncombe County & Asheville steps in with new partnership

A new partnership in Buncombe County looks to connect vital resources where they're needed most.

“This is what we're built for. This is what United Way is all about. It's about connecting people to resources, the resources they need to get through the most difficult times,” said Dan Leroy, CEO and president of the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County.

Through HandsonAsheville.org, the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County and The Asheville-Buncombe County Chamber of Commerce will connect those requesting bulk quantities of food or cleaning supplies with business willing to supply them. Those willing to volunteer can also be matched with organizations who need a hand.

If a need arises for resources and there's no match to fill the need, the United Way will make that need known in hopes of finding help. That link to provide goods or request them, Handsonasheville.org.