After months of low numbers, our trends have turned sharply in the wrong direction.
Unvaccinated people are driving this resurgence and getting themselves and other people sick. People who are unvaccinated make up most of our cases where people are getting sick and hospitalized.
➡ The Delta variant of COVID is even more contagious. It doesn’t matter your age or race. If you are not vaccinated, you are at great risk. We are hearing from doctors about people in the ICU begging for the vaccine right before they are put on a ventilator. By then, it’s too late.
➡ This week, the CDC updated its guidance, and we are recommending people in NC follow these health protocols. In accordance with the CDC, we recommend that all K-12 schools require masks for all their students and teachers. Also, everyone in a county with high rates of virus spread- including those who have been vaccinated – is encouraged to wear a mask in public indoor settings. That is already 80% of NC counties.
➡ If you are not vaccinated, you need to continue practicing the 3 Ws. Wear a mask in all indoor public settings. Wait 6 feet apart in all public settings. Wash your hands often. In addition, you should not gather with unvaccinated people who do not live with you. If you do, stay outside and keep 6 feet apart. If you are not vaccinated, you also should not travel.
➡ There are also still places where everyone in the state needs to wear a mask like health care settings, public transportation, large crowded indoor venues, and indoor places with large numbers of children.
➡ Many vaccinated people are frustrated. You’ve been doing your part – first with masks and distancing and then with getting your shot. Thank you for stepping up to do the right thing for yourself and your community. We are asking you to step up once more and channel that frustration toward pushing your unvaccinated family and friends to do the right thing and get the shot. You may be the most important messengers we have.
➡ In North Carolina, we are issuing a new executive order and guidance aimed at slowing the spread among the unvaccinated and encouraging more people to get their shots. This order directs state government cabinet agencies to verify whether their employees are vaccinated. Unvaccinated employees will be tested at least once a week and required to wear a mask.
➡ Vaccinations are our way of the pandemic. Don’t wait to vaccinate.
⚠️ If you are not vaccinated, you are at great risk. Visit MySpot.nc.gov NOW to find a vaccine location near you.
