Contact Tracing Goes Digital Due To Significant Increase In Cases, Cumberland County

Press release from Cumberland County:

Dec 30, 2020

The Department of Public Health reports 440 new COVID-19 cases and four additional death since the last report on Wednesday, Dec. 23. Cumberland has a total of 13,392 COVID-19 cases and 138 deaths.

Cumberland County remains in the Red Tier of the NC County Alert System. This tier signifies critical spread in Cumberland using COVID-19 case rates, the percent of test that are positive and the hospital impact in the area.

Contact Tracing Expands to Text and Email Notifications
Due to the significant increase in daily cases, contract tracing is expanding to notify people as quickly as possible if they have tested positive for or been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Starting this week, all residents who have provided cell phone or email addresses will receive an automatic text or email message to connect people to follow-up resources and supports.

People receiving a text or email will be directed to a secure website that provides additional information about how to protect themselves and their loved ones, how to get support if needed to safely isolate, and how to contact someone immediately for additional information.

Stark Warning for Older Adults
During a press conference on Wednesday, Gov. Cooper highlighted the new federal COVID-19 task force recommendations for those 65 and older.

People over the age of 65 and those with underlying health conditions should avoid any indoor locations with people who are not wearing masks and are strongly encouraged to use delivery services to limit exposure.

Vaccinations Ongoing in Cumberland
A tested, safe and effective vaccine will be available to all who want it, but initial supplies are limited. Currently, Cumberland County is in Phase 1a of the Vaccination Plan. This phase vaccinates public health and health care workers fighting COVID-19 and Long term Care staff and residents.

The Cumberland County Health Department and Cape Fear Valley Hospital System began vaccinating Phase 1a residents in mid-December. According to the NC DHHS Dashboard, more than 2,500 initial doses have been given in Cumberland County.

The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) recently adjusted Phase 1b, which is expected to begin early-to-mid January. In Phase 1b, adults 75 years or older and frontline essential workers can get vaccinated but there is not enough vaccine for everyone in this phase to be vaccinated at the same time. Following NC DHHS recommendations, vaccinations will be available to groups in the following order.

• Group 1: Anyone 75 years or older, regardless of health status or living situation
• Group 2: Health care workers and frontline essential workers 50 years or older
• The CDC defines frontline essential workers as first responders (e.g., firefighters and police officers), corrections officers, food and agricultural workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, and those who work in the education sector (teachers and support staff members) as well as childcare workers.
• Group 3: Health care workers and frontline essential workers of any age

Cumberland County residents should monitor the COVID-19 Vaccine webpage at co.cumberland.nc.us/covid19vaccine for up-to-date information on the COVID-19 vaccination.

Staying Updated
Cumberland County has made it easy for you to stay updated on the latest information about COVID-19. You can visit our COVID-19 webpage, which has a list of COVID-19-related closures and service changes. The county is also sharing important information on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

This press release was produced by Cumberland County. The views expressed are the author's own.