COVID-19 Updates
Governor Cooper's Executive Order 195 Eases Restrictions (Updated February 26, 2021)
Governor Cooper's most recent executive order, 195, eases restrictions for the State. Most notably, the modified stay-at-home order and limits on certain businesses have been lifted. The maximum capacity for in-person gatherings is now at twenty-five (25) and the maximum capacity for outdoor gatherings remains at fifty (50) persons. A full copy of the executive order may be found by clicking this link.
Vaccination Data and Information for Buncombe County
Buncombe County began accepting vaccination appointments for Phase 3 individuals this week with a state-mandated focus on teachers and educators. This focus will continue through March 10, 2021 when the remainder of Phase 3 individuals will be able to register for the vaccine. Phase 3 includes front line essential workers in various sectors of the economy.
Buncombe County's current full vaccination rate is 7.1 percent. This tracks with the state percentage - also 7.1 percent. For a deep dive into the vaccination data throughout the state, please check the NC DHHS Vaccination dashboard.
Vaccine Information for Biltmore Forest Residents
(updated January 15, 2021)
The State has re-calibrated its vaccination protocol, and Buncombe County residents 65 years of age and older and all health care workers are now eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine beginning February 1, 2021.
From Buncombe County's Covid-19 Website
Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) had begun administering vaccine to those 75 years and older per the previous NCDHHS plan and is committed to providing vaccinations to those 75 years and older until Feb 1, 2021. BCHHS will continue to provide appointments to those over the age of 75 and will begin to provide appointments for individuals 65 and older starting Feb. 1, 2021.
Because vaccine supplies are currently limited, states must make vaccine available in phases. View the phases at https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/vaccines/NCDHHS-Vaccine-Infographic.pdf.
NCDHHS determines the vaccine allocation to counties. Current vaccine supply remains low. BCHHS will alert our community of available appointments as more vaccine doses are received.
Currently, all appointments for available vaccines have been scheduled. Community members can receive information about vaccination phases, available appointments, and how to schedule appointments by signing up for the COVID-19 email newsletter at buncombeready.org. Community members can also receive alerts to their phones by texting “BCAlert” to 888-777.
Earlier Vaccine Information from January 8, 2021
Buncombe County residents 75 years or older may now begin requesting and registering for the Covid-19 vaccine online. The online registration offers opportunities to register for appointments through Jan. 29, 2021.
While it is uncertain the total number or type of vaccines Buncombe County Health and Human Services will receive from the state each week, a minimum of 500 appointments per week will be scheduled, with additional appointments added when state allotments of vaccines are confirmed.
Appointments for Buncombe County residents 75 and older can also be made by calling 828-250-5000 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. To help residents stay safe at home and prevent the spread of COVID-19, there is no in-person appointment scheduling.
Buncombe County is following the State of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Covid-19 vaccination roll-out. Current vaccinations are for those in Phase 1B (75 years and older). Additional phases and registration details will be released in the coming weeks. Buncombe County's website has a tremendous amount of information related to the Covid-19 vaccination rollout, and the Town encourages residents to review this information BEFORE contacting the County or Town for additional information.
Buncombe County Covid-19 Vaccination Information
Town Remains Aligned with Governor Cooper's Executive Order - Updated January, 29, 2021
Governor Cooper's most recent executive order was extended, effective today through February 28th. The Town remains aligned with Governor Cooper's order, and more information regarding the specific requirements of the order may be found by clicking this link.
