Durham County is currently experiencing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases as indicated by the North Carolina COVID-19 Wastewater Monitoring Dashboard.
Trends around the state are showing an increase in case outbreaks, while COVID-19 hospitalizations and emergency department visits are also increasing across the state.
“Unfortunately, here in Durham and across the state we’re seeing an increase in our COVID-19 metrics, so it’s important that we remain vigilant and remember our tried and true safety measures,” said Health Director Rod Jenkins. “Get tested, stay home and away from others if you test positive or don’t feel well, wear a mask when needed, and of course, stay up-to-date on your vaccines. This includes getting your fall booster. Available soon.”
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As cases increase, Durham County Public Health is encouraging the community to take the following steps to protect against COVID-19:
- Stay up-to-date on the COVID-19 vaccine. All approved brands and doses are available free of charge from Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH) to all people aged six months and over. Updated, yield boosters are expected to be available in early October and will be available at DCoDPH.
- To be tested. People who have COVID-19 symptoms or have recently been exposed to COVID-19 should get a COVID-19 test. Free home COVID-19 tests are available for pickup at DCoDPH Monday and Friday, 9:00AM-4:00PM and Wednesday, 12:00PM-4:00PM. No insurance or identification is required to take the test. More tests and test pick-up locations can be found on the NCDHHS website here. More information about when to get tested and what to do after testing can be found here on the CDC website.
- Wear a mask. Masks provide an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 and are recommended after exposure, when caring for someone who is sick, when community spread is high, and more. CDC guidelines on mask use and care can be found here.
- Follow CDC guidelines if you have been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, wear a mask for the full 10 days and get tested five days after exposure. If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and away from others for at least five days and wear a mask for at least 10 days. It is also important to isolate if you have symptoms but have not yet received a COVID-19 test result.
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All individuals 6 months of age and older are encouraged to receive the flu vaccine, and eligible individuals should receive an RSV vaccine. RSV vaccines are approved for people age 60 and older, and medications are approved to prevent RSV in infants and toddlers. Parents of children and people age 60 and older should talk to their healthcare providers for more information about RSV prevention. Flu shot locations can be found online here.
Beginning in May 2023, doctors and labs are no longer required to report COVID-19 cases to state health departments. As a result, case counts are no longer reported by the NC Department of Health Human Services and are unavailable for reporting on our previous data dashboard.
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