Because of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in our community, on Aug. 9 Buncombe County began requiring masks in all County buildings regardless of vaccination status. The City of Asheville has followed the public health guidance from the Buncombe County Health Department throughout this pandemic and we will continue to do so. Beginning Aug. 11, masks will also be required in all City of Asheville buildings, regardless of vaccination status.
Also, beginning Sept. 22, City employees will need to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccine to Employee Health Services. Unvaccinated employees, or those who are not yet fully vaccinated, will be required to wear a mask at all times – even when working outside – AND provide COVID test results to Employee Health Services on a weekly basis. By starting this requirement on Sept. 22, hopefully everyone will have enough time to get fully vaccinated before the testing requirement becomes effective.
According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 20,000 North Carolinians tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week.
According to Buncombe County, the current rate of COVID-19 is 7.4%, up from 3.4% three weeks ago. On average, 67 new cases are entering the public health workflow daily.
Free COVID-19 vaccines are available to anyone 12 and older Buncombe County Health and Human Services by appointment or walk-in between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville. No ID is required. Learn more at www.buncombeready.org.