Fayetteville Today

Cumberland County issued the following announcement on Nov. 10.

The Department of Public Health reports 270 new COVID-19 cases and four additional deaths since the last report on Friday, Nov. 6. Cumberland County has 7,809 total COVID-19 cases in Cumberland County since the onset of the pandemic.

Using case data as of Nov. 7, 6,867 cases are considered recovered. The total death toll in Cumberland from COVID-19 is 107.

Recovery data is reported using the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) estimated median time to recover of 14 days from the date of specimen collection for non-fatal COVID-19 cases who were not hospitalized, or if hospitalization status is unknown. The estimated median recovery time is 28 days from the date of specimen collection for hospitalized non-fatal COVID-19 cases. Estimates are used since patient-specific data on the actual time to resolution of all symptoms are not available for all COVID-19 cases in North Carolina.

Trends Head in the Wrong Direction

Despite fatigue and frustration with the COVID-19 pandemic, officials urge everyone to use good judgement and practice their 3Ws. Wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart and wash hands often.

“Our percent positive of COVID-19 cases keeps ticking upwards in our area,” said Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green. “Currently, Cumberland is reporting 7.1% positivity. We know, from practicing our 3Ws, that Cumberland can lower that percentage. We must not get complacent so that we can protect our community.”

Testing also will help aid in the fight against this virus. Free COVID-19 test collection continues throughout our area with the help of community partners.

New Downtown Testing Location

The newest location for test collection is Manna Dream Center (336 Ray Ave., Fayetteville, NC 28301). Testing is offered at Manna Dream Center on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This location does not require an appointment.  

Individuals should get tested if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive. Regardless of symptoms, anyone who is at higher risk of exposure or at higher risk for severe disease should also get tested.

Visit co.cumberland.nc.us/covid19 to view all dates and locations for COVID-19 testing. Some locations do require an appointment. Call (910) 678-7657 for more information.

Gauge the Risks this Holiday Season

NCDHHS released new guidance for Thanksgiving celebrations and Black Friday shopping to help North Carolinians gauge the risks, protect their friends and loved ones, and slow the spread of COVID-19.

Because North Carolina is experiencing high numbers of COVID-19 cases across the state, NCDHHS urges caution when gathering for Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations, especially for gatherings that include people who are at a higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19, such as anyone older than 65. During Black Friday shopping, it is strongly recommended individuals do not participate in any traditional Black Friday shopping where customers gather in large groups waiting for the store to open or are in crowded stores for extended times. 

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.

 Original source: https://www.co.cumberland.nc.us//departments/public-information-group/public-information-office/news-release-full-story/2020/11/10/270-new-cases-and-five-additional-deaths-trends-head-in-the-wrong-direction