Fayetteville Today

Cumberland County issued the following announcement on Dec. 23.

During a press conference today, Cumberland County Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green reported that the County has 12,952 COVID-19 cases and is now designated as having critical community spread.

Cumberland County moved from the Orange Tier with substantial spread to the critical Red Tier of the NC COVID-19 County Alert System. The alert system uses a combination of three metrics: case rate, the percent of tests that are positive and the hospital impact within the County.

Chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Charles Evans encouraged residents to remain vigilant during his remarks.

“We know you are tired of the pandemic and want things to return to normal,” Evans said. “But this is not a normal holiday season. We must continue to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Chairman Evans and Dr. Green both highlighted the importance of avoiding holiday travel, limiting contact with people who do not live with you and following the 3Ws during the holidays to prevent another case spike similar to the Thanksgiving holiday increase -- wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart and wash your hands.

Relief is on the Way

Dr. Green says the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all who want it, but supplies will be extremely limited at first. The Health Department is following guidance and recommendations from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on a phased approach to the vaccination process.

Currently, Cumberland is in Phase 1a of the vaccination process. Phase 1a aims to stabilize the health care workforce critical to caring for patients with COVID-19 and includes public health staff who will be responsible for distributing the vaccination. Health Department staff began receiving the vaccine today.

“Today is a historic day for public health,” said Dr. Green. “The public health staff who received the vaccine today have been on the front lines of this pandemic since March and will continue to work tirelessly to protect our residents. This vaccine is a welcomed gift.”

The Health Department is compiling lists of health care providers who are not affiliated with a hospital or health system and who meet the criteria for Phase 1a and will pre-register eligible health care workers in the state’s COVID-19 Vaccination Management System (CVMS).

The public should monitor the Cumberland County COVID-19 Vaccine website for future vaccination plans.

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/2020/12/23/cumberland-has-critical-spread-chairman-and-health-director-give-update