Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Recommended
The current CDC-recommended COVID-19 vaccines, which have been updated to target the variants that are making people sick now, are now available in Mecklenburg County. Residents with health insurance can get the vaccines for little to no cost at their local pharmacies. Residents without insurance or whose insurance does not cover the vaccines can get the vaccines at no cost through the CDC’s Bridge Access Program at participating pharmacies and MCPH clinics.
Emergency Department Visits due to COVID-Like Illness in Mecklenburg County
During November 3 - 16, 2023, there were 564 emergency department (ED) visits for COVID-19-like illness (CLI) in Mecklenburg County.
Of those ED visits, 11% resulted in hospital admission.
As of November 22, 2023, the COVID-19 hospital admission level in Mecklenburg County is LOW. Take the following safety precautions*:
- Get the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- Maintain ventilation improvements.
- Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
- Follow recommendations for isolation if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
- Follow recommendations for what to do if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19.
- If you are at high risk of getting very sick, talk with a healthcare provider about additional prevention actions.
* People may choose to wear a mask at any time. People with COVID-19 symptoms, positive COVID-19 test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask around others.
Surveillance of Variants in North Carolina
During October 22 - November 4, 2023, the following strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus were present in North Carolina:
- Omicron E-like variants made up 54% of samples.
- Omicron XBB-like variants made up 16% of samples.
- Omicron F-like variants made up 15% of samples.
- All other variants made up 15% of samples.
Wastewater Monitoring in Mecklenburg County
Percentage of COVID-19 Positive Wastewater Samples
As of November 22, 2023, the SARS-CoV-2 virus was found in Mecklenburg County wastewater in the following amounts:
- 20-40% of the wastewater samples tested at 1 monitoring site
- 40-60% of the wastewater samples tested at 2 monitoring sites
- 60-80% of the wastewater samples tested at 1 monitoring site
Find forms and other COVID-19 resources.