FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Department of Public Health is aligning with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control’s updated guidance as it pertains to quarantine and isolation protocol with the general public.
On Monday, Dec. 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the recommended isolation and quarantine times should be shortened for members of the general public who test positive from COVID-19 and the quarantine guidance for those exposed to COVID-19.
Based on the document located here (cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html) these recommendations do not apply to healthcare workers and congregate living settings, including long term care facilities. In the coming days, we anticipate additional guidance from CDC and NC DHHS about IF and how this guidance applies childcare centers and K-12 schools in North Carolina.
The CDC’s press release states that, “The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after. Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for five days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for five days to minimize the risk of infecting others.” These recommendations may not apply to all sub-populations.
Everyone in the general public who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should isolate and stay home for a minimum of five days. If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after five days, you can leave your home but only if continuous mask wearing is implemented when around others. If you have a fever, remain at home until the fever resolves.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine):
If you have received a booster shot OR have completed your primary series of Pfizer or Moderna (two-dose series) within the last six months or the primary series of Johnson and Johnson (one-dose series) in the last two months, you should wear a mask around others for 10 days and test on the fifth day, if possible. If you develop symptoms, get tested and stay home.
If you have not received a booster shot AND have completed your primary series of Pfizer or Moderna (two-dose series) beyond the last six months or the primary series of Johnson and Johnson (one-dose series) in the last two months OR are unvaccinated, you should stay home for five days and implement continuous mask wearing when around others for an additional five days. Test on the fifth day, if possible. If you develop symptoms, get tested and stay home.
“The Omicron variant in combination with social gatherings for the holidays is making for a perfect environment for increased cases,” said Dr. Jennifer Green, Cumberland County Public Health Director. “We need everyone to remain diligent when wearing a mask and socially distancing as we move into celebrating the New Year and most importantly get vaccinated.”
Testing Information
The Health Department can provide free at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen testing kits, while supplies last. Pick up a kit at the Health Department, Monday-Friday with no appointment required. Limit of two kits per person. For more information visit our website. Testing will be closed at the Manna Church site Dec. 30 - 31.
Testing will continue Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Health Department parking lot into the new year.
Cumberland County Update
The Public Health Director issued a public health imminent hazard abatement order for a county-wide mask mandate which took effect Aug. 27 at 5 p.m.
The abatement states “All persons within Cumberland County shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth while in indoor spaces to include, [as an example, but not limited to] offices and workplaces, business establishments, private clubs attended by members, public transportation facilities and vehicles, stores for the sale of any goods, restaurants, bars, places for amusement or entertainment, gyms and places for exercise, schools, places of worship, or any place the public is invited or allowed to assemble.”
It is highly recommended to still maintain social distance while wearing a face covering. The combination of receiving a safe and effective vaccine, social distancing and wearing a mask is the best defense against the spread of COVID-19. Wearing face coverings when outdoors is strongly encouraged when social distancing is not possible, but not required by this abatement order.
As of Dec. 28, the Cumberland County Public Health Department reports 502 Cumberland County residents have died of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. There have been 50,189 cases in Cumberland County reported since the onset of the pandemic and according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website, the percent positive rate is 14.4%. Cumberland County continues to be in the red for the county alert system.
Vaccine Clinic Information
All individuals age 5 and up may schedule appointments on the County’s COVID-19 vaccine page at cumberlandcountync.gov/covid19/vaccination. An online application form allows individuals to choose their own appointment date and time for the first, second, or third dose, if eligible, of the vaccine. Second doses are automatically scheduled after the first dose is received. Upcoming clinic dates are as follows:
Monday through Friday (Closed 12/31)
- Health Department, 1235 Ramsey Street, 3rd floor auditorium Fayetteville, NC 28301
- Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J
- No appointments required
- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Visit cumberlandcountync.gov/covid19/vaccination to make an appointment. First, second, and third doses are the same. Individuals may attend a “second dose clinic” to receive their first or third dose. Call (910) 678-7657 weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. if you need assistance with the form or have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Individuals who need transportation to and from the vaccination site can call 910-678-7619 weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance.
Find your spot at myspot.nc.gov/ or search at vaccines.gov/search/ to find a location near you to become fully vaccinated.
To file a complaint concerning a violation of the Cumberland County abatement order, please visit cumberlandcountync.gov/MaskOrder or to speak with a Cumberland County Health Department representative concerning a violation of the abatement, please call (910) 678-7657.
Please visit cumberlandcountync.gov/MaskOrder for more information about the abatement and a downloadable abatement sign to place in public areas. Watch the Board of Commissioners Special Meeting at YouTube.com/cumberlandcountyNC for the full discussion from Aug. 24.
Please visit www.cumberlandcountync.gov/publichealth for more information about Cumberland County Department of Health programs.