The Davis’ daughter and mother, at Publix
Aug. 2. By Dave Yochum. With some hospital employees protesting new vaccination requirements, Atrium Health says science shows that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and continue to save countless lives.
Atrium Health is requiring all workers to get vaccinated by Oct. 31; Novant Health by Sept. 15.
The new, more contagious variants are causing hospitalizations to rise across North Carolina as well as much of the rest of the country.
The Delta variant is now the predominant strain, according to Gibbie Harris, Mecklenburg County health director.
Gibbie Harris
She said “breakthrough” cases—where vaccinated people are passing the virus on to the unvaccinated—are causing new outbreaks.
Outbreak in Massachusetts
Indeed, a new CDC study says 75 percent of the people infected in a coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts were vaccinated. While few required hospitalization, the study suggests that vaccinated people can spread the more transmissible variant, even
Facemasks back at Publix, Lowe’s
As of today, Publix is requiring its employees to once again wear face masks. A few more customers, like the Davis mother and daughter (pictured) are wearing face masks. The change comes after the CDC recommended that people in areas of substantial or high-transmission risk wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when in public or indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
Mooresville-based Lowe’s Home Improvement is also requiring its employees to wear masks indoors at all US locations and while working in a customer’s home or business, regardless of vaccination status. Stores will have signs encouraging customers to wear masks, and free masks will continue to be available for customers who request them.
Mild symptoms, but infectious even with vaccine
“What we are seeing is people who are fully vaccinated, can get very mild symptoms,” Harris said, explaining that Mecklenburg County is back in the CDC’s high-risk category.
Between March 22 and July 27, Mecklenburg received and confirmed reports of 376 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated residents.
“This variant is so infectious … you may become infected, and infectious. To protect everyone, get vaccinated and wear a mask in public,” Harris said.
