Aug. 1. Mecklenburg County has moved to the highest CDC COVID-19 Community Level: High/Orange. The change from medium to high reflects the ongoing increase in positive cases, which brings an increased burden on medical resources.

Emergency department visits here are up 5 percent from the previous 2-week period; reported cases are up 10 percent.

The Omicron BA.5 variant, which appears to be more contagious and more resistant to immunity from vaccines or previous COVID-19 illness, currently represents the majority of new cases in the US.

Mecklenburg County health officials say everyone should consider masking when in public indoor settings.

Mixed signals?

On July 11, Gov. Cooper announced that he intended to rescind the COVID State of Emergency on behalf of the state on Aug. 15. At tonight’s Cornelius Town Board meeting commissioners are expected to rescind the State of Emergency declared by the Town of Cornelius in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions/prohibitions implemented under the Town’s State of Emergency will be terminated as of Aug. 15.