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Health department reports COVID uptick, accreditation timeline and back-to-school immunization events
Summary
The county health department reported a rise in COVID test positivity in eastern North Carolina, outlined an accreditation schedule with a projected site visit in March 2026, and announced a back-to-school immunization and resource event on Aug. 14.
A health department representative identified as Tracy told the consolidated human services board the county has seen an increase in COVID positivity and is tracking other respiratory illnesses while preparing for accreditation and community vaccination events. "Currently, we do not have any additional state nor federal funding for COVID test kits or hand sanitizers that are available at the health department," Tracy said.
Why it matters: A rise in respiratory illnesses can affect community health services demand and vaccination planning; the department is also nearing an accreditation site visit that requires completed documentation.
Tracy gave an epidemiology update, reporting an increase in COVID positivity across eastern North Carolina to about 11.5 percent from 8 percent the prior week and noting circulation of other respiratory infections including croup and pneumonia. Tracy said there was no report from hospital partners of a notable increase in hospitalizations related to COVID at the time of the briefing.
The department received a 90-day notice letter for accreditation. Tracy said the Health Department Self-Assessment Instrument (HDSAI) and supporting documentation are due Nov. 1, with a projected site visit in March 2026. "If we look at the HDSAI checklist we have of the 147 activities, a 140 have been completed," Tracy said, adding seven items remain in progress.
Tracy also announced community outreach: the first annual back-to-school immunization and resource event will be Thursday, Aug. 14, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the health department, with partners including Medicaid prepaid health plans and local food resources. The health department will also participate in two weekend community events and a back-to-school event in Beulahville on Aug. 16.
Outcome and next steps: The presentation was informational. Commissioners asked about hospitalization rates; Tracy said she had not heard of increased hospitalizations and that hospital partners had not reported concerns at a partner meeting earlier that day. No motions or formal directives were recorded.
