This news item expired on Friday, December 31, 2021 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
The last year and a half has been incredibly stressful and difficult on our community in so many ways including significant impacts to businesses and our local economy. Just over 52% of our total population is fully vaccinated. This means almost one out of every two of us still unvaccinated and now with the highly transmissible Delta variant widely circulating throughout communities in North Carolina, we are seeing a significant increase in new cases in Buncombe County. There is substantial spread of COVID in Buncombe County and the level of transmission is rising not only in Buncombe County but also in the counties around us.
The session was moderated by Kit Cramer, President of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, and panelists included Stacie Saunders, Buncombe County Public Health Director, Fletch Tove, Buncombe County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director, and Dr. Bill Hathaway, HCA NC Division Chief Medical Officer. Over 150 business leaders tuned in to engage with these panelists on public health guidance. The recording of the event will be posted here later in the day.
This is a time that requires action. Preventing the spread of COVID means keeping businesses open and keeping our families and community safe. There are steps you can take now.
The following resources are available to support businesses in our community: Stand Up for Your Business | Shut Down COVID Memo to business owners (English and Spanish)
Attached are examples of signage that the Chamber has developed to use in their buildings. They are also available at www.ashevillechamber.org/coronavirus.
Business Community COVID-19 Town Hall Event
Click here to watch this video in Spanish.