Hospital cases for COVID-19 reach historic high for third-straight day in NC
The number of patients hospitalized with coronavirus in North Carolina reached a record high for the third-straight day Tuesday as the pandemic continued its holiday surge.
The state Department of Health and Human Services reported 3,337 people hospitalized statewide, up 145 from Monday.
Only a month ago, a few days after Thanksgiving, that total stood at 1,826 — roughly half its current point. Health officials statewide and across the nation have repeatedly warned residents not to travel or gather during the holidays, a fear that lingers as hospital beds fill.
The updated North Carolina totals come as two Johnston County hospitals in Smithfield and Clayton reach or approach their capacity since the week after Thanksgiving — reflecting the post-holiday surge in COVID-19 cases.
Numbers continue to roll in at levels far higher than DHHS is seeking.
The agency listed 524,279 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began in March, up 3,563 from Monday’s total.
Testing continues to ramp up across the state, passing 6.8 million total. DHHS has long sought a positive test rate at 5% or below, which North Carolina last saw in September.
While the rate hovered near there for much of the fall, it has risen twice that high since the days after Thanksgiving. As of Tuesday, it was 13.5% statewide.
Meanwhile, the death toll from the virus hit 6,574 people Tuesday, up 13 fatalities from Monday, DHHS reported.
First dose of vaccinations
DHHS reported Tuesday that 63,571 North Carolina residents had received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of 8 p.m. Monday.
Both vaccines that have received federal emergency use authorizations require two doses taken three or four weeks apart. North Carolina started vaccinations on Dec. 14.
North Carolina’s vaccine plan calls for health care workers who are involved in the care for COVID-19 patients to receive the first doses of vaccine, as well as staff and residents at long-term care facilities.
DHHS partners with NC Central University
DHHS has partnered with N.C. Central University’s Center for COVID-19 Related Disparities to make sure information about the virus reaches underserved communities. The goal is helping everyone statewide make informed decisions about vaccines now becoming available.
“As the pandemic continues to disproportionately affect historically marginalized communities, it is essential that we reach those most impacted,” said DHHS Deputy Secretary for Health Services E. Benjamin Money, Jr. “We are able to better ensure that we engage American Indian, African American and Latinx populations, as well as those without internet access, to build confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines.”
This story was originally published December 29, 2020 at 1:08 PM.