Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Jan. 2
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases, hospitalizations reach record highs
At least 558,437 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus and 6,892 have died, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Friday reported its highest one-day number of COVID-19 cases at 9,527. That surpassed the previous mark set on Dec. 18 by more than 1,000 cases, the department announced on Saturday.
New cases were likewise high on Saturday, with 9,356 reported, according to the DHHS.
Saturday’s update included a two-day increase of 144 deaths for a total of 6,892 deaths, The News & Observer reported. December was the deadliest month during the pandemic.
Also Saturday, the DHHS reported a record 3,479 people being hospitalized with COVID-19, including 783 in intensive care units.
And 15.5% of COVID-19 tests were positive, the highest rate during the pandemic, N.C. health officials reported Saturday.
“We begin 2021 in our most dangerous position in this pandemic,” N.C. DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen said in a news release on Saturday. “We have critically high rates of spread in much of our state.”
“These numbers need to be a wake up call,” Gov. Roy Cooper tweeted late Saturday afternoon.
Avoid indoor gatherings with anyone who doesn’t live with you, Cohen urged.
“If you plan to see other people, keep it outside and very small,” she said. “Wear a mask the whole time. We must do all that we can to protect one another.”
Charlotte church plans another big gathering after prior COVID outbreak, reports say
A large number of people are expected to gather over the weekend at a Charlotte church that was the source of a deadly COVID-19 outbreak in October, according to local media reports.
Bishop C.M. Bailey, the national leader of the United House of Prayer for All People, is planning a visit to the United House of Prayer on Beatties Ford Road on Jan. 2 and 3, Fox 46 reported, citing a member of the church. His visit could draw a crowd of hundreds, WCNC reported.
The health department confirmed in a statement to WCNC it was aware of the event and has been in contact with church leaders.
“We explained that now is not the time for this type of event considering the extent of the pandemic in our community,” the statement reads, according to WCNC. “We have been assured by church leadership that they are implementing all of the necessary precautions and limiting the numbers in the church at any given time.”
United House of Prayer on Beatties Ford Road was the source of Mecklenburg County’s largest coronavirus outbreak, The Charlotte Observer reported.
At least 213 COVID-19 cases have been linked to convocation events the church held in October, and 12 people have died. Up to 1,000 people attended the events, which county health officials said contained lax precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus, the Observer reported.
Vaccine clinic announced for older residents in Charlotte area
Gaston County, west of Charlotte, is planning to host COVID-19 vaccine clinics for residents who are at least 75.
The vaccination roll out will start Jan. 8 at Gastonia Farmer’s Market, according to WBTV, The Charlotte Observer’s media partner.
While more information is expected to be released next week, Gaston County residents who are older than 75 are able to participate. Also eligible are health-care workers with patient contact and people who live and work in long-term care centers.
Field hospital to open in NC
The humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse is opening a field hospital in Western North Carolina as hospitals in the region care for an influx of coronavirus patients.
The tent will house 30 beds that are used for people who have COVID-19 but don’t need ventilators, The News & Observer reported Thursday. It will be constructed at Caldwell UNC Health Care in Lenoir and will serve patients from that hospital and four other nearby medical centers.
“These five western NC hospitals are overwhelmed and at capacity as case numbers in the state continue to climb,” Alyssa Benson, a spokesperson for Samaritan’s Purse, wrote in an email. “They reached out to Samaritan’s Purse to request our assistance, and we are grateful to come alongside them to provide additional capacity and care.”
More NC parents could get COVID-19 relief checks
Parents who missed the deadline to apply for state funds to offset the costs of virtual learning may still be able to receive money.
Starting in October, $335 checks went to North Carolina parents who claimed a child on their 2019 taxes or filled out applications by early December. Some people missed the deadline, and the funding originally had to go back to the federal government by Dec. 30.
The allocations came from the federal CARES Act, a coronavirus relief package that Congress has now extended into 2021. State Sen. Brent Jackson said he plans to introduce legislation that would give parents more time to apply for the Extra Credit Grant.
“It’s only fair to give them the opportunity to apply for it,” the Republican from Sampson County said.
Eviction protection extended
Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday extended a statewide eviction moratorium for another month.
Families who tell their landlords they can’t pay rent due to the coronavirus pandemic are protected from eviction until Jan. 31. The previous order was scheduled to expire on Thursday, The News & Observer reported.
“Too many families are living on the edge, trying to do the right thing, but left with impossible choices,” Cooper said in a news release. “This order will help them stay in their homes which is essential to slowing the spread of the virus.”
In the Raleigh area, the House Wake! COVID-19 Eviction Prevention Program also received an extension through Jan. 31. The program covers rent owed to landlords.
This story was originally published January 2, 2021 at 8:40 AM.
