COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on April 6
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We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
Case count surpasses 923,000
At least 923,430 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus and 12,189 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported 870 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, down from 1,054 the day before.
Sixteen additional coronavirus-related deaths were reported Tuesday. Deaths don’t all occur on the day the state reports them, and the state health department revises its daily figures as information becomes available.
At least 982 people in North Carolina were reported hospitalized with the coronavirus as of Tuesday, up from 946 on Monday.
As of Sunday, the latest day for which data is available, 7% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials have said 5% or lower is the target rate to control the spread of the virus.
More than 2.1 million people in North Carolina have been fully vaccinated. That includes more than one-quarter of the state’s adult population and one-fifth of all North Carolinians, health officials said.
NC vaccine eligibility opens to all groups on Wednesday
North Carolina is expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all adults starting Wednesday.
So far, only people in Groups 1 to 4 in the state’s vaccination plan have been able to sign up for their shots across North Carolina. Some counties already have started vaccinating Group 5, which includes residents ages 16 and older.
To make a vaccine appointment, people can sign up through pharmacies, medical centers and county health departments.
Vaccine supply grows in NC
North Carolina is receiving more first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, which health officials said should help the state meet growing demand.
More than 391,000 doses arrived in the state this week, up from 326,780 the week before and 223,120 at this time last month, The News & Observer reported Tuesday. The latest uptick was mostly due to a rise in shipments of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires one shot.
Since December, the state has been offering the vaccine to people in certain groups most at risk from getting seriously sick from COVID-19. But vaccine eligibility is expanding to everyone ages 16 and older on Wednesday.
“Because of the hard work of providers and commitment of North Carolinians to take their shot, we’re getting people vaccinated more quickly than we predicted,” Gov. Roy Cooper told reporters Tuesday. “This will help us turn the corner on the pandemic even sooner.”
NC to get funds to expand vaccine outreach
North Carolina is expected to receive almost $95 million from the federal government to expand COVID-19 vaccine outreach.
The money is from the CDC through coronavirus relief bills that passed in March 2020 and March 2021. President Joe Biden’s administration is set to make an announcement about the money on Tuesday.
Three-quarters of the funds are meant for programs that could expand access or acceptance from “racial and ethnic minority communities,” The News & Observer reported.
Wake families must decide this month about virtual learning
School administrators in Wake County are set to recommend opening registration for the Virtual Academy in April, meaning families will have to decide this month if they want to enroll their children in an all-virtual education for next school year.
Registration for the 2021-2022 school year would be in mid-to-late April under the recommendations, The News & Observer reported. Families will then have a 10-day registration window.
Administrators are set to present the plan at Tuesday’s school board meeting.
Vaccinated travelers could help NC tourism industry
Updated CDC travel guidelines may give a boost to North Carolina tourism as the industry struggles during the coronavirus pandemic.
Health officials said people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can travel in the United States without needing to self-quarantine or get tested. Wearing masks and taking other health precautions are still recommended.
There’s hope that more people will get vaccinated as North Carolina has lost about $10 billion in spending from tourists in the last year, according to Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit NC.
He said leisure travel could bounce back as the vaccine rollout continues but thinks the Triangle may take longer to recover than other places in North Carolina, The News & Observer reported Monday.
“It’s not as big a leisure destination as the mountains or the coast,” Tuttell said. “It relies more on business travel, meetings, group events, sports, live performances — and those are the things that have really seen the biggest impact, and probably will take the longest time to get back.”
Johnston County to host drive-thru vaccine clinic
The Johnston County Health Department will hold a drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination clinic Wednesday at North Johnston High School.
The clinic will start a 8 a.m. and end when supplies run out. Vaccines will be administered on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the county expects to have 500 doses available.
The clinic will administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which only requires one dose. People ages 18 and older will be eligible for the vaccine.
Attendees should enter the school athletic field entrance across from 460 Watson Road in Kenly and should expect a wait. The health department recommends bringing food and water. Restrooms will be available on site.
Those planning to attend the Wednesday clinic should complete the Prevaccination Checklist and Registration forms found at www.johnstonnc.com/covid19/files/Prevaccination_Covid_Reg_Form.pdf.
This story was originally published April 6, 2021 at 7:32 AM.
