COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on April 27
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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 963,000
At least 963,771 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 12,583 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported 1,148 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, down from 1,334 on Monday.
Twenty-three additional coronavirus-related deaths were reported Tuesday. Deaths don’t all occur on the day the state reports them. The state health department revises its daily figures as information becomes available.
Health officials reported 1,103 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus as of Tuesday, up from 1,067 reported on Monday.
On Sunday, the latest day for which data is available, 7.5% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials have said 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Nearly half of adults in North Carolina, or 48.5%, have received at least one shot of the vaccine. At least 38.8% are now fully vaccinated.
CDC updates guidance for vaccinated people
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new guidelines on Tuesday for people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Under the new guidelines, people who are fully vaccinated don’t have to wear masks outdoors “except in certain crowded settings and venues,” McClatchy News reported. That includes live performances, parades or sports events.
Masks are still required indoors, the CDC said.
Fully vaccinated individuals also can safely not wear a mask while walking, running or biking outdoors, attending small outdoor gatherings, and going to dinner at an outdoor restaurant with people from different households.
Wake, Charlotte to resume use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Health care providers in Charlotte plan to resume use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on Tuesday.
Mecklenburg County Public Health and its vaccination partner, StarMed Healthcare, resumed use of the one-shot vaccine, The Charlotte Observer reported. Atrium Health also plans to begin using it again, but Novant Health said it’s still reviewing the studies.
The news comes one day after Wake County announced its own plans to start using the vaccine again following a recommendation from state and federal agencies.
There are 7,902 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine currently at the county health department, The News & Observer reported, and a clinic is scheduled for Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Holly Springs.
“As with everything we have done in the past, we want to offer the choice of J&J for those who are seeking that unique one-shot vaccine. Safety during and after vaccination are very important to us,” Ryan Jury, Wake County Public Health’s vaccine branch director, said in a statement.
Federal authorities recommended providers pause using the vaccine on April 13 after some people developed a rare type of blood clot. That pause was lifted on Friday.
Wake considering bonuses for summer program workers
The largest public school district in North Carolina is concerned about getting enough teachers for a program designed to help address coronavirus-related learning loss.
The Wake County school system said it expects it will need 1,300 educators this summer but has seen limited interest.
Statewide, districts are required to offer summer programming to K-12 students who have experienced learning loss. Wake could have more than 20,000 at-risk students participating.
To find workers for the program, Wake is considering $40 an hour pay for teachers and a bonus for workers who plan to participate in the entire six-week program.
Charlotte food hall to offer vaccines
A Charlotte food hall is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic this week.
Optimist Hall on North Brevard Street is scheduled to host the event from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday and 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, The Charlotte Observer reported. The clinic will offer the Moderna vaccine, which requires two shots.
While walk-ins are accepted, Optimist Hall encourages people to make appointments at 704-237-8793.
The food hall is teaming up with RAO Community Health for the event as health experts have worried hesitancy about getting the shots could impact the region’s vaccination rate. As of Friday, 22.7% of people who live in Mecklenburg County were fully vaccinated, behind the state’s rate of roughly 30%.
This story was originally published April 27, 2021 at 7:51 AM.
