COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on July 9
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 500 new cases reported
At least 1,017,435 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 13,483 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported 543 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, down from 630 on Thursday.
Eight additional coronavirus-related deaths were reported Friday. Deaths don’t necessarily occur on the day the state reports them. The state health department revises its daily figures as more information becomes available.
At least 418 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus as of Friday, slightly up from 410 the day before.
As of Wednesday, the most recent day for which data is available, 3.1% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Roughly 56% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 53% have been fully vaccinated. State health officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
Cases rise as delta variant spreads through NC
The delta coronavirus variant is spreading in North Carolina as the state sees a slight rise in cases of the virus, officials said.
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” said Dr. David Wohl of UNC-Chapel Hill. “The fire is that delta is spreading among the unvaccinated.”
From the last week of June to the first in July, the state saw the seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases go up 12%. The percentage of tests that come back positive and hospitalizations are also increasing, The News & Observer reported.
On Thursday, state health officials said more than 99% of COVID-19 cases reported since May are among people who aren’t vaccinated.
“We’re definitely concerned that we’re starting to see increases,” said Dr. Zack Moore, state epidemiologist. “We believe that it is related to the emergence of the delta variant here in North Carolina.”
The delta variant, which is more contagious, is expected to be “far and away the most common variant” in North Carolina by the end of this month, Moore said.
2 Hornets players out of training camp because of COVID protocols
Two NBA basketball players were pulled out of a training camp due to coronavirus-related protocols, a Team USA spokesperson said.
Miles Bridges and PJ Washington of the Charlotte Hornets are sitting out from training in Las Vegas. They were part of the USA Select team, which includes 17 American players who help the main team get ready for the Tokyo Olympics.
Bridges and Washington participated in a scrimmage on Wednesday after serving as two key players for the Hornets this season.
CDC updates guidance as NC schools require masks
As most North Carolina students prepare to start classes in August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now says face masks aren’t needed in schools for fully vaccinated teachers and students.
In the past, the CDC had recommended “universal” mask wearing in schools, which Gov. Roy Cooper cited as a reason that the state continued to require them for students, The News & Observer reported Friday.
While the CDC guidance calls for unvaccinated people to continue wearing masks, it could lead to changes in North Carolina high schools and middle schools, where students are old enough to get COVID-19 vaccines.
Travel company criticizes airline after mask dispute on Charlotte flight
A travel company said it was disappointed in the handling of a Charlotte flight that was delayed after a face mask dispute.
American Airlines said the flight to Nassau, Bahamas, was pushed from Monday to Tuesday after some passengers didn’t comply with COVID-19 mask requirements and were asked to get off the plane.
The company, Breakaway Beach, represents 47 passengers and said the group was “blamed for the actions of a few individuals,” The Charlotte Observer reported.
“The group was treated in an improper and overly harsh manner, causing unnecessary stress and aggravation to the travelers and their parents from afar,” the company said.
Some Wake students return to year-round school
More than 30,000 students in Wake County returned to year-round school on Thursday, marking the largest number of students to return to in-person classes since before the coronavirus pandemic.
At least 35 Wake County public schools are year-round. When all schools return in late August, about 94% will be in-person, The News & Observer reported. That’s higher than any time since March 2020.
Students still have to wear masks indoors at school — an issue that’s been the subject of recent debate.
Lake Norman beach will stay open
Ramsey Creek Beach on Lake Norman will stay open on weekends through Labor Day after finding enough lifeguards to work.
The beach was closed in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and a lifeguard shortage threatened to keep it closed this summer, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Officials said Thursday that beach hours could expand “as we onboard staff.”
Mecklenburg public health director to retire
A public health official who has served the Charlotte area during the COVID-19 pandemic is planning to retire this year.
Gibbie Harris, Mecklenburg County Public Health Director, announced she is leaving at the end of 2021.
“It’s the right time for me and my family, and I think it’s the right time for the department as well, to move into the next phase,” said Harris, who has led her department since 2017.
Harris’ successor will be Dr. Raynard Washington, the current deputy health director, The Charlotte Observer reported.
This story was originally published July 9, 2021 at 6:59 AM.
