COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on July 16
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 500 hospitalizations reported
At least 1,022,876 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 13,523 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported 1,023 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, slightly up from 1,020 on Thursday.
Before Thursday, daily case counts hadn’t gone above 1,000 since early May. Health officials said the rise is mostly due to the delta variant spreading among people who haven’t been vaccinated for COVID-19, The News & Observer reported.
Four additional coronavirus-related deaths were reported on 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 536 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Friday, up from 494 the day before.
As of Wednesday, the most recent date available, 4.2% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Roughly 59% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 56% have been fully vaccinated. State health officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
Vaccine lottery winner reveals how she found out
Natalie Everett, the second winner of North Carolina’s $1 million vaccine lottery prize, told The Charlotte Observer she was going about her normal day on July 8 when someone from the state health department called.
“I didn’t believe a word,” she said. “I was like ‘I’ll play along,’ but I didn’t believe it.”
The 55-year-old Pineville resident didn’t actually know it was real until an official called her Tuesday and had all of her information.
“I was like, ‘Oh, dang, this is real,’” Everett said. “That’s when all my doubt went out the window.”
Delta variant outbreak reported in Charlotte area
An outbreak of the delta coronavirus variant has been linked to a Charlotte-area homeless shelter, officials said.
At least five COVID-19 cases at the Salvation Army Center of Hope are from the delta variant, according to Dr. Raynard Washington, deputy health director for Mecklenburg County. Of the 30 coronavirus cases at the shelter, eight were sent to get tested for the variant, which is believed to be more contagious, The Charlotte Observer reported Friday.
The county is teaming up with StarMed Healthcare and UNC Charlotte for delta variant testing.
The outbreak was reported as Mecklenburg officials say most of the region’s new COVID-19 cases are among people who haven’t been vaccinated against the virus.
Charlotte sees liquor shortage during COVID
The Charlotte area is facing a liquor shortage as reopened bars and restaurants create more demand.
During coronavirus-related shutdowns, sales at ABC stores rose 30% compared to 2019. Now, some retailers are experiencing low supplies of some vodkas and other spirits.
“Broadly speaking, there have been strains on the global supply chains of a variety of products throughout the entire pandemic, and not just here in North Carolina,” said Jeff Strickland, ABC commission spokesperson. “Many businesses have reopened over recent months, creating additional demand as well.”
The Mecklenburg County ABC Board said stores are still open for purchases.
Blood donations in demand as NC reopens
Blood donations are in short supply in the Triangle as the easing of coronavirus-related restrictions leads to higher demand.
Delisha English, The Blood Connection’s president and CEO, said donations have dropped 30% as people flock to activities they couldn’t enjoy over the past year.
At the same time, there’s an increase in car wrecks and surgeries as pre-pandemic activities resume, The News & Observer reported Thursday.
“We’re experiencing a blood shortage that can last for several weeks if the community doesn’t take immediate action,” English said. “Despite considerable efforts, we cannot keep pace with the unprecedented need for blood right now.”
Information about blood donation is available at thebloodconnection.org and redcrossblood.org.
Counties with low vaccine rates typically went for Trump
People living in North Carolina counties with the lowest vaccination rates were more likely to have backed former President Donald Trump in 2020, data show.
Among the 10 counties with the lowest vaccination rates, just two went for President Joe Biden.
“Though the counties on the extremes consistently preferred one candidate over the other, the average vaccination rate in counties where Trump lost was just 4% higher than in those where he won,” The Charlotte Observer reported Thursday.
Last year, Trump won 75 of the 100 counties in the state. Though polls have shown Republican voters show less interest in getting vaccinated, some GOP leaders have urged people to get their shots.
Workers with COVID often don’t get workers’ comp
After someone contracts COVID-19 on the job in North Carolina, it’s rare for them to get workers’ compensation, data show.
“It hurts that you have to fight so hard to get any justice,” said Heather Ziemba, whose father died in October after taking care of a sick inmate at a prison.
From the beginning of the pandemic through May 2021, more than 3,000 coronavirus-related workers’ compensation claims were denied in North Carolina. That’s five times higher than the amount of claims that have been accepted, according to the N.C. Industrial Commission.
An investigation from The Charlotte Observer also found North Carolina is one of the least-friendly states for workers seeking relief, and a workers’ compensation bill that would have helped employees died in the state legislature after opponents said it would be too expensive for businesses.
This story was originally published July 16, 2021 at 7:06 AM.
