COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on July 20
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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.
More than 700 new cases reported
At least 1,025,826 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 13,535 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported 734 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, down from 1,053 on Sunday and 1,163 on Saturday.
Twelve additional coronavirus-related deaths were reported Monday. 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 612 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Monday, up from 581 the day before.
As of Saturday, the latest day available, 5.8% 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.
COVID-19 outbreak reported in fire department
Two firefighters are in a hospital after a COVID-19 outbreak in North Carolina, officials said.
Albemarle Fire Department, northeast of Charlotte, received help with staffing after it reported up to 10 cases of the virus, McClatchy News reported Tuesday.
Officials said some workers are starting to return to work as others remain sick.
“All three fire station locations continue to be staffed and provide services,” the department wrote in a Facebook post. “We are taking precautions to keep the public and our staff safe as we provide emergency services.”
NC to offer home vaccinations
North Carolina could bring COVID-19 vaccines to homes under a new partnership.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday said it was working with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging to launch the new program.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, the department’s secretary, said the effort is designed to “help people who may be unable to reach a doctor’s office or vaccination location due to health issues, age or other reasons,” according to a news release.
Anyone who wants to sign up can call 866-303-0026 or visit www.ptrc.org/covid, The News & Observer reported.
As coronavirus-related hospitalizations rise and the delta variant spreads in the state, officials have urged people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Hospitalizations hit new high this summer
The latest COVID-19 metrics from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services indicate progress containing the virus has begun to reverse.
Hospitalizations in the state dropped below 400 earlier this month, down significantly from a high of nearly 4,000 in January, The News & Observer reported. But that figure climbed to over 600 on Sunday.
Health officials have said nearly all of the people hospitalized with COVID-19 have not been vaccinated.
This story was originally published July 20, 2021 at 7:08 AM.
