COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Oct. 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.
More than 100 coronavirus-related deaths added
At least 1,417,203 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 16,945 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday reported 3,598 new COVID-19 cases, up from 2,703 on Tuesday.
One hundred thirty-three coronavirus-related deaths were added Wednesday. State health officials don’t specify the dates on which newly reported deaths occurred. Data show nearly one-fifth of all coronavirus-related deaths in the state occurred over the last two months.
At least 2,586 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Wednesday, including 702 adult patients who are being treated in intensive care units, health officials said.
On Monday, the latest date with available information, 9.2% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Roughly 69% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 65% have been fully vaccinated. State officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
New Charlotte city workers must get vaccine
The city of Charlotte will require all new government hires to get a COVID-19 vaccine, according to an email sent to employees Wednesday.
About 70% of all city government workers are at least partially vaccinated, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Vaccines are not required for current employees but will be for new hires, the city said. All employees must be vaccinated to qualify for a Wellness Incentive Program, which includes financial rewards.
Young students’ reading skills took a hit during pandemic
A new report presented at the State Board of Education meeting on Wednesday shows just under 44% of third-grade students demonstrated reading proficiency at the end of last school year.
That figure is after they were given a second chance during summer reading camps; 31% of third-graders were retained at the end of the year. That’s double the rate before the pandemic, The News & Observer reported.
Retained means those students were held back, put in a 4th grade accelerated class or a transitional 3rd/4th grade class.
“It goes without saying our earliest learners took a hard hit during this pandemic, and now more than ever we have to ensure there’s a solid plan in place to support the gaps that have been created during this time,” said Amy Rhyne, director of the state Department of Public Instruction’s Office of Early Learning and Read to Achieve. “It’s not easy work.”
What to know about safety rules at state fair
The North Carolina State Fair returns Oct. 14 with new safety measures that officials have dubbed a “reimagined” idea of how the fair can operate.
Those changes include more space between vendors and rides and scaled-back exhibits. No proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test is required.
Officials are also encouraging guests to wear masks, socially distance and wash their hands often.
Long-time Charlotte police officer dies
A 28-year veteran of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department died Monday.
Julio Herrera was a resource officer at Ardrey Kell High School, The Charlotte Observer reported. Charlotte police had no information available about his death, but his wife said in a Facebook post that he had been battling COVID-19 for three weeks.
It wasn’t immediately clear if he had been vaccinated against the coronavirus.
“We are all devastated and heartbroken,” his wife said.
COVID clusters reported at 28 Triangle schools
At least 28 schools in the Triangle area have reported a cluster of COVID-19 cases — including a charter school with more than 50 cases.
The latest data from the health department shows active clusters at 13 schools in Wake County, six in Durham, three in Orange and two each in Franklin and Granville counties, The News & Observer reported. There is one cluster each in Chatham and Harnett counties.
Cardinal Charter Academy at Wendell Falls has the largest outbreak with 52 cases, up from 20 cases last week.
NC school board shortens quarantines, makes face masks optional
Leaders in a North Carolina school district have shortened quarantines and made it optional to wear face masks, despite objections from health officials.
On Monday, the Harnett County school board voted 4-1 to stick with the coronavirus-related decisions made last month. Superintendent Aaron Fleming said the district could return to remote learning if more people are in quarantine.
“I do fear quarantines could go up with optional masking, because they have been high even with masks being mandatory,” Fleming said. “I have not been shy about saying that. Quarantine numbers are why masks have been mandatory to this point.”
On Tuesday, the district south of Raleigh was set to start not requiring face coverings. Also, the new rules shorten quarantine from 10 days to seven days for people exposed to COVID-19 who don’t test positive for the disease, The News & Observer reported.
This story was originally published October 6, 2021 at 7:18 AM.
