COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Oct. 7
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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.
Death toll passes 17,000
At least 1,420,984 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 17,019 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday reported 3,781 new COVID-19 cases, up from 3,598 on Wednesday.
Seventy-four coronavirus-related deaths were added Thursday. While 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 2,514 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Thursday, including 673 adult patients who are being treated in intensive care units, health officials said.
On Tuesday, the latest date with available information, 6.4% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Roughly 70% 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.
NC child care programs get $800M in COVID grants
Gov. Roy Cooper and U.S. Rep. David Price announced a new grant program Thursday for child care centers in North Carolina using $800 million in American Rescue Plan funds.
The program is designed to help stabilize child care centers racked by the COVID-19 pandemic, The News & Observer reported.
Qualifying centers will receive grants between $3,000 and $60,000 per quarter, depending on the size and star rating. They’ll be distributed as soon as November and last for 18 months.
Applications open Monday at ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Home/Stabilization-Grants.
Red Hat gives employees vaccine deadline
Employees at the Raleigh technology company Red Hat have until Nov. 29 to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, the CEO said Thursday.
Red Hat previously required only employees coming in to the office to be vaccinated, The News & Observer reported. But CEO Paul Cormier said all employees must now get a COVID-19 vaccine because Red Hat is a government contractor and, under President Joe Biden’s executive order, all companies that do contract work for the government must have vaccinated workers.
The deadline means all employees must have gotten their last shot two weeks before Nov. 29.
NC schools warned about cooperating with health officials
North Carolina schools are being warned that they must cooperate with health officials about coronavirus-related matters.
“Under the law schools are required to work with local health departments to identify, contact trace and exclude children who may have contracted the disease or are suspected of contracting the disease, and also to identify those who have been exposed,” Allison Schafer, the N.C. State Board of Education’s general counsel, said Thursday.
In an effort to provide clarity, officials this week updated a document with legal requirements surrounding the pandemic, according to state health director Dr. Betsey Tilson.
Last month, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services warned Union County schools about possible legal action after the district’s school board voted to end some quarantines. The district eventually reached an agreement with its local health department that would allow for contact tracing and quarantines, The Charlotte Observer reported.
American Airlines sets vaccine deadline for workers
American Airlines, which has a major presence at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, set a deadline for workers to be fully vaccinated.
The carrier told U.S. employees they could be fired if they don’t have their vaccines by Nov. 24.
The airline, a government contractor under President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, has about 13,000 workers based at the Charlotte airport, The Charlotte Observer reported Thursday.
Duke shares COVID rules for basketball fans
Duke University is requiring basketball fans to wear face masks and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, with some exceptions.
The school shared official details about the plans on Thursday, before the men’s basketball season tips off with the Countdown to Craziness scrimmage on Oct. 15, The News & Observer reported.
Anyone older than 12 who isn’t fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must show proof of a negative test within 72 hours. Also, people ages 5 and older must wear face coverings when they’re not eating or drinking, the N&O reported.
The rules apply to anyone watching the Blue Devils men’s or women’s teams in Cameron Indoor Stadium, which was closed to fans last season as the coronavirus spread.
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.
This story was originally published October 7, 2021 at 7:05 AM.
