COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Oct. 21
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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 3,000 cases added
At least 1,460,801 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 17,696 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday reported 3,003 new COVID-19 cases, up from 2,610 on Wednesday.
Fifty-six additional coronavirus-related deaths were reported Thursday. Health officials don’t specify the specific dates for the newly reported deaths.
At least 1,763 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Thursday, including 498 adult patients who are being treated in intensive care units, health officials said.
On Tuesday, the latest date with available information, 5.1% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Roughly 71% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 66% have been fully vaccinated. State officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
Cawthorn introduces bill to ban vaccine travel mandates
North Carolina Republican Rep. Madison Cawthorn has introduced a bill called the ‘‘Let Me Travel America Act,’’ which would ban the government from instituting a vaccine mandate for people traveling in the U.S.
“Vaccine requirements for interstate travel are in direct opposition to the United States Constitution,” Cawthorn said in a release announcing the legislation. “The Biden Administration continues to flaunt their blatant disregard for the law in pursuit of their left-wing radical agenda.”
There are no vaccine mandates for travel currently in effect, The News & Observer reported, and the measure isn’t likely to pass in either the U.S. House or the Senate — where Democrats have the majority.
House votes on bill that would limit governor’s emergency powers
A bill that calls for limiting the North Carolina governor’s powers during emergencies passed the state House on Wednesday.
The proposal is similar to what other states have considered in response to orders issued during the pandemic.
The bill, which passed 65-45 mostly along party lines, “would limit the governor’s ability to declare long-running states of emergency without agreement from other members on the Council of State, who are the 10 statewide elected officials including the lieutenant governor, attorney general and labor commissioner,” The News & Observer reported Wednesday.
Now, the proposal goes to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who will likely veto it. A Cooper spokesperson said the governor must be able to quickly respond during emergency situations.
Attendance drops as State Fair returns
After COVID-19 canceled the N.C. State Fair in 2020, some are welcoming a return to social activities.
“I’m so happy to see people again,” Debbie Anderson said. “It’s a small sense of normalcy, but I’ll take what I can get.”
Five days in, the fair saw 60,000 fewer attendees than it did in 2019. Officials said some expected the drop as people avoid crowded areas due to the coronavirus.
So far, about 90 attendees have gotten vaccinated. Fairgoers aren’t required to be vaccinated or wear masks, but both precautions are encouraged, The News & Observer reported.
Wake schools could soon start voluntary COVID testing
Wake County schools on Tuesday shared a plan for voluntary COVID-19 testing on campuses where there are active or suspected clusters of cases.
After the district took time to launch a testing program, students and staff could be able to opt in by November.
The plan is three phases, and federal requirements mean unvaccinated workers would need to get tested by the last phase. Students participating in the program would have to get permission from parents, The News & Observer reported.
During a school board meeting, some speakers called for more to be done while others urged the district to not move forward with the program, citing the possibility that students will have to go into quarantine and miss school if cases are identified.
Also in the Triangle area district, administrators have canceled school on Nov. 12, citing coronavirus-related stresses. Those include safety measures and staffing shortages that affect how schools are running.
“Given vacancies, given what our staff has been going through covering for those vacancies, having time for our children to spend a little more time with their families, having our staff have a moment to reflect and to plan is appropriate during this time,” said Lindsay Mahaffey, vice chair of the school board.
This story was originally published October 21, 2021 at 7:05 AM.
