COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Nov. 8
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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 1,100 new cases reported
At least 1,494,278 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 18,317 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday reported 1,103 new COVID-19 cases, down from 1,497 on Sunday and 2,205 on Saturday. The state doesn’t update its case counts over the weekends.
There were 66 new coronavirus-related deaths reported on Monday. Health officials don’t specify the dates on which newly reported deaths occurred.
At least 1,040 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Monday, including 313 adults being treated in intensive care units, health officials said.
On Saturday, the most recent 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 72% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 67% have been fully vaccinated. State officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
Mecklenburg close to meeting threshold for ending mask mandate
A face mask mandate could soon come to an end in Mecklenburg County, which is home to Charlotte.
In a vote last week, the Mecklenburg Board of Commissioners moved forward with a plan to stop requiring face coverings indoors if the COVID-19 positivity rate stays under 5% for a week. The past week’s average was 5.5%, The Charlotte Observer reported Monday.
Other coronavirus-related trends have also been improving, including average hospitalization counts. As of Wednesday, there were 144 patients in hospitals, the lowest single-day total since July 25, data show.
Honeywell among latest NC employers to bring workers back into office
Honeywell has allowed workers to return to its Charlotte headquarters with a flexible schedule.
The technology company’s employees are back in the office three days a week, with an option for remote work the other two days. Honeywell is also requiring all Charlotte office workers to be fully vaccinated, though workers can seek “medical or religious accommodations,” The Charlotte Observer reported Monday.
“We are strong advocates for vaccination as the best available method to combat the pandemic,” Honeywell said in a statement.
After a surge in coronavirus cases over the summer derailed some companies’ plans to return to in-person work, Charlotte-area businesses have moved forward with bringing their employees back into the office.
Charlotte bodegas planning to expand after surviving COVID restrictions
Two bodegas in Charlotte have plans to expand after they eased coronavirus-related rules.
The Culture Shop and Local Loaf have filed requests to be able to offer dining at their businesses, The Charlotte Observer reported Monday.
“With (COVID-19) restrictions lifted, more people go out to eat than pick up and go,” said Catherine Devericks, owner of The Culture Shop.
This story was originally published November 8, 2021 at 12:43 PM.
