COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Nov. 11
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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.
Case total nears 1.5 million
At least 1,497,677 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 18,371 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday reported 2,156 new COVID-19 cases, up from 1,243 on Tuesday. The state health department said it’s not updating case counts on Thursday due to the Veterans Day holiday.
There were 35 new coronavirus-related deaths reported on Wednesday. Health officials don’t specify the dates on which newly reported deaths occurred.
At least 1,095 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Wednesday, including 309 adults being treated in intensive care units, health officials said.
On Monday, the most recent date with available information, 5% 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 68% have been fully vaccinated. State officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
Charlotte Marathon to return in-person after virtual year
The Charlotte Marathon will be held both in-person and online this weekend after the coronavirus pandemic forced it to be fully virtual last year.
Runners are expected to hit the streets for the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, scheduled to begin in uptown early Saturday.
This year, participants aren’t required to show proof that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. But those who haven’t gotten their shots are urged to “wear a mask at all times unless you’re between the start and finish line,” according to race director Tim Rhodes.
Masks must be worn at the health and wellness expo in NoDa Brewing and while on the race shuttle. After participants run, volunteers with masks and gloves will hand out food and medals, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Wake could use COVID relief money for additional teacher bonuses
The Wake County school board is expected to consider additional $3,750 bonuses for workers, officials said.
District leaders on Nov. 16 are expected to propose approval to use federal COVID-19 relief funds to give employees the extra money, The News & Observer reported.
Some have complained that a recently approved $1,250 bonus wasn’t enough. Similar to other school districts, Wake has faced staffing shortages that are leaving other employees with more work.
Cohen urges parents to get young kids vaccinated
More than 24,000 kids ages 5 to 11 have gotten vaccinated against the coronavirus in North Carolina as of Nov. 10, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen said.
Cohen said it’s hard to say what percentage of children in that age range officials hope to ultimately vaccinate.
“I don’t think we know exactly what the right number is, in terms of everyone being vaccinated,” she said during a media briefing. “We see we need to have a very high level of immunity amongst everyone in order to really see this COVID become something we can live with.”
The state is still in its early days of a vaccination drive for younger kids, she said.
The health department also plans to set up nine family COVID-19 vaccination centers in under-served communities statewide, Cohen said. Those centers will offer vaccine doses to people 5 and up — including booster shots.
If you want to get your kids fully vaccinated before Christmas, you don’t have much time. Children are only eligible for the two-dose Pfizer vaccine, so parents would need to get them their first dose by Nov. 20, The News & Observer reported.
This story was originally published November 11, 2021 at 6:58 AM.
