COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Nov. 16
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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 1,300 new cases reported
At least 1,507,915 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 18,462 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday reported 1,339 new COVID-19 cases, down from 1,361 on Monday.
There were 25 coronavirus-related deaths added Tuesday. Health officials don’t specify the dates on which newly reported deaths occurred.
At least 1,037 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Tuesday, including 294 adults being treated in intensive care units, health officials said.
On Sunday, the most recent date with available information, 7.8% 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.
What’s in the NC budget?
The North Carolina state budget released Monday includes a fund for COVID-affected businesses and allows schools to receive funding at pre-pandemic levels, among other proposals.
Public schools have seen enrollment drop, but the budget calls for districts to receive funding for the number of students they had before the pandemic. That would help districts avoid a possible cut of $132 million, The News & Observer reported.
The budget also calls for creating a $500 million fund to “disperse one-time grants to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the hospitality and entertainment sectors with priority to businesses who have not previously received an award,” The N&O reported.
In another coronavirus-related proposal, a provision would put limits on the powers of the governor during an emergency. It’s a provision that Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper doesn’t like but Republicans are in favor of.
“Limiting the powers couldn’t be soon enough for many in my caucus,” Rep. Jason Saine said. “We don’t believe any one person should have that much control and that much power over an extended period of time.”
Cooper said he will sign the budget during a Nov. 16 news conference, telling reporters “the good outweighs the bad.”
Lab equipment company to open new NC location
A pharmaceutical services and laboratory equipment company said it plans to build a new manufacturing site in North Carolina.
Thermo Fisher Scientific, which is based in Massachusetts, could bring up to 200 jobs to the Mebane facility, The News & Observer reported. The plan is part of a $192.5 million contract from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help produce “critically needed” products used in labs, according to officials.
“Increased output from recent site expansions is helping meet ongoing demand for COVID-19-related consumables, including plastics used to collect samples and transport them to labs, as well as for vital equipment, such as single-use technologies (SUT), used to accelerate production and allow flexibility for both COVID and non-COVID vaccines and therapies,” Thermo Fisher Scientific said.
This story was originally published November 16, 2021 at 7:14 AM.
