COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Nov. 22
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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.
33 COVID deaths added
At least 1,520,471 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 18,630 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday, Nov. 22, reported 1,383 new COVID-19 cases, down from 1,984 on Sunday and 2,225 on Saturday. The state doesn’t update case counts over the weekends.
There were 33 coronavirus-related deaths reported Nov. 22. Health officials don’t specify the dates on which newly reported deaths occurred.
At least 1,055 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Nov. 22, including 280 adults being treated in intensive care units, health officials said.
As of Nov. 20, the latest date with available information, 6.3% 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. Out of the state’s total population, about 56% are fully vaccinated and 61% have received at least one dose. State officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
Canes defender tests positive for COVID-19
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Ethan Bear tested positive for the coronavirus while in San Jose, the team said.
Bear has been placed in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol as a result and will be monitored by the team’s medical staff. He’s the first Hurricanes player to test positive for the virus this season, The News & Observer reported.
Charlotte’s Thanksgiving parade returns
The Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade is returning to Charlotte on Nov. 24 after taking a year’s hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The parade has traditionally been held on Thanksgiving Day, The Charlotte Observer reported, but will instead be held this year at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving eve. The event organizers are urging spectators to wear a mask regardless of whether they have been vaccinated and socially distance when possible.
“Gathering in person for the holidays is something so many of us have anticipated for over a year,” said Jesse Cureton, Novant Health executive vice president and chief consumer officer. “We ... look forward to kicking off a healthy holiday season.”
NC experts encourage getting COVID tests before holiday gatherings
North Carolina health experts urge people to get tested for COVID-19 as they prepare to gather with others.
“Ideally, we would encourage people to get a test if they are unvaccinated and going to an event with people who are higher risk,” said Dr. Amir Barzin of UNC Family Medicine. “For vaccinated individuals, it is an extra layer of protection if getting together indoors with a larger group of people than normal.”
People are also encouraged to plan ahead, as some testing centers may require appointments or fill up around the holidays. Tests are recommended about 48 to 72 hours before an event.
Though it’s possible to get tested, experts say vaccines offer the best form of protection.
“Testing can give false sense of security if individuals mistakenly rely on a previous negative result when they have new symptoms or have had a new high risk exposure since being tested,” said Dr. Emily Sickbert-Bennett, director of UNC Medical Center Infection Prevention, according to The News & Observer.
Wake County expands booster shot access
Wake County is expanding access to COVID-19 booster shots at its five vaccination clinics.
It’s now offering the extra vaccine doses to all adults starting Tuesday, Nov. 23. Anyone who received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago or a Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago is now eligible after authorization from the federal government on Nov. 19, The News & Observer reported.
Before that, Wake had allowed adults at risk of getting seriously sick from COVID-19 and people ages 65 and older to get booster shots.
Those interested in signing up for an appointment can visit bit.ly/3nG33Q1.
This story was originally published November 22, 2021 at 12:15 PM.
