COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Nov. 23
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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 1,200 cases reported
At least 1,521,760 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 18,642 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday, Nov. 23, reported 1,289 new COVID-19 cases, down from 1,383 on Monday.
There were 12 coronavirus-related deaths reported Nov. 23. Health officials don’t specify the dates on which newly reported deaths occurred.
At least 1,112 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Nov. 23, including 274 adults being treated in intensive care units, health officials said.
As of Nov. 21, the latest date with available information, 7.5% 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. 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.
NC schools slow to start COVID testing
Schools in North Carolina got $316 million from the federal government to spend on preventative coronavirus testing.
They have until June to spend the money, but many have just gotten their programs off the ground, The News & Observer reported.
School districts that signed up for the testing program were offered federal funding to hire more nursing staff. But as of the beginning of November, less than half of the money allocated to the state had been spent or doled out to schools for reimbursement.
About 600 schools that registered for the program don’t have one operating, according to The N&O.
Susan Kansagra, the acting senior deputy director for the NC Division of Public Health, said another 1,000 schools had testing program in place earlier this month, and those 600 without are expected to have something in place by the end of November.
Charlotte council members express concern about COVID relief transparency
Charlotte city council members on Monday, Nov. 23, said they were concerned about the level of transparency surrounding how the mayor will use COVID-19 relief funds.
This month, Mayor Vi Lyles introduced a public-private partnership focused on racial equity in Charlotte. Of the $250 million for the plan, $10 million that could be spent on providing internet access is set to come from the American Rescue Plan, a federal coronavirus stimulus package.
Now, some city council members say they didn’t know the federal money was part of the mayor’s pledge. Lyles said there would have to be further approval and apologized for not giving more clarity, The Charlotte Observer reported.
NC experts urge precautions 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.
People also are urged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear face masks while traveling.
The messages come as Mecklenburg County had an average of fewer than 180 new daily coronavirus cases as of Friday, Nov. 19. That’s less than half of the average reported at the same time last year.
Wake, Orange counties expand booster shot access
Two Triangle counties have expanded access to COVID-19 booster shots
Wake County is offering the extra vaccine doses to all adults starting Tuesday, Nov. 23. 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 at one of Wake’s five vaccine clinics can visit bit.ly/3nG33Q1.
Orange County is also offering booster shots at multiple locations. More information is available at 919-913-8088 and www.myspot.nc.gov.
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.
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 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. 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.”
This story was originally published November 23, 2021 at 6:51 AM.
