COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Nov. 24
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 2,300 new cases reported
At least 1,524,078 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 18,676 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday, Nov. 24, reported 2,318 new COVID-19 cases, up from 1,289 on Tuesday. The state won’t update its case count later this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
There were 34 coronavirus-related deaths reported Nov. 24. Health officials don’t specify the dates on which newly reported deaths occurred.
At least 1,113 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Nov. 24, including 260 adults being treated in intensive care units, health officials said.
As of Nov. 22, the latest date with available information, 5.9% 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 57% 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, according to the NC Watchdog Reporting Network.
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 testing program don’t have one operating, according to the reporting network.
Susan Kansagra, the acting senior deputy director for the NC Division of Public Health, said another 1,000 schools had programs in place earlier this month, and those 600 without are expected to have something in place by the end of November.
In the Wake County school district, a voluntary testing program is coming to 11 schools next week. The plan is to have the tests available at all of the district’s campuses next year.
The program will allow workers and students to receive COVID-19 tests each week, but parents have to sign up for their kids to participate.
“We strongly recommend all families participate in this free program,” the Wake County school system said on its website. “Participation helps safeguard the well being of the entire school community and gives you information to help you keep your children healthy.”
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. The city manager and mayor said there would have to be further approval before the money is officially allocated, and Lyles 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 friends and family.
“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 get busy 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.
This story was originally published November 24, 2021 at 7:28 AM.
