COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Dec. 13
Click here for updates for Dec. 14.
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
Death toll passes 19,000
At least 1,575,222 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 19,010 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday, Dec. 13, reported 2,168 new COVID-19 cases, down from 3,009 on Sunday and 3,776 on Saturday. The state doesn’t update case counts over the weekends.
There were 134 additional coronavirus-related deaths on Dec. 13, which marked the first time officials said the state’s death toll passed 19,000. Health officials don’t specify the dates on which newly reported deaths occurred.
At least 1,550 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Dec. 13, including 416 adults being treated in intensive care units, health officials said.
As of Dec. 11, the latest date with available information, 8.6% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Roughly 73% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 69% have been fully vaccinated. Out of the state’s total population, about 58% are fully vaccinated and 62% have received at least one dose. State officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
Two Hurricanes players start COVID-19 protocol
Two players and a member of the training staff for the Carolina Hurricanes have been placed in COVID-19 protocol, the NHL team said on Monday, Dec. 13.
They include center Sebastian Aho and forward Seth Jarvis.
Aho missed Sunday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks after Coach Rod Brind’Amour said he “didn’t feel right.” Aho is the Canes’ leading scorer and an alternate captain, The News & Observer reported. Jarvis, however, did play.
Canes defensemen Ethan Bear, Brett Pesce and Tony DeAngelo were previously placed in COVID protocol. Bear has returned to the lineup and Pesce and DeAngelo will be available for the Canes’ game on Tuesday, Dec. 14, in Minnesota.
Can you donate blood if you had COVID or got vaccinated?
With demand for blood donations rising, some people who recently had COVID-19 or received a booster shot may be concerned about the appropriate wait-time before donating.
But Ellen Kirtner of the Raleigh-based blood bank The Blood Connection says not to worry.
Kirtner told The News & Observer anyone who had the coronavirus must be symptom-free for 14 days before donating blood. If the person is asymptomatic, they should wait 14 days from the date of their positive test result.
Anyone who’s recently been vaccinated is also eligible to donate with no deferral time.
People who currently have COVID-19, however, can’t donate, The N&O reported.
This story was originally published December 13, 2021 at 12:26 PM.
