COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Dec. 14
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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.
Death toll passes 19,000
At least 1,577,154 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 19,033 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday, Dec. 14, reported 1,932 new COVID-19 cases, down from 2,168 on Monday.
There were 23 coronavirus-related deaths added on Dec. 14, a day after the state’s death toll passed 19,000. Health officials don’t specify the dates on which newly reported deaths occurred.
At least 1,575 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Dec. 14, including 439 adults being treated in intensive care units, health officials said.
As of Dec. 12, the latest date with available information, 9.2% 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.
COVID cases, hospitalizations increase as holidays near
As end-of-the-year holidays approach, North Carolina is seeing a rise in coronavirus cases and COVID-related hospitalizations.
In the past week, the state has reported more than 22,000 new cases. That’s the highest level since October, following a surge in cases related to the delta coronavirus variant, The News & Observer reported.
While delta is still the most dominant strain, there are also concerns about the omicron variant. It was reported in the state on Dec. 10 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Also, officials on Dec. 13 reported 1,550 coronavirus-related hospitalizations. That’s up from 1,322 last week and the biggest patient count since mid-October, data show.
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-19 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 14, 2021 at 6:31 AM.
