COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Dec. 15
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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 3,700 cases added
At least 1,580,909 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 19,070 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday, Dec. 15, reported 3,755 new COVID-19 cases, up from 1,932 on Tuesday, Dec. 14.
There were 37 coronavirus-related deaths added on Dec. 15, two days after the state’s death toll passed 19,000. Health officials don’t specify the dates on which newly reported deaths occurred.
At least 1,561 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Dec. 15, including 425 adults being treated in intensive care units, health officials said.
As of Dec. 13, the latest date with available information, 9.1% 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.
Duke cancels basketball game over COVID
Duke University’s home basketball game against Cleveland State on Saturday has been canceled because of COVID-19 issues in its opponent’s program.
The Vikings had to temporarily pause team activities because of NCAA COVID-19 safety protocols, The News & Observer reported.
“After consultation with our training staff and the Cleveland Clinic Sports Health Center, we are pausing team activity and will reassess in 10 days,” said Cleveland State Athletics Director Scott Garrett. “While we are disappointed, it is clear that this is the responsible course of action.”
Duke is now seeking a replacement opponent for Saturday’s game.
Hurricanes will play despite COVID cases
The Carolina Hurricanes will play the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, Dec. 16, after a road game at Minnesota was postponed because of COVID-19 issues.
Forwards Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis entered the COVID-19 protocol Monday. Aho didn’t play Sunday, Dec. 12, and later tested positive for the coronavirus. Jarvis and a team trainer also entered the protocol, The News & Observer reported.
Further testing put forwards Jordan Staal, Andrei Svechnikov, Steven Lorentz, and defenseman Ian Cole in COVID-19 protocol just as defensemen Brett Pesce and Tony DeAngelo were set to return.
The team said Wednesday no one else has been added to NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.
Most of NC at highest level of community transmission
All but four of the 100 counties in North Carolina are at the highest level of community transmission of COVID-19, officials said.
“We’re back in the red zone,” Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, said Dec. 14.
Cohen shared the message during what may be her last coronavirus update before she leaves her role later this year. She said people can have safe holiday gatherings if they wear face masks, get COVID-19 tests and have their booster shots.
During the news conference, Gov. Roy Cooper urged people to get COVID-19 vaccines, including additional doses.
“As we gather again in December, we should get vaccinated to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others around us from severe COVID,” Cooper said.
Charlotte-area school district to reinstate face mask rule
A North Carolina school district will again require face masks after students return to school on Jan. 5.
“The mask mandate is a result of large numbers of students having to be excluded from school as a result of close contact,” Iredell-Statesville Schools said in a news release.
The Charlotte-area district’s school board approved the change this week after data showed 570 students were in close contact with coronavirus patients last week. More than 300 students were isolated with COVID-19 symptoms as of Dec. 10, The Charlotte Observer reported.
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 first reported in the state on Dec. 10 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
“The omicron variant can make you infectious more quickly than the delta variant,” so people are urged to get rapid tests just before holiday gatherings, The News & Observer reported. Dr. David Wohl of the UNC School of Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases recommends people get PCR tests three days before maskless events and a rapid test the same day.
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.
This story was originally published December 15, 2021 at 7:10 AM.
