Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Jan. 3
Click here for updates for Jan. 4.
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 12,000 new cases reported
At least 1,732,568 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 19,457 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday, Jan. 3, reported 12,989 new COVID-19 cases, down from 13,292 on Jan. 2 and 19,620 on Jan. 1. The state doesn’t update case counts over the weekends.
Another 31 coronavirus-related deaths were reported on Jan. 3. Health officials don’t specify the dates on which newly reported deaths occurred.
At least 2,722 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Jan. 3, up from 2,568 the day before, health officials said.
As of Jan. 1, the latest date with available information, 27.4% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Roughly 74% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 69% have been fully vaccinated. Of the state’s total population, about 59% are fully vaccinated and 63% have received at least one dose. State officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
More than 2.5 million “additional/booster” doses have been administered in North Carolina as of Jan. 3, the health department said. Health officials have urged those who are eligible to get boosted, as data has suggested it offers increased protection against the omicron coronavirus variant.
COVID checklist for sending kids back to school
The Charlotte Observer compiled a checklist for parents preparing to send their kids back to school on Tuesday, Jan. 4, amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases and concerns surrounding the omicron variant.
A mask mandate is still in effect for most indoor spaces within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Mecklenburg County. Health experts recommend N95, KN95 or KF94 masks.
COVID-19 testing of school district employees will resume this week, and students can be also be tested as long as they receive parent permission ahead of time. While the school district is barred from switching to full remote learning under a new state law, CMS can go to remote learning daily on a school-by-school, grade-by-grade or class-by-class basis.
That means families should have a plan for remote instruction in place, The Observer reported.
Wake cuts capacity at school board meetings
The Wake County School Board is cutting capacity at its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 4, citing a surge in COVID-19 cases across the area.
Under the restrictions, the meeting room will accommodate 30 people — half its usual capacity — consisting mostly of board members, district staff and members of the media, The News & Observer reported. Only a few seats will be made available to members of the public through a lottery system.
“It’s simply looking at community spread,” board chairwoman Lindsay Mahaffey said. “I did speak to some staff members and the vice chair, but ultimately it was my decision to do that.”
She told The N&O people can watch the meeting online at www.youtube.com/user/WakeCountySchools/videos or listen by phone, and the same number of spots will still be available for public speakers.
Duke scheduled to return to court after clearing COVID protocols
The Duke University men’s basketball team is set to play again after a coronavirus-related break.
Last week, COVID-19 forced the Blue Devils to postpone two games. The team plans to host Georgia Tech on Jan. 4, The News & Observer reported.
“COVID hit our program extremely hard,” coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “It went through most of our players and is still finishing up. It went through a lot of our staff, including our support staff.”
Fans will be allowed at Cameron Indoor Stadium to watch the game, despite students not being allowed to attend in-person classes until Jan. 18.
Weather cancels, delays COVID testing in Triangle
Severe weather predictions led to changes at COVID-19 testing sites in two Triangle counties on Monday, Jan. 3.
In Wake County, the services were paused at multiple sites. Though some had reopened by late morning, testing is expected to remain closed until Jan. 4 at Five County Stadium in Zebulon as well as PNC Arena and Word of God in Raleigh, The News & Observer reported.
In Orange County, a Hillsborough testing location delayed its start until 1 p.m. due to weather conditions. Snow and powerful winds brought the potential for hazardous roads, damage to trees and power outages to central North Carolina.
This story was originally published January 3, 2022 at 12:51 PM.
