Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Jan. 12
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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 4,000 hospitalized
At least 1,930,710 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 19,763 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday, Jan. 12, reported 25,445 new COVID-19 cases, up from 17,705 the day before. Another 57 coronavirus-related deaths were added.
At least 4,098 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Jan. 12, up from 3,991 the day before.
As of Jan. 10, the latest date with available information, 30.9% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Roughly 74% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 70% 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 2.7 million “additional/booster” doses have been administered in North Carolina as of Jan. 12, the health department said. Health officials have urged those who are eligible to get boosted, as data suggests it offers increased protection against the omicron coronavirus variant.
About 99% of all new COVID-19 cases in the Southeast were attributed to the omicron variant as of Jan. 8, the latest date for which data is available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
NC hospitals team up to urge precautions
Medical providers in North Carolina, including several that serve the Triangle and Charlotte, have teamed up to urge people to take precautions as coronavirus continues to spread.
Leaders of more than two dozen hospitals and health care systems encouraged people to wear face masks, practice social distancing and get vaccinated against COVID-19, among other actions. The message was shared Jan. 12, the same day the state reported a record 4,098 hospitalizations.
“With COVID-19 spreading like wildfire, your personal decisions about how to coexist with the virus directly affect the health and well-being of your family and community,” the leaders wrote in a joint letter. “Our best chance of returning to living healthy, normal lives is to make sure our families, friends and work colleagues are choosing to be vaccinated and getting their recommended booster shots.”
The omicron coronavirus variant is believed to be less severe, but some people have become seriously sick, including those who haven’t received their COVID-19 vaccines, The News & Observer reported.
“Our hospitals are filling up fast with COVID patients — a vast majority of whom are unvaccinated,” the letter said. “This situation is putting daily strain on our ability to care for those who have other urgent medical needs that are not COVID-related.”
Charlotte-area districts update mask rules
As Charlotte-area students return to schools from winter break, some districts have revised their face mask rules.
Face coverings are now required in Cabarrus County Schools and the Mooresville Graded School District.
Meanwhile, masks have been optional for most of the academic year in Lincoln County Schools and Union County Schools.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools continue to mandate mask wearing as the omicron coronavirus variant continues its spread. A record high of 3,494 infections were reported in Mecklenburg County on Dec. 28.
New testing site to open in Triangle as Wake sees growing demand
A new COVID-19 testing site is planned as Wake County sees growing demand for the service.
Starting Jan. 12, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and Mako Medical is offering testing at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Cary facility will run 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and won’t require appointments, officials said.
Those interested in getting tests will have to sign up online, The News & Observer reported.
The state health department has started at least four mass testing locations in Wake County since the omicron coronavirus variant started to spread.
At Wake County’s testing sites, data shows the number of appointments doubled from Dec. 21 to Dec. 28, when the total was more than 14,000. In early 2022, over 13,000 appointments have been booked each day.
NC hospitals seeing shortage of COVID treatment
As the omicron coronavirus variant looms, North Carolina hospitals are short on a treatment given to COVID-19 patients.
Doctors said two monoclonal antibody therapies aren’t effective against the variant, leaving them with a treatment called sotrovimab. The drug is in limited supply, so medical providers have been forced to reserve them for those who may get seriously sick.
“Before, we were giving monoclonals to a wide range of patients that we know would benefit from them based on the science,” said Dr. David Kirk of WakeMed, according to The News & Observer. “Now because the monoclonals are so limited, we’re just giving it to the highest of the high risk.”
NC school district limits sports fans, revises face mask rules
A North Carolina school will temporarily require universal face mask wearing and prohibit talking at lunch as the coronavirus continues to spread.
In addition to those changes, the Orange County school board also approved limiting fans at sporting events and changing quarantine requirements. Teachers will be required to get COVID-19 booster shots once they are required for state workers, The News & Observer reported.
“I do believe, as y’all have said and as our medical experts presented tonight, that this will be short-lived, that we can get past this peak and prevent overburdening our health care system and our contact tracers and staff, and that hopefully by early February be able to ease” the rules, said Carrie Doyle, chair of the board.
This story was originally published January 12, 2022 at 7:12 AM.
