Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Feb. 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 cases added
At least 2,470,242 coronavirus cases have been reported in North Carolina, and at least 21,097 people have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Friday, Feb. 4, reported 12,385 new COVID-19 cases, down from 14,966 the day before. An additional 70 additional coronavirus-related deaths were added.
At least 4,490 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Feb. 4, including 751 adults being treated in intensive care units. The total patient count was down from 4,556 the previous day, according to state health officials.
As of Feb. 2, the latest date with available information, 21% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Roughly 75% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 71% are fully vaccinated. Of the state’s total population, about 60% are fully vaccinated and about 65% have received at least one dose. State officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
More than 2.9 million ”additional/booster” doses have been administered in North Carolina as of Feb. 4, 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% new COVID-19 cases in the nation were attributed to the omicron variant as of Jan. 29, the latest date for which data is available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Duke basketball’s ban on food, drinks comes to an end
Cameron Indoor Stadium will no longer ban concessions during basketball games, Duke announced.
The university said sales of food and beverages will resume during the women’s basketball game on Sunday, Feb. 6 between Wake Forest and the Blue Devils. Duke had cut concession sales Jan. 7 because of rising COVID-19 cases, The News & Observer reported.
A face mask mandate in the arena remains in effect.
What to do if you were billed for COVID vaccine
Duke Health improperly billed more than 700 patients for administrative fees related to COVID-19 vaccine or booster shots, officials said.
“The average assessment for those fees was $20, and we are now working to refund any payments received from patients,” Sarah Avery, director of the Duke Health News Office, told The News & Observer.
While the federal government covers the cost of the vaccine itself, there are some administrative costs associated with storing and administering them. Providers can bill insurance companies for those fees, according to The N&O, but they can’t bill patients directly — even if they don’t have health insurance.
The state health department said anyone who has been billed for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot should contact their provider or insurance company. They can also file complaints with the N.C. Department of Insurance and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Officer of Inspector General.
No matter what, DHHS said, they should not pay the bill.
Video of Wake County school official discussing masks goes viral
A video of Wake County Assistant Superintendent Paul Koh discussing face masks for 2-year-olds has gone viral among opponents who say it’s evidence of the school district’s intention to require masks in schools indefinitely.
But school district officials say Koh’s comments have been taken out of context, The News & Observer reported.
“The district has no interest in requiring face coverings indefinitely,” the district said in a statement Thursday, Feb. 3. “Such a suggestion is wrong. Our priority is to maintain in-person instruction. And at this time, state health officials have made clear that safely achieving that goal includes the use of face coverings.”
In the 26-second clip widely viewed on Twitter, Koh recommended including 2- to 4-year-olds in the face mask mandate based on state health department guidelines. He said teachers know younger children can’t wear masks for as long as older students, but including them in the mandate would help them practice for when they get older.
“That’s what we’re trying to do,” Koh said, “and it is with a developmental lens and not a ‘you must do this or else’ lens.“
The school board did not vote to expand the face mask mandate, keeping it in place only for ages 5 and up, according to The N&O.
Harris Teeter, Publix will offer free N95 masks
Free N95 masks will be available at Harris Teeter stores as part of a partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Charlotte Observer reported.
The Matthews-based grocer said masks will be available while supplies last.
“Wearing a mask and getting vaccinated continue to be the top defense tools in our nation’s fight against COVID-19,” Casey Killough, Harris Teeter’s director of pharmacy, said in a statement.
Customers can look for a branded display in any Harris Teeter or ask an associate for help.
Publix will also start giving away free N95 masks as soon as next week, according to The Observer. Publix spokesman Jared Glover said shipments are expected to begin this weekend, and customers will be able to get up to three masks from a table inside the stores.
‘Downward spiral’ of cases leads NC district to change COVID rules
Some parents are calling for state intervention after a Charlotte-area school district changed coronavirus-related rules.
Union County Public Schools voted to keep face masks optional and change other rules after officials saw a “steady downward spiral” of cases, The Charlotte Observer reported.
“It’s very obvious we had a spike the week of Jan. 10, (with) 1,331 cases,” said Gary Sides, a school board member. “The numbers are less than half now. (The) spike has occurred as predicted and is now falling.”
As of Monday, Feb. 7, some contact tracing and quarantine rules will end for students and workers in the district. Those who have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for the virus must stay home, but there won’t be that requirement for people who may have been exposed, according to the Observer.
Free N95 face mask supplies run out at Durham County libraries
Durham County is pausing the distribution of free N95 face masks at libraries after supplies ran out.
More than 30,000 masks had been offered at public libraries to help protect people from COVID-19. But the day after the effort started, there were no masks left, The News & Observer reported on Feb. 3.
During the coronavirus pandemic, health experts have said N95 face masks offer better protection than those made out of cloth. The N95 masks are still available for people getting drive-thru tests at Optum Serve locations, Durham County officials said.
Also in the Triangle, Orange County had no more face coverings left hours after starting to give them out. Wake County has been low on masks and planned to restock as of Feb. 2.
This story was originally published February 4, 2022 at 7:07 AM.
