Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Feb. 5
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% of all 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.
Thousands of N95 masks delivered across N.C. mountains
Thousands of N95 masks from North Carolina’s stockpile were distributed across counties in the N.C. mountains this week to fight the omicron coronavirus variant, WLOS reported.
Transylvania County distributed 6,400 masks Thursday, while Henderson County got 22,000 masks and 4,400 at-home COVID-19 test kits, according to the station.
Buncombe County has distributed masks and at-home COVID-19 test kits at fire departments. County commissioners this week also agreed to buy $50,000 worth of masks to be given out at given out at libraries and other county buildings, WLOS reported.
School system ends contact tracing, quarantines
Citing a decline in COVID-19 cases, Union County Public Schools on Monday will end contact tracing and quarantine measures, Spectrum News 1 reported.
The school board voted 8-1 Tuesday in favor of ending the mandates, according to a recording of the meeting posted on YouTube by the school board.
Union County Health Director Dennis Joyner noted the decline in cases on the board’s online document platform, Spectrum News 1 reported.
The seven-day “rolling average” of new cases fell 17.2% from Jan. 25 to Jan. 31, from 563 to 466, Joyner wrote.
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.
Mecklenburg County revives COVID test pick-up sites
Starting Monday, Mecklenburg County residents can once again get free at-home COVID-19 test kits at various library branches and health department sites.
Mecklenburg County Public Health received more COVID-19 rapid antigen home testing kits this week. The kits will be available via curbside pick-up, with one kit free per resident. No ID, insurance, prescription or appointment is needed:.
▪ 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branches at 429 South Boulevard; 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville; 13620 Steele Creek Road; and 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill.
▪ 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branches at 2157 West Blvd., 5935 Hickory Grove Road and 4045 North Tryon St., Ste.. A.
▪ 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesdays: Mecklenburg County Public Health - Southeast, 249 Billingsley Road.
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, the N&O reported, 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.
Harris Teeter, Publix 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.
