Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Feb. 8
Click here for updates for Feb. 9.
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 new cases added
At least 2,498,957 coronavirus cases have been reported in North Carolina, and at least 21,325 people have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday, Feb. 8, reported 4,648 new COVID-19 cases, down from 4,727 the day before. Another 76 coronavirus-related deaths were added.
At least 3,956 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Feb. 8, including 655 adults being treated in intensive care units. The total patient count was down from 4,020 the previous day, according to state health officials.
As of Feb. 6, the latest date with available information, 23.4% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Roughly 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 3 million ”additional/booster” doses have been administered in North Carolina as of Feb. 8, 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 96% new COVID-19 cases in the nation were attributed to the omicron variant while others were attributed to a subvariant as of Feb. 5, the latest date for which data is available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Johnston County School District ends face mask mandate
The Johnston County School Board voted to make face masks optional starting Feb. 21.
Officials said masks won’t be required as long as less than 4% of an individual school’s students and staff are quarantined because of COVID-19, The News & Observer reported.
“It’s time to give the parents the choice,” said board chairman Todd Sutton. “Let them decide what’s best for their students. Let the staff decide what’s best for themselves.”
In compliance with federal rules, face masks will still be required on school buses.
When will Mecklenburg County end its mask mandate?
Mecklenburg County Health Director Raynard Washington said he plans to recommend ending the countywide face mask mandate next week if COVID-19 trends continue to trend downward.
The 7-day average positivity rate in Mecklenburg County has dropped from 27.6% to 20.8% over the last week, The Charlotte Observer reported. That’s down from 32% at the beginning of January.
County commissioners had previously said they wouldn’t remove the mandate without a recommendation from public health officials. The current mask mandate took effect in August and was nearly dropped in November as COVID-19 cases declined, according to the Observer.
But the omicron variant disrupted those plans, leading to record high case numbers and percent positivity rates that have since dropped off.
“Assuming the trends continue the way they are ... I’ll be able to stand there confidently and do that, and make that recommendation,” Washington said during a county commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 8.
Workers leaving state health department during pandemic
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has almost 3,500 open positions, and the situation is causing burnout among people still working at state mental health centers.
Jessica Gazso, a pharmacy tech, said some healthcare workers have moved onto jobs that offer more money and better hours. She said overtime work during the COVID-19 pandemic pushed several people out.
The state health department said it has become difficult to recruit new workers in the last two years.
“Even before the pandemic began, the competitive market for hiring critical high-demand workers such as health care professionals, information technology, and engineering made it challenging to recruit and retain employees in these fields,” said Bailey Pennington, a DHHS spokesperson, told The News & Observer in an email. “Unfortunately, that situation has been exacerbated by the pandemic.”
Capitol riot suspect battling COVID
James “Les” Little, a former truck driver from Claremont, North Carolina, due to be sentenced for his role in the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, has COVID-19.
His public defender asked the court to delay his sentencing as a result, saying Little couldn’t “meaningfully participate” in his own defense. Prosecutors have not opposed the request, which a judge has not yet ruled on, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Little pleaded guilty in November to one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. He’s since documented his struggle with the coronavirus on social media.
“I just wanna die. Just pray for me,” Little said in a 40-second video clip posted on YouTube.
This story was originally published February 8, 2022 at 7:02 AM.
