Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on March 5
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 2,600 new cases
At least 2,598,014 coronavirus cases have been reported in North Carolina, and at least 22,763 people have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Friday, March 4, reported 2,646 new COVID-19 cases, up from 2,377 the day before. An additional 38 coronavirus-related deaths were added to the total.
At least 1,336 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of March 4, including 284 adults being treated in intensive care units, health officials said. The total number of patients was down from 1,397 the day before.
As of March 2, the latest date with available information, 4.3% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Roughly 76% 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 61% are fully vaccinated and about 65% have received at least one dose. State officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
More than 3.1 million ”additional/booster” doses have been administered in North Carolina as of March 4, the health department said. Health officials have urged those who are eligible to get booster shots, as data suggests they offer increased protection against the omicron coronavirus variant.
Across the nation, virtually all new COVID-19 cases were attributed to the omicron variant and its related “lineages” as of Feb. 26, the latest date for which data is available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Charlotte drops face mask mandate on school buses
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools announced it will follow updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and no longer require students to wear a face mask on school buses.
As of March 7, face masks won’t be mandated on buses or vans operated by either public or private schools, The Charlotte Observer reported. Masks will also be optional in all CMS facilities starting March 7.
The school district does, however, still recommend that face masks be worn indoors.
What is Biden’s ‘Test to Treat’ program?
President Joe Biden said during his State of the Union speech that he plans to get antiviral treatments to people immediately after they test positive for COVID-19 under a new “Test to Treat” program.
“People can get tested at a pharmacy, and if they’re positive, receive antiviral pills on the spot at no cost,” Biden said.
White House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients said the program will launch this month at hundreds of sites across the U.S., The Charlotte Observer reported. They include Walgreens and CVS locations, but the pharmacies have not said when it will launch.
“Our pharmacists and pharmacies have played an essential role in response to COVID-19, and stand ready to further support in the timely and accessible delivery of COVID-19 treatments to patients,” a Walgreens spokesperson said in a statement. “We will provide additional details regarding rollout in our stores as it becomes available.”
Triangle district keeps indoor face mask rule but lifts it for outside
One Triangle-area school district will stop requiring face masks outside, but they must be worn indoors for at least a few more weeks.
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board in a unanimous vote decided to end the district’s outdoor mask rule. The change goes into effect March 7.
Board members also voted 6-1 to have a “masks recommended” policy starting April 4, The News & Observer reported.
The district has had both indoor and outdoor face covering policies since the delta coronavirus variant caused a spike in cases in August. Officials considered the new rules as infection rates drop and more people get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Federal dollars to help COVID-hit NC tourism, outdoors industries
A $6.4 million federal grant will help North Carolina’s tourism, travel and outdoors industries rebound from the economic impact of the pandemic, Gov. Roy Cooper said.
“The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation industries are major contributors to North Carolina’s economy, bringing people here from all over the world and making our state a great place to live and work,” Cooper said in a news release by the N.C. Department of Commerce. “Investing in the resilience and growth of this sector is the right thing to do for our entire economy.”
The initiative will include such efforts as worker training, developing ways to expand the outdoor recreation industry and helping under-resourced communities strengthen and connect tourism sites, services and businesses, officials said.
In 2019, tourism contributed about $29 billion to the state’s economy and 11% of the workforce, according to Department of Commerce figures. Visitor spending fell 32% after the pandemic, but state parks saw 1.2 million more visitors compared to 2019, officials said.
Former mayor opposes outdoor dining plan
Residents cooped up due to the pandemic want to be outside, the owners of a restaurant in the N.C. mountain town of Franklin said.
That’s why Gary and Virginia Murphy want to lease from the town a grassy area beside their Root + Barrel restaurant on Main Street, WLOS reported..
Former Mayor Bob Scott opposes the proposed three-year lease that would cost the Murphys $20,000, according to the station.
“I’m OK with outdoor dining, but the thing of it is, Should it be on town property?” Scott said.
“They will have alcohol on town property, when we don’t allow anybody else to have alcohol.”
Health official urges caution despite fewer COVID cases
As COVID-19 numbers drop across the state and nation, a health director in the N.C. mountains urged residents of her county not to let up their guard against the virus.
“We continue to see improvement in our community when it comes to the burden of COVID-19,” Buncombe County Public Health Director Stacie Saunders told county commissioners, WLOS reported.. “COVID-19 cases are decreasing, but they are not gone. While cases are decreasing, the virus is still circulating.”
Since cases peaked in mid-January, the number of residents testing positive for COVID-19 has plummeted by 86%, Saunders told the commissioners, according to the Asheville Citizen Times.
Still, Saunders urged people to consider testing for the virus and wearing a mask if they experience COVID symptoms, according to the newspaper. They also should consider getting tested if they’ve been near someone who contracted the virus, she said.
Community theater in N.C. mountains celebrates reopening
A community theater shuttered for two years due to the pandemic celebrated its reopening on Friday.
Hendersonville Theatre, formerly Hendersonville Community Theatre, plans a full season of live performances, along with concerts, WLOS reported.
Asheville bluegrass band Buncombe Turnpike performed at Friday’s reopening festivities for the theater.
This story was originally published March 5, 2022 at 8:27 AM.
