Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on March 21
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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 600 hospital patients
At least 2,619,372 coronavirus cases have been reported in North Carolina, and at least 23,078 people have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday, March 21, reported 372 new COVID-19 cases, down from 750 on March 20 and 1,386 on March 19. The state doesn’t update case counts over the weekends.
An additional 20 coronavirus-related deaths were added to the total.
At least 619 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of March 21, including 117 adults being treated in intensive care units. The total patient count was a slight drop from 620 the day before.
As of March 19, the latest date with available information, 2.6% 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 72% are fully vaccinated. Of the state’s total population, about 62% are fully vaccinated and about 65% have received at least one dose. State officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
More than 3.2 million ”additional/booster” doses have been administered in North Carolina as of March 21, 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.
Across the nation, virtually all new COVID-19 cases were attributed to the omicron variant and its related “lineages” as of March 12, the latest date for which data is available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Charlotte-area school districts dropping face mask mandates
As mask rules change across the state, several school districts in the Charlotte area have made face coverings optional.
Now, a map shows the policies in each district, The Charlotte Observer reported March 21.
The map was shared after Gov. Roy Cooper in February called on schools to stop requiring masks.
This story was originally published March 21, 2022 at 12:53 PM.
