Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on March 22
Click here for updates for March 23.
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 800 cases added
At least 2,620,191 coronavirus cases have been reported in North Carolina, and at least 23,091 people have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday, March 22, reported 819 new COVID-19 cases, up from 372 the day before. An additional 13 coronavirus-related deaths were added to the total.
At least 616 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of March 22, including 109 adults being treated in intensive care units. The total patient count was down from 636 the day before.
As of March 20, the latest date with available information, 2.9% 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 22, 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 19, the latest date for which data is available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Charlotte woman spent COVID loans on shopping sprees
A grand jury indicted a 48-year-old Charlotte woman on charges that she filed 10 bogus applications for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
Prosecutors said Nkhenge Shropshire tried to get at least $331,000 from the Small Business Administration. She ultimately received about $45,000 as a result, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Shropshire is accused of using the pandemic relief funds to go on shopping sprees, book hotel stays and buy cars.
What experts say about one-way masking as mandates drop
As coronavirus-related rules are relaxed in some public spaces, people may still wear face masks outside their homes.
The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is for everyone to mask up. Wearing a face covering when others aren’t — a practice called one-way masking — isn’t as effective, The Charlotte Observer reported March 22.
If you’re one-way making, experts say it’s important to choose the right type of mask and make sure it fits well.
“One-way masking with medical-grade masks and N95 or KN95 respirator masks provides protection against viral transmission,” Raynard Washington, health director for Mecklenburg County, wrote in an email. “Individuals should opt for medical-grade masks and respirators to offer greater protection, particularly those at risk for severe illness due to COVID-19 infection.”
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 22, 2022 at 7:00 AM.
