Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on 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 2,800 cases reported in past week
At least 2,842 new coronavirus cases were reported in North Carolina last week, down from 3,924 the week before, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services also reported 401 new weekly hospital admissions, down from 524 the week before, according to data through March 19, the most recent metrics available.
The figures were released Wednesday, March 23, the first day health officials began adjusting information shared on their coronavirus dashboard and publishing updated COVID-19 data once a week. The data had been released most weekdays.
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 23, 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 state, virtually all new COVID-19 cases were attributed to the omicron variant and its related “lineages” as of March 15, the latest date for which data is available.
Hospital accused of violating COVID safety protocols
Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, is facing nearly $30,000 in fines from the N.C. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Division after officials said it violated COVID-19 safety protocols and reporting requirements.
The hospital was accused of failing to properly fit employees for N95 respirators and not immediately reporting that an employee was hospitalized with COVID-19. The employee later died.
“We know the importance in fit-testing and only paused the practice at the guidance of at the North Carolina Department of Labor and OSHA early in the pandemic,” a hospital spokesperson said. “Once it was deemed appropriate to reinstate the practice in 2021, Mission Hospital took steps to do so. We value the OSHA tracking and reporting process, however, we are working with them to clarify these recent findings.”
NC man accused of stealing thousands in COVID relief funds
A North Carolina man is accused of inventing businesses to get thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief.
Federal prosecutors said Spenc’r Denard Rickerson of Claremont stole more than $74,200 in loans, spending some of the money on cryptocurrency.
Information about Rickerson’s attorney wasn’t immediately available, McClatchy News reported March 22.
Charlotte woman accused of spending COVID loans on shopping
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, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Shropshire is accused of using pandemic relief funds to go on shopping sprees, book hotel stays and buy cars. The Observer couldn’t immediately reach her and her attorney on March 22.
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.”
This story was originally published March 23, 2022 at 6:59 AM.
