Coronavirus updates for May 4: Here’s what to know in North Carolina this week
We’re tracking information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back every Wednesday for updates.
More than 12,000 new COVID cases
At least 12,509 new coronavirus cases were reported in North Carolina last week, up from 9,800 the week before, according to preliminary data from state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services also reported 373 new weekly hospital patient admissions, an increase from 256 the week before, according to data through April 30, the most recent metrics available.
The figures were released Wednesday, May 4, the seventh week that health officials have adjusted information shared on their coronavirus dashboard and published weekly COVID-19 data. The data had been released almost every day.
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 66% have received at least one dose. State officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
More than 3.4 million ”additional/booster” doses have been administered in North Carolina as of May 4, the health department said. Health officials have urged those who are eligible to get boosted, as data shows 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” in the two weeks leading up to April 16, the latest time period for which data is available.
Sheriff’s office fined after COVID death
A sheriff’s office in North Carolina faces a fine after a deputy died in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sypraseuth Phouangphrachanh — also known as Bud Phouang or “Officer Bud” — worked as a school resource officer before he died from coronavirus-related complications in March 2020, according to The News & Observer.
Now, the Montgomery County sheriff said he received a notice about a $4,000 fine for not reporting that it lost the officer within 8 hours of his death.
“These are certainly unprecedented times, and now we’re dealing with unprecedented treatment,” Sheriff Chris Watkins said.
A spokesperson for the N.C. Department of Labor, which reportedly sent the letter, said Commissioner Josh Dobson would issue a statement by the afternoon of May 4.
Program to use COVID relief funds to help people stay in homes
A new program will use coronavirus relief money to help some North Carolinians avoid evictions.
On May 3, Raleigh’s city council in a unanimous vote decided “to spend $300,000 over three years to expand the services of the Blanchard Community Law Clinic and another $200,000 for tenant lawsuit settlement assistance,” The News & Observer reported.
Raleigh is partnering with Campbell University’s law school for the project. City residents will be eligible for legal aid if they meet certain federal income requirements, according to the N&O.
“The city of Raleigh is proud to partner with Campbell Law School to meet the needs of those facing eviction or housing insecurity,” said Nicole Stewart, mayor pro tem. “This new resource will address a core need in our comprehensive approach to address housing affordability, supply and stability.”
