Coronavirus updates for June 2: Here’s what to know in North Carolina this week
.jpg "More than 26,000 coronavirus cases were added in North Carolina for the week ending May 28.")
We’re tracking information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back every Thursday for updates.
26,000 new coronavirus cases in NC
At least 26,446 new coronavirus cases were reported in North Carolina last week, down from 28,369 the week before, according to preliminary data from state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services also reported 734 new weekly hospital patient admissions, up from 643 the week before, according to data through May 28, the most recent metrics available.
The figures were released Wednesday, June 1, the 11th week that health officials have adjusted information shared on their coronavirus dashboard and published weekly COVID-19 data. The data had previously been released almost every day.
Roughly 77% 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 3.6 million ”additional/booster” doses have been administered in North Carolina as of June 1, 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 May 21, the latest time period for which data is available.
Schools push to fight COVID learning loss
The coronavirus pandemic put many North Carolina children months behind where they should be in reading and math, data shows.
Now, school districts across the state are using tutoring, summer programs and other tools to help students catch up, The Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer reported on May 29.
The efforts come as a recent report from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction found pandemic-related learning loss left some kids “more than a year behind where they should be “ in some subjects, the N&O reported.
At the same time, billions of dollars in federal coronavirus funds are available to help the state’s public schools with learning loss and other expenses.
Daniel Simons, principal of Buckhorn Creek Elementary School, said he wants more social workers and counselors in his school to help with his students’ emotional challenges. Academically, he said his Holly Springs school has seen growth, particularly among second- and third-grade students.
“It will take some more time, but we are quickly seeing a rebound,” Simons said. “And I’m actually shocked by that because if you had asked me in the early fall I would have been saying ‘I’m worried.’”
Higher risk levels reported in Triangle-area counties
Several North Carolina counties are now at an increased risk level for COVID-19.
Nine of the state’s 100 counties — including several in the Triangle — moved from a “low” to a “medium” risk category, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The list includes Durham, Orange and Wake counties, The News & Observer reported on May 26.
“What happens in the Triangle does not stay in the Triangle,” said Dr. Zack Moore, state epidemiologist. “It’s a pretty good heads up to everybody that activity is increasing, and that’s likely going to be a trend across the state.”
People living in affected counties who have high risk of serious coronavirus complications are urged to wear face masks.
UNC researchers receive money to help prepare for pandemics
A new federal grant will help North Carolina researchers hoping to create drugs to fight future pandemics.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill received $65 million to launch a “new antiviral drug discovery center,” with a goal of developing treatments, The News & Observer reported on May 25.
“The idea is that in a future pandemic, if we didn’t have a drug that worked, we would have a core set of molecules that are close enough so that you’re not starting at home plate, you’re starting at second or third base,” said Ralph Baric, a coronavirus expert.
