NC reports record COVID hospitalizations as new cases increase by nearly 10,000
North Carolina reported 3,990 COVID-19 hospitalizations statewide Thursday, the highest daily total since the pandemic began.
Hospitalizations have increased significantly over the last few months. At the beginning of December, 2,033 people were in the hospital with COVID-19 in North Carolina. On Nov. 1, that number was 1,122.
Along with the record hospitalizations, the state reported 9,853 new coronavirus cases Thursday, its fourth-highest daily case increase, according to data from the state Department of Health and Human Services.
DHHS reported the state’s three highest daily case increases last week when Thursday, Friday and Saturday saw increases of over 10,000 each day.
Over the last week, DHHS has reported an average of over 8,300 cases per day. A month ago the seven-day average was 6,000 cases per day.
The state reported 80 deaths on Thursday, bringing the total number of the pandemic to 7,825.
Over the last week, DHHS has reported an average of 87 deaths per day. A week ago that average was 50. A month ago it was 42.
Case and hospitalization data reported by DHHS are preliminary and subject to change upon further investigation.
Percentage of tests returned positive
Among COVID-19 tests reported on Tuesday, the latest day for which data is available, 11.1% of tests returned positive. In the week prior to Tuesday, an average of 13.5% of tests per day came back positive.
These percentages have steadily decreased over last several days. The state reported a pandemic-high of 17.1% positive tests Jan. 4, and the seven-day average was over 15% a week ago.
These averages though are still well above the 5% or lower that state health officials want. North Carolina hasn’t met that standard since Sept. 24.
ICU and hospital capacity
More intensive care beds opened up Thursday.
There are now 365 available beds, as opposed to Wednesday’s 339. Even with the increase, 85% of ICU beds are in use statewide.
Available inpatient beds rose slightly to 4,638. About 78% of inpatient beds are in use.
The number of adult ICU patients rose to 858, marking the fifth straight day that number has increased.
North Carolina loosens eligibility restrictions for vaccine
The state will make COVID-19 vaccines available to anyone 65 or older and all health care workers, even if they are not exposed to COVID-19 patients.
DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said the state wants to make vaccination plans easier to understand. North Carolina previously had different phases with subcategories that were to be used to determine who gets the vaccine and when.
“We know there has been more confusion than there needs to be, and so we are definitely hearing the message about simplicity and speed,” Cohen said. “That’s why we’re trying to really be clear: What we’re vaccinating right now is all health care workers and those 65 and older.”
DHHS announced Thursday that counties and health care providers will hold mass vaccination events that could possibly lead to 45,000 additional vaccinations.
These mass vaccination events will be held in 21 counties, including five in the Triangle.
DHHS referred people to the health providers’ websites to find when and where events will take place.
Anyone eligible for vaccination in North Carolina will be able to attend the events and receive a free shot, regardless of what kind of health insurance they have or their legal status. Some health providers may require an appointment.
NC prisons gear up for vaccines
On Thursday, the Department of Public Safety said it had identified which staff members and inmates fall into each of the state’s vaccine distribution phases.
With two, six-member “strike teams” positioned in each of state’s four prison regions, the department said it stood ready to distribute the vaccine as soon as it becomes available.
But Todd Ishee, commissioner of prisons, said the department can’t predict when that will be
He said the department had previously asked DHHS for 839 doses, enough to cover staff and inmates ages 75 and older, who were eligible under the state’s prior distribution plan.
The state’s prison system has had numerous COVID-19 outbreaks, with active outbreaks in two prisons in Raleigh, according to the Department of Public safety website.
This story was originally published January 14, 2021 at 12:08 PM.