Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Feb. 7
Click here for updates for Feb. 8.
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 4,000 hospitalized
At least 2,494,309 coronavirus cases have been reported in North Carolina, and at least 21,249 people have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday, Feb. 7, reported 4,727 new COVID-19 cases, down from 9,195 on Feb. 6 and 10,145 on Feb. 5. The state doesn’t update case counts over the weekends.
Another 152 coronavirus-related deaths were added.
At least 4,032 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Feb. 7, including 682 adults being treated in intensive care units. The total patient count was down from 4,111 the previous day, according to state health officials.
As of Feb. 5, the latest date with available information, 19.3% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Roughly 75% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 71% are fully vaccinated. Of the state’s total population, about 60% 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 million ”additional/booster” doses have been administered in North Carolina as of Feb. 7, 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.
About 99% new COVID-19 cases in the nation were attributed to the omicron variant as of Jan. 29, the latest date for which data is available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Capitol riot suspect battling COVID
James “Les” Little, a former truck driver from Claremont, North Carolina, due to be sentenced for his role in the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, has COVID-19.
His public defender asked the court to delay his sentencing as a result, saying Little couldn’t “meaningfully participate” in his own defense. Prosecutors have not opposed the request, which a judge has not yet ruled on, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Little pleaded guilty in November to one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. He’s since documented his struggle with the coronavirus on social media.
“I just wanna die. Just pray for me,” Little said in a 40-second video clip posted on YouTube.
How can you get N95 face masks in Charlotte stores?
The federal government is sending N95 face masks to pharmacies across the nation, and Charlotte shoppers can expect them in stores within the next few weeks.
Last week, Harris Teeter pharmacies started offering the masks, which are limited to three per person.
The face coverings were expected to arrive this week at Publix and Walmart, while CVS continued to deliver masks. Charlotte-area Walgreens stores were still awaiting them as of Feb. 5, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Health experts have said N95 masks offer better protection against COVID-19 when compared to cloth face coverings and surgical masks.
This story was originally published February 7, 2022 at 12:44 PM.
