Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on March 9
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We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 1,000 hospital patients
At least 2,604,971 coronavirus cases have been reported in North Carolina, and at least 22,864 people have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday, March 9, reported 1,833 new COVID-19 cases, up from 894 the day before. An additional 47 coronavirus-related deaths were added to the total.
At least 1,093 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of March 9, including 209 adults being treated in intensive care units, health officials said. The patient count was down from 1,177 the day before.
As of March 7, the latest date with available information, 3.9% of coronavirus tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower is the target rate to slow the spread of the virus.
Roughly 76% 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 61% are fully vaccinated and about 65% have received at least one dose. State officials round vaccination numbers to the nearest whole number.
More than 3.1 million ”additional/booster” doses have been administered in North Carolina as of March 9, 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 nation, virtually all new COVID-19 cases were attributed to the omicron variant and its related “lineages” as of March 5, the latest date for which data is available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How to find treatment for long COVID in Charlotte
For people experiencing lasting health effects from COVID-19, there are treatment and support options for people living in the Charlotte area.
Long COVID, also known as “Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection,” can last more than four weeks after a person tests positive, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Atrium Health is one of several medical providers in the state that have recovery programs for long COVID. People have reported experiencing fatigue, “brain fog” and difficulty breathing, Britney Broyhill, senior director of advanced practice and doctor of nursing practice, told the Observer.
If you have long COVID, it’s best to go visit your doctor for treatment options. Several support groups have also emerged for people experiencing lingering health impacts.
Map shows COVID risk areas in NC
A map uses coronavirus case rates and hospitalization metrics to determine COVID-19 levels in North Carolina counties.
While counties labeled with the color green can end indoor mask requirements, those labeled in yellow mean people at high risk of getting seriously sick should show caution.
The Centers for Disease Control suggests areas in orange on the map keep face mask rules and other coronavirus-related precautions. Sixteen of North Carolina’s 100 counties fall within that category, The Charlotte Observer reported March 8.
All Triangle counties make masks optional; rules in place at some schools
All Triangle counties and several towns and cities within them no longer have face mask mandates.
Gov. Roy Cooper had encouraged entities to ease their face covering requirements by March 7 as coronavirus case counts fall and more people get their vaccines.
North Carolina reported 528 coronavirus cases on March 7, down from the peak of more than 44,000 cases reached as the omicron variant sent case counts surging two months ago.
Also in North Carolina, masks are now optional for people working at or visiting state agencies.
But businesses may still require people to wear face coverings. Also, some Triangle-area school districts continue to have mask rules.
This story was originally published March 9, 2022 at 7:05 AM.
