Updates from Gov. Cooper's COVID-19 briefing:
https://twitter.com/NC_Governor/status/1359576689664270337
As of today, we have had 805,898 lab-confirmed cases; 3,833 new cases reported since yesterday; 2,291 people in the hospital; and sadly 10,181 people who have died. Our prayers are with those who have lost loved ones or who are still battling this virus.
Right now, providers are continuing to vaccinate health workers, long-term care staff and residents and people aged 65 and up. It’s critical to get this age group vaccinated as more than 80% of COVID deaths happen to people 65 and up.
Health workers, long-term care staff and residents and people aged 65 and up are still getting first and second vaccinations, and that will keep happening even after the next phase starts.
Beginning February 24, the state will expand eligibility to Group 3, starting with educators and school personnel and expanding to additional Group 3 frontline workers on March 10. This allows us to balance the number of people with limited supply to ensure we use up our doses.
On Feb. 24, educators will be the first in Group 3 to be eligible to get their shot. This includes teachers, principals, childcare providers, bus drivers, custodial and cafeteria staff and others in our pre-K-12 schools and childcare centers. We anticipate it'll be ~240K people.
Essential workers are just that – essential. They've worked throughout this pandemic. We know educators can continue to work safely before being vaccinated as long as schools follow state health guidance. Students can be back in schools safely now. That’s what I want them to do.
Our child care providers have remained open since the beginning of this pandemic to care for children as parents went to their jobs. I am grateful to all of our educators and school personnel for going above and beyond in this pandemic.
Starting with a smaller number of Group 3 frontline workers helps providers streamline vaccine distribution effectively and efficiently. Providers can start distributing the vaccine methodically for essential workers while continuing to vaccinate those currently eligible.
Moving to the next phase is good news. The challenge continues to be the very limited supply of vaccine.
I am proud of North Carolina’s success in getting all of our first dose shots in arms each week before the next shipment comes. We want to keep that up. As of last night, the state has administered almost 1.5 million vaccines. And we are continuing to push for more.
Yesterday, the Biden Administration told us that each state would receive 5 percent more vaccine, which amounts to about 7,500 more doses in North Carolina this week. The more vaccines we can get, the better off we are. And we’re going to keep pushing for that every day.
I know that people are frustrated and more than ready for their vaccine. I know a lot of people want to be next. I look forward to the day it’s my turn. I appreciate the hard work of health care workers across our state to quickly and fairly get these shots into people’s arms.
In the meantime, there are still steps we must take to keep ourselves and each other safe. You’ve heard us say it many times before, but it’s because it matters so much. Wear your mask any time you leave your house. Stay six feet apart. Wash your hands.
If we double down on our prevention efforts, we can save more lives even before vaccines help us turn the corner on this pandemic.
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