COVID-19 Hospitalizations Surge To More Than 3,000 In NC

CHARLOTTE, NC — More than 24,000 state healthcare workers in North Carolina have received their first round of COVID-19 vaccinations as more than 200,000 doses of vaccine are expected in the state within days, Gov. Roy Cooper said Tuesday.

The news comes as the state reports a new daily record of 3,001 hospitalizations, an increase of at least 266 patients in state hospitals in a span of seven days. The filled hospital beds mean that the state now has about 17 percent of its staffed intensive care unit beds and about 24 percent of staffed inpatient hospital beds left available, according to DHHS data.

North Carolina reported 5,255 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, increasing the state's total to 488,902 known cases, according to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

At least 51 deaths were reported Tuesday, increasing the state's death toll to 6,291. As of Dec. 22, about 11.1 percent of tests conducted in the state were positive, up from 10.5 reported Friday.

"This virus continues to spread quickly. Don’t get numb to these numbers," Cooper said during a news conference Tuesday.

North Carolina is expected to receive 60,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 176,000 doses of Moderna vaccine this week, Cooper said. Last week, the Pfizer vaccine was distributed to 53 hospitals. This week, both the Pfizer vaccine and Moderna vaccine will be distributed to 59 hospitals and 97 local health departments.

Health officials, however, caution against complacency for virus-prevention methods, such as mask wearing and social distancing.

"Supplies of vaccine are very limited for now. It will take many, many months to vaccinate everyone who wants it," DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen said. "As you think about the upcoming Christmas and New Year's holidays, please avoid traveling and gathering," she said. "If you absolutely must, get tested ahead of time, wear a mask all the time, keep it small and keep it outdoors."

The advent of COVID-19 vaccine has led to the onset of a new concern. Scammers are attempting to use vaccine access as part of cons, according to the governor.

"Don’t fall for crooks calling or emailing you and offering a place on a vaccine waiting list. There is no such thing. They’re either trying to steal your money, your identity, or both," Cooper said. "The state has an action plan to distribute the vaccine effectively, and it does not involve calling you and asking for your personal information or your money."

SEE ALSO:

• Questions Loom About Vaccine Allotments Headed To NC: Cooper
• First Doses Of Vaccine Arrive In North Carolina: Gov. Cooper