NC Reports 'Devastating Milestone' In New COVID-19 Case Spike

CHARLOTTE, NC — North Carolina reported a spike of 5,637 new coronavirus cases Thursday, upping the state's tally to 377,231 confirmed cases and prompting the state's top doctor to plead with residents to demonstrate personal responsibility.

The surge in cases just days following the Thanksgiving holiday is a "devastating milestone" for the state, said North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen.

"This number is alarming," Cohen said during a news conference. "I am very worried."

As of Thursday, 10.1 percent of tests in North Carolina were positive, and 2,101 patients were hospitalized for coronavirus-related illness — a record number for the state. At least 44 deaths were reported in the state since Wednesday, increasing the statewide death toll to 5,410.

"I know this is a particularly hard time of year to stay home and away from family and friends, yet it is the best way we can take personal responsibility and show our care for them as we fight this global pandemic," she said. In 11 months, COVID-19 has led to three times the number of North Carolinians as the flu did in the past decade, she added.

Cohen urged anyone in the state who attended a Thanksgiving gathering to get a COVID-19 test.

"If you are with someone you don't live with, wear a mask and keep your distance," and limit social interactions as much as possible, Cohen said.

And while a coronavirus vaccine is on the horizon, "it's not a quick fix," and it will take several months to get enough supply for widespread vaccinations, she added.

COVID-19 is spreading throughout every community in the state.

"You need to take precautions as if everyone around you has it," she said.

"Corners Were Not Cut"
Earlier this week, Cohen and Gov. Roy Cooper outlined the state's plan for distribution plan of the vaccine that will prioritize frontline healthcare workers and those living and working in long term care facilities.

Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna have applied for authorization by the Food and Drug Administration to begin using their COVID-19 vaccines. The FDA is set to review Pfizer's application Dec. 10 and Moderna's application on Dec. 17, CNN said. Both companies have reported data showing they are at least 94 percent or more effective in preventing COVID-19.

Should the FDA authorize the Pfizer vaccine next week, it won't be long before frontline healthcare workers in North Carolina will begin receiving it. Once vaccines are federally cleared for use, they could begin arriving in North Carolina by mid December. Vaccinations will be free for all state residents, regardless of insurance coverage, he added.

During Thursday's news conference, Cohen stressed the safety of the vaccines that have gone through clinical trials of about 70,000 users. "The participants who make the decisions about whether or not to authorize the use of these new vaccines are FDA scientists and career scientists, not political appointees," she said. Safety and effectiveness data is also reviewed by an independent body, she said.

"Although vaccines were developed quickly over the course of this year, corners were not cut," she said.

The vaccine works by imitating the virus, which triggers the body to create antibodies to fight it.

"It's important for people to understand, there is no COVID-19 virus in the vaccine itself," she added.

Cohen outlined the initial distribution of the first shipments of the vaccine, saying that if FDA approval takes place next week, North Carolina could receive its first shipment of nearly 85,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine by Dec. 15.

The doses will be packaged in lots of 1,000 units, which will be kept together and shipped to the state's largest hospitals first, where the highest risk workers, such as those caring directly for COVID-19 patients along with cleaners, will be vaccinated.

The second week's allocation of vaccine could possibly consist of doses from both Pfizer and Moderna, and will be pushed out to more hospitals and long term care facilities, Cohen said. State public health officials do not know yet know the size of that shipment, she said.

Subsequent shipments would then be allocated for adults at high risk for complications due to two or more chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and those who have immunodeficiency, she said.

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