Coronavirus updates for Sept. 22: Here’s what to know in North Carolina this week
We’re tracking information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back every Thursday for updates.
18,000 new COVID cases
At least 18,447 new coronavirus cases were reported in North Carolina last week, down from 20,186 the week before, according to preliminary data from state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services also reported 1,011 new weekly COVID-19 hospital patient admissions, a drop from 1,112 the previous week, according to figures through Sept. 17, the most recent metrics available. The daily average of adult coronavirus patients in intensive care was 112, compared to 133 the week before.
The figures were released Wednesday, Sept. 21, more than five months after health officials started adjusting information on their coronavirus dashboard and publishing weekly COVID-19 data. The data had previously been released almost every day.
Roughly 78% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 73% have finished an initial round of vaccine doses. Of the state’s total population, about 63% finished their initial round and about 67% have received at least one dose. State officials round vaccination metrics to the nearest whole number.
More than 3.9 million “booster/additional” doses have been administered in North Carolina as of Sept. 21, the health department said. Health officials have urged those who are eligible to get boosted, as data shows it offers increased protection against the omicron coronavirus variant.
Across the state, virtually all new COVID-19 cases were attributed to the omicron variant’s “lineages” in the two weeks leading up to Sept. 10, the latest time period for which data is available.
Health provider opens appointments for new booster shots
A Charlotte-area health care provider is now offering appointments for the new COVID-19 booster shots.
The bivalent booster shots — which target the omicron coronavirus variant — are available for Atrium Health patients ages 12 and older who have had at least two months pass since their last vaccine dose.
Also in the Charlotte area, Mecklenburg County Public Health and StarMed have openings for those wanting an extra dose. Pharmacy chains also have been offering the doses, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Face mask ads spotted in Charlotte area
Charlotte-area advertisements encourage people to wear face coverings, despite a public mask mandate expiring in February.
At least one of the ads from the Mecklenburg County Health Department is running on a Charlotte Area Transit System bus. It features two masked people and says: “THE FLU IS STILL HERE ... AND SO IS COVID,” according to The Charlotte Observer.
Mecklenburg County in a statement said: “While the mask mandate is over, the wearing of masks still goes on.”
The ad reportedly was placed before this year. These days, health officials recommend wearing masks in transportation buildings as well as in counties where there’s high transmission of COVID-19.
Mecklenburg County is at a low level, the Observer reported.
This story was originally published September 22, 2022 at 7:14 AM with the headline "Coronavirus updates for Sept. 22: Here’s what to know in North Carolina this week."
