Coronavirus updates for April 13: 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.
Over 2,700 new COVID cases
At least 2,703 new coronavirus cases were reported in North Carolina last week, down from 3,569 the week before, according to preliminary data from state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services also reported 323 new weekly COVID-19 hospital patient admissions, a drop from 335 the previous week, according to figures through April 8, the most recent metrics available.
The figures were released Wednesday, April 12, two weeks after the state health department announced it was updating its online coronavirus dashboard to include data about the flu and other respiratory illnesses.
Data shows roughly 78% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 74% have finished an initial round of vaccine doses. Of the state’s total population, about 63% finished their initial round and about 68% have received at least one dose. State officials round vaccination metrics to the nearest whole number and update them monthly.
“Out of all people who have finished their initial vaccines in North Carolina, 59% have been vaccinated with at least one booster, and 22% with an updated omicron booster,” the health department wrote on its website. Officials have urged those who are eligible to get boosted, as data shows it offers increased protection against the omicron coronavirus variant.
NC didn’t ‘adequately monitor’ COVID funds, new audit finds
North Carolina had lapses in oversight when it came to spending coronavirus-related funds from the federal government, a new report finds.
During the last fiscal year, the State Auditor’s office said the N.C. Pandemic Recovery Office “did not adequately monitor $159.9 million in federal funds used for expenditures incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The audit shared several alleged oversights, including that auditors didn’t find evidence of required monthly expenditure reviews. The state’s Pandemic Recovery Office falls under the administration of Gov. Roy Cooper.
Sam Chan, a spokesperson for the governor, said the N.C. Office of State Budget and Management “will continue to review and implement any technical recommendations made by the auditor’s office, but it’s important to note that there have been no findings of funds being misspent, misused, or unaccounted for in these emergency funds.”
In 2020 and 2021, state audits also found improper oversight in federal coronavirus-related funds, The News & Observer reported April 11.
NC to make more changes to coronavirus dashboard
North Carolina made changes to its online COVID-19 dashboard, and more adjustments are expected.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services said it plans to update its COVID-19 vaccine figures on a monthly basis until May 31. Then, internet users will have to find that information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
The change is planned as the state stopped running its community COVID-19 test sites, though testing options are still available through the federal government and other resources. Also, the state’s coronavirus dashboard now includes information about other respiratory illnesses, The Charlotte Observer reported.
“While we continue to see illness and deaths from COVID-19, it is no longer the threat it once was thanks to testing, vaccines and treatment,” wrote Dr. Susan Kansagra, director of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health. “As we evolve our response to the more routine nature of COVID-19 going forward, these indicators will help us monitor our health care capacity from respiratory illness including COVID-19 and adjust our response if needed.”
Read more about the COVID-19 dashboard changes here.
This story was originally published April 13, 2023 at 7:05 AM with the headline "Coronavirus updates for April 13: Here’s what to know in North Carolina this week."
