The number of people who are vaccinated more than doubled over the past week. On Jan. 18, a total of 573,130 doses had been given across N.C. By Jan. 27, that number was up to 1.18 million. (Port City Daily/Courtesy New Hanover County)
SOUTHEASTERN NC Approximately 300 days into the pandemic, North Carolina is continuing to see Covid-19 cases rise as health officials double down on efforts to vaccinate the people most at risk of infection.
As of Saturday morning, North Carolina has reported 752,627 cases and 9,287 deaths. The seven-day rolling average for new cases remained relatively stable – 6,199 on Jan. 18 and 6,168 on Jan. 30.
The percent of test results returning positive has fallen, though, from 10.5% to 8.4%. Health officials previously have considered a positivity rate of less than 5% a goal in slowing the spread of the virus.
Busy signals and overstrained call centers can be commonplace when so many people seek the Covid-19 vaccine. With even more people becoming eligible on the horizon, New Hanover County hopes to expand its options. (Port City Daily/Courtesy of New Hanover County)
SOUTHEASTERN NC Over the past week, North Carolina is reporting Covid-19 cases at 718,812 and 8,695 deaths, with a 10.5% daily positive rate among those being tested. Though the overall numbers continue to rise, the seven-day average for new cases dropped from 8,711 on Jan. 11 to 6,199 on Jan. 18. The death average over seven days also went down, from 91 on Jan. 11 to 71 on Jan. 18.
N.C. changed its vaccination plan so individuals ages 65 and older can get the Moderna or Pfizer series of shots. NHC will fall in line with the new order once it gets through all Friday appointments and receives another shipment of vaccines. (Port City Daily/File)
NEW HANOVER COUNTY New Hanover County Health and Human Services confirmed it will fall in line with the state’s updated vaccination plan to now serve individuals 65 years and older. First, the county must work through its limited supply of vaccines to fulfill current appointments for patients 75 and older through Friday.
County officials confirmed the change will make an additional 37,000 people eligible for the vaccine in New Hanover County.
North Carolina’s Covid-19 numbers continue to rise, hitting a one-day record-breaker of 11,581 cases reported on Saturday, Jan. 9. (Port City Daily/File)
SOUTHEASTERN NC According to the latest numbers from the state’s Covid-19 dashboard, North Carolina has reached a total of 614,355 Covid-19 cases, with 3,871 people hospitalized and 7,425 deaths. Statewide case counts keep breaking one-day numbers for the second weekend in a row. N.C. Health and Human Services (NCHHS) reported 11,581 on Saturday, Jan. 9, following two days of hitting more than 10,000 cases each day.
New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties also are hitting new highs. All three counties are in the red zone, meaning there is critical viral spread of Covid-19, according to the Covid-19 County Alert System.
With winter weather here, anyone eligible who needs help to pay their heating bills can apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The LIEAP provides a one-time annual vendor payment.
All eligible households can apply online through the ePASS portal at https://epass.nc.gov/. All household applications will be accepted through March 31 or until funds are exhausted.
Applicants can also submit a paper application at their local Social Services Department. Individuals can also contact their local Social Services Department for questions on how to apply.
New Hanover County residents can download applications at socialservices.nhcgov.com and submit to the New Hanover County Health and Human Services’ Department of Social Services. Downloaded applications can be submitted by email at DSSinfo@NHCgov.com; by mail or dropped off at 1650 Greenfield St., Wilmington, NC 28402; or by fax at 910-798-7824. Households may also apply in person at the Health and Human Serv