For second day in a row, NC adds 10,000+ new cases of COVID-19, 100+ deaths

by: CBS 17 Digital Desk

Posted: Jan 8, 2021 / 12:37 PM EST / Updated: Jan 8, 2021 / 12:37 PM EST

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – For the second day in a row, North Carolina added more than 10,000 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday.

The state Department of Health and Human Services reported 10,028 new cases. That is the second-most new daily cases on record behind Thursday’s 10,398.

Hospitalizations remained level at a record high of 3,960.

Another 115 deaths were added on Friday, bringing the total number of deaths attributed to the virus to 7,328. It’s the second day in a row more than 100 deaths after 137 were reported on Thursday.

North Carolina has now recorded a total of 602,774 cases of the virus from 7.3 million completed tests.

More Coronavirus Stories

NC’s COVID-19 vaccine rates increase, but still plenty of room for improvement, federal data show

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — While its COVID-19 vaccination rates have improved significantly over the past week, North Carolina and several other southeastern states continue to lag behind the rest of the nation, federal data show.

Numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reviewed Wednesday showed the state has distributed more than 40 percent of its allotment of vaccine — a marked improvement from a week ago, when it was at 31 percent.

Read the Full Article

COVID-19 variant found by NC lab could mean trouble for health systems

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) - Mako Labs reported they've spotted a new variant of COVID-19, B.1.1.7, in 13 samples. So far the CDC reports just over a hundred cases linked to this variant across the country. None of those have been reported in North Carolina.

"I would assume it's already here," said Dr. Dirk Dittmer, a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Read the Full Article

Onslow County temporarily closing phone bank to help meet vaccine scheduling demands

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) -- The Onslow County Citizens Phone bank will be closed through Sunday to allow staff to help with scheduling appointments for those who will get COVID-19 vaccinations.