RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is urging everyone 16 and older to get their booster vaccination ahead of the holidays.
"I know so many families and friends are getting together with so much joy this holiday season after missing out on last year’s traditions. But COVID infections rose after the Thanksgiving holidays both this year and last," Cooper said.
The meeting comes on the heels of at least one confirmed case of the omicron variant and evidence of increased spread, heading into the holiday season.
"As we gather again in December we should get vaccinated to protect ourselves and our loved ones from severe COVID or worse. With cases rising, it’s also a good idea to get tested before you gather and wear a mask when you are inside a public place," Cooper said.
State leaders said North Carolina is once again classified as "red" by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicating high community transmission.
They said the state's key metrics have all been increasing, including people going to the Emergency Department with COVID-like symptoms, cases, the percent of tests that are positive, and hospitalizations.
On Tuesday, state labs confirmed nearly 2,000 new COVID-19 cases, and hospitalizations topped out at 1,575 - the most in more than a month.
We're also seeing potentially-concerning trends in positivity rates. However, it's important to keep in mind, testing demand usually increases before and after holidays.
More of those tests are coming back positive. Statewide, the positivity rate is 9.2%, nearly double the state's target of 5% or lower.
Guilford County's rate is also at 9.2% with a two-week average nearing 8%. This could be grounds for commissioners to re-evaluate the county's mask policy soon.
Ongoing COVID-19 concerns appear to be prompting more people to get their COVID-19 booster shots before the Christmas holiday. Nearly six-million people in North Carolina have taken both doses of Pfizer or Moderna or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The state's dashboard shows nearly two-million people - or 32% of those fully vaccinated - have gotten a booster shot.
Doctors encourage everyone eligible - 16 and older - to get a booster. Research shows boosters increase a person's protection against COVID-19, even the new omicron variant.
North Carolinians can learn more about the state’s vaccine distribution at myspot.nc.gov (English) or Vacunate.nc.gov (Spanish). Visit NCDHHS’ page Walk-in Family Vaccination Sites to find a family vaccine event. Use NCDHHS’ online tool Find a Vaccine Location to find a nearby vaccination site. The North Carolina Vaccine Help Center at 888-675-4567 can also help you make an appointment. It is open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. on weekends.