Health

"This was definitely one of those issues that was, very much so, alive and well prior to the implementation of mainstream social media." -Jaren Doby

Local

The data shows North Carolina's birth rate fell by 3.1%, which is still above the national average that declined by 3.8%. One reason for the lack new population growth could be due to the timing of the pandemic coming early in 2020. A little over 100,000 live births were record in the state last year, down from 118,000 in 2019. 

Local

“We are currently focusing on prioritizing the in-state inventory of vaccine by using a first-in, first-out strategy so that providers use vaccines by date of expiration in chronological order, as well as transferring vaccine between providers who can use them,” the NCDHHS said in an email to the AP on Friday.

Health

Will Jones, a UNC Greensboro graduate who spent time at WCNC-TV in the mid-90's, recently told his story of overcoming the virus and warned those who believe the pandemic is a "hoax." His message is simple, but clear: "put your armor on." Jones wasn't sure how he contracted the virus, but it hit him harder than anything he had felt before.

Local

In two days, the state will open up all COVID-19 vaccination sites to Group 5 which is anyone 16 or older. The expansion comes just in time as new cases are reportedly on the rise in North Carolina. Overall, 28% of all adults in the state have received at least one dose of the vaccine. 

Mecklenburg County will open up new COVID-19 vaccine appointments through the county’s health department and StarMed Healthcare starting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. The new slots are for everyone eligible in Groups 1-5, including anyone over the age of 16. The new appointments run through April 12. Group 5 will become eligible starting on April 7 […]

National

“It’s also a patient safety issue. If you get vaccinated, you’re much less likely to give COVID in the workplace,” said William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a consultant for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

National

Ian Smith, who owns Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, N.J., tweeted Tuesday his offering is a counter-promotion to Krispy Kreme’s recent pledge to provide one free daily doughnut to anyone receiving a vaccine. “We believe in health — the real way — exercise, good diet, plenty of Vitamin D, Zinc, and an environment to destress,” Smith wrote.

Local

“I’m grateful for North Carolinians who are taking this seriously and getting the shot when it’s their time and I’m encouraged that North Carolina will be able to open eligibility to all adults well ahead of the President’s May 1 goal,” said Cooper.

National

The President's first press conference in the East Room comes days after COVID-19 vaccination efforts were said to be ahead of schedule. As of Wednesday, the US has administered 83.9 million initial doses of the vaccine, which is roughly a quarter of the general population.