Gov. Roy Cooper addressed the record number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in North Carolina during a press conference on Tuesday (December 1). Though he didn't announce any new restrictions, he said all options are still on the table.
Last week, Gov. Cooper extended his mask mandate and capacity restrictions, and said it was a "pivotal moment in our fight against the coronavirus." He also recently limited gatherings to 10 people to help slow the virus and keep hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. Currently, 2,033 people are hospitalized and being treated for COVID-19.
Cooper also said he was hopeful that vaccines will soon be approved and ready for distribution across the country. When the vaccines become available in North Carolina, Cooper said, they will be free regardless if the patient has health insurance or not.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the state's department of health and human services, said that once North Carolina receives its first shipment of a vaccine, with around 85,000 doses, it will be prioritized to frontline health care workers and those most at risk. The next people to receive the vaccine would be longterm care workers and residents and people who have two or more chronic illnesses that would put them at high risk of COVID-19.
With the hopefully forthcoming authorization of a vaccine, help will be on the way for North Carolinians. However, it will still take time for it to become available to all. Until then, Cooper urges all residents to continue wearing masks, distancing from anyone outside of their household, and implementing good hygiene.
"Don't give up now, we need to work together," said Cooper. "Stay vigilant. If we do, I know we'll get through this."
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