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'Every vaccine given is a potential life saved,' Gov. Cooper urges COVID-19 vaccines, churches to step up, parents to behave at school meetings

Gov. Roy Cooper said 90% of North Carolinians age 65 and older have now received at least one dose of the vaccine.

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said the state has reached an encouraging milestone in the fight against the pandemic.

Cooper said 90% of North Carolinians age 65 and older have now received at least one dose of the vaccine.

"Every vaccine given is a potential life saved," Cooper said while thanking leaders across the state for helping to vaccinate people. “I appreciate the hard work of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, as well as local health departments, faith leaders, doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, the National Guard, long-term care facilities and more who helped us reach this milestone,” Cooper said.

Cooper's update comes as state COVID-19 cases are trending down from the high seen during the week of Aug. 29. On Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services reported 4,381 new cases. There are 3,464 people hospitalized statewide with COVID-19, according to NCDHHS data.  Data reveals 908 patients statewide are in the ICU with COVID-19, down from 955 ICU patients on Sept. 13. The state also reports 15,811 deaths from COVID-19. 

With case numbers down, health experts said hospitals are still at their limit.

"It’s positive that our trends are leveling, but we know these numbers are still too high. It’s up to us to do our part to drive them down. As we head into the fall with the school year in full swing, let’s work together to keep our commitment to students and teachers this year," Cooper said. 

State leaders said there's more work to be done when it comes to getting younger people vaccinated.

"Less than half of those ages 12-24 have had one dose and case rates right now are the highest in this age group," Cooper said. 

Cooper addressed another issue happening among various school board meetings across the state.

“Many are concerned about the fevered pitch that many school board meetings have reached in recent weeks. I am, too. Threats, bullying, intimidation. None of this belongs in our public schools, particularly by adults. Remember – our children are watching.”

He encouraged parents to address their own behavior at board meetings.

"They're absorbing everything they see and hear, even if we think they aren’t paying attention. Being civil and respectful of one another is important to navigate another COVID school year. Let’s behave the way we ask our kids to act. We owe it to them, and we owe it to each other," Cooper said.

State leaders are asking faith leaders and churches to encourage their congregations to get vaccinated.

“Some houses of worship have served as vaccination sites and I hope more will. Faith leaders from all religious backgrounds can be trusted figures in their communities. Their word can go a long way in encouraging people to talk with doctors and understand that vaccines are safe,” Cooper said.

He also said the NCDHHS Healthier Together team can help houses of worship sponsor their own vaccine clinics.

The state reports, 68% of eligible adults have taken at least one dose of the vaccine, with 63% of adults being fully vaccinated.

Latest COVID-19 numbers in all of the Carolinas

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