‘Vaccines save lives’: Cooper pushes shots as NC COVID-19 trends mirror winter surge

Of those currently hospitalized, 728 patients are being treated in the intensive care unit.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the last time there were more than 2,900 people in the hospital fighting the virus at one time was in late January, during the winter surge. The data also shows that the number of current patients in the ICU is also the highest since the winter.

“If cases keep increasing at the current rate, we will pass that January peak in a matter of weeks,” NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said.

Cohen said the number of people who are showing up at the emergency room with COVID-like symptoms has been rising rapidly over since July and is now much higher than it was last summer. She said North Carolina is experiencing its fastest acceleration in cases since the pandemic started.

“This rapid increase is because of the delta variant of the COVID-19, which spreads more easily than the original virus -- leaving unvaccinated people very vulnerable,” Cohen said

[ Charlotte indoor mask mandate takes effect Wednesday ]

During the news conference, Cooper and Cohen doubled down on the push for the unvaccinated to get their shot.

“And with our COVID-19 numbers getting higher, vaccinations are the best way to bring them down,” Cooper said. “The vaccines are safe, effective and free. With the vaccine, you protect yourself from the risk of hospitalization or death. Without it, you’re vulnerable, and the statistics bear that out. The vast majority of people in the hospital or dying with COVID-19 are unvaccinated.”

“Bottom line is that vaccines save lives,” Cohen said.

According to Cohen, North Carolina recent data shows that unvaccinated people are more than four times -- or 400% -- more likely to get COVID-19 then people who are fully vaccinated.

“It is imperative that everyone get vaccinated and wear a mask so hospital beds are there for anyone who needs one whether it’s someone experiencing a heart attack or a car accident victim or someone with COVID-19,” Cohen said.

North Carolina providers have now administered more than 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, according to state health officials. 56% of North Carolinians ages 12 and older are fully vaccinated, 59% of those 18 and older are fully vaccinated and 85% of those 65 and older are fully vaccinated.

Children under 12 are still not eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but Cohen pleaded with those who are eligible to get the shot to protect those who can’t.

“Anyone under 12 doesn’t have the option right now to get vaccinated, they’re relying on us to protect them by getting ourselves vaccinated and wearing masks,” she said.

The NCDHHS reported that 6,000 kids tested positive for COVID-19 last week -- up from about 5,600 the week before. The same report showed 19 COVID-19 clusters in K-12 schools and 23 clusters in child care centers -- a significant jump from nine three weeks ago.

Cohen and Cooper applauded school districts that have decided to require masks in schools and encouraged those who haven’t to follow suit.

“Requiring masks in schools will help keep students learning in the classroom while helping to keep COVID out,” Cooper said. “We want schools to educate children, not become hotspots for the virus, and I commend the school leaders who are looking out for the health of their students and staff.”

Cooper also announced the final winners of the state’s vaccine lottery.

The final winner of the $1 million cash drawing was Lilly Fowler from East Bend in Yadkin County. She is a senior at North Carolina State. Fowler said she wants to save the money to buy a house and take her cousin to Walt Disney World.

The final $125,000 scholarship winner was 15-year-old Breelyn Dean of Garner -- a rising high school sophomore with a 4.0 GPA.

Dean said she wants to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

”I hate needles, and I was already scared but I knew we had to do this,” she said. “My family all went together for moral support because they hate needles, too. Even if you’re unsure, I would still get it because it helps you and other people.”

Live Nation’s Jeannine Benson also joined Cooper and Cohen. She announced that beginning Oct. 4, proof of vaccinations or negative tests will be required at all of Live Nation’s live music venues.

Cooper urged other employers to join businesses like Live Nation by requiring workers and customers to be vaccinated or tested regularly.

The governor said he has aske President Joe Biden to authorize more National Guard help, so health officials can get vaccines to communities across the state.

(WATCH BELOW: FBI warns against fake COVID-19 vaccination record cards)