This Week in COVID - Jan. 22-28

This Week in COVID: Jan. 22 – 28, 2022 

  • CAMPUS RESTRICTIONS. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will keep current campus restrictions in place for at least two more weeks to ensure that it continues to keep the spread of coronavirus under control as the omicron surge plays out. That means the bans on in-person campus dining and visitation in residence halls will remain in place, for now. 

The positivity rate for COVID tests at North Carolina A&T has fallen slightly each of the past three weeks but is still above 5%, the rate that health officials say is critical to slowing the virus’ spread. 

While strong majorities of A&T students and employees – higher than the surrounding areas – have received vaccines and booster shots, the omicron variant is less susceptible to current vaccines, hence the university’s continued caution. 

This decision will be revisited toward mid-February. Please continue to monitor university communications for any change in restrictions.

  • STATE OF COVID IN NC.  Across North Carolina, the latest data from the state Department of Health shows roughly 75% of adults have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and about 70% are fully vaccinated. Nearly 3 million booster shots have been given statewide.

About 30% of coronavirus tests statewide are positive, far higher than A&T’s rate of ~10% this week.

Throughout the southeast including North Carolina, the omicron variant is now responsible for about 99% of all new COVID cases. 

  • TESTING, VACCINATION.  Need a COVID test? Go to the Alumni Foundation Event Center at 200 N. Benbow Road, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Friday. Tests are free of charge.  

Looking for a first or second vaccine or a booster shot? Vaccines and boosters are available via the Student Health Center Pharmacy, Monday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome.