COVID Cases Surging Across The Carolinas
Alexandra Elich,
North Carolina hit a grim COVID record. The highest number of single-day cases and hospitalizations. State Health Director Dr. Mandy Cohen says she is hopeful about the vaccines.
"All the vaccines were developed quickly over the course of this year, corners were not cut. The vaccines were built upon years of work in developing vaccines for similar viruses," says Dr. Cohen.
Dr. Cohen says the first shipment is expected around December 15th, with around 85,000 units. They will be distributed to hospitals. The second shipment, to long term care facilities. Then adults with two or more chronic conditions will then be prioritized. Dr. Cohen says there is no COVID virus in the vaccine itself.
"The vaccine imitates the infection so that our bodies think a germ like the virus or COVID it is attacking. This creates the antibody defense we need to fight of COVID if and when the real germ attacks."
Meanwhile in South Carolina, the percent positive cases and new cases are also rising. DHEC says the first shipments of COVID-19 vaccines could arrive in South Carolina as soon as December 14th. Officials say the date and the amount of doses coming to the palmetto state will depend on when the FDA grants an emergency use authorization to Pfizer and Biontech.
Lilly McLaughlin lives in Rock Hill. She spent five days in the hospital with COVID last month. Weeks passed, and she hasn't felt any better. Unable to work and separated from her daughter. Monday, her second COVID test came back positive again.
"In my opinion, from what I felt, I believe that I've just continuously had it. I've been calling it forever Covid right now. I'm just waiting," says McLaughlin.