Dunn, NC – Health officials say that while the number of people being vaccinated in the state continues to rise, do not give up.
Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in North Carolina are declining, but doctors say we need more vaccinated people before we can gather in groups.
Some people who receive the vaccine relax social distance and wear masks after their first shot, Dr. Scott Gottlieb told CNBC.
“I don’t think people should feel completely safe after the first shot,” Gottlieb told CNBC.
Experts say this is especially true for someone who is older or has pre-existing conditions and may be more vulnerable to coronavirus.
The majority of the population must be immune to coronavirus in order to obtain immunity from the herd and to be safe for the removal of masks. Experts estimate that 70% of the US population – representing more than 200 million people – should be vaccinated to gain immunity, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Researchers say it is not yet clear whether a coronavirus infection makes someone immune to the virus, which is why social distancing, wearing a mask and vaccines are essential to stopping the spread. We could continue to wear masks next year, says expert Anthony Fauci.
“We need more vaccinated people,” said Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease expert at UNC. “I really hope so [this] daylight saving time will be much different from last summer time. “
According to recent CDC data, nearly 84,000 people in North Carolina received the second dose of coronavirus vaccine.