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Communities across the country and here in eastern North Carolina are witnessing worrying trends as COVID-19 positive cases and hospitalizations reach numbers not seen in months.

Since Nov. 28, Vidant Health has seen a 191% increase in the weekly average of COVID cases in the region.

Vidant has also experienced a 128% increase in the total number of COVID-positive inpatients across the system during this time, with the vast majority of these individuals being unvaccinated.

The number of COVID related hospitalizations, within the Vidant system, has risen from 46 on Nov. 28 to 105 on Dec. 28. The number of ICU patients with severe COVID conditions has increased from 16 on Nov. 28 to 31 on Dec. 28. Those requiring a ventilator are up from 10 on Nov. 28 to 18 on Dec. 28.

Vidant Health offers the COVID-19 vaccine to everyone 5 and older, as well as third dose and booster appointments to eligible community members. To learn more about how to get vaccinated or if you are eligible for a booster, visit VidantHealth.com/vaccinate