January 2021 was the deadliest month for COVID-19 deaths in North Carolina, with more than 2,500 deaths from the coronavirus.

Data from North Carolina Health and Human Services shows 2,587 coronavirus deaths were reported in January — eclipsing the previous high of 1,487 in December 2020. North Carolina has reported 9,342 total deaths from COVID-19 since the pandemic began last year.

As of Monday, North Carolina is reporting 2,781 residents are hospitalized with COVID-19. It is the lowest amount reported across the state since the start of 2021, with data from NCHHS showing six straight days of lowering hospitalizations.

The deadliest month for the pandemic comes as North Carolina is working to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. Although state officials report that nearly one million residents have received the vaccine — including more than 400,000 who have had the second dose — there have been trials and tribulations in its distribution.

Last week, Orange County reported that it had not received any additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the state in nearly three weeks.

“As of January 24, 2021, all first doses of vaccine have been exhausted and it is not clear when we will be receiving more vaccine from the state,” said Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart at the time, adding that it will be “weeks or perhaps months” until Orange County can complete vaccinations for Phases One and Two.

UNC Health echoed similar last week, saying it only expected to receive 10,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from the state.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary for NCDHHS, said in a statement that vaccine supply shortages from the federal government are influencing the lack of new doses on the local government and healthcare system level. Federal leaders have since pledged higher vaccine allocation to states beginning this week.

More information on COVID-19 trends in North Carolina — including vaccination efforts — can be found at the NCHHS COVID-19 dashboard.

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