North Carolina reported 10,398 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, shattering the single-day record for new cases as the state continues to see a significant spread of the virus.

North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services reports a total of 592,746 coronavirus cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

In addition, the state reported 137 new deaths associated with the virus on Thursday— bringing the total number of residents who have died from COVID-19 to 7,213.

The new single-day record comes as the state is currently distributing the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. The state confirmed on Thursday it has begun Phase 1B of the vaccine distribution, which allows for 75-year-old residents and older to receive the vaccine without chronic condition requirements. Phase 1A of distribution prioritized healthcare workers on the frontlines of the pandemic.

On Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper deployed the National Guard to further assist with vaccine distribution efforts. He said vaccinating at-risk individuals across the state “is our top priority right now.”

“As we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are also helping local hospitals and health departments to support their vaccine efforts. Getting the vaccine out quickly is the most urgent priority right now, and we will use everything and everyone needed to get the job done,” Cooper said.

Cooper recently extended North Carolina’s stay-at-home order, which requires residents to be home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., until January 29. North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen cited the rising number of cases as the reasoning for the extension and warned residents that the state is in a “very dangerous position.”

“North Carolinians need to take immediate actions to save lives, slow the spread of the virus, and protect hospital capacity so that medical care is available to anyone who may need it, whether for COVID-19 or for any other reason,” said Cohen.

Data from NCDHHS shows, as of Tuesday morning, more than 100,000 residents have received the first dose of the vaccine and nearly 500 have completed the two-dose cycle.

More information for Orange County residents 75 and older who want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can be found here.

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