North Carolina hit a major benchmark on Wednesday when it officially surpassed one million COVID-19 cases within the state.

Data from the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services shows the state has accounted for 1,000,416 total cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began in early 2020.

Data from the Center for Disease Control shows that the United States has experienced more than 33 million cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

However, North Carolina has been experiencing a downward trajectory of COVID-19 cases since the distribution of vaccines was first started earlier this year. Data from NCHHS, 53 percent of adults in North Carolina age 18 and older have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine with 48.5 percent being fully vaccinated.

In addition, 79.7 percent of adults age 65 and older have received at least one shot, with 76 percent being fully vaccinated.

North Carolina’s benchmark in COVID-19 cases comes a few weeks after Governor Roy Cooper lifted most mask requirements for fully-vaccinated people and social distancing measures. Following guidance from the Center for Disease Control, Cooper announced on May 14 that fully-vaccinated individuals would not have to wear masks in most situations.

“Today is a great day,” Cooper said at the time. “But the work is not yet done and people getting vaccinated will get it done. The CDC’s guidance affirms that getting vaccinated is the way through this. We can take this step today because the science shows our focus on getting people vaccinated is working.”

Visit the NCHHS’ website for more information on where to find a COVID-19 vaccine shot in your area.

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