North Carolina officials say omicron is straining testing, treatment resources

North Carolina public health officials say the latest COVID-19 surge is straining testing and treatment resources throughout the state.

At a press briefing Tuesday, State Health Secretary Kody Kinsley said case numbers are at an all-time high.

“Last week, we set a single-day record for COVID-19 cases. The next day we broke it," said Kinsley. "And the next day we broke it again, topping out at 19,620.”

Kinsley acknowledged that many North Carolinians are encountering long lines for tests and that at-home testing kits are scarce. So are monoclonal antibody treatments and antiviral drugs, he said, prompting rationing. 

“Treatment is extremely limited across the country. Because supply is limited, per federal guidance, treatments will be used for those at highest risk of severe disease," said Kinsley. "The best treatment is prevention.”

State officials are encouraging North Carolinians to get booster shots if they're eligible. 

Governor Roy Cooper says he's extending an executive order requiring state employees to get vaccinated or submit to regular testing. 

He's also urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to update its definition of fully vaccinated to include boosters. When it does, he says he'll require state employees to get one.