School Vaccine Deadline Extended Statewide; Some NC Beaches Re-open

The devastation from Florence has had a huge impact on public health since roaring through the Carolinas last month.  And the impact is reaching far beyond the coast.

Students statewide now have until Dec. 1 to provide documentation showing they've received the proper vaccines. Typically the cutoff is at the 30th day of school.

The state Department of Health and Human Services says some immunization clinics were canceled because of Florence, and some records might have been lost in the flooding.

Health officials also say it's now safe to swim along some North Carolina beaches. Swimming had been discouraged over concerns that excessive rains and flooding from the storm may cause high bacteria levels.

On Saturday, the state Recreational Water Quality Program lifted a precautionary advisory for swimming sites on Ocracoke Island. A day earlier, officials announced that bacteria levels at most ocean swimming sites in Carteret, Pender and Onslow counties meet state and federal standards for water contact.

Advisories remain in effect for beaches in New Hanover county, where Florence made landfall, as well as Brunswick and Hyde counties.