It has officially been one year since the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in NC. Here’s where we’re at: Earlier this week, Gov. Roy Cooper announced vaccine eligibility for all of our state’s frontline essential workers.

This news comes a week earlier than expected, thanks to the availability of a third FDA-approved vaccine from Johnson & Johnson — as well as an anticipated increase in the state’s vaccine supply. Newly eligible folks in group 3 include those working for the postal service, grocery stores, restaurants, law enforcement + agriculture.

Group 4 vaccinations — which include people in certain congregate-living settings and those at greater risk from COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions — are tentatively slated to begin March 24. Distribution dates for group 5 (that’s the rest of us) are projected between April and June. Not sure which group you’re in? You can find out here.

By the numbers (as of 5 p.m. yesterday)

Statewide, 1,485,453 people have received at least one vaccine dose — that’s approximately 16% of all NC residents + 8.5% of people have received both doses. Nationwide, 78,631,601 doses have been given. That’s 15.6% of the total US population.

What else do I need to know?

Wake County has resources available on its website to guide you through getting tested or vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. For more statewide info, visit the NCDHHS dashboard + the CDC is a good source for nationwide details. Reminder: a mask-wearing mandate is currently in effect for the City of Raleigh + the State of NC.