After a somber and unpredictable 2020, there appears to be one certainty about 2021.
As goes the COVID-19 vaccines, so goes the local, state and national economies, according to analysts, economists and business executives.
"How rapidly the economy will recover assumes widespread vaccine use by mid-2021," said Michael Walden, an economics professor at N.C. State University.
"Even by yearâs end, we wonât be completely recovered from COVID-19."Â
National and state health officials say they are hopeful that some vaccine version will be available to the general population during the spring, potentially as early as late March.
At that point, health officials say the challenge will be getting enough individuals locally and across the country to be vaccinated to achieve the 65-75% required to approach herd immunity status.