On Friday North Carolina health officials reported another 1,982 COVID-19 cases, for a total of 81,331. In the past week the state has had more than 11,000 new cases. More than 22,000 coronavirus tests were conducted Thursday, with a positive rate of 10%. For the past several week North Carolina’s positive rate has been between 8 and 10%, with health officials wanting to see the number at 5% or lower.
The state saw a fifth consecutive day of record-high COVID-19 hospitalizations. There are currently 1,046 people hospitalized, up 12 from the previous day. 18 additional deaths were reported, for a total of 1,479. The state’s nursing homes have been hard hit by the virus, with 4,801 cases and 69 deaths, along with 135 ongoing outbreaks.
In Mecklenburg County, heath officials Friday reported 13,757 cases and 163 deaths among county residents. During the past week an average of 175 people were hospitalized at acute care facilities due to coronavirus, an increase over the past 14 days. The county had an average positive COVID-19 test rate of 11.4% over the past week.
A Republican state senator has tested positive for COVID-19, according to Senate President Phil Berger. The senator, whom Berger did not identify, took a test before this week’s brief legislative session and was negative, but took a second test after returning home which came back positive.
A statement from Berger said, “He was not symptomatic when he took the second test. He is staying home and feels well. Out of an abundance of caution, the member called Sen. Dan Blue to alert him and members of the Democratic caucus. The member has also spoken to members of the Republican caucus and staff."