The number of COVID-19 related hospitalizations increased again in North Carolina, and reached yet another high on Friday. There are currently 871 people hospitalized, up 14 from Thursday’s report. A week ago 760 people were hospitalized.
Nearly 19,000 tests were conducted Thursday, resulting in another 1,652 positive cases. The statewide total is now 49,840. Another 22 deaths were reported Friday, for a total of 1,197.
Mecklenburg County COVID-19 numbers continue to climb as well, with 362 new cases reported Friday. The positive test rate over the past week has been 10.6% in tests conducted by Atrium Health and Novant Health.
In a Friday morning news conference, Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio said the issue of a possible face covering requirement will be discussed at the county commissioners meeting on July 7th. “We would like the city and the six towns to join us with whatever recommendation we come up with,” Diorio said. “So we continue to have those conversations with the municipalities and our health care systems to determine what the best recommendation will be for Mecklenburg County.”