The number of COVID-19 related hospitalizations in North Carolina increased by 45 on Tuesday for a total of 915, a record high. There is still capacity available in hospitals, with reporting facilities having 24% of inpatient hospital beds available and 23% of intensive care unit beds.
State health officials reported another 848 coronavirus cases Tuesday for a total of 54,453. Another 28 deaths were reported for a total of 1,251. Approximately 16,000 tests were conducted Monday, with a positive rate of 10%, up from 8% the previous day.
The latest weekly report from the state estimates that 36,921 people have recovered from COVID-19 in the state. That’s estimating a median recovery time of 14 days for those not hospitalized, and 28 for hospitalized, non-fatal cases.
Mecklenburg County health officials are reporting 8,531 COVID-19 cases and 143 deaths among county residents. The number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations continues to increase in Mecklenburg County as well, with an average of 128 people hospitalized in county acute care facilities during the past week.
The rate of positive tests over the past two weeks has declined slightly in Mecklenburg County and is currently 9.4%. The data includes only tests conducted by Atrium Health and Novant Health.