Oct. 19. The NC Dept. of Health & Human Services today reported statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations under 2,000 for the second day in a row.

Today’s report lists 1,886 North Carolinians hospitalized, up somewhat from 1,852 hospitalized as of yesterday.

The NCDHHS reported 1,374 new cases of the coronavirus, lowest volume of new cases since late July.

Meanwhile, the New York Times and the Washington Post are reporting that the Food & Drug Administration is expected to say  that people can receive coronavirus vaccine booster shots that are different from their initial doses.

Deaths

The NCDHHS reported 39 new COVID-related deaths statewide, including one in Mecklenburg County, Davidson specifically.

Testing

The statewide positivity rate rose to 7.6 percent

Mecklenburg

In Mecklenburg County, there were 158 new cases reported overnight. The county-wide positive test rate remained at 6.9 percent.

North Mecklenburg (change from Monday)

• Cornelius: 0 new cases, 3,959 cumulative total, 29 deaths cumulative total.

• Davidson: 2 new cases, 2,308 cumulative total, 18 deaths cumulative total.

• Huntersville: 7 new cases, 8,664 cumulative total, 73 deaths cumulative total.