Using Johns Hopkins University’s data, Cornelius Today compiled a chart of new NC confirmed COVID-19 cases from July 7 through Aug. 6. The state’s median number of cases since July 7 is 1,862. The state’s median over the past 7 days is lower at 1,708.
Aug. 6. By Dave Yochum. The NC Department of Health and Human Services at noon today reported 1,545 new cases of COVID-19 statewide, down from 1,979 new cases announced yesterday. There were 42 new deaths in today’s NCDHHS update, the same as yesterday.
But hospitalizations due to COVID-19 fell by 24 today, on top of a decline of 20 yesterday. Total COVID-19 hospitalizations are at 1,123, down 106 from one week ago, but up 134 from exactly one month ago.
This week Gov. Cooper announced that North Carolina will remain paused in Phase 2 “Safer at Home” until at least Sept. 11. While some of North Carolina’s COVID-19 trends are stabilizing they remain elevated.
NC Gov. Roy Cooper
“As schools go back into session, now is the time to double down on prevention measures like wearing a mask and social distancing,” the governor said.
The median number of daily new cases—over the past week vs the past month—is encouraging. Indeed, based on Johns Hopkins University data, the state’s median number of daily new cases over the past week is 8.6 percent lower than the daily median over the past month. (The actual numbers are 1,708 vs. 1,862. See chart.)
“While we are seeing stabilization of our numbers, that doesn’t mean we can let up. We know this stability is fragile – and these trends can change quickly if we let down our guards,” Cooper said.
Health experts say opening too much too quickly can lead to increases in cases and deaths. “In addition, it can lead to having to go backward like other states,” Cooper said.
Positive test rate improves
Another piece of good news is that the state’s rate of positive tests dropped from 9 percent in yesterday’s report to 8 percent in today’s. Testing rose to 1.95 million total, from about 1 million a month ago. The statewide goal for positive tests, however, is 5 percent, and, of course, trending down from there.
Hospitalizations
The number of people hospitalized due to COVID-19 also went down: From 1,167 yesterday, to 1,147 today, according to figures released by NCDHHS.
Daily reported hospitalizations have fallen from last week. On Aug. 5, the NCDHHS reported 333 COVID-19 patients in ICU statewide. One week ago, on July 30, the state reported 350 COVID-19 ICU patients statewide.
More than 1.9 million coronavirus tests have been completed. The most current positive test rate is 9 percent. It’s generally accepted that the rates of positivity in testing should remain at 5 percent or lower for 14 days.
Mecklenburg
In Mecklenburg County, there were 172 new cases from yesterday to today, as well as six new deaths for a total of 225 since the outbreak began in March. In Mecklenburg County, the NCDHHS demographic data shows 83 percent of the deaths in the county are among those people over 65 years of age. Those over 75 account for 67 percent. Black/African American account for 35 percent.
Over the past seven days, Mecklenburg has averaged 14.2 percent of the state’s new confirmed cases per day. That’s a reduction from yesterday, when the preceding seven days averaged 15.1 percent of the state’s new confirmed cases per day. The total, cumulative number of cases in Mecklenburg is now at 21,876, about the same number as the entire state of New Mexico, which Johns Hopkins is reporting at 21,773 confirmed as of today.
Over the past 7 days, Mecklenburg has averaged 14.2 percent of the state’s new confirmed cases per day. Source: Johns Hopkins
North Meck
NCDHHS reported two new cases of COVID-19 in Cornelius, for a total of 359. There have been no new deaths reported since the outbreak at Autumn Care, during which 16 residents passed away.
In Davidson, there were also two new cases, for a total of 203. Deaths stand at five, unchanged for a week.
In Huntersville, there were 16 new cases of the coronavirus, up from 10 new cases yesterday and seven the day before. Huntersville’s cumulative total is now 625, with a total of eight deaths. There have been three new COVID-19 deaths since mid July.
Recoveries
Patients presumed to be recovered was in excess of 105,000 as of the Monday afternoon report from NCDHHS.
