Aug. 18. By Dave Yochum. As a new mask mandate is about to begin in Charlotte, the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services today reported 5,256 new cases of COVID-19 statewide, and 2,930 related hospitalizations—the highest number since February.

The median number of new coronavirus cases statewide over the past seven business days (5,900) is running 111.4 percent ahead of the median number of new cases recorded over the past 30 days.

Children hospitalized

The number of children hospitalized with COVID-19 in the United States hit a record high of just over 1,900 on Saturday, according to the US Dept. of Health & Human Services.

Charlotte mask mandate

The Charlotte mask mandate goes into effect at 5 pm today. Cornelius and Huntersville have opted out of the mask mandate for now; however, a county-wide mandate goes into effect in 10 days. Charlotte’s mask mandate takes effect Wednesday afternoon and will last at least through the rest of the month. The Davidson Town Board will vote on the subject tomorrow.

Cooper press conference today

Gov. Roy Cooper will hold a press conference today at 3 pm.

NC deaths

The NCDHHS today reported 57 new coronavirus deaths statewide.

Testing

Positive tests are coming back at the rate of 13.2 percent statewide.

Mecklenburg

In Mecklenburg County, there were 482 new cases from Tuesday to today, but no new COVID deaths for three days. The county-wide positive test rate climbed to 12.8 percent. The target rate is 5 percent.

North Mecklenburg (change from Tuesday)

Cornelius: 8 new cases, 3,252 cumulative total, 26 deaths total.

Davidson: 5 new cases, 1,899 cumulative total, 15 deaths total.

Huntersville: 27 new cases, 6,965 cumulative total, 55 deaths total.