Aug. 20. As Novant Health reports a 1,600 percent increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services today reported that COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased again. They’re at 3,147 statewide, more than four times higher than July 20, one month ago.

The NCDHHS today reported 6,631 new cases statewide.

Novant, meanwhile, said 91 percent of their COVID-19 patients have not been vaccinated. The average age of admitted patients is the lowest it has been since the pandemic started.

NC deaths

The NCDHHS reported 54 new coronavirus deaths statewide for a total of 14,059 since the pandemic began last year. There were two new deaths in Huntersville, the first in a week, according to NCDHHS.

Testing

Positive tests are coming back at the rate of 11.9 percent statewide.

Mecklenburg

In Mecklenburg County, there were 686 new cases from Thursday to today, as well as six new COVID-related deaths. The county-wide positive test rate rose slightly to 12.9 percent.

North Mecklenburg (change from Thursday)

Cornelius: 17 new cases, 3,288 cumulative total, 26 deaths total.

Davidson: 10 new cases, 1,927 cumulative total, 15 deaths total.

Huntersville: 47 new cases, 7,052 cumulative total, 55 deaths total.