Oct. 21. The NC Dept. of Health & Human Services today reported statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations under 2,000 for a fourth straight day, but new cases have climbed for two days in a row.

There are 1,763 North Carolinians hospitalized, down from 1,811 hospitalized as of yesterday.

The NCDHHS at noon today reported 3,003 new cases, up from 2,610 new cases yesterday and more than double Monday’s new case volume.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post is reporting that the FDA has approved the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster shots in addition to Pfizer, and given the OK to mix and match vaccines.

Deaths

The NCDHHS reported 56 new COVID-related deaths statewide, for a total of 17,696 since the outbreak began in early 2020.

Testing

The statewide positivity rate fell to 5.1 percent, the lowest since mid-July.

Mecklenburg

In Mecklenburg County, there were 218 new cases reported overnight. The county-wide positive test rate is 6.7 percent.

North Mecklenburg (change from Wednesday)

• Cornelius: 11 new cases, 3,972 cumulative total, 29 deaths cumulative total.

• Davidson: 1 new case, 2,311 cumulative total, 18 deaths cumulative total.

• Huntersville: 10 new cases, 8,686 cumulative total, 75 deaths cumulative total.