Jan. 5. Even as the omicron variant is presenting as less deadly, COVID-related hospitalizations statewide rose to 3,099 today, roughly 150 percent higher one month ago in North Carolina.

Dr. David Priest, chief epidemiology officer at Novant Health, said omicron appears to be less deadly, based on recent hospital experiences.

“As omicron waves go through the country, those not vaccinated are going to get it now…hopefully they won’t become very ill,” he said.

NC deaths

There were 48 new COVID deaths reported today—including one in Huntersville—for a total of 19,542 statewide since the pandemic began almost two years ago.

Case volume

The NC Dept. of Health & Human Services also reported 20,770 new cases, double yesterday’s new case count. Omicron now accounts for 95 percent of US COVID cases, according to the CDC.

Positivity rate

The positivity rate statewide rose to 31.8 percent. In Mecklenburg, the 14-day average positivity rate climbed to 21.7 percent.

Mecklenburg

There were 2,984 new COVID cases reported county-wide between Tuesday and today.

North Mecklenburg (change from Tuesday)

• Cornelius: 49 new cases, 4,833 cumulative total, 32 deaths cumulative total.

• Davidson: 32 new cases, 2,808 cumulative total, 20 deaths cumulative total.

• Huntersville: 110 new cases, 10,820 cumulative total, 76 deaths cumulative total.