Feb. 15. The NC Dept. of Health & Human Services reported 2,888 new COVID cases today—the lowest daily increase since Dec. 21 last year. Hospitalizations also fell—to 3,042 statewide, the lowest number since Jan. 4.

The daily volume of new cases, from Jan. 14 to Feb. 14, is down 90 percent (35,759 vs. 3,383).

Deaths

Nevertheless, there were 54 new deaths attributable to COVID-19, according to the NCDHHS.

Positivity rate

The statewide COVID positivity rate rose to 17.8 percent in today’s report. The NCDHHS said delays in laboratory reporting may occur due to unprecedented numbers of COVID-19 tests.

—In Mecklenburg, the 14-day trailing average also fell, to 18.2 percent positive.

Mecklenburg

There were 222 new COVID cases reported countywide and 1 new death.

North Mecklenburg (change from Monday)

• Cornelius: 5 new cases, 6,553 cumulative total, 34 deaths cumulative total.

• Davidson: 12 new cases, 3,983 cumulative total, 21 deaths cumulative total.

• Huntersville: 15 new cases, 14,890 cumulative total, 86 deaths cumulative total.