Nov. 23. The NC Dept. of Health & Human Services today reported fewer new coronavirus cases, but an increase in the number of those hospitalized as well as positivity rates statewide and in Mecklenburg County.

There were 1,289 new COVID cases in today’s NCDHHS report, down from 1,383 new cases yesterday and 2,401 reported Friday.

Hospitalizations

Today’s NCDHHS report put statewide hospitalizations at 1,112, up from 1,055 Monday.

Positive testing

The statewide positive test rate was reported at 7.5 percent, up from 6.3 percent yesterday and from 5 percent on Thursday and Friday last week.

—The NCDHS today said Mecklenburg County’s positive test rate averaged 6.1 percent over the last 14 days, up from 5.9 percent yesterday and the mid fives last week.

Once the COVID-19 positivity rate falls below 5 percent for seven consecutive days, the mask mandate in Mecklenburg County will be lifted.

Deaths

The NCDHHS today also reported 12 new COVID-related deaths statewide. There were no COVID deaths reported in Mecklenburg.

Mecklenburg

In Mecklenburg County, the NCDHHS reported 181 new cases between yesterday and today.

North Mecklenburg (change from Monday)

• Cornelius: 5 new cases, 4,098 cumulative total, 31 deaths cumulative total.

• Davidson: 2 new cases, 2,394 cumulative total, 19 deaths cumulative total.

• Huntersville: 13 new cases, 9,040 cumulative total, 74 deaths cumulative total.