Nov. 5. The NC Dept. of Health & Human Services today reported 1,997 new cases of the coronavirus statewide, down from 2,201 new cases yesterday. The statewide positivity rate is 4 percent—under the goal of 5 percent.

Hospitalizations

The NCDHHS reported statewide hospitalizations at 1,144 today, down from 1,173 yesterday.

Deaths

The NCDHHS today reported 40 new COVID-related deaths, for a total of 18,251 since the coronavirus outbreak began in early 2020.

Mecklenburg

In Mecklenburg County, there were 167 new cases and one new death in today’s NCHDDS report.

North Mecklenburg (change from Thursday)

• Cornelius: 0 new cases, 4,033 cumulative total, 31 deaths cumulative total.

• Davidson: 3 new cases, 2,350 cumulative total, 19 deaths cumulative total.

• Huntersville: 9 new cases, 8,842 cumulative total, 74 deaths cumulative total.

Millions of Americans who work at companies with 100 or more employees will need to be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4 or get tested for the virus weekly under government rules issued Thursday.