NC coronavirus cases increase by more than 1,100 after Monday’s relatively low number
New COVID-19 cases in North Carolina increased by 1,168 Tuesday, up from a relative low of 800 new cases reported Monday.
The new lab-confirmed cases bring the state’s total to 195,549 since the first cases were reported in March. The official total is likely an undercount, because testing was rationed early in the pandemic.
More than 2.8 million coronavirus tests have been performed for state residents, including 14,000 newly reported.
The Department of Health and Human Services reported 39 additional deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the state’s total to 3,286.
Hospitals reported to DHHS that they treated 905 people with COVID-19 Monday, the most recent data available, with 96% of the state’s hospitals reporting. The hospitalization numbers have hovered around that figure in recent weeks, after falling from the July and August peaks of 1,000 and more hospitalized patients.
DHHS said 5.4% of coronavirus test results were positive Sunday, the most recent data reported. That’s close to, but above, the 5% health officials want, based on the World Health Organization recommended levels of 5% or lower for 14 days before states consider reopening.
Returning to the classroom
Some North Carolina school districts are making plans to reopen soon.
Gov. Roy Cooper announced a plan last week that would allow North Carolina elementary school students to begin returning to full-time, daily in-person classes in October.
In announcing the decision, Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the DHHS, explained that the state’s coronavirus metrics have stabilized with more people wearing face coverings now.
In the meantime, the Orange County Board of Education will consider bringing students back to the classroom under Plan B, meeting in person at least every other week, on Sept. 28.
Johnston County plans to bring back K-12 special-education students in self-contained classes and Pre-K students on Sept. 28 and kindergarten students on Oct. 12.
DHHS app alerts for COVID-19 exposure
DHHS on Tuesday launched a app that can alert you to COVID-19 exposure, The News & Observer reported. Users of the app, SlowCOVIDNC, will be notified if they are in close contact with someone who has positive COVID-19 test results and shares their results by entering a PIN provided to app users.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, DHHS secretary, said the app was “another powerful tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19 right in their pockets.”
This story was originally published September 22, 2020 at 1:28 PM with the headline "NC coronavirus cases increase by more than 1,100 after Monday’s relatively low number."
