Reported coronavirus cases top 40,000 in North Carolina as state breaks one-day record
Reported coronavirus cases in North Carolina rose past 40,000 Friday as the state broke another record for the largest single-day increase.
NC Department of Health and Human Services reported 41,249 confirmed cases of COVID-19, up 1,768 from Thursday’s total. As of noon Friday, 1,094 people have died from coronavirus in North Carolina, adding 28 fatalities since Thursday.
Cases increased by record-setting levels for the second time this week, following Saturday’s high mark of 1,370. The state has now seen its total rise by at least 1,000 cases for five of the last eight days.
As of Friday afternoon, North Carolina had conducted 595,697 COVID-19 tests, up more than 20,000 from Thursday. The percentage of positive tests increased from 9% Thursday to 10% Friday.
Reported hospitalizations dropped to 760, down 52 patients statewide. Space remained in the state’s inpatient beds, now at 80 percent capacity, with intensive-care beds hovering at 13 percent empty.
NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen has said that number continues to concern her because that number is one of four metrics the state uses to track the virus’ spread.
The state has also kept an eye on increased testing, which partially accounts for the rising caseload.
“My COVID-19 test results have come back negative, and I have had no symptoms,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in a tweet Thursday. “I encourage anyone who has been in a crowd to get tested even if you have no symptoms.”
Testing locations can be found here: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19/testing/find-my-testing-place
The rise also comes as North Carolina moves toward June 26, the minimum period for Stage Two of its reopening plan to last. As the state considers its next move in response to the pandemic, these numbers will be a factor.
The News & Observer is keeping a separate tally based on numbers from DHHS and county health departments, which tends to be higher because the state updates its totals once a day. As of Friday, that count showed 1,106 deaths statewide.
This story was originally published June 12, 2020 at 12:57 PM with the headline "Reported coronavirus cases top 40,000 in North Carolina as state breaks one-day record."