NC tops 1,000 new coronavirus cases for first time, as testing soars
Both the number of reported COVID-19 cases in North Carolina, and the number of recorded tests, took the largest jumps on Saturday since the state has been reporting them.
The state Department of Health and Human Services says 10% of the latest tests were positive, higher than in recent weeks. But counting all tests, the overall positive rate has dropped over time, and is now below 7%, according to a News & Observer analysis.
Cases increased by 1,107 Saturday and tests by 26,385, as much of the state entered its first full day of loosened restrictions that allow people to get their hair cut at salons and barbershops, swim in public pools and eat meals in restaurants.
“This is a notable and concerning increase,” DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen said in a news release. “As we head into a holiday weekend, please practice the three Ws — wear a face covering, wait six feet apart, and wash your hands frequently.”
DHHS reported a total of 22,725 cases Saturday. There were 737 deaths reported, up by nine from Friday. As of Saturday, 589 people were hospitalized, up by 21 from Friday.
An additional 26,385 tests were reported since Friday, several times more than the state usually reports per day.
Despite the large jump in cases, their rate of growth has been steadily slowing for weeks. It now takes cases a bit more than three weeks to double. Meanwhile, the number of tests is currently doubling every 17 days.
The News & Observer is keeping track of coronavirus cases and deaths, but the tally will exceed what the state has reported. While the state reports data at 11 a.m., The N&O continues to track new cases announced by county health departments through the day. On Saturday, that number was 22,864 cases, with 778 deaths.
NC reopening
At 5 p.m. Friday, North Carolina moved to Phase Two of its reopening plan, which allowed restaurants, salons, barbershops and pools to open at half of their capacity and other restrictions.
Breweries, wineries, distilleries were also allowed to open under guidelines released by the state Friday.
Employees at personal care businesses, such as salons and barbershops, must wear face coverings, Cohen said Friday. Customers are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings.
Some barbershops opened Friday and Saturday, some prepared for opening next week, while others stayed closed.
By Saturday morning, Right Cut Barbershop owner Jesse Padillo had served about a dozen customers since he was allowed to open his Cary shop. Padillo hung shower curtains between the nine barbers working Saturday as they gave long-overdue cuts.
“This kid had so much hair, it normally takes me 20 minutes to cut, and today it took me 45,” Padilla said. “People are looking scary.”
While most counties are easing restrictions, Durham is delaying openings for those businesses until June 1.
Euthanizing chickens
Durham ranked third among the state’s 100 counties in confirmed coronavirus cases.
For the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers across the state have started euthanizing 1.5 million chickens because of coronavirus-related slowdowns in the meat processing plants, Assistant Agriculture Commissioner Joe Reardon told The News & Observer.
Roughly a third of the chickens already have been killed, Reardon said.
Buses
GoRaleigh announced its buses will operate on their normal weekday schedules starting Sunday to allow more room for social distancing on buses amid the loosening of restrictions.
The downtown R-Line will operate on a new route ending at 6 p.m. nightly, a GoRaleigh press release states.
The Wake Forest Loop will also return to its regular service Sunday.
The Wake Tech Express will remain on its modified schedule.
GoRaleigh express routes to Fuquay-Varina, Wake Forest, Zebulon and Wendell will return to regular service July 6.
To comply with social distancing practices, GoRaleigh standard-size buses will allow up to 16 passengers.
If a bus reaches capacity, another bus may be sent if available. Customers without disabilities will board business using the rear doors and fares won’t be collected.
Passengers are encouraged to wear face coverings.
This story was originally published May 23, 2020 at 12:28 PM.
