Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on July 5

Click here for updates for July 6.

We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.

More than 1,300 new cases reported Sunday

At least 72,983 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 1,391 have died, according to state health officials.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported 1,329 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday, down from 1,413 new cases the day before. The record high was 2,099 cases Friday. The decrease was likely in part due to the number of completed tests dropping by about 23% ahead of the July Fourth holiday.

Officials said Saturday that 949 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, marking the fifth consecutive day in which hospitalizations were above 900.

Younger adults affected

Adults ages 18 to 49 account for 58% of the state’s total number of coronavirus cases, more than any other age group.

The trend among younger adults mirrors what is happening in much of the country as many states see a rising number of new COVID-19 cases.

Many younger adults have returned to work — and to socializing with friends, The News & Observer reported.

“We’re learning from contact tracing that a lot of these exposures are acquired from the community as people return to lifestyles more similar to pre-COVID times,” Emily Sickbert-Bennett, director of infection prevention at UNC Medical Center, told The N&O. “I think there’s a reluctance in our culture to not miss out on fun.”

This story was originally published July 5, 2020 at 9:26 AM.