With nearly 2,000 new COVID-19 cases, NC raises 7-day average for first time this week
North Carolina reported nearly 2,000 new COVID-19 cases Saturday, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.
The state’s daily update included 1,954 new positive cases, bringing the the total since the pandemic began to 134,766.
This week, Gov. Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina will continue Phase Two restrictions until at least September 11. Cooper said experts needed a chance to look at trends as schools and universities reopen over the next five weeks, the News & Observer previously reported.
In Phase Two, gatherings in many public spaces are limited and establishments such as bars and gyms remain shuttered.
Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, the DHHS secretary, both said this week that while the number of new cases has generally stabilized in recent days, they would like to see it decline.
Saturday marks the first time since July 30 that the 7-day average of new daily cases has increased, according to data maintained by the News & Observer.
On July 30, the 7-day average reached 1,900 before steadily declining.
The metric reached 1,523 cases on Friday, its lowest since early June, before increasing to 1,555 with Saturday’s numbers.
DHHS also reported 26 additional deaths Saturday, bringing the virus’ total in the state to 2,160.
Hospitalizations remained virtually steady from Friday to Saturday, with the number of patients hospitalized increasing from 1,123 to 1,129.
North Carolina is nearing 2 million completed tests since the pandemic began. DHHS reported nearly 30,000 completed tests in Saturday’s data to bring the total to 1.97 million tests.
Friday, Cohen announced the state will fund mandatory testing of nursing home staff through the end of November. Staff will be tested every two weeks and all results will be reported to DHHS.
By requiring routine testing, Cohen said Friday, the department is trying to prevent the virus from spreading from staff who are carrying the virus without symptoms to high-risk residents. Tests will be funded via the federal CARES Act, the News & Observer reported.
This reporting is financially supported by Report for America/GroundTruth Project and The North Carolina Local News Lab Fund, a component fund of the North Carolina Community Foundation. The News & Observer maintains full editorial control of the work. To support the future of this reporting, subscribe or donate.