As Phase 2.5 begins in NC, coronavirus case numbers creep upward
The state Department of Health and Human Services reported a total of 174,254 coronavirus cases Friday.
Reported cases increased by 2,045 Friday from Thursday’s total of 172,209, according to the state’s coronavirus dashboard.
The state reported that 955 people are hospitalized. That represents an increase of over 100 from Wednesday, when 845 people were reported hospitalized, the lowest number since June 21.
The percent of positive tests was reported to be 7.6% on Friday. The average turnaround time for testing was two days as of Thursday.
DHHS said all its COVID-19 data, including hospitalizations, is preliminary and subject to revisions.
The state reported 36 additional COVID-19 deaths on Friday, bringing the total to 2,839.
Positive tests at Durham jail, some colleges not reporting
Eight more staff members and another inmate at the Durham County jail tested positive for COVID-19 during August testing, bringing the total to 29 cases reported in the outbreak.
Twenty-five correctional facilities in the state have reported coronavirus cases among staff and residents.
Meanwhile, UNC-Chapel Hill on Thursday reported its first new on-campus coronavirus cluster in a week.
Only a few of North Carolina’s 58 community colleges have shared details about the virus’ spread on their campuses.
Gov. Cooper’s Phase 2.5 set to begin
On Friday at 5 p.m., the state will enter Phase 2.5 of the Gov. Roy Cooper’s gradual reopening of businesses and leisure activity during the coronavirus pandemic. Cooper announced Wednesday that gyms and other fitness centers, museums, playgrounds and aquariums can open with occupancy limits.
Cooper raised the limit on indoor and outdoor gatherings. Twenty-five people will be able to meet indoors and 50 people will be able to gather outdoors.
This story was originally published September 4, 2020 at 12:39 PM.
