As North Carolina eases coronavirus restrictions, new cases continue to rise
As North Carolina moves into Phase 3 on Friday, which opens bars, movie theaters and other venues with capacity restrictions, the state reported 1,775 new coronavirus cases.
That brings the number of COVID-19 cases to 214,684 since the pandemic began in March, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. That number is likely an undercount, though, as testing was not as widespread at the time.
The state reported 29 additional deaths Friday, bringing the total to 3,608.
That’s over 40,000 additional cases and nearly 800 additional deaths reported since the state entered into Phase 2.5 on Sept. 4.
Under Phase 2.5, indoor gathering limits were increased to 25 and outdoor gathering limits were increased to 50. Museums and aquariums were allowed to open at limited capacity, but other entertainment venues remained closed.
However, those additional numbers also reflect the state’s recent inclusion of cases diagnosed by antigen testing.
The state’s one-day coronavirus case counts have fluctuated wildly this week, as DHHS reported technical issues with processing the data, The News & Observer reported.
That’s why health officials advise looking at overall trends, not one-day additions. The average number of new cases over seven days is 1,505.
DHHS advises that past data is subject to change and is frequently updated.
Under Phase 3, more businesses in the state will be allowed to reopen. Bars will be allowed to operate outdoors at 30% capacity, or 100 customers, whichever is less. Movie theaters and outdoor amusement parks can reopen with the same capacity restrictions. Outdoor entertainment venues can also reopen with restrictions.
Phase 3 begins at 5 p.m. Friday and expires Oct. 23.
As of Friday, more than 3 million COVID-19 tests have been completed statewide. The percent of positive tests returned Wednesday was 5.8%. Health officials have set an ideal threshold of 5% or lower.
There are 921 people currently hospitalized with 97% of hospitals reporting.
Trump, first lady diagnosed with COVID-19
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for COVID-19, the president announced early Friday morning, triggering a massive contact tracing effort to test people who had been in proximity to him.
“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!” Trump wrote overnight on Twitter.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said Trump was experiencing “mild” symptoms, according to McClatchy.
Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary said tested negative for the coronavirus on Friday morning, McClatchy reported.
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden reported Friday he and his wife, Jill Biden, also tested negative.
Trump’s diagnosis came shortly after reports that Hope Hicks, a senior aide, had tested positive.
Death reported connected to Clayton fire department outbreak
In Clayton, the town reported that the wife of a part-time firefighter died of COVID-19 complications Monday.
Alison Michaud Vessie’s husband, Matthew Vessie, also had COVID-19. Her death is connected to an outbreak at the fire department that the town announced in August.
She died as the town paid tribute to Deputy Chief Jason Dean, who also died of COVID-19 complications, The News & Observer reported.
The town said Vessie was a cancer survivor.
Virus found in UNC-Charlotte wastewater
The coronavirus was found in the wastewater of a UNC-Charlotte dorm, WBTV reported.
The university did not identify the residence hall, but said on its website that all students will remain in the dorm until they can be tested Friday afternoon.
No students have reported COVID-19-like symptoms, the university statement said.
This story was originally published October 2, 2020 at 2:03 PM.