The number of new coronavirus cases is back up in North Carolina
The daily coronavirus numbers reported Friday by North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services showed an increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases and an increase in deaths, but hospitalizations are stable.
There were 1,635 new confirmed cases of the virus, DHHS reported, and 21,147 completed tests since Thursday.
DHHS reported an additional 1,009 cases of the virus on Thursday, down from 1,721 on Wednesday.
There have been 58,818 cases of COVID-19 and 1,303 deaths in North Carolina since the pandemic began in early March. That was an increase of 13 deaths from the total reported Thursday.
The number of people currently in hospitals from COVID-19 issues remained stable at 892, with one additional hospitalization since Thursday.
In attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Roy Cooper has extended Phase Two of the reopening plan for three more weeks and ordered a mandatory use of face coverings across the state effective Friday at 5 p.m. Health officials say the use of face coverings can significantly curtail transmission of the highly contagious virus.
“You’re seeing today that not only North Carolina’s numbers we have been talking about have been going in the wrong direction, but we are seeing states around us really see some severe increases in their numbers and they’re having to go backward in their using of restrictions,” DHHS secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said at a Friday press conference.
“People are moving around a lot more and the virus is moving around. Since the start of Phase Two folks are around moving around more and we’re doing more things that we all knew were higher risk. We’re seeing more virus in our community. We’re seeing more community spread.”
Grants made to Hispanic/LatinX organizations
The rising number of new coronavirus cases in the state’s Hispanic/LatinX communities continues to be a major concern for health officials. DHHS data shows that Hispanics now account for 18,250 COVID-19 cases.
Cohen said Friday $100,000 grants have been awarded to five local North Carolina organizations to help address the disparate impact that COVID-19 is having among the Hispanic/LatinX communities: Association of Mexicans in North Carolina Inc. (AMEXCAN), El Centro Hispano, Latin American Coalition, Qué Pasa Media Network and True Ridge.
“Many in our Hispanic, Latinx communities provide essential services such as construction or child care and food processing,” Cohen said. “Industries that are not only the bedrock of our economy in normal times, they keep our state functioning and running while most of us are able to shelter at home.
“We also know at times work makes social distancing challenging. Some may not provide health insurance. And it can create a financial burden for someone who is sick to stay at home.”
Cohen was joined at the press conference by leaders from the Hispanic/LatinX community, including Dr. Viviana Martinez-Bianchi, founder of Latin-19, a Latinx advocacy team for COVID-19 and a member of the state’s coronavirus response team.
Martinez-Bianchi urged more virus testing for the community, stressed the need to wear face coverings and social distancing, and the need to seek immediate care if they show symptoms.
“Do not wait on this. Do not let fear overcome you,” she said. “Because we’re going to take care of you and help you heal.”
Outbreaks reported at Wake County care facilities
On Thursday afternoon, Wake County confirmed there had been outbreaks of COVID-19 at three long-term care facilities in the county: Tower Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Raleigh; Waltonwood Senior Living in Cary; and Hillside Nursing and Rehab in Wake Forest.
According to county public health officials, staff at all three facilities tested positive for the virus, and Hillside and Waltonwood had residents who tested positive. No other information was provided involving the number of people affected.
The state updates data on congregate living settings each Tuesday and Friday at 4 p.m.
The Department of Health and Human Services defines an outbreak at a long-term care facility as two or more people – residents or employees – testing positive for the virus.
Of the total deaths from coronavirus, 1,048 have been by those age 65 and older — 782 by those aged 75 and older. Just 13% of the confirmed cases have been by those 65 or older but 80% of the deaths.
DHHS issued a “COVID-19 Surveillance” update on Thursday. Among the key findings, as reported by DHHS:
▪ The number of people seeking care in the state’s emergency departments is increasing but still well below normal.
▪ During the week ending June 20, emergency department visits for COVID-like illness increased in all areas of the state.
▪ The percent of people seen in the emergency departments for COVID-like illness who had to stay in the hospital increased.
▪ The number of people admitted to hospitals in the Public Health Epidemiologist (PHE) network for COVID-19 and the percentage that were admitted to the ICU decreased.
The PHE network covers 38 percent of general/acute care beds and 40 percent of the state’s ED visits.
Among its most recent findings, as reported to the state:
▪ The percentage of patients brought to the ED for COVID-like illness who were admitted to the hospital increased.
▪ The most hospital admissions were among those 65 years and older.
▪ The percentage of patients requiring ICU level of care decreased in the week ending June 20.
Cohen, in a recent podcast appearance with Jon Evans of WECT/Fox Wilmington, said she has been interested in how different people have different risk tolerances when it comes to the coronavirus.
“There are some people who see a thousand deaths we have and go ‘Wow, that’s triple the worst flu season we have’ and others say, ‘A thousand deaths? We have 10 million (people) here in North Carolina’” Cohen said in the “1 on 1 with Jon Evans” podcast.
“Both of those statements are accurate, but they are different ways of people viewing the same situation. “
Cohen said the job of the state’s coronavirus team was to “stay true” to the science and data while also mindful of the need to reignite the state’s economy. Cohen called them “excruciating” decisions.
“This is hard. We don’t know the perfect right answer,” she said.
This story was originally published June 26, 2020 at 12:34 PM.
