New COVID-19 cases bring North Carolina’s total to nearly 162,500
State health officials reported 1,415 new coronavirus cases in North Carolina on Friday, bringing the state’s total to 162,491 since March.
The state reported this week that 136,630 people are presumed recovered, based on when they were tested and whether or not they were hospitalized.
COVID-19 hospitalizations rose by 12 patients to 970 on Thursday, based on 93% of hospitals reporting to the state Department of Health and Human Services. Hospitalizations remain below the peaks of more than 1,200 reported a month ago.
Nearly 7% of Thursday’s test results were positive. The state is aiming for a positive test percentage of 5% or lower.
The state reported another 22 COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 2,652 since the first two registered in late March.
UNC Chapel Hill cases pass 1,000
University campuses are still trying to adapt in the pandemic.
On Thursday, N.C. Central University reported a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the Baynes Residence Hall involving football team members, The News & Observer reported. A cluster is five or more cases in close proximity. The university reported 27 cases, including 19 students, since July 1 on its website on Friday.
N.C. State announced this week a move to all-remote instruction for all undergraduate classes because of rising COVID-19 cases in residence halls and fraternity and sorority houses. Then, the university announced dorms would close. The university reported 95 new positive test results on Wednesday, for a cumulative total of 739 cases, also as of Wednesday, from testing and self reporting, according to its website early Friday afternoon.
UNC-Chapel Hill did the same last week when COVID-19 cases began to spike in dorms, off campus housing, and fraternity and sorority houses. The university reported 26 new cases Thursday , for a total of 1,025 cases since February, according to its website Friday afternoon.
Four people who were at the Republican National Convention tested positive for COVID-19, The Charlotte Observer reported. Charlotte was the site of RNC business meetings Monday. More information about infections connected to the convention may be in an “after action” report. The RNC is following up with attendees three times after the convention.
RNC attendees and workers were tested before the event. Attendees were asked to wear masks and social distance, but the state’s health mandates were often disregarded.
This story was originally published August 28, 2020 at 1:21 PM.