NC sees second-highest COVID-19 hospitalizations since onset of pandemic
Statewide hospitalizations reached 1,214 on Tuesday, the second-highest total since the pandemic began and the highest since late July.
Hospitalizations have risen throughout October, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.
Hospitalizations were at 939 on Oct. 1.
The highest number reported remains July 29 when DHHS reported 1,236 hospitalizations throughout the state.
Tuesday’s total was based on 97% of the state’s hospitals reporting their data.
Coronavirus case data
DHHS reported 2,141 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, bringing the total to 263,883 since the pandemic began in North Carolina.
On Sunday, the latest day reported, the percentage of COVID-19 tests that returned positive statewide was 7.3%.
The seven-day average of percent positive is now at 6.5%, steadily increasing throughout October. The average was 5.7% on Oct. 1.
State health officials have said that the percent positive rate should be under 5%.
Hospitalization data
North Carolina has eight hospital regions, and three account for 69% of hospitalizations statewide.
Triad Healthcare Preparedness Coalition, which encompasses the Triad and rural northwest North Carolina, has the most hospitalizations at 326.
Metrolina Healthcare Preparedness Coalition, which covers the Charlotte metropolitan area, is second with 303 hospitalizations.
Third is the Eastern Healthcare Preparedness Coalition, which covers the rural northeast part of the state, with 208 hospitalizations.
There are currently 5,452 empty hospital beds statewide, according to DHHS. There are 532 empty ICU beds.
This story was originally published October 27, 2020 at 12:54 PM.