COVID cases on the rise again in North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – After months of declining COVID-19 cases, North Carolina is starting to see a resurgence of the virus. With the highly contagious delta variant circulating in the country and increasing its presence, including in the Carolinas, and the July 4 holiday bringing more people together, health officials had said it would be likely the state would see a increase in measurements.

Dr David Priest, infectious disease specialist at Novant Health, said the increased spread of coronaviruses was “inevitable” with the delta and more people coming together.

“As more unvaccinated people come together there will be a risk of cases,” Priest said. “If we are to avoid these situations, the more people who are vaccinated the better, and we hope people don’t wait for personal tragedy before deciding to do so.”

RELATED: The symptoms of the delta variant are different from the “classic” symptoms of COVID-19. Here’s what you need to know.

The latest data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shows six consecutive days of above-average cases, with a trendline up about 50% from its lowest level at the start of the month .

The state’s positive test rate is also increasing. While it is 3.1% in the past two weeks, which is below the target of 5% of state health officials, the rate has fallen from around 2% in three weeks. .

However, the most recent change in trends can be seen in hospitalizations related to COVID-19. The average number of patients started to increase towards the end of last week.

While the change is subtle now, Priest noted that it would be important to monitor any increase in hospitalizations after the July 4 vacation. At the last check-up, nearly 450 people are receiving hospital treatment statewide for the virus.

NCDHHS wastewater monitoring for COVID-19 shows particular growth in the presence of the virus in the Raleigh, New Hanover County, South Durham and Wilmington City areas.

According to the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the delta variant accounts for about 12% of the state’s most recent cases. However, this estimate was from mid-June, and based on the continued growth of the variant, it is likely to now account for a larger share. The CDC has confirmed, nationally, that delta is already the most prevalent strain of the virus.

The increase in metrics and the growing presence of delta intensifies the call for vaccination.

In Mecklenburg County, health officials on Monday launched a door-to-door vaccination campaign called “Doses to door”. The goal is to increase vaccination rates in the county by providing accurate information about the vaccine and making it easier to obtain.

The NCDHHS reports that 43% of the state’s population is fully immunized.

Contact Vanessa Ruffes at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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