North Carolina COVID-19 positivity rate drops below 11%, more than 5,550 new cases reported

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – North Carolina health officials have reported that 5,583 people tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.

To date, there has been 2,554,922 confirmed cases since the first case was reported in North Carolina on March 3, 2020.

Officials also reported 2,711 are hospitalized with the virus as of Thursday, continuing a decline in coronavirus-related hospitalizations.

The total number of people who have died from complications of the coronavirus is now 22,061 in North Carolina.

Officials also say 25,384,444 tests were given in NC and the daily percentage of positive tests reported was 10.6%, a stark contrast to the positive rate of 37.8% a few weeks ago.

There is an increasing urgency for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Officials say currently available COVID-19 vaccines are the best protection against the virus and its variants. Read more.

The state recorded its millionth confirmed case of COVID-19 in late May 2021.

NC COVID-19 Dashboard: Click here for DHHS information on coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations

The growing trend of North Carolina adults getting vaccinated against COVID-19 has continued. More than 75% of adults received at least one dose of vaccine.

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VACCINE TEAM: Click here for the latest on COVID-19 vaccination in North Carolina

NCDHHS urges all unvaccinated North Carolinians to get a Covid-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness, hospitalization and death.

“Vaccines are the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths, as well as complications from the virus. Research has shown that even people who have had a mild case of COVID-19 can struggle with long-term effects like shortness of breath, chest pain, and brain fog,” NCDHHS officials said.

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People who need transportation assistance for a COVID-19 vaccine should contact their local transit agency. Information on local public transport can be found here: NC_public_transit.pdf (ncdot.gov).

On Friday, May 14, 2021, Governor Cooper lifted all mandatory capacity and gathering limits, social distancing requirements, and most mandatory mask requirements.

The move, effective immediately, means that in most indoor or outdoor settings, the state will no longer require you to wear a mask or be socially distant. Cooper said there will continue to be a mandatory indoor mask requirement on public transit, daycares, schools, prisons and some public health facilities.

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