RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina reported 3,990 COVID-19 hospitalizations statewide Thursday, the highest daily total since the pandemic began.
Hospitalizations have increased significantly over the last few months. At the beginning of December, 2,033 people were in the hospital with COVID-19 in North Carolina. On Nov. 1, that number was 1,122.
Along with the record hospitalizations, the state reported 9,853 new coronavirus cases Thursday, its fourth-highest daily case increase, according to data from the state Department of Health and Human Services.
DHHS reported the state's three highest daily case increases last week when Thursday, Friday and Saturday saw increases of over 10,000 each day.
Over the last week, DHHS has reported an average of over 8,300 cases per day. A month ago the seven-day average was 6,000 cases per day.
The state reported 80 deaths Thursday, bringing the total number of the pandemic to 7,825.
Over the last week, DHHS has reported an average of 87 deaths per day. A week ago that average was 50. A month ago it was 42.
Case and hospitalization data reported by DHHS are preliminary and subject to change upon further investigation.
Among COVID-19 tests reported Tuesday, the latest day for which data is available, 11.1% of tests returned positive. In the week prior to Tuesday, an average of 13.5% of tests per day came back positive.
These percentages have steadily decreased over last several days. The state reported a pandemic-high of 17.1% positive tests Jan. 4, and the seven-day average was over 15% a week ago.
These averages though are still well above the 5% or lower that state health officials want. North Carolina hasn't met that standard since Sept. 24.
More intensive care beds opened up Thursday. There are now 365 available beds, as opposed to Wednesday's 339. Even with the increase, 85% of ICU beds are in use statewide.
Available inpatient beds rose slightly to 4,638. About 78% of inpatient beds are in use.
The number of adult ICU patients rose to 858, marking the fifth straight day that number has increased.
