RALEIGH, N.C. — Statewide hospitalizations in North Carolina reached 2,039 Wednesday, the highest daily total of the pandemic and the fifth consecutive day the state has reached a new record.
Wednesday's hospitalizations inched just past Tuesday's total of 2,033.
The state Department of Health and Human Services reported 4,199 new cases Wednesday, the fourth highest daily increase overall.
The seven-day average daily case increase is now 3,584.
Statewide deaths associated with COVID-19 increased by 82 since Tuesday, bringing the total to 5,366.
The percentage of tests returned positive Monday, the latest day for data was available, was 11.4%. The seven-day average for tests returned positive is now 8.9%.
State health officials have said that they want that number at 5% or lower. The state hasn't had that low of a rate since Sept. 24.
Case and hospitalization data reported by DHHS is preliminary and subject to change upon further investigation.
