CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – North Carolina health officials reported that 28,753 people tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.
To date, there have been 2,352,235 confirmed cases since the first case was reported in North Carolina on March 3, 2020.
Officials also reported 5,158 people are hospitalized with the virus as of Thursday. That is a record for the state.
The total number of people who have died of complications from coronavirus is now 20,517 in North Carolina.
Officials also say 24,243,558 tests have been given in N.C. and the daily percent of positive tests reported was 30.1 percent.
There is increasing urgency for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Officials say the 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.
N.C. COVID-19 Dashboard: Click here for DHHS info on coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations
The growing trend of North Carolina adults getting their COVID-19 vaccines continued. The state crossed the 50 percent mark for partially vaccinated adults on May 6, 2021.
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VACCINE TEAM: Click here for the latest news on the COVID-19 vaccination in North Carolina
NCDHHS urges all unvaccinated North Carolinians to get a COVID-19 vaccine to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death.
“Vaccines are the best protection from COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths, as well as complications from the virus. Research has shown even people who had a mild case of COVID-19 may 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 to a COVID-19 vaccine should reach out to their local transit agency. Local transit information can be found here: NC_public_transit.pdf (ncdot.gov).
On Friday, May 14, 2021, Gov. Cooper lifted all mandatory capacity and gathering limits, social distancing requirements, and most mandatory mask requirements.
The move, effective immediately, means that in most settings indoors or outdoors 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 transportation, in child care, in schools, in prisons and in certain public health settings.
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