Jan. 6. COVID-related hospitalizations statewide rose to 3,293 today, up 45.8 percent in a week. Meanwhile, new COVID cases continue to rise quickly, hitting 24,292 statewide according to the NC Dept. of Health & Human Services.

NC deaths

There were 44 new COVID deaths reported today—including two in Huntersville, where 78 have died due to the coronavirus since the outbreak began in early 2020.

Positivity rate

The statewide positivity rate fell slightly to 30.1 percent. In Mecklenburg, the 14-day average positivity rate climbed to 23 percent.

Mecklenburg

There were 2,490 new COVID cases reported county-wide between yesterday and today.

North Mecklenburg (change from Wednesday)

• Cornelius: 85 new cases, 4,918 cumulative total, 32 deaths cumulative total.

• Davidson: 38 new cases, 2,846 cumulative total, 20 deaths cumulative total.

• Huntersville: 140 new cases, 10,960 cumulative total, 78 deaths cumulative total.