March 2. COVID-related hospitalizations have fallen every day for more than a month, dropping to 1,461 today after reaching an omicron peak of 5,158 on Jan. 27.

Nevertheless, the NC Dept. of Health & Human Services reported 63 new COVID-related deaths statewide, including one in Cornelius.

New cases

There were 2,243 new cases in today’s report, up from 1,231 yesterday and 909 on Monday.

Testing

The statewide positivity rate fell to 5.6 percent today, down from 6.9 percent today, while the Mecklenburg 14-day trailing average fell slightly to 8.1 percent.

Mecklenburg (change from Tuesday)

There were 127 new COVID cases reported countywide and three new deaths.

North Mecklenburg (change from Tuesday)

• Cornelius: 2 new cases, 6,694 cumulative total, 35 deaths cumulative total.

• Davidson: 2 new cases, 4,043 cumulative total, 21 deaths cumulative total.

• Huntersville: 9 new cases, 15,154 cumulative total, 89 deaths cumulative total.