Sept. 18. Based on John Hopkins University’s data, the median number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Mecklenburg County over the past week is down 17.6 percent from the volume of new cases over the past month.

Mecklenburg is doing better in that regard than the state as a whole: Statewide the volume of new cases over the past week is down 3.2 percent from the median number of new cases over the past month.

Explaining that it is hard work to improve numbers and trends, Gov. Roy Cooper said most North Carolinians have “doubled down” on COVID-19 safety and prevention measures. “Many people are wearing masks, keeping social distance and being careful to protect others as well as themselves. We have shown that listening to the science works,” he said.

In today’s NC Dept. of Health & Human Services report, the positive test rate for Mecklenburg fell to 4.4 percent. Statewide it remained at 5.6 percent

North Carolina

The state’s median number of new cases since Aug. 18 is 1,283; over the past seven days it is 1,198. The NCDHHS reported 1,493 new cases of COVID-19 as of today.

Deaths statewide rose by 27 for a total of 3,207 since the outbreak began.

Mecklenburg

The county’s median number of new cases since Aug. 18 is 119; over the past seven days it is 98. There were 111 new cases in today’s NCDHHS report, as well as two new deaths for a total of 339 county-wide.

Mecklenburg has averaged approximately 7.6 percent of North Carolina’s new confirmed cases over the past week.

North Meck

Cornelius: 2 new cases, total 501. Cumulative deaths 16.

Davidson: 1 new cases, total 282. Cumulative deaths 5.

Huntersville: 2 new cases, total 886. Cumulative deaths 11.

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

• North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is declining.

Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

• North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is declining.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

• North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is declining.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

• North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is declining.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:

Laboratory Testing 

• Access to testing has expanded. No-cost testing events are being deployed across the state and testing turnaround times have improved.

Tracing Capability

• Contact tracers continue to be hired to bolster the efforts of local health departments. A new exposure notification app will be launched soon.

Personal Protective Equipment 

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable