March 16. The volume of new COVID cases rose to 1,519 today after dipping to 649 yesterday, according to the NCDHHS. Statewide COVID hospitalizations fell to 799, less than a third the number hospitalized exactly one month ago. There were 39 new COVID-related deaths statewide.

Testing

The statewide positivity rate remained at 2.6 percent for a third day as per NCDHHS. The Mecklenburg 14-day trailing average fell to 3.6 percent.

Mecklenburg (change from Tuesday)

There were 114 new COVID cases reported countywide.

North Mecklenburg (change from Tuesday)

• Cornelius: 3 new cases, 6,730 cumulative total, 35 deaths cumulative total.

• Davidson: 10 new cases, 4,094 cumulative total, 21 deaths cumulative total.

• Huntersville: 10 new cases, 15,215 cumulative total, 89 deaths cumulative total.

The Washington Post is reporting that a surge in COVID infections in Western Europe has authorities “on alert” for another wave of the pandemic in the United States. Click here for the article.