North Carolina Reports 7,540 New COVID-19 Cases In 24 Hours

CHARLOTTE, NC — The surge of COVID-19 cases in North Carolina hit a new record Friday, with 7,540 new cases confirmed in the span of a day. The news comes hours before stricter statewide restrictions are set to go into effect across the state.

The new cases increase the state's overall tally to 423,623 known cases of coronavirus reported in the state. At least 38 new deaths were reported Friday, increasing the state's death toll to 5,752. About 10.4 percent of tests conducted in the state were positive.

Hospitalizations also jumped to a new record of 2,514 patients, at least 70 more than reported Thursday, according data provided by North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

"Having more than 7,500 cases is staggering and alarming," DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen said in a statement issued Friday morning. "We are now seeing the impact of Thanksgiving gatherings. Do not wait until it is you or your loved one sick or alone in the hospital or you are facing the loss of a loved one to wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart, and wash your hands often. Act now. Please ask yourself what you can do to help slow the spread of this virus and save lives."

SEE ALSO: Gov. Cooper Issues New Modified Stay-At-Home for North Carolina

A new "modified Stay-At-Home" executive order goes into effect across the state Friday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m.

The new executive order takes aim at social gatherings going into the holiday season, Gov. Roy Cooper said when announcing it earlier this week.

"This stay-at-home order tells people they need to go home," he said.

This order requires

• people to stay at home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Businesses including restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care businesses, most retail stores and more, will be required to close by 10 p.m.
• All onsite alcohol consumption sales must end by 9 p.m.

More information about the order may be found here.

SEE ALSO:

• NC's Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution Plan: What You Need To Know
• Complaints Will Drive Enforcement Of New State Curfew: CMPD