Mecklenburg County Coronavirus Update: 1,612 Cases, 49 Deaths

HUNTERSVILLE, NC — There are an additional 45 cases of the new coronavirus in Mecklenburg County, health officials announced Thursday, bringing the county total to 1,612. Health officials also confirmed five additional coronavirus-related deaths in the county, bringing the total deaths to at least 49.

Twenty-four of the 49 deaths in the county are connected to 12 long term care facilities that are currently experiencing coronavirus outbreaks, according to Health Director Gibbie Harris, who discussed the most recent data Thursday during a media briefing.

Of the confirmed cases in the county,994, or 63 percent, have met criteria from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be released from isolation. Harris said the data shows case trends are stable and hospitalization trends are showing "some signs of improvement."

The development comes as the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, continues to rise throughout the state, with cases present in all but two of the state's 100 counties.

The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in North Carolina rose by 561 overnight, bringing the cumulative total to 10,509, according to updated data released by state public health officials Thursday morning.

The Department of Health and Human Services reported 24 new coronavirus-related deaths in the state since Wednesday, bringing the total number of statewide deaths to 378 as of Thursday morning.

Mecklenburg County has amended and extended until May 8 its stay-at-home order, which was stricter than statewide orders and slated to expire Wednesday. The new order aligns the county with policies put in place for the state by Gov. Roy Cooper. County officials have lifted some original restrictions, such as vehicle access to county parks, however there is still a ban for gatherings of 10 or more people.

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According to Mecklenburg County officials, essential businesses now include:

• Defense and military contractors that develop products, processes, equipment, technology, and related services that serve the United States military, national defense, and national security interests.
• Electronic retailers that sell or service cell phones, computers, tablets, and other communications technology.
• Lawn and garden equipment retailers.
• Book stores that sell educational material.
• Religious facilities, entities, groups, gatherings, including funerals. Also, services, counseling, pastoral care, and other activities provided by religious organizations to the members of their faith community. Gatherings may not exceed 10 people.
• Insurance companies, underwriters, agents, brokers, and related insurance claims and agency services.
• Real estate services including brokerage, appraisal and title services.
• Automobile dealers.

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