Mecklenburg County identifies 5 more coronavirus deaths, totaling 29
Mecklenburg County announced late Sunday afternoon there have been five additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 29. There were no new deaths announced Saturday.
Early Sunday, state data showed a total of 1,178 coronavirus cases locally, more than twice the number in any other North Carolina county. County officials said Sunday afternoon there are 1,183 lab-confirmed cases among residents. The state and local totals often differ, with state officials counting positive tests of non-Mecklenburg residents who took a coronavirus test in the county and county officials often having more up-to-date figures.
Statewide, there were more than 6,490 cases and at least 172 deaths as of Sunday, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services website. Nearly 79,000 coronavirus tests have been administered statewide, according to health officials.
Mecklenburg County officials have said they do not know the exact number of tests performed locally.
State data showed 25 additional cases reported Sunday. Earlier this month, from April 6 to 12, Mecklenburg County saw an average of 41 new cases announced per day. In the past week, from April 13 to April 19, the county saw an average of 32 additional cases a day.
Health officials have said the day-to-day change in the number of cases will fluctuate, based on testing backlog, criteria for testing, and access to tests. Mecklenburg County’s health director has cautioned that the number of cases is a limited view, and that many people who have COVID-19 may not be tested.
This story was originally published April 19, 2020 at 5:33 PM.
