COVID-19 spreads in Charlotte region: ‘Steep climb’ in cases, concern over younger deaths

Coronavirus cases in Mecklenburg and two neighboring counties have increased over the past two weeks, concerning leaders who say the trend cannot be attributed solely to additional testing.

In Mecklenburg County, 95 new cases were reported Wednesday morning by state health officials, bringing the total number of cases since mid-March to 7,563. As of late Tuesday, 134 people with COVID-19 have died locally. An average of 11% of individuals who were tested were positive during the past week — an increase over the last 14 days, according to health officials.

Leaders in Gaston County say there’s been a “sharp increase,” suggesting “COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in the area,” according to a news release Tuesday. Warnings from health officials in the region come as North Carolinians move further away from the state’s now-expired stay-at-home order and more businesses are permitted to reopen and expand capacity.

Gaston County saw a 312% increase in positive COVID-19 tests between May 30 and June 12, the release states.

“During that same period, the percentage of positive tests out of total tests increased from 5.14% to 11.17%,” according to Gaston officials.

The county has also seen a rise in hospitalizations in the time period — “from single digits in mid-May to more than 20 over the past week.” Officials are warning the public to wear masks, wash hands frequently and continue social distancing while being “vigilant.”

State health officials reported a total of 576 cases and nine deaths in Gaston County, as of Wednesday.

In Cabarrus County, 184 new cases were reported between June 5 and June 15, bringing the county’s total to 740. Another data point worrying health officials — the percent of positive tests — has increased in recent weeks to nearly 10% between May 31 and June 6, Cabarrus County reported.

The county’s health alliance has called it a “steep climb” and renewed calls for people to wear masks in public.

A total of 27 people in the county have died from COVID-19, according to the Cabarrus Health Alliance on Tuesday. Most were people age 70 or older and most were connected to nursing homes or long-term care facilities. But, health officials say, two of the most recent deaths were people in their 20s and one person who was in their 40s.

Statewide, the Department of Health and Human Services reported 1,002 new cases on Wednesday, for a total of 46,855. North Carolina saw 14 more deaths, for a total of 1,168.

Health officials in Mecklenburg, Gaston and Cabarrus counties have all said in recent days they’re concerned about the trends corresponding with less social distancing.

“Over the last two weeks, we have seen a dramatic drop in the average age of death due to COVID-19 related illness, from 83 years old to 39,” said CHA Health Director Dr. Bonnie Coyle. “Deaths among younger populations, along with our rapidly growing case count are extremely concerning as we approach the tentative start of Phase 3 Reopening and the July 4th holiday.”

North Carolina’s reopening Phase Three would allow for increased capacity at bars, restaurants and entertainment venues and is set to begin on June 26. State officials, though, have not formally announced the next phase will occur on that timeline.

This story was originally published June 17, 2020 at 1:30 PM.