CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Public Health reported a new daily high in COVID-19 cases Saturday.
NCDHHS reported 2,585 additional coronavirus cases on Saturday, a jump of 1,415 cases, which was reported on Friday. This previous highest number of daily cases was reported on July 18, with 2,481 cases.
However, the number isn't entirely reflective of a recent hike in cases. NCDHHS says LabCorp had a delay in reporting around 1,000 positive cases from the first half of the month to NCDHHS, leading to an apparent spike now.
A statement from NCDHHS reads:
"The total new lab-confirmed cases on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) COVID-19 Data Dashboard for Aug. 29 reflects an increase caused, in part, by approximately 1,000 positive tests from dates in the first half of the month that were reported to NCDHHS by LabCorp in the past 24 hours. The Department is working with LabCorp to understand the cause of the delayed reporting; however, LabCorp confirmed that individuals were not delayed in receiving their results."
Also, public health officials reported 31 more coronavirus-related deaths, the highest daily fatality number in almost two weeks. The highest number of daily deaths reported so far during the pandemic was 38 on August 1.
There are now 165,076 confirmed cases and 2,683 related deaths statewide.
Hospitalizations remain under 1,000 at 965.