CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported 4,514 new coronavirus cases on Sunday. That is the highest one-day number of new cases in North Carolina since the pandemic began in March.
DHHS also reports 5,034 coronavirus related deaths. The percentage of positive test results now averages 9.2% over the last two weeks. DHHS reports 1,571 people are hospitalized statewide due to COVID-19.
The increase in cases comes just four days before the Thanksgiving holiday. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control on Thursday released new guidance on traveling amid the coronavirus pandemic. Health officials have repeatedly reminded people it is not a good idea to gather in groups or travel over the holiday to avoid even more rapid spread of the virus.
Health leaders have also issued guidance for those who do plan to travel including getting tested three to four days ahead of time.