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Curve in Context | Surge in new COVID-19 cases ahead of North Carolina phase 3 reopening decision

The state health department reported Wednesday 56,174 cases, up 1,721 cases from Tuesday.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, data shows a surge in new positive coronavirus cases and near-record hospitalizations as of Wednesday.

The numbers came out a couple of hours before Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to announce whether North Carolina will enter the next phase of reopening, which would go into effect Friday, and a possible statewide mask mandate.

The state health department reported Wednesday 56,174 positive cases, up 1,721 cases since Tuesday. Sixty-eight percent of the cases are presumed recoveries.

Hospitalizations were up to 906, with 888 ventilators in use. Those numbers could be on the low side, as 12% of hospitals hadn't turned in their data.

The chart below shows the number of coronavirus cases over the last month, excluding two days of data. According to the numbers, we've seen an uptick in cases statewide.

Credit: Lea Wilson - WFMY News 2

RELATED: Greensboro masks up as citywide mask requirement goes into effect

Even at 906, hospitalizations were down slightly from Tuesday's record high of 915.

In the chart below, which shows a 14-day moving average, hospitalizations are trending upward.

The large majority of COVID-19-positive cases do not result in hospitalizations and the large majority of people who have it are younger than you might expect.

The state health department reports 45% of COVID-19 patients are 25 to 49 and 20% are aged 50 to 74. Much smaller percentages are younger or older than those ranges.

RELATED: 'Black Americans are grossly impacted!' COVID-19 data shows a racial disparity in infections, hospitalizations, deaths

Case numbers in the Triad:

This is a closer look at case numbers for Piedmont Triad counties.

NOTE: Some numbers may look different from the NCDHHS map - that's because some cases have been verified by local health departments, but haven't been updated yet on the NCDHHS site.

FACTS NOT FEAR: Coronavirus full coverage

ALAMANCE – 994 CASES, 36 DEATHS (25 new case, 0 new deaths)

CASWELL – 122 CASES, 1 DEATH (1 new case, 0 new deaths)

CHATHAM – 901 CASES, 42 DEATHS (11 new cases, 0 new deaths)

DAVIDSON – 797 CASES, 15 DEATHS (25 new cases, 0 new deaths)

DAVIE – 163 CASES, 3 DEATHS (2 new cases, 0 new deaths)

FORSYTH – 2,679 CASES, 31 DEATHS (64 new cases, 2 new deaths) (check Forsyth Health Dept. website for another update this afternoon)

GUILFORD – 2,527 CASES, 110 DEATHS (65 new cases, 4 new deaths)

MONTGOMERY – 260 CASES, 7 DEATHS (7 new cases, 0 new deaths)

RANDOLPH – 1,077 CASES, 28 DEATHS (9 new cases, 1 new death)

ROCKINGHAM – 173 CASES, 2 DEATHS (0 new cases, 0 new deaths)

STOKES – 112 CASES, 1 DEATH (2 new cases, 0 new deaths)

SURRY – 413 CASES, 2 DEATHS (21 new cases, 0 new deaths)

WILKES – 560 CASES, 6 DEATHS (3 new cases, 0 new deaths)

YADKIN – 286 CASES, 4 DEATHS (4 new cases, 0 new deaths)

FACTS NOT FEAR

Remember facts, not fear when talking about the coronavirus. You should take the same measures recommended by health leaders to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses. That means washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and covering coughs and sneezes.

WHERE YOU GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS IS IMPORTANT 

It is important to make sure the information you are getting about the coronavirus is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS. Be careful not to spread misinformation about coronavirus on social media. 

For more information visit the CDC OR NCDHHS

NC CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE 

The state also has a special hotline set up where you can call 866-462-3821 for more information on the coronavirus. You can also submit questions online at ncpoisoncontrol.org or select chat to talk with someone about the virus.

You can also text keyword VIRUS to WFMY News 2 at 336-379-5775 to find out more information. 

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Text the word APP to 336-379-5775

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