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Curve in Context: New COVID-19 cases, deaths, testing slow down in North Carolina

The NCDHHS update for Tuesday shows at least 422 new coronavirus cases and 21 more deaths since Monday.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — We’re taking a closer look at COVID-19 data over time to discover trends that give context to what coronavirus looks like across North Carolina and in local counties.

Using data over the last month of positive coronavirus cases reported daily by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, we created a graph to help you better see how our state is doing.

Each blue bar represents one day of positive cases reported statewide.

Credit: Lea Wilson - WFMY News 2
Graph shows data over the last month of positive coronavirus cases reported daily by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

North Carolina hair salons and restaurants could reopen Friday under phase two of the state’s reopening plan.

RELATED: What will reopen in North Carolina under Phase 2?

Before that can happen, the health department is looking to see if phase 1 caused an uptick in positive coronavirus cases.

According to health experts, it takes about seven to 14 days after exposure to coronavirus to confirm new cases. Yet, it appears new cases, deaths and testing have slowed down after big upticks over the weekend.

Credit: Meghann Mollerus
This graph, which captures 4/1 to 5/18 appears to show new cases, deaths and testing have slowed across the state.

As of Monday morning, there were 19,023 positive COVID-19 cases, which includes recoveries. Two more people died since Sunday, bringing the death toll to 661. Eighteen more people were hospitalized.

RELATED: 'We have to do this carefully' | Governor Cooper talks reopening plans, 'cushioning the blow' to the economy

The blue line in the graph represents the number of new cases over the past 13 days. The yellow line shows the number of new deaths each day. Looking at the graph, we see that the number of total cases dropped, then increased sharply. Remember as testing increases, so will cases.

We can also see that the number of deaths each day remains level.

Credit: Lea Wilson - WFMY News 2

In looking at county trends, no Triad county reported deaths since Sunday's update.

Guilford and Forsyth counties added the fewest number of new cases in more than a week.

RELATED: Where you can get tested for coronavirus in North Carolina

Guilford County added 15 new cases since Sunday. So, the blue bar in the graph plummeted compared to the weekend. Sunday there were 70 new cases. Saturday, 51 new cases were reported.

Credit: Lea Wilson - WFMY News 2
Graph shows new COVID-19 cases in Guilford County from May 6 to May, 18, 2020.


We know Guilford is one of the Triad counties that expanded testing opportunities. Looking at the statewide testing chart, testing dropped to 6,800 the slowest testing day since last Tuesday.

The percentage of new cases per new tests remains at a steady 7.3%.

Credit: Meghann Mollerus
This graph, which captures 4/1 to 5/18 appears to show new cases, deaths and testing have slowed across the state.

Now for a closer look at the virus spike in Forsyth County. The spike lasted for several days last week. The numbers dropped a little over the weekend but increased again on Monday with 53 new cases in the past 24 hours.

Credit: WFMY News 2
Forsyth County graph shows the number of new COVID-19 cases from 5/17 - 5/18.

In a weekly report released Monday, the county broke down the overall numbers by race and ethnicity. It revealed of the people with the virus a staggering 54% more than half, are Hispanic. The U.S. Census Bureau said Hispanics make up about 13% of the county’s population. WFMY News 2 compared Forsyth numbers to the state for context. Across the state, 31% of people with the virus are Hispanic - a significant difference from the 54% in Forsyth County. However, the number is hard to compare because a third of all the cases statewide, don't list an ethnic background. No matter their background, the county health director said a large amount of the recent cases is people getting their own family members sick.

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

Case numbers in the Triad: 

Alamance County - 178 cases, 5 deaths

Caswell County - 44 cases, 1 death

Davidson County - 293 cases, 10 deaths

Davie County - 46 cases, 2 deaths

Forsyth County - 687 cases, 7 deaths

Guilford County - 861 cases, 7 deaths

Randolph County - 461 cases, 6 deaths

Rockingham County - 46 cases, 2 deaths

Stokes County - 36 cases

Surry County - 95 cases, 1 death

Yadkin County - 109 cases, 1 death

Credit: NCDHHS

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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