Coronavirus in the Carolinas: SC officials report another single-day high for COVID-19 cases

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Here is a roundup of what’s happening so far today, June 13, surrounding COVID-19 in both North Carolina and South Carolina (Click here to get caught up on yesterday’s coverage). Scroll below for live, local real-time minute-by-minute updates.

>> Have questions about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the Carolinas? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak -- CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

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[COUNTY-BY-COUNTY COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE]

[CORONAVIRUS IN THE CAROLINAS; HERE’S HOW TO STAY INFORMED]

>> We’ll bring you LIVE updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News. Get extended coverage on the free WSOC Now app on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV.

• The number of cases across North Carolina reached 42,676 on Saturday. North Carolina is now reporting 1,104 deaths, 611,690 completed tests and 823 people currently in the hospital.
• Health leaders issued guidance on reopening NC schools.
• South Carolina also released guidance for its schools.
• SC Gov. Henry McMaster has declared a new state of emergency and is reopening bowling alleys.
• A judge has granted a temporary restraining order against a NC stock car speedway.
• NC legislators are aiming to reopen gyms, health clubs despite Cooper order.
• Atrium, Novant, Tryon say they will test asymptomatic protesters.
• Gov. Roy Cooper and the state’s coronavirus task force announced the state moved into a “safer-at-home” plan on May 22.
• Gov. Henry McMaster lifted the home or work order in South Carolina on May 1.

Live, local updates from Saturday:

SC health officials reports report another single-day high for COVID-19 cases

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced 770 new cases of the coronavirus and 6 additional deaths.

This brings the total number of confirmed positive cases in South Carolina to 17,955 and those who have died to 599.

Officials said four deaths were elderly people from Cherokee (1), Darlington (1), Greenville (1), and Richland (1) counties, and two deaths were middle-aged people from Greenville (1) and Horry (1) counties.

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NC reports highest hospitalizations since pandemic began

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on Saturday reported the highest COVID-19 hospitalization numbers since the pandemic began.

1,427 new cases were reported on Saturday. The largest increase in one day was on Friday when 1,768 new cases were reported in one day.

The state also reported 15,993 completed tests in the last 24 hours, well exceeding the state’s goal of 5,000 to 7,000 per day.

The number of people hospitalized due to complications of coronavirus increased, with 823 people now hospitalized. That’s up 63 people from Friday.

12 more people died in the past 24 hours, bringing the statewide total to 1,104.

Over the last day, NCDHHS has reported that 10% of the completed tests have come back positive. Dr. Mandy Cohen said during a news conference earlier this week that the percentage of positive tests in North Carolina is among the highest in the U.S.

With 84% of hospitals reporting, 21% of inpatient beds and 22% of ICU beds are still available.

Lab-confirmed cases: 42,676

Completed tests: 611,690

Currently hospitalized: 823

Statewide deaths: 1,104

Mecklenburg County continues to lead the state in both cases and deaths with at least 6,862 and 119 respectively.

Confirmed cases by age:

0-17 (9%)

18-24 (11%)

25-49 (45%)

50-64 (21%)

65-74 (7%)

75 or older (8%)

COVID-19 deaths by age:

25-49 (4%)

50-64 (13%)

65-74 (20%)

75 or older (62%)

Cases by race:

White: 54%

Black: 26%

Cases by gender:

Women: 51%

Men: 49%

(Men account for 53% of deaths)

Cases and deaths in congregate living settings:

There are 101 outbreaks in nursing homes across the state, resulting in 3,947 cases and 582 deaths.

There are 59 outbreaks at residential care facilities across the state, resulting in 1,076 cases and 92 deaths.

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Residents encounter long lines, waits at testing sites across Meck County

Mecklenburg County is currently testing about 2,000 people a day, but the state wants the county testing even more and are working together to expand that.

We know people have encountered long lines at mobile testing sites and some have been turned away.

One man told Channel 9 he tried to get tested at several locations, but found the wait almost three hours.

Mecklenburg County leaders reminded people to not show up at the hospital to be tested. You need to contact the health care systems online or show up at one of the drive-up sites.

Some CVS pharmacies, doctor offices and urgent cares are making testing available as well.

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Mecklenburg County updates public on latest COVID-19 trends (Friday)

Mecklenburg County leaders updated the public as COVID-19 cases continue to trend up across our area.

Health Director Gibbie Harris said a large number of the cases were adults ages 20 to 59 years old, so they are targeting resources and awareness campaigns at that age group.

She said there have been 11 straight days of triple digit numbers in virus cases.

The county reported that the percentage of positive cases is at 10%, which is an increase. Harris said the state wants Mecklenburg County to increase testing availability, but she is backing off the 20,000 tests per day figure.

Health leaders said an average of 101 people were hospitalized over the past 14 days, which is also up. Harris asked that people not to go to the hospital for testing, instead go to testing sites. You can find one here.

She said right now the models don’t show that our hospitals will be overwhelmed and she doesn’t believe we are heading into a second wave -- she thinks we are resuming the first.

“COVID-19 is still here. Yes, we’ve opened things up. People have more flexibility in their lives, which is a good thing. But we can’t be fatigued," Harris said.

She warned that the health department will never ask you to pay anything or offer to sell you anything. If you are concerned whether a call is real, take the name of the person and call the contact tracing hotline.

She said the way numbers look now, she’d be surprised if the state moved into Phase 3. She said moving back into restrictions can’t be ruled out.

According to Harris, none of the data is trending downward except social distancing.

She said enforcement is the real challenge with a mask mandate.

Mecklenburg County delivered 400 masks to protesters

Park and Rec will allow people to reserve baseball and softball fields starting in July.

County Manager Dena Diorio said the county doesn’t have any intention in freeing the basketball hoops in parks anytime soon. When asked why the Hornets can practice but people can’t play pickup games, she said the Hornets players are closely monitored.

Diorio confirmed that the Republican National Convention has sent the county a letter saying it will be moving its main event and will host a scaled-down convention due to COVID-19 concerns.

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