North Carolina Sets Record With Over 3,000 New Cases Reported In One Day

North Carolina reported its highest one-day increase of coronavirus cases on Wednesday after recording 3,119 new cases. Currently, there are 1,246 people hospitalized, and the positivity rate, the percentage of tests that receive a positive result, has risen to 7.9%.

"This is not the milestone we want to be hitting, particularly as we head into holidays where people want to come together. I am asking North Carolinians to do what they do best, look out for each other," said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.

On Tuesday, Gov. Roy Cooper announced the state would remain in Phase 3 until at least December 4. In an effort to curb the rising cases, he also restricted indoor gatherings to 10 people.

"High case counts, including our highest day ever today, and other key metrics are why North Carolina is staying paused in Phase 3 while we lower the indoor gathering limit to 10," Gov. Cooper wrote in a tweet on Wednesday. "Wearing a mask, social distancing and being smart about this pandemic are more important than ever."

As the holidays approach, health officials are discouraging North Carolinians from large gatherings. However, they know people will still traveling so they urge them to take the necessary precautions.

"Wear a mask. Wait six feet apart. Wash your hands often," said Dr. Cohen. "We've had more time to learn about this devastating virus and study after study shows that these three simple actions can help keep our family, friends and neighbors from getting sick."

Photo: Getty Images