North Carolina has surpassed 1,000 deaths of residents from COVID-19, according to state health officials.

The latest data released from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on Monday said the state has recorded 1,006 deaths, up from 996 on Sunday. More than 36,400 positive cases have been reported in North Carolina and more than half a million tests have been administered.

It took barely more than one month to reach the benchmark after the state passed 500 recorded COVID-19 deaths on May 7. The state recorded its first coronavirus-related deaths on March 25 after the first known case in North Carolina was identified on March 3.

At a press briefing on Monday, Governor Roy Cooper spoke to the deaths and said Monday marked the highest amount of people hospitalized in the state due to the virus since the pandemic began.

“With all the challenges we face opening schools, boosting our economy and tackling racism head-on,” said Cooper, “we must remember this virus is still with us and can be deadly. In our jobs, in our protests and in our everyday lives, we must protect ourselves, our families and the people around us.”

Cooper said federal health officials have reached out to NCDHHS leaders with concern about North Carolina’s continuous growing of cases and hospitalizations. The state is in Phase 2 of reopening, with Cooper indicating more businesses and elements may reopen soon. But the governor and health secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said they were both concerned about the direction of the state’s trends.

“If you have been in any kind of crowd, please go get tested,” urged Cooper. “When you’re around people, wear your masks and try to keep six feet away from others. Especially if you are a leader, set a good example.”

Locally, Orange County surpassed 400 reported positive cases of the coronavirus among residents as of Monday. The county has accounted for 40 COVID-19 deaths, many of which are from long-term care facilities.

In Chatham County, the death toll from the virus rose from 29 cases to 36 on Monday. NCDHHS is reporting just more than 730 positive cases in the county.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
State Gives $35 Million to Local Health Departments for COVID-19 Response
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is allocating $35 million in federal funding to local health departments across the state to support their COVID-19 responses. The announced was shared in a release from Governor Roy Cooper’s office on Tuesday, saying each county would receive at least $90,000 with  additional funding determined by population size […]
Positive COVID-19 Cases Eclipse 600 in Orange County
Orange County continues to see its positive COVID-19 cases rise, as the coronavirus’ spread crossed 600 residents on Saturday. According to data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the county reported 616 positive cases as of Saturday morning. The number represented a 23-case increase from Friday’s report. It took just eight days […]
Orange County Updates Mask Requirement to Mirror State's Order
Note: This story has been updated to reflect Orange County’s changes to its mask requirement that adopt the many of same regulations as issued by the latest executive order from the state. The Orange County government updated its existing mask requirement to align with the statewide requirement before it went into effect on Friday. Governor […]
North Carolina Crosses 1,000 Positive COVID-19 Cases
North Carolina has more than 1,000 positive COVID-19 cases reported, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. The department updated its totals on Sunday morning, reporting 1,040 positive cases of the novel coronavirus across the state. Approximately 18,945 tests have been completed and four North Carolinians have died as a result of […]
Local U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee Boycotts Trump's Congressional Address, Citing President's Lies
Orange, Durham and Chatham County's U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee did not attend President Donald Trump's address to Congress Tuesday evening.
Orange County Ends COVID-19 Testing Services After Nearly 3 Years
After nearly three years of offering PCR tests for COVID-19, the Orange County Health Department has officially halted its testing services.
Tourism Spending Increases for Orange, Chatham Counties After 2020 Lows
North Carolina recently received its annual tourism report. Locally, Chatham and Orange counties experienced healthy rebounds in revenue.
North Carolina COVID Trends Improve Despite Low Vaccinations
Written by BRYAN ANDERSON While spread of COVID-19 remains high, transmission of the virus has noticeably declined in North Carolina over the last two weeks, according to new health department data released Monday. The data from the state Department of Health and Human Services showed a nearly 25% drop in hospitalizations in the last 14 […]
UNC Infectious Disease Expert Urges Vaccinations as COVID Cases, Hospitalizations Surge
As Orange County prepares to implement an indoor mask mandate, and COVID-19 cases surge due to the more contagious delta variant, infectious disease experts continue to urge people to get vaccinated.
Orange County Extends Local COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Indefinitely
The Orange County government announced Monday it extended its local state of emergency declaration regarding COVID-19 to an indefinite period. The local government’s order, which saw the extension enacted on Friday at 5 p.m., has been in place since March of 2020, aiding the county’s response to the coronavirus pandemic by employing increased public health […]
›