North Carolina Sees Decline In New COVID-19 Cases

North Carolina health officials say there has been an overall decline in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19. 

Figures from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services show a roughly 12 percent decline in newly reported coronavirus cases during the first two weeks of September. That's compared to the last 14 days in August when the return of college students is thought to have caused a spike in cases.

Overall, the percentage of positive tests statewide has been at about 5 percent since September 9th.

That's significant because reports show that a level of 5 percent or lower for two consecutive weeks could mean there is enough testing to control viral spread.

Pia MacDonald is a senior epidemiologist at RTI International, a non-profit research firm.

MacDonald tells the News & Observer that the goal would be to see that percentage go down along with an increase in the number of tests being given.

She warns that while the latest figures are a good sign, it's still too early to tell how well North Carolina is faring at containing the virus.

DHHS reported 845 new confirmed cases on Monday, bringing the state total to nearly 186,000 since March.

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