Mecklenburg Update: How Many Cases Reported In Lake Norman Towns

HUNTERSVILLE, NC — Novel coronavirus has claimed the lives of at least 52 people in Mecklenburg County as health officials now say the county has 1,731 confirmed cases. The development comes as the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, continues to rise throughout the state, with cases present in all but one of the state's 100 counties.

North Carolina health officials reported 11,848 positive cases of COVID-19 throughout the state Monday morning, an increase of 184 cases since Sunday.

The death toll for the state increased by eight new deaths by Monday morning, putting the statewide total at 430, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus also rose slightly overnight, to 498, up from 475 reported Sunday, health officials said. The number of hospitalizations reflects patients with COVID-19 who are currently hospitalized in reporting hospitals.

Mecklenburg County continues to be the hardest hit in North Carolina, followed by Wake County, which has 891 confirmed cases and 19 deaths.

Here's a breakout of how many of the 1,731 COVID-19 cases in Mecklenburg are present in the Lake Norman region as of May 4, according to NC DHHS:

• Davidson (zip code 28036): 11 cases
• Cornelius (zip code 28031): 68 cases, 11 deaths
• Huntersville (zip code 28078): 53 cases, 1 death

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As of April 29, the most infected age group in Mecklenburg County is that of people ages 40 to 59, Mecklenburg County Public Health. They account for 35.2 percent of the county's positive tests. The 20 to 39 age group accounts for 33.4 percent of the county's positive tests, followed by the group of those age 60 or older, who account for 28.2 percent of the cases.

According to MCPH, about one out of every six cases requires hospitalization.

Last week, Mecklenburg County amended and extended until May 8 its stay-at-home order, which was stricter than statewide orders and was to expire April 29. The new order aligns the county with policies put in place for the state by Gov. Roy Cooper. County officials have lifted some original restrictions, such as vehicle access to county parks, however there is still a ban for gatherings of 10 or more people.

The new order offers greater flexibility for certain businesses, such as car dealerships, book stores and furniture stores, and allowed retail stores to reopen with curbside pickup, The Charlotte Observer reported. And while mass gatherings of 10 or more are still restricted, funerals will now be allowed to have up to 50 attendees.

According to Mecklenburg County officials, essential businesses now include:

• Defense and military contractors that develop products, processes, equipment, technology, and related services that serve the United States military, national defense, and national security interests.
• Electronic retailers that sell or service cell phones, computers, tablets, and other communications technology.
• Lawn and garden equipment retailers.
• Book stores that sell educational material.
• Religious facilities, entities, groups, gatherings, including funerals. Also, services, counseling, pastoral care, and other activities provided by religious organizations to the members of their faith community. Gatherings may not exceed 10 people.
• Insurance companies, underwriters, agents, brokers, and related insurance claims and agency services.
• Real estate services including brokerage, appraisal and title services.
• Automobile dealers.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation also announced last week that parking lots for parks, greenways and nature preserves would reopen for vehicles April 30. Boat ramps at Cooperhead Island, Ramsey Creek and Blythe Landing also reopened.

Tennis courts will reopen, and players are urged to follow social distancing protocols. If social distancing is not possible, players are urged to wear a mask.

Still closed, however, are park playgrounds, sports courts, restrooms and fields for group sports.
"High contact sports like basketball, soccer and volleyball as well as softball/baseball are not permitted," county parks officials said.

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