Local Covid Cases, Hospitalizations Rise; Deaths Decline

CHARLOTTE, NC – Pandemic key metrics are hitting record highs this week as cases and hospitalizations rise. Meanwhile, people dying from Covid is on the decline, according to health officials.

Health leaders say hospitals are struggling to keep up, meanwhile small businesses are finding it difficult to keep their doors open.

The Bag Lady gift store in plaza Midwood was back open on Friday after being closed for five days.

“We had so many employees testing positive,” said Susan Burns, the store’s owner.

She says about half of her employees have contracted Covid in the last two weeks.

“We’ll be worried about them of course, luckily they’re all recovering and doing much better, still it’s really scary,” said Burns.

She says keeping the business running has been challenging.

“It’s scary, the unpredictability is really difficult and staffing is really difficult when you lose almost half your staff,” said Burns.

Many business owners are experiencing similar situations as more and more people in Mecklenburg county test positive for Covid.

“We are feeling the strain and the stress of this current surge,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, the Mecklenburg County health Director.

Mecklenburg county reported 2300 new cases in the last week. Hospitalizations are also rising fast.

“Our teams have loved you calling them heroes, but they’re tired and they need some relief,” said Dr. Sid Fletcher with Novant Health.

Dr. Fletcher says nearly 90% of the cases needing hospitalization are people who are unvaccinated.

“We know that telling you to get a vaccine doesn’t work so I’m just going to say, we’re begging you , please get vaccinated if you have not been vaccinated. It’s critical,” said Dr. Fletcher.