North Carolina sets grim new records

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina hit another record for coronavirus patients in the state’s hospitals Tuesday, passing 1,100 people for the first time.

The state saw its sixthstraight day with more than 1,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, reaching 1,109, which is 16 higher than Saturday’s previous high. With 91% of hospitals reporting, the state has 73% of its inpatient beds occupied and 78% of the intensive care beds.

North Carolina’s death toll from COVID-19 cases reached 1,552, rising by 42, which is a record for single-day fatalities.

The record numbers came as the state also reached a new high for positive COVID-19 test results, now at 11%. NC DHHS reported 89,484 positive coronavirus cases statewide, up 1,956 from Monday’s total.