As Key COVID Metrics Trend Down, Health Officials Urge People To Keep Their Guard Up

CHARLOTTE, NC – Key metrics are moving in the right direction as the fight against COVID-19 continues. The encouraging news comes as a new strain of the virus is confirmed in North Carolina for the first time. 

“Starting to see a little bit of a downward trajectory. That is a hopeful sign,” said Adam Gaub, the Gaston County Public Information Officer. 

The holiday case count peak has come and gone. The numbers are now trending down. 

“Gradually start to work our way back towards what a more normal life would look like,” said Gaub. 

On Monday, Gaston county reported 111 cases, down from 303 on January 10th. 

In Mecklenburg county, a similar drop in new cases. 

County health officials reported 697 cases on Monday; compared to 1,309 on January 10th. 

“Some promising trends. Obviously that could change quickly,” said Atrium Health Dr. Katie Passaretti. 

Passaretti says there is some positive momentum as case counts come down. Hospitalizations are stabilizing. And the percent of positive cases in Mecklenburg County is dropping towards the single digits. On Monday, 11.8% of tests were positive compared to 15% on January 10th

But a new threat is now in North Carolina. The state recorded its first case of a COVID strain that originated in the UK and is much more easily spread from person to person. 

“These new strains absolutely are of concern and would absolutely reinforce that it is so so important to continue masking,” said Dr. Passaretti.

Passaretti says now is not the time to let your guard down. 

“The same things that have protected you in the past will protect you against this newer strain,” said Dr. Passaretti.