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New COVID cases push Wake County into the 'yellow:' Community spread highest in Wake Forest, Cary, Morrisville, Raleigh

Wake County saw an increase of 36% in reported COVID-19 cases for the week ending May 7. The countywide total of 3,665 was about 20% of the total cases reported in North Carolina for that time period.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Wake County saw an increase of 36% in reported COVID-19 cases for the week ending May 7. The countywide total of 3,665 was about 20% of the total cases reported in North Carolina for that time period.

After a dip in cases in March after the omicron surge, cases have risen steadily in Wake County through April and into May. The number of cases in the county is slightly less than it was in early February.

Local doctors say social gatherings are leading to a a spike in COVID cases around Wake County. The metrics agree: With 3,665 new cases reported in the week ending May 7 in a growth of 36% week-over-week.

Dr. Jim Parsons, who has practiced medicine in downtown Raleigh for more than 40 years, says COVID cases have increased in his office over the past three weeks.

"We're seeing a dramatic rise," he said. "Every day I see four to six new people positive for COVID."

The new number of cases puts Wake County in the "yellow" or "medium" level in terms of community spread, one of only two counties in the state (Hyde County is the other) to rank that high.

The highest infection rate per 100,000 residents was reported in Wake Forest, followed by Cary, Morrisville, Raleigh and Holly Springs. The data comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state and county health departments.

"It does concern me, honestly, because I thought we were going in a different direction," said Charles Barnes, who recently moved to Wake Forest.

Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease specialist at UNC Health, said vaccination rates are not where they could be, which is likely the cause of the increase.

"Congress has to get out there appropriate funds so we keep vaccines free and in supply of them or [the virus] infects a lot of people and starts to die out," said Wohl.

Wohl said people need to continue getting booster shots and using masks in large crowds. He adds that summer is a good time to take celebrations and gatherings outdoors.

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