In Wake County, greatest number of COVID-19 cases come in 25-44 age group

“We’re seeing our new cases really being driven by younger folks, under 49,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

After months of quarantine and social distancing, many people were eager to get out as soon as businesses started to reopen. When Phase 2 relaxed restrictions, streets and restaurants became crowded.

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But it came at a cost.

Two age groups make up the largest percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 in Wake County right now: Ages 25-34 and ages 35-44.

"I see all the people around that age acting like there’s no pandemic going on, just going about their day like normal,” he said.

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Xiang Li, a student at N.C. State said, “Sometimes I see the students here are riding their bikes and hanging around – not wearing masks."

At UNC, physicians are seeing an increase in positive cases among the younger population. Their concern: That this could cause an increase in overall cases.

“You have young people getting infected at high rates, driving the numbers up," said Dr. Matthew St. Marie.

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He said people in this age group know they are less likely to get terribly sick from COVID-19. However, in two to four weeks, he's concerned the young people will spread the virus, and there will be an uptake in older people falling more seriously ill.