COVID diagnoses in Lee County approached 2,700 Monday, as the county reported 116 new cases since Thursday as well as two additional deaths.

“Two more Lee County families have lost loved ones to COVID-19 and we ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” said Lee County Health Director Heath Cain. “This virus is taking a toll on our community and the most recent case data indicates things may get worse before they get better. As we offer our condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones to COVID-19, we ask the community to do their part to help slow the spread of the virus – wear your mask, wait your turn, and wash your hands.”

Of the 2,686 who have tested positive, 2,353 have recovered and 34 have now died. 299 of the cases are considered active, up sharply from the 185 reported on Thursday.

Identifying information about patients isn’t disclosed, but the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services COVID dashboard does have some demographic information. According to the dashboard, the rolling seven day average for new cases jumped from 17 on Thursday to 25.71 on Monday, while the percent positive rate increased from from 8.8 to 9.9 in the same time period.

The Health Department will hold community testing events at 106 Hillcrest Drive every Tuesday through December 15 from 9 to 11 a.m. by appointment only. To make an appointment, please call (984) 368-2112 Monday through Friday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.