GASTONIA, N.C. — Gaston County leaders are alarmed following a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. County numbers show from May 30 to June 12, there was a 312% jump in positive tests, and of the total number of tests given out, the percentage of positive tests rose from 5.14% to 11.17%.
But what Commissioner Ronnie Worley found the most alarming was the number of people hospitalized climbed from just the single digits to more than 20 people.
County experts said the number of people in a hospital is largely unaffected by an increase in testing, and it suggests COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in the area.
"We need to see the numbers going down so I want people to be responsible," Commissioner Worley said. "Things are opening back up, but it still doesn't mean that you should be out in large crowds."
He and other commissioners, including Allen Fraley, are urging people to follow social distancing guidelines and wear masks when necessary.
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