COVID-19 particles found in sewage in North Carolina increased by nearly 70 percent in the past week.
At 82.4 million virus particles, that is the highest number since last January.
Last week's North Carolina COVID-19 dashboard update also shows that statewide hospital admissions also reached their highest level in nearly a year for the second straight week.
The increases in particles found in wastewater are a key predictor of a surge in cases, and NCDHHS officials say the bump in hospital admissions likely reflect the viral spread that took place during the winter holidays.
Another 209 coronavirus deaths were recorded, bringing the total to 27,908.
More details are available on the North Carolina COVID-19 dashboard HERE.
