(NORTH CAROLINA NEWS NETWORK) — North Carolina reported 2,532 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, the highest single-day increase since the first case was reported in March.

The numbers are concerning to State Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen.

She spoke at a Raleigh briefing and says the increase is concerning particularly as the state heads into flu season.

Cohen says this uptick in infections could not be traced to any one place, age group or activity.

Also at that Thursday briefing, Gov. Roy Cooper announced the HOPE Program, which will assist eligible low- and- moderate-income renters experiencing financial hardship because of COVID-19.