CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The number of cases of COVID-19, or novel coronavirus, continues to climb across the Carolinas and United States Monday.
State and federal officials are continually monitoring the spread of coronavirus. At WCNC Charlotte, we're focusing our news coverage of COVID-19 on the facts and not the fear around the virus.
Key facts:
- One death has been reported in South Carolina, none in North Carolina
- 33 confirmed cases in South Carolina, 33 confirmed cases in North Carolina
- 7 confirmed cases in Mecklenburg County
- 259 tests have been performed in Mecklenburg County
- Schools are closed for at least the next two weeks
- President Trump is asking all Americans to avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people and avoid dining at restaurants and bars.
Monday, March 16, 2020
There are now 33 cases in South Carolina and 33 in North Carolina. Seven of those North Carolina COVID-19 cases are in Mecklenburg County. Nationwide, there are over 3,700 cases of coronavirus and so far, 41 Americans have died from the virus.
South Carolina says there have been 235 negative tests by DHEC's public lab. A total of 67 people have completed monitoring for symptoms and seven are currently being monitored. According to DHEC, private labs are required to report positive cases to the state.
North Carolina officials announced they have completed 329 tests at the State lab and there are enough tests for another 1,300 people.
Schools in North Carolina and South Carolina will be closed for at least the next two weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended every event with more than 50 people present be canceled for the next eight weeks. This would include weddings, funerals, parties and more.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools moves spring break back
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools has reinstituted their original April spring break after a statewide declaration closed all public schools for much of March.
Spring break will occur between April 13 and 17th as originally scheduled.
RELATED: CMS restores original spring break
Iredell County reports first case
A person is Iredell County has presumptively tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, county officials announced Monday.
The patient, who like other patients is not being publicly identified, is at home in isolation, Iredell County officials said. The case was described as "isolated."
Gaston County to close libraries, senior centers
Gaston County announced Monday that it will be closing its libraries, museum and senior center because of COVID-19. CaroMont says its operations continue to be stable.
President Trump announces new guidelines for Americans
President Trump is aking Americans to avoid mass gatherings of more than 10 people. President Trump said everyone should avoid going out to restaurants and bars.
Salisbury VA Health Care System postpones non-essential procedures
The Salisbury VA announced it has postponed all non-essential procedures for a minimum of 60 days to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Mecklenburg County announces 3 new cases of coronavirus
Health Director Gibbie Harris says there are three additional cases of COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County, bringing the county total to seven. There are 259 people under investigation who have been tested and are being monitored for symptoms while awaiting their results.
Director Harris said the county is being very specific about who gets tested for COVID-19 based on their symptoms and the severity. Harris also said the county is banning mass gatherings of more than 50 people, which is stricter than the current state recommendation.
Charlotte Motor Speedway postpones annual AutoFair
The Pennzoil AutoFair, scheduled for April 2-5, has been postponed until June 12-14. The American Flat Track event scheduled that weekend at The Dirt Track has been postponed until a later date.
City of Hickory to close rec centers, gyms, limit gatherings of people to under 50
Brown Penn Recreation Center, Westmont Recreaction Center, Neill Clark Recreaction Center, Westmont Senior Center and Brown Penn Senior Center are closed until further notice.
The gyms at Highland and Ridgeview recreation centers are closed indefinitely. The fitness centers at these facilities will be open with normal hours.
South Carolina reports first COVID-19 related death
South Carolina health officials say the patient was an elderly person from Lexington County and lived in a nursing facility.
Campbell University student tests presumptive positive for COVID-19
Campbell University announced that one student on the main campus has tested presumptive positive for coronavirus. The student is in self-quarantine pending further testing at the CDC to confirm the result.
Officials have begun reaching out to those who may have been in close contact with the student. A second student has tested negative for the virus and test results are pending for a third. They have been asked to self-quarantine by health officials.
UNC Charlotte asks students to leave campus if possible
UNC Charlotte issued an update requesting all on-campus residential students return to their permanent residence if circumstances permit. There remains zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the UNCC campus.
Burke County suspends fingerprinting
The Burke County Sheriff's Office announced it will suspend fingerprinting for people involving applications and new concealed carry permits for two weeks. They will reassess the situation on March 30.
Seoul Food Meat Company announces temporary closing
The popular South End restaurant announced it will close effective immediately to practice social distancing. No timetable has been given on when they could reopen.
"This was not an easy decision to make and certainly not without its consequences to us as a business and to our staff who are the heart of this operation. Now is the time to lead by example. This is not the time for half measures and cynicism. We hope you understand and continue to support us and your local businesses as this progresses."
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office issues statement on eviction execution
"The evictions that are executed by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office are court ordered; the 26th Judicial District has announced a limited court schedule for the next 30 days starting on Monday, March 16, 2020, but there are no specific limitations on filings for evictions. MCSO is aware that other jurisdictions across the country have suspended evictions after the courts in those jurisdictions issued court orders to suspended evictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
MCSO Field Operations staff have personal protective equipment and will make the appropriate notification if they encounter individuals showing symptoms of COVID-19 at residences where evictions are being executed. Until a court order is issued, MCSO is duty bound to fulfill the constitutional and statutory mandates of the Office of Sheriff and will continue to serve and execute civil processes and court orders."
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