CHARLOTTE, N.C. — At WCNC Charlotte, we are focusing our coronavirus coverage on facts, not fear. We aim to give our viewers the information they need from officials to best protect themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Facts:
- Cases in North Carolina: 3,962 with 74 deaths
- Cases in South Carolina: 3,065, with 72 deaths
- Cases in Mecklenburg County: 913*, with 12 deaths
- How to file for unemployment benefits in the Carolinas
- North Carolina restricts people in retail stores
The confirmed number of coronavirus cases in the United States is 465,750 as of midnight ET Friday morning. There have been 16,684 deaths in the U.S. and 25,960 recoveries.
The state of New York alone has 161,807 confirmed cases. That more than Spain, the country with the second-most cases in the world behind the U.S.
Worldwide, there are 1.6 million confirmed cases with 95,718 deaths and nearly 355,000 recoveries.
White House adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci told NBC's TODAY show Thursday that he now believes the U.S. death toll will be around 60,000, not the 100,000 - 240,000 predicted a few weeks ago. He cites social distancing and changes to people's behavior.
Charlotte purple for healthcare workers
The Charlotte skyline is lit up purple and green to thank healthcare workers.
Mecklenburg County now has more than 900 confirmed cases
Mecklenburg County Public Health says 913 county residents are positive for COVID-19 and 12 have died.
On Friday the county released new data as of April 9, 2020 when there were 869 reported cases of COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County.
- About 3 in 4 reported cases were adults ages 20 to 59 years old. Two reported cases were among children less than a year old.
- About 1 in 5 reported cases were hospitalized due to their COVID-19 infection. While everyone is at risk for severe COVID-19 complications, reported cases who were older adults (≥ 60 years) were four times more likely to be hospitalized compared to younger individuals.
- About half of reported cases have met CDC criteria to be released from isolation.
- All deaths were among older adults (≥ 60 years) with underlying chronic illnesses. Almost all were hospitalized, two-thirds were male, and half were non-Hispanic Black.
- Individuals who have chronic illnesses like heart disease, respiratory illnesses, diabetes, and hypertension are more likely to experience severe complications and death due to COVID-19. Persisting disparities in rates of these chronic illnesses and adequate access to health resources among non-Hispanic Blacks are driving inequities in illness and death related to COVID-19 in our community and many communities nationwide.
Cadwell County announces two additional cases of COVID-19
Caldwell County has two additional positive COVID-19 cases. Public health officials are investigating and providing for the essential needs of the patients.
Richmond County reports first COVID-19 related death
Richmond County Health officials reported their first COVID-19 related death in a patient hospitalized. The individual was one of the five COVID-19 patients identified earlier this week by the Richmond County Health Department.
Burke County reports third COVID-19-related death
Public Health was notified today of another Burke County resident’s death associated with COVID-19 but was not their primary cause of death. The individual was in her 80’s and had been hospitalized and later died on Thursday, April 9 from overlying medical conditions. To protect the family’s privacy, no further information about the patient will be released.
3 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Catawba County
Health officials in Catawba County are reporting three new cases of coronavirus, bringing the countywide total to 32. The county says 481 people have tested negatively for the virus.
NC DHHS reports 7 more COVID-19 deaths
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services now reports 3,908 cases of coronavirus in the state. There are 423 patients hospitalized and cases are being reported in 91 counties. So far, 74 people have died. That's seven more than Thursday's total of 67.
Charlotte Easter services go virtual due to COVID-19
In a statement released Thursday evening, Mecklenburg County re-affirmed that any gathering, religious or otherwise, must be virtual if it exceeds 10 or more people.
"Due to the continued increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths in Mecklenburg County, the only religious services that remain compliant with the Stay at Home Order are virtual services/livestreams," the county said in a released statement.
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