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: 8,623 with 289 deaths
- Cases in South Carolina: 5,253 with 166 deaths
- Cases in Mecklenburg County: 1,455 with 40 deaths
- How to file for unemployment benefits in the Carolina
There were more than 900,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States by Saturday, according to Johns Hopkins University. There have been more than 51,000 deaths in the U.S., with 96,000 recoveries and over 4.6 million tests have been conducted nationwide.
Worldwide, there have been over 2.7 million cases, and more than 195,000 people have died.
Two staff members at Rowan County rehabilitation center test positive for COVID-19
Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Rowan County confirmed two staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.
The employees were sent home immediately.
Officials at the rehabilitation center say COVID-19 tests were also administered to all residents — test results are still pending. Liberty Commons says all staff and residents, or the family members of residents, have been notified of the positive tests.
A public health communicable disease nurse and an environmental health specialist conducted a site visit, and reported the facility is following guidelines and recommendations.
Two Charlotte postal workers have tested positive for COVID-19
According to the United States Postal Service, two employees working in Charlotte locations have tested positive for COVID-19.
One employee works at the Charlotte P&DC on Scott Futrell Drive, a second employee works at the Mid-Carolina P&DC on West Pointe Drive.
"We believe the risk is low for employees who work at the facilities, but we will keep our employees apprised as new information and guidance becomes available," a USPS spokesperson said in a statement.
SC DHEC announces 180 new cases of COVID-19, 9 additional deaths
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced 180 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and 9 additional deaths. It brings the total number of confirmed cases in South Carolina to 5,253 and those who have died to 166.
The deaths occurred in eight elderly individuals from Berkeley (2), Colleton (1), Florence (2*), Greenville (1), Orangeburg (1), Richland (1), and one middle-aged individual from Lee county (1).
Here's a breakdown of new cases by county:
Aiken (2), Barnwell (3), Beaufort (9), Berkeley (19), Charleston (8), Cherokee (1), Chesterfield (4), Clarendon (9), Colleton (2), Darlington (4), Dillon (1), Dorchester (2), Edgefield (1), Fairfield (1), Florence (16), Georgetown (2), Greenville (6), Greenwood (2), Horry (3), Kershaw (4), Lancaster (5), Lee (3), Lexington (18), Marion (5), Marlboro (3), Orangeburg (3), Richland (20), Saluda (5), Spartanburg (5), Sumter (3), Williamsburg (7), York (4)
Nearly 600 COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths reported overnight in North Carolina
There were 571 more coronavirus cases confirmed in North Carolina by the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. There have now been 8,623 cases in the state across 95 counties.
The new data showed an additional 20 deaths to bring the total to 289.
Lancaster Bojangles' closed after employee tests positive for COVID-19
A Bojangles' in Lancaster, SC is now closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
Bojangles' announced the employee who tested positive for the coronavirus worked Wednesday, April 22 at the restaurant located at 1205 N. Main Street in Lancaster. The employee is self-isolated while they are recovering.
Duke University says it won't take virus-related federal relief funds
Duke University says it won't accept federal relief funds related to the coronavirus.
The school in North Carolina said in a statement Thursday that accepting the funds could pose legal and regulatory liabilities, even if it passed the money on to students.
Congress is offering $14 billion to the nation’s colleges and universities as part of a $2.2 trillion rescue package. Schools were allotted varying sums based on their size and the number of students they teach from poorer backgrounds.
Fauci cautious optimistic for RNC
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert and adviser to President Donald Trump, is cautiously optimistic on-going coronavirus mitigation efforts will allow the Republican National Convention to occur this summer in Charlotte. In an exclusive interview Friday with WCNC Charlotte, Fauci said the city will need to go through the proposed 3-step process for mitigation and control.
