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: 11,848 with 430 deaths. State health officials say the percentage of positive tests has gone down to 7% with doubling the number of tests, so the spike in positive cases is expected.
- Cases in South Carolina: 6,757 with 283 deaths. Confirmed cases have increased by 135 from Sunday. A total of 283 people have died, an increase of 8 from Sunday. Dr. Linda Bell, the state's epidemiologist with DHEC, says the curve of cases for the illness appears to be leveling in the state.
- Cases in Mecklenburg County: 1,740 and 54 deaths — which is up 23 cases and three deaths from Sunday's total count. Saturday, Mecklenburg County had no new coronavirus-related deaths to report. Mecklenburg County trends and daily case counts remain stable, according to the Mecklenburg County Public Health Director
- How to file for unemployment in North Carolina
- North Carolina stay home order expiration: May 8
- South Carolina State of Emergency expiration: May 11
Caldwell County confirms seven additional COVID-19 cases
Caldwell County confirms seven additional COVID-19 cases. Four of the cases are in the 28630 zip code, two in 28645, and one in 28638.
Caldwell County currently has 45 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 and zero related deaths. The county has 21 patients who have recovered.
York County School of Ballet forced to shut its doors
A family business that's been open for decades in York County announced it would be closing due to the uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an announcement by the family on Facebook, Ms. Blackwell and Mrs. Cooper said it was an 'extremely difficult decision' and the two are heartbroken at the choice.
"We are more than a ballet school and a company, we are a family," the statement reads, in part. "As sad as we are let’s celebrate what we have together- the wonderful memories, the lasting friendships, the power of the arts, the beautiful impact on our community, and above all, always the love."
NC courts expanding remote operations
North Carolina’s court system is still working on plans for how to phase back to full operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
As many operations remain limited, courthouses remain open and are taking proactive steps to protect the people and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued several orders in efforts to reduce the number of people required to enter courthouses. Because of that, many court proceedings will be postponed until June 1.
It also has delayed filing and payment deadlines and allowed for greater and more flexible use of technology so that cases can be handled remotely.
The Chief Justice’s directives expire by law every 30 days. They were renewed through the month of May.
Burke County reports 10th death from COVID-19
Burke County announced Monday that another person had died in the county from COVID-19 complications. They were the 10th person in the county to die from coronavirus.
The person was in the 80s and was not hospitalized. The person died from complications associated with underlying medical conditions.
3 new coronavirus-related deaths in Mecklenburg County
Mecklenburg County health officials confirmed 23 new cases of COVID-19 in the county and three additional deaths related to the novel coronavirus.
Currently, Mecklenburg County has a total of 1,740 diagnosed cases and 54 deaths.
UNCC delaying start of fall semester due to COVID-19
The University of North Carolina Charlotte will be resuming in-person instruction this fall, but the semester won't begin as originally planned on August 24.
Instead, in-person instruction will resume for the fall semester on September 7, two weeks later.
"We know how critical in-person instruction, hands-on learning, and activities with friends and peers are to a well-rounded student experience," Chancellor Philip Dubois said in a letter to the campus community.
SCDHEC announces 135 new cases of COVID-19 as Work Or Home order is lifted
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced 135 new cases of the COVID-19 and 8 additional deaths.
It brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 6,757 and those who have died to 283.
Of those who died, six were elderly individuals in Clarendon (1), Greenville (2), Horry (1), and Richland (2) counties, and two of the deaths occurred in middle-aged individuals from Clarendon (1) and Marlboro (1) counties.
Here's a breakdown of new cases in South Carolina by county:
Allendale (2), Bamberg (1), Berkeley (3), Charleston (8), Chesterfield (1), Cherokee (1), Clarendon (3), Darlington (4), Dillon (2), Florence (12), Georgetown (1), Greenville (30), Horry (4), Kershaw (1), Laurens (1), Lexington (12), Marion (3), Marlboro (2), McCormick (1), Oconee (1), Orangeburg (5), Pickens (1), Richland (13), Saluda (1), Spartanburg (7), Sumter (13), Williamsburg (1), York (1)
Charlotte small business round table
Mecklenburg County Manager Dena R. Diorio is meeting with community business leaders in a coronavirus small business roundtable. In the wake of COVID-19, the County Manager has enlisted business and other leaders to help develop ideas on how to effectively and safely reopen Mecklenburg County businesses as the North Carolina Stay at Home Order evolves. The county is providing real-time audio of the roundtable conversation.
Gov. Cooper signs $1.5B COVID-19 relief bills into law
Governor Roy Cooper today signed the following COVID-19 relief bills into law:
“I am signing into law two critical relief bills that will provide assistance to families, schools, hospitals and small businesses as our state battles COVID-19,” said Governor Cooper. “There is more work ahead of us, and I hope the spirit of consensus behind these bills will continue.”
The Governor was joined by House Speaker Tim Moore, Democratic House Leader Darren Jackson, Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and Democratic Senate Leader Dan Blue.
"The General Assembly crafted a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package that puts North Carolina on the right path to recovery. Governor Cooper's signature on these bills sends a signal to our citizens that our state is moving past this crisis and that action is being taken to address their concerns," said Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger.
Gov. Cooper hopeful that the state can begin phase 1 of reopening by this weekend
Gov. Roy Cooper said he is hopeful that the state of North Carolina can enter phase 1 of reopening by this weekend.
"Please know the success that we've had so far is due to the work of North Carolinians are doing," Cooper said. "We can lose ground quickly and cause many more deaths if we don't [continue social distancing.]
Cooper said details of Phase 1 of reopening will be coming out Tuesday or Wednesday. Officials said as we enter Phase 1 and ease restrictions, residents still need to practice social distancing and wear a face mask when possible.
Phase 1:
- Modify the Stay At Home order allow travel not currently defined as essential allowing people to leave home for commercial activity at any business that is allowed to be open, such as clothing stores, sporting goods stores, book shops, houseware stores and other retailers.
- Ensure that any open stores implement appropriate employee and consumer social distancing, enhanced hygiene and cleaning protocols, symptom screening of employees, accommodations for vulnerable workers, and provide education to employees and workers to combat misinformation
- Continue to limit gatherings to no more than 10 people
- Reopen parks that have been closed subject to the same gathering limitation. Outdoor exercise will continue to be encouraged.
- Continue to recommend face coverings in public spaces when 6 feet of distancing isn’t possible
- Encourage employers to continue teleworking policies
- Continue rigorous restrictions on nursing homes and other congregant care settings
- Local emergency orders with more restrictive measures may remain in place.
Winthrop University to hold in-person graduation
Winthrop University announced Monday that they will hold an in-person graduation on August 15th.
SC governor lifts mandatory home or work order, allows outdoor restaurant dining
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is lifting the mandatory home or work order for the state, making it voluntary, and allowing restaurants to again serve customers in outdoor dining situations.
McMaster issued a series of executive orders Friday relaxing many rules that had previously been put in place during a news conference. He also called for a statewide day of prayer on Sunday.
The home or work order (essentially a stay at home order) will now become voluntary on Monday, May 4 at 12:00 a.m. That's also the same day outdoor dining returns.