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: 1,584, with 11 deaths
- Cases in South Carolina: 1,293, with 26 deaths
- Cases in Mecklenburg County: 465, with 2 death
- How to file for unemployment in North Carolina
Wednesday, April 1
Two Piedmont Airlines workers reportedly tested positive for COVID-19
A Charlotte-area union says that two Piedmont Airline workers tested positive for COVID-19, and two others are self-quarantining.
Donielle Prophete is a representative of the union representing ramp and customer service agents at the airport. She says they made a request for thermometers.
WCNC reached out to the airport, who said to check with the airline and health department.
In a statement to WCNC, American Airlines said:
“The safety of our customers and team members is our top priority. We are in close contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials and are coordinating with them on all required health and safety measures.”
First individual in NC state prison tests positive for COVID-19
Officials announced the first case of an individual in custody at a North Carolina state prison testing positive for COVID-19. An offender at the minimum custody unit of the Caledonia Correctional Complex in Tillery tested positive.
The individual is a male in his 60s. Given his right to medical privacy and the confidentiality of prison offender records, he will not be identified.
The offender is in isolation, and the prison is being treated by licensed medical staff. Officials say the individual first showed symptoms on March 24, and was immediately quarantined, then tested for COVID-19 the next day. The test came back positive on April 1.
Blue Cross NC to waive COVID-19 treatment
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) announced it is waiving member cost-sharing – including deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance – for treatments related to COVID-19 if a member is diagnosed with the virus. The company was already waiving the cost of screening and testing.
Medic paramedic tests positive for coronavirus
A paramedic with Mecklenburg County's medical emergency response team has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, Medic announced Wednesday.
The individual, who like other patients is not being publicly identified, is home and in isolation.
It was not immediately known how the paramedic came in contact with the virus.
Mecklenburg County reports second COVID-19 death
A second person has died of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Mecklenburg County.
No further information was immediately available about the person.
465 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Mecklenburg County.
The total number of deaths in North Carolina from the coronavirus is now at least 11.
South Carolina receives PPE shipment from Strategic National Stockpile
Video released Wednesday shows the South Carolina National Guard unloading Tuesday a new shipment of personal protective equipment for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The equipment was sent from the the Strategic National Stockpile. The personal protective equipment will be sorted and distributed to the 46 counties in the state in support of the COVID-19 response efforts.
President Donald Trump holds briefing
The president and the White House coronavirus task force held a briefing in Washington.
CMS to begin 4th quarter instruction next week
In a message to families from the district, CMS said fourth-quarter academic instruction with new content will start no later than Monday, April 6.
Each CMS school will make available learning packets for students in pre-kindergarten through third grade at every meal distribution site in the county, as well as on the CMS website.
South Carolina death toll climbs to 26
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced four additional deaths related to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. This brings the state’s total number of deaths to 26.
The four patients were elderly individuals who also had underlying health conditions. They were residents of Anderson, Beaufort, Lee, and Richland counties.
USC to begin refunding students for housing, meals, parking because of COVID-19
The University of South Carolina will begin issuing refunds to students based on guidelines provided by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE).
The University of South Carolina will begin issuing prorated refunds to students for meal plans, parking permits and on-campus residential housing.
North Carolina DHHS releases new COVID-19 statistics
The Department of Health & Human Services announces Wednesday there are now 1,584 positive cases of coronavirus in North Carolina. Of those cases, 204 patients are hospitalized and nine people have died. The state has completed, 26,243 tests.
Former NC Gov. Pat McCrory's nephew has COVID-19
During his radio show in Charlotte Wednesday, the former governor said his nephew tested positive for coronavirus. McCrory tweeted that, "He said if the public understood the unpleasantness of the testing, that would serve as the biggest reason to practice social distancing."
North Carolina deputy dies from COVID-19 related complications
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office reports on their deputies, 43-year-old Deputy Sheriff Sypraseuth "Bud" Phouangphrachanh has died after testing positive for Covid-19. According to the sheriff's office, Phouangphrachanh was a 14 year veteran with the sheriff's office and served as a school resource officer.
South Carolina non-essential businesses will close at 5 p.m.
Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order that takes effect at 5 p.m. Wednesday. It focuses on three key types of businesses: Entertainment venues, recreational facilities, and close-contact personal services (barbershops, nail salons, etc.)
The order does not impact grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies and other essential services.