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: 14,764 with 547 deaths. From Saturday to Sunday the state is reporting 404 new cases. From Friday to Saturday the state is reporting 492 new cases.
- Cases in South Carolina: 7,653 with 331 deaths. Confirmed cases have increased by 113 from Saturday. A total of 331 people have died, an increase of one from Saturday. 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: 2,106 and 63 deaths — Mecklenburg County trends and daily case counts remain stable, according to the Mecklenburg County Public Health Director. Mecklenburg County reported one additional death Sunday.
- How to file for unemployment in North Carolina
- North Carolina stay home remains in effect: Phase 1 starts May 8.
- South Carolina State of Emergency expiration: May 11
One additional coronavirus-related death in Mecklenburg County
Mecklenburg County announced Sunday that the county had 2,106 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 63 deaths related to the novel coronavirus. That's up 51 additional cases, and one additional death from Saturday.
SC DHEC launches COVID-19 mobile testing clinics
Mobile and popup COVID-19 testing clinics will be hosted across the state of South Carolina, as the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control partners with community organizations to enhance testing capacity.
The screening and 'specimen collections' are free for residents of the communities the clinics go to and are part of an effort to test more in "underserved and rural communities," according to SC DHEC.
Here's where South Carolinians can expect these clinics in the coming week:
- May 11, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- St James Presbyterian Church, 1314 Secessionville Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
- May 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Johns Island Regional Library, 3531 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
- May 13, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- St James AME Church, 5305 Maybank Hwy, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487
- May 14, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Azalea Drive Church of Christ, 3950 Azalea Dr, Charleston, SC 29405
- May 15, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Life Center Cathedral, 7190 Cross County Rd, Charleston, SC 29418
Some Charlotte-area churches host outdoor service
Churches in North Carolina are now allowed to have outdoor service with social distancing measures in place. It's part of Phase 1 of Governor Cooper's executive order.
A pastor at Saint Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte says the church has been getting creative to offer the same experiences in a safe way, including drive-by confessions and prayer in a parking lot.
South Carolina announces 113 new cases, 1 additional death
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced 113 new cases of COVID-19 and one additional death. It brings the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 7,653, and 331 people have died.
The one death reported Sunday was an elderly individual in Marion County.
Saturday, 3,280 total tests were performed in the state, resulting in the 113 positive cases reported Sunday — a 3.4% positive rate.
Here's a breakdown of new cases by county:
Aiken (2), Allendale (1), Anderson (2), Bamberg (1), Beaufort (6), Charleston (1), Chesterfield (4), Clarendon (1), Darlington (1), Dillon (7), Dorchester (1), Florence (12), Greenville (13), Hampton (1), Horry (6), Jasper (2), Lancaster (5), Laurens (1), Lee (7), Lexington (4), Marion (1), Orangeburg (2), Pickens (5), Richland (15), Saluda (1), Spartanburg (7), Sumter (1), Williamsburg (2), York (1)
Catawba County announces second COVID-19 death
Catawba County Public Health reported the second COVID-19 related death in their county. The individual had been hospitalized from the coronavirus and passed Sunday from complications associated with the virus. The individual was in their early 70s and had underlying medical conditions.
To protect the family’s privacy, Catawba County health officials are not releasing any further information about the individual.
"We are saddened by the news of a second COVID-related death in our community. Our condolences go out to this person’s loved ones," said Catawba County Health Director Jennifer McCracken. "This death is an unfortunate reminder that our fight against this disease is ongoing."
NC COVID-19 cases update
North Carolina health officials reported 404 news COVID-19 cases from Saturday to Sunday, bring a total of 14,764 cases of cases across the state.
Also, NCDHHS is reporting three additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 547.
The rate of positive tests for the virus remained under 10 percent. State officials are monitoring data as North Carolina began over the weekend to allow a phased-in reopening of businesses. One-day changes can sometimes be an anomaly, and officials say they are looking for trends that sustain themselves over 14 days or longer.
Wilkesboro Tyson Foods fresh plant temporarily closed for deep cleaning
The Tyson Foods fresh plant in Wilkesboro has been "idled" Saturday and will be closed Monday for deep cleaning and sanitizing, due to coronavirus.
The plant will resume operations Tuesday — Tyson officials say there won't be an impact to the foodservice plant.
It comes after Matrix Medical has been at the plant testing team members for COVID-19. The company says they expect all testing to be complete by Saturday night.