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: 12,256 with 452 deaths. From Monday to Tuesday the state is reporting 408 new cases. From Sunday to Monday the state was reporting 184 new cases.
- Cases in South Carolina: 6,841 with 296 deaths. Confirmed cases have increased by 93 from Monday. A total of 296 people have died, an increase of 13 from Monday. 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: 1,787 and 57 deaths — which is up 39 cases and 3 additional deaths from Sunday's total count. 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
SC DHEC announces 93 new cases of COVID-19
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced 93 new cases of COVID-19 and 13 additional deaths. It brings the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Carolina to 6,841 — 296 people have died.
Of the recently announced deaths, twelve people were elderly individuals in Beaufort (1), Berkeley (3), Charleston (1), Richland (5), Williamsburg (1), and York (1) counties, and one death occurred in a middle-aged individual in Florence County (1).
Here's a breakdown of the newly announced cases by county:
Allendale (3), Anderson (1), Barnwell (2), Beaufort (1), Charleston (2), Chesterfield (1), Clarendon (5), Darlington (5), Fairfield (3), Florence (6), Greenville (3), Greenwood (2), Horry (6), Kershaw (2), Lancaster (1), Laurens (1), Lee (1), Lexington (11), Marion (1), Marlboro (1), Oconee (2), Orangeburg (3), Pickens (2), Richland (12), Saluda (2), Spartanburg (3), Sumter (7), Williamsburg (2), York (2)
NC Gov. Cooper announces Phase 1 of easing restrictions
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and other state officials are holding a news conference to announce the Phase 1 of reopening. Cooper said Monday 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.]
Officials said as we enter Phase 1 and ease restrictions, residents still need to practice social distancing and wear a face mask when possible.
Data for Mecklenburg County COVID-19 Cases Reported as of May 3
As of Tuesday, May 5 at 10 a.m., 1,756 Mecklenburg County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, with 55 related deaths. Public Health data from yesterday is detailed below.
As of May 3, 2020, 1,717 cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and 52 deaths due to COVID-19 among county residents were reported to Mecklenburg County Public Health (MCPH).
Nearly every major US airline now requires face masks
Nearly every major U.S. airline is now requiring passengers to wear face masks on flights to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. In addition, non-U.S. airline Air Canada is going a step further and adding pre-boarding temperature checks.
Hawaiian Airlines announced last Friday it was going to start requiring passenger masks starting this coming Friday, May 8. Spirit Airlines announced over the weekend it would begin the requirement on May 11.