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: 13,868 with 527 deaths. From Thursday to Friday the state is reporting 471 new cases. From Wednesday to Thursday the state was reporting 639 new cases.
- Cases in South Carolina: 7,142 with 316 deaths. Confirmed cases have increased by 97 from Tuesday. A total of 305 people have died, an increase of 9 from Tuesday. 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: 1,983 and 60 deaths — 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 remains in effect: Phase 1 starts May 8.
- South Carolina State of Emergency expiration: May 11
Catawba County to reopen libraries
Beginning Saturday, May 9, the Catawba County Library will open its doors to the public for the first time since March 17, restoring direct access to computers, library materials, and other in-house resources.
Operating under Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 138 Requirements for Phase One Retail Business Openings, the library will implement limited occupancy, social distancing, and safety protocols that support public health needs while also delivering the important services that county residents depend on.
SC Governor, public health official COVID-19 update
NC Governor holds news conference
North Carolina governor Roy Cooper is holding a news conference to talk about Phase 1 of reopening the state, which takes effect today at 5 p.m.
Catholic churches to hold outdoor mass starting this weekend
In view of the governor’s modified stay-at-home order, churches in the Diocese of Charlotte may offer Mass outdoors for more than 10 people starting this weekend, at the pastor’s discretion. People attending any worship services are expected to follow public health guidance by remaining at least 6 feet apart (excluding members of the same family or household), and wearing a mask or cloth that covers their nose and mouth. Those who are ill or vulnerable to infection are still strongly encouraged to stay at home and attend Mass virtually on TV or online.
Grandfather Mountain set for limited opening May 15
Following a two-month closure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Grandfather Mountain will tentatively open in a limited capacity May 15, with all ticket sales moving online.
In accordance with N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper’s three-phased “reopening” of North Carolina, the nonprofit nature park will strictly limit visitor numbers to follow social gathering guidelines while implementing enhanced health and safety measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and federal, state and local authorities.
Grandfather Mountain is planning a soft reopening May 15, 16 and 17 and will open again May 22. The park will be closed May 18-21.
Charlotte Motor Speedway to Host Drive-in, Drive-through Graduation Ceremonies For Cabarrus County High Schools
With area schools closed for the remainder of the academic year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Charlotte Motor Speedway is partnering with Cabarrus County Schools and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to give high school seniors a first-of-its-kind commencement for the state.
“High school graduation is a rite of passage for teenagers and their families,” said Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter. “These students have worked for years to get their diplomas, and they deserve to mark this milestone in a big way. We’re honored to engage our gigantic Speedway TV to help our neighbors create North Carolina’s first ever drive-in, drive-through graduation ceremony.”
Students from all 10 Cabarrus County high schools, representing more than 2,300 graduates in the 2020 senior class, will take part in individual ceremonies over a two-day period of June 12-13.
CMS seniors invited to participate in graduation survey
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and the Graduation Task Force are inviting graduating seniors to participate in a survey to help guide the direction of graduation ceremonies. For two days, seniors will have the opportunity to offer their ideas about how they would like to celebrate their graduations. When the survey closes, the Superintendent will review responses and recommendations from the Task Force and make a determination for the Class of 2020 graduations.
Open Thursday, May 7 at 1 p.m.
Closes on Sunday, May 10 at 5 p.m.
Seniors are asked to visit this link to take the survey.
What you need to know about Phase 1 of reopening North Carolina
North Carolina will enter Phase 1 of reopening starting Friday at 5 p.m.
Phase 1 is part of a broader phase that includes multiple approaches to reopening the state. Find out more about Phase II and Phase III.
The biggest change under Phase 1 is for retailers. Stores that were deemed “non-essential” will be able to open at 50% capacity with cleaning and social distancing.
Childcare centers will open. Restaurants are still only open for takeout and delivery. Gyms remain closed, and in-person worship services can only be held outside with social distancing.
Does this Order lift the Governor’s Stay at Home Order?
No, people should still stay at home, but it increases the number of reasons people are allowed to leave. All North Carolina residents should continue to stay at home except for the purposes outlined in this Order. Anyone who is feeling sick should stay home and should leave the house only to seek health care or for some other necessary reason.