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: 9,142 with 306 deaths
- Cases in South Carolina: 5,613 with 177 deaths
- Cases in Mecklenburg County: 1,491 with 43 deaths
- How to file for unemployment in North Carolina
There were more than 965,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States around 4 a.m. on Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University. There have been more than 54,000 deaths in the U.S. and more than 206,000 deaths worldwide.
The global total of confirmed cases is 2.97 million.
For most, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
American Airlines announces added cleaning measures
Monday, American Airlines announced additional cleaning procedures and other health-related updates for both customers and team members.
It comes after a video posted on Twitter showing a packed American Airlines flight from New York to Charlotte, though it's not clear that the two are related.
American Airlines will be expanding the cleaning procedures in early May — using a disinfectant approved by the EPA to clean common customer areas, wiping down doors and overhead bin handles and enhanced cleaning of team member areas. This will happen on every mainline flight.
In early May, American Airlines will also start distributing sanitizing wipes or gels and face masks to customers — that will apply to all flights as supplies and operations allow.
Additionally, flight attendants will be required to wear masks on every mainline and regional flight beginning May 1.
Cabarrus Health Alliance updates on COVID-19 in area facilities
Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA) launched investigations and conducts facility-wide testing after learning of confirmed cases at long term care and congregate living facilities
“Testing within these facilities is critical to protect our residents. Our staff has and will continue to test everyone who lives or works in these facilities as cases are identified as a proactive step to prevent additional spread of the virus,” said Dr. Bonnie Coyle, CHA Health Director.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is now reporting COVID-19 data within congregate living settings in a new weekly report.
Charlotte city council meeting
The Charlotte City Council is holding a meeting where they were expected to discuss city topics such as the on-going response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Certain South Carolina elections postponed due to COVID-19
Governor McMaster today announced the postponement of elections scheduled for May 5 and May 12 — all affected elections will be rescheduled, with new dates announced later.
The Lancaster School Board Special Election was originally scheduled for May 5, but will be among the rescheduled elections. Similarly, the City of Chester Special Election originally scheduled for May 12 will be rescheduled.
SC State Election Commission says June 9 Primaries to be held as scheduled
South Carolina's June 9 Statewide Primaries and June 23 Runoffs are set to proceed as scheduled.
The State Election Commission said they have no authority to delay the primaries. Voting options remain unchanged, so voters are urged to decide on an individual basis what works best for them.
Vote Absentee
- Those who are voting absentee by mail are encouraged to apply now, and once qualified, to vote as soon as possible if by mail
- Absentee voting held in-person county voter registration offices begins May 4
- Click for a full list of absentee qualifications and to get your application.
Vote on Election Day
- Poll managers will receive training on applying social distancing and maintaining sanitary conditions in the polling place.
- Election officials are working to get certain personal protective equipment for poll managers, sneeze guards for check-in stations, sanitizing wipes for common surfaces, hand sanitizer, and cotton swabs for making selections on touchscreen devices.
- Check-in stations and voting equipment will be spaced at least six feet apart.
- Some polling places will be relocated or consolidated due to the pandemic.
Mecklenburg County announces 3 additional COVID-19 deaths
Three additional people have died from COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County, county officials confirm.
As of Monday afternoon, 1,491 Mecklenburg County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 43 people have died.
Gov. Henry McMaster declares additional 15-day State of Emergency for SC in response to COVID-19
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency throughout the state, which allows for the state's response to COVID-19 to continue.
The governor can, by law, declare a state of emergency for up to 15 days. His most recent executive order declaring a state of emergency was declared April 12, and would expire Monday.
All existing orders issued by Gov. McMaster remain in effect unless otherwise rescinded.
SC DHEC announces 142 new cases of COVID-19
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced 142 new cases of COVID-19 and three additional deaths. It brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 5,613 and those who have died to 177.
The deaths occurred in three elderly individuals from Clarendon (1), Florence (1), and Greenville (1) counties.
SCDHEC says a private lab reported a month's history of positive test results from Greenville County residents over the weekend, causing a spike in case results for that county.
SCDHEC urged the lab to report results within 24 hours in the future.
Here's a breakdown of the 142 new cases by county:
Abbeville (2), Aiken (3), Anderson (4), Beaufort (1), Cherokee (1), Chesterfield (2), Clarendon (4), Darlington (3), Dillon ( 3), Dorchester (2), Edgefield (1), Fairfield (7), Greenville (44)*, Greenwood (1), Hampton (1), Horry (7), Kershaw (5), Lancaster (1), Laurens (6), Lee (4), Lexington (5), Marion (1), Marlboro (1), Oconee (2), Pickens (4), Richland (5), Saluda (5), Spartanburg (6), Sumter (2), Williamsburg (4), York (5)
24 Hours of Booty fundraiser to be held virtually this year
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 24 Foundation announced that its signature fundraiser, 24 Hours of Booty, will be reformatted to a virtual event this year.
The event was originally scheduled to take place in Myers Park July 24-25. Now virtual, the 19th Annual 24 Hours of Booty presented by Levine Cancer Institute will take place from 7 p.m. July 24 to 7 p.m. July 25.
It will feature a week of “summer games” leading up to the full event July 24-25 that participants can do from their home and backyard.
Registration is $25 per person and includes an event shirt. There isn't a fundraising minimum to participate, but fundraising is encouraged.
North Carolina holds coronavirus briefing
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. and Director of NC Emergency Management Mike Sprayberry hold a COVID-19 coronavirus briefing Raleigh. There are over 9,100 cases of coronavirus in North Carolina, including more than 1,400 in Mecklenburg County.
Frontline Foods Charlotte partners with Medic to feed first responders
Frontline Foods Charlotte teamed up with Medic and the Great Balls of Fire Foundation, along with other local organizations, to help feed Mecklenburg County first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frontline Foods Charlotte kicked off in late March. They've delivered more than 1500 meals to first responders and healthcare workers, with more being scheduled daily.
AccelerateSC meets to discuss South Carolina economic revitalization
Governor Henry McMaster and Lt. Governor Pamela S. Evette participate in a meeting of AccelerateSC, the coordinated COVID-19 coronavirus advisory team to consider and recommend economic revitalization plans for South Carolina. The meeting is happening at the University of South Carolina Alumni Center.
Union County confirms third COVID-19 outbreak at congregate care facility
Union County Public Health says an outbreak of coronavirus has been confirmed at Autumn Care of Marshville. It's the third outbreak at a congregate care facility in Union County. As of 1:45 p.m., 59 of the county's 202 cases are associated with an outbreak.
North Carolina reports 7 new coronavirus-related deaths
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced seven new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the statewide total to 306. There are now at least 9,142 cases of coronavirus in North Carolina in 95 counties, which is an increase of 312 total cases.
South Carolina fighter jets to fly over state to honor COVID-19 heroes
Fighter jets are planning to fly across the Palmetto state to honor those heroes on the front lines fighting the 'invisible enemy,' COVID-19.
F-16 fighter jets from the South Carolina Air National Guard’s 169th Fighter Wing will salute the state’s medical professionals and first responders during a round-the-state flyover on Monday, April 27.
Second round of Paycheck Protection Program goes live Monday
Small businesses owners nationwide will have another chance at securing federal dollars to help keep employees on payroll amid the COVID-19 crisis. Last week, Congress added $310 billion to its Paycheck Protection Fund and that money will be available today. The first round of $349 billion dried up in just 13 days.
The paycheck protection program is designed to help small businesses with fewer than 500 people, but there is concern it could again be quickly tapped out by the number of applications.
Belk to reopen South Carolina stores May 1
Charlotte-based retailer Belk announced it will reopen its stores in South Carolina on Friday, May 1. The decision comes as restrictions are expected to be lifted in over 20 states this week. The company said they will open limited hours and implement social distancing to keep customers and employees safe from COVID-19.