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NC sees largest increase in number of new cases, but percent remains low: Real-time updates Thursday, May 7

There are nearly 14,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina. According to data from NCDHHS, trends and metrics remain stable.

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.  

For updates from Wednesday, May 6, click here.

Key Facts:

  • Cases in North Carolina: 13,397 with 507 deaths. From Wednesday to Thursday the state is reporting 639 new cases. From Tuesday to Wednesday the state was reporting 502 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: 1,932 and 59 deaths — which is up 130 cases from Sunday. Wednesday, Mecklenburg County announced one additional death, bringing the total to 58. 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; begins Phase one May 8
  • South Carolina State of Emergency expiration: May 11

North Carolina COVID-19 update

There were 639 new confirmed cases of coronavirus confirmed in North Carolina Thursday, the largest day to day increase, but health officials say it's important to look at the numbers as a whole to see the trend, which is stable.  

"We did have our largest day over day increase in new cases and we continue to watch these trends closely," said Dr. Mandy Cohen, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Thursday morning there were 13,397 confirmed cases in 99 counties across the state with 525 people hospitalized.  There were a total of 507 deaths reported.

Cohen explained during a news conference Thursday afternoon that increase in case counts was expected.  

"We knew we were trending up," she said.

But with more coronavirus testing, the percent of positive cases remains pretty low at 6% or 7% for day over day. 

"That continues to be a good trend," Cohen said.

Cohen went on to say it's important to look at the full picture of all of the metrics.

"As a whole I still think we are largely stable with our trends and metrics," Cohen said.

The state will enter Phase 1 of easing restrictions allowing more businesses to reopen at 5 p.m. on Friday, but the Stay at Home order will remain in effect.

Mecklenburg County Awarded Over $1.1M Under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program

Mecklenburg County has been awarded $1,160,117 to help supplement local emergency food and shelter efforts. A portion of the funds—$478,258—was awarded under Phase 37 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), a federally funded program intended to help meet the needs of people experiencing hunger and homelessness in cities and counties throughout the United States. Congress appropriated $120 million in FY 2019 and $125 million in FY 2020 to the EFSP. Each year, funding is allocated to eligible jurisdictions and managed by a local board.

Publix employee in Fort Mill tests positive for COVID-19

Publix has confirmed one of their employees have tested positive for COVID-19. According to the company, the employee worked at the store on Gold Hill Rd in Fort Mill.  

Like other essential service providers, we have seen our own associates and their families personally impacted by COVID-19. Unfortunately, as public health officials have indicated, we expect to see an increase in cases as the virus spreads in our communities.

33 million applied for US unemployment aid since coronavirus hit

Nearly 3.2 million laid-off workers applied for unemployment benefits last week as the business shutdowns caused by the viral outbreak deepened the worst U.S. economic catastrophe in decades.

Roughly 33.5 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the seven weeks since the coronavirus began forcing millions of companies to close their doors and slash their workforces. That is the equivalent of one in five Americans who had been employed back in February, when the unemployment rate had reached a 50-year low of just 3.5%.

All American Airlines customers to wear face masks starting next week

Effective May 11, all American Airlines customers will be required to wear face masks.

Previously, the airline announced all flight attendants would be wearing face masks effective May 1, and face coverings for all other team members are required beginning May 8. However, exceptions will be made for flight attendants and pilots when wearing a face-covering interferes with essential duties, like making announcements or donning oxygen masks. 

In cases where the full crew agrees, face coverings would be optional on the flight deck.

Regional partners will be following the same requirement for their team members.

Trump administration shelves CDC guide to reopening country

A set of detailed documents created by the nation's top disease investigators meant to give step-by-step advice to local leaders deciding when and how to reopen public places such as mass transit, day care centers and restaurants during the still-raging pandemic has been shelved by the Trump administration.

Neiman Marcus files for bankruptcy amid coronavirus pandemic

Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus, which has a department store at SouthPark Mall, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, becoming the first department store to do so amid the COVID-19 pandemic that forced most businesses across the country to close down. 

The retailer said it plans to undergo a financial restructuring, while substantially reducing its debt load. 

Shortly after its bankruptcy announcement, Neiman Marcus shared a message to customers that explained Thursday's move is "not a liquidation of our business." 

"Neiman Marcus has always focused on delivering the most exceptional and personal luxury experiences, and we are proud of our history which spans over 100 years. But the unprecedented global crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately made it impossible to continue to service our debt and maintain normal operations," the Neiman Marcus Group said in a tweet.

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