Latest: Duke University Hospital has tents set up for potential coronavirus patients
Here are the latest updates on the impact of the coronavirus outbreak in North Carolina and across the globe from Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Posted — UpdatedWhat you need to know:
- North Carolina has 64 people who have tested positive for the new coronavirus. Half of the cases are in Wake and Durham counties.
- More than 4,000 in the U.S. are infected, and 100 people have died across the country.
- All North Carolina public schools are closed for the next two weeks, at least.
- Gov. Roy Cooper mandated all bars and restaurants in North Carolina close to encourage social distancing. Takeout, delivery and drive-thru options may still be available, depending on the restaurant.
- The CDC recommends people avoid crowds of 50 or more for the next eight weeks and President Donald Trump is asking people not gather in groups of more than 10.
- Numerous events have been canceled across the region, including business conferences, festivals, concerts and more.
- A toll-free Hope Line has been established for older adults experiencing isolation from social distancing. Call 1-866-578-4673 or 1-866-578-HOPE.
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We're told Duke Regional Hospital will have a similar tent in the next few days.
"We know that it’s a very difficult and scary time for the country and our friends and neighbors here in Raleigh. In response to the Governor’s executive order restricting in-restaurant dining, we have temporarily shifted exclusively to carry-out, curbside delivery and home delivery service. In addition, like many area restaurants, we have experienced a dramatic and unforeseen drop in demand that required an adjustment to scheduling. We are working hard to give our scheduled coworkers as many hours as possible and assist those impacted by offering food for their families. Once we can resume normal operations, we will be in a position to increase hours and rebuild our restaurant teams."
"As we look ahead, be aware that state education leaders are currently evaluating the most basic elements of school operations, such as state exams and school calendars. We can expect that other school practices and traditions will be disrupted," Moore said in the letter.
In a response to comments about the information on Twitter, district officials said they are prepared for school to be out anywhere from eight to 20 weeks, as dictated by the CDC.
The Associated Press reported Tuesday night that California's governor said few if any schools there are likely to open this school year due to the virus.
Another 68 people exposed to the virus are under investigation, officials said. Test results on 45 of them are pending, while the other 23 are awaiting testing. Public health officials also have identified another 214 people who are being monitored because they may have been exposed to the virus through close contact, officials said. Monitoring lasts two weeks.
All customers for the driver's license offices will be asked to complete a wellness questionnaire provided by state health officials to mitigate the potential spread of the virus.
Customers who have appointments at the offices being closed will be given new appointments once those offices reopen. Affected employees will be reassigned to help staff the offices scheduled to remain open or to assist at DMV customer service call centers.
They were part of a group that traveled overseas, and four other members of the group contracted COVID-19, the illness associated with the virus, and are being treated in another country.
The rest of the group returned to Durham and has been in quarantine in off-campus housing since then, officials said.
"His mandate will devastate our economy, shutter many small businesses and leave many people unemployed, especially in the rural areas of our state where food supply is already critical," Forest said in a statement.
Forest, who is running against Cooper in the gubernatorial race, said a majority of the 10-member Council of State, opposed Cooper's move.
"While I understand that all actions in a time of crisis are very difficult decisions and have many consequences, some decisions are so serious they require, by law, discussion with, and approval of, other state leaders," he said.
The state community college system also suggested that colleges shift to online delivery in serving high school students in the Career and College Promise program. Nearly 60,000 high school students in the state take community college courses through the dual enrollment program.
"Our part-time event staff are a vital part of the gameday experience at PNC Arena,” Canes President Don Waddell said in a statement. “We know that the season being paused has created a lot of uncertainty, so Tom, the players and the Foundation have stepped up to help these employees through this unprecedented situation.”
The PNC Arena’s food service, VAB Catering, will make a large food donation to the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle on Thursday, officials said, helping the Raleigh-based non-profit provide emergency food to families affected by the outbreak.
"Sadly, scam artists will use our fear against us in situations such as this," Marshall said in a statement. "With many stores and online retailers currently sold out of hand sanitizer, we know that counterfeiters may take advantage of this public health concern. So, I ask consumers to use caution. Just as you aren’t likely to see legitimate hand sanitizer being sold from unusual places, such as roadside stands, you should also be wary when you see a new vendor with low ratings selling these items online. Products that don’t meet safety standards may put you at greater risk than simply continuing to follow experts’ recommendations for frequent, thorough hand washing."
Anyone who sees suspected counterfeit safety and health products being sold is asked to report it to the Secretary of State’s Office at counterfeit@sosnc.gov.
"We will work with government and health officials to assess when we will reopen our stores and safely bring our colleagues back to work," Chairman and Chief Executive Jeff Gennette said in a statement. "During this closure, we will continue to serve our customers through our e-commerce sites."
- The one-week waiting period for benefits has been suspended.
- People won't be required to look for another jobs to obtain benefits.
- Workers who have had their hours cut back can seek benefits.
- People can apply online or over the phone and don't need an in-person interview.
- Employers won't be held responsible for anyone seeking benefits because of the outbreak.
"These changes are designed to lessen the hit on our economy," Cooper said during a news conference.
North Carolina has $3.8 billion in its unemployment trust fund, which legislative leaders said could be tapped to help affected workers.
"While there are currently no individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Dare County, officials weighed the potential benefits for community health along with the tremendous impacts these restrictions have on our community," officials said in a statement. "These restrictions may be inconvenient, disappointing and have financial impacts, however, they were made in the interest of public safety to limit the spread of COVID-19."
"Americans need cash now, and we want to give them cash now," Mnuchin said.
"Our top priority remains the health and safety of our student-athletes as well as our fans, communities and the overall well-being of others during these uncharted times,” ACC Commissioner John Swofford said in a statement. “We are particularly disappointed for our student-athletes and will continue to work with our membership to assess what is appropriate in the future."
"By making shared sacrifices and temporary changes, we can protect the health of our people, and we can protect our economy," Trump said at a news conference.
Students will continue to have access to social workers and psychologists, as well as a meal program for breakfast and lunch. School district staff will work from home to minimize exposure.
While Crabtree Valley Mall remains open, several stores there will close for the rest of March, including Champ Sports. The mall has also canceled its annual Easter Bunny appearance, closed all children's play areas and rides and suspended the use of touchscreen mall directories.
A WRAL News staff member visited Costco, where she said only 20 customers were allowed to enter the store every two or three minutes to avoid a stampede-like crowd. Sam's Club has changed its hours so staff can restock and clean each store before customers arrive.
All public schools in North Carolina will remain closed for at least two weeks.
Chick-fil-A was one of the first to make the announcement Sunday, but Starbucks, McDonald's and Noodles and Company have joined the list.
The companies say customers will still be able to go through the drive-thru and walk in to pick up takeout orders. Delivery will still be an option. To help feed customers and keep staff paid, many other restaurants in the Triangle are preparing to make deliveries and take carry-out orders instead.
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