Coronavirus coverage in North Carolina, April 23, 2020: NC deaths double in week, cases up nearly 50 percent
Here are the latest updates on the impact of the coronavirus outbreak in North Carolina and across the globe.
Posted — UpdatedWhat you need to know:
- There are 7,920 people in 93 North Carolina counties who have tested positive for the coronavirus. There are at least 1,147 confirmed cases statewide of people recovering from the virus, although many counties aren't reporting those numbers.
- Why WRAL shows more cases than others
- At least 281 people have died in North Carolina, and about 486 people are hospitalized, although many hospitals don't report their cases.
- A statewide stay-at-home order has been extended until at least May 8, but Gov. Roy Cooper has laid out a three-phase plan for reopening businesses and social activities if data shows the virus is waning.
Where are cases, deaths in NC?
Latest updates:
"We are monitoring the stats for Orange County and the state daily, and when the data indicates it is safe for us to ease these restrictions, we will do so," Board of Commissioners Chair Penny Rich said in a statement.
Trump said he planned to sign it Thursday night.
President Donald Trump said 43 percent of the counties across the U.S. are seeing declines in cases.
"Our only conclusion is that we're getting there America," Pence said.
Separately, one inmate and three staffers at Bertie Correctional Institution tested positive.
With fewer than 500 employees at each location, the company argued that it does meet the eligibility requirements for the loan and has had to furlough some employees, but it and other national chains that got PPP loans have been under fire in recent days.
"We are not anticipating adding any other requirements in the order that we’ll be issuing," Schewel said. "We’re going to be loosening up a couple more things. We’re going to be gradually opening up."
Cooper said he would announce plans Friday for when public schools statewide can reopen.
"As we test more, we expect to find more" virus cases, Cohen said. But the percentage of positive cases from that expanded testing has dropped in recent days. "That's a good early sign."
Still, the state had the second-highest total of new virus cases on Wednesday, she said. The state needs to see a downward trend in new infections before restrictions can be lifted, she said.
"It's clear we are flattening the curve [of infections], but our state is not ready to lift restrictions yet," Cooper said.
Mass testing at the facility found the outbreak, officials said.
"Unregistered disinfectants can put consumers at risk, as they may be ineffective against the virus that causes COVID-19," EPA Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Susan Bodine said in a statement. "EPA is working hard to stop the sale of these illegal products. We also urge consumers to see EPA’s list of approved disinfectant products, available on our website at epa.gov/coronavirus."
For people who have been laid off or had their hours reduced due to the pandemic, the online benefits system will determine eligibility for state unemployment or PUA through a single application. Individuals who have already applied and been denied for state unemployment benefits may need to provide the state Division of Employment Security additional information to apply for PUA.
"This is a complex program, and we have been working hard to get it up and running," Lockhart Taylor, assistant secretary for DES, said in a statement. "We want to get assistance out to people as quickly as possible, while also making sure we protect the integrity of the program by verifying that claimants meet the eligibility requirements for these benefits."
Only 12 percent of Americans say the measures where they live go too far. About twice as many people, 26 percent, believe the limits don’t go far enough. The majority of Americans, 61 percent, feel the steps taken by government officials to prevent infections of COVID-19 in their area are about right.
“We haven’t begun to flatten the curve yet. We’re still ramping up in the number of cases and the number of deaths,” said Laura McCullough, 47, a college physics professor from Menomonie, Wis. “We’re still learning about what it can do, and if we’re still learning about what it can do, this isn’t going to be the time to let people go out and get back to their life.”
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Small business owners said they are ready to open their doors and get back to work while taking precautions.
Reopening the state of North Carolina will happen in three different phases, a source familiar with the plans told WRAL News. The source said the timing will depend on data. The governor and his team are watching closely for a downward trend in COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations. Plus, they will be looking at the percentage of cases in relation to coronavirus testing.
The first phase would allow people out of their homes. Then businesses could open up with strict social distancing guidelines. Finally, likely way in the future, mass gatherings like concerts and events could start up again.
Trump was referencing Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's plan to allow such businesses to reopen on Friday.
Tillis has also reflected the sentiment of reopening only when the population is ready – when the number of cases begins to drop.
"When I have gone out, I have worn a mask, and I have been surprised and disappointed to see the number of people who aren’t," he said.
Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of neighboring South Carolina issued a statement saying he agreed the best path forward is to follow the guidelines set by Trump and his team.
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