Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on May 7
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We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date news about the coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
Reported cases and deaths
At least 13,498 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Thursday afternoon, and 513 have died, according to state and county health departments.
On Thursday, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported 639 new cases of the virus, the highest daily case total in the state and a jump from 502 the day before.
The state was averaging 413 daily cases over the last seven days as of Thursday.
Officials say 8% of the 171,328 COVID-19 tests administered in the state have been positive.
At least 525 North Carolinians were hospitalized with the virus on Thursday, up from the 516 reported the day before. The rolling seven-day average of daily hospitalizations in the state was 514 as of Thursday.
GOP convention health expert
Republican National Convention officials on Thursday said they hired a senior advisor for health and safety planning. Dr. Jeffrey Runge, a health expert with previous experience at Carolinas Medical Center and the Department of Homeland Security, will take on the role, The Charlotte Observer reported.
About 50,000 people are expected to come to Charlotte for the convention, which kicks off Aug. 24. Mecklenburg County, home to Charlotte, has reported the most coronavirus cases in the state.
Inmate dies
State officials on Wednesday reported the first coronavirus-related death at N.C. Correctional Institution for Women. The inmate was in her 60s and had underlying health conditions, The Charlotte Observer reported.
“The safety and health of the staff and the offenders in our custody remain our top priority,” Todd Ishee, commissioner of prisons, said in a news release.
Ninety people in custody at the Raleigh facility have tested positive for COVID-19.
After officials announced on March 25 they were halting work release assignments to avoid exposure to the disease, some women’s prison inmates worked for $1 a day to disinfect government offices, The Charlotte Observer reported.
The program ended about three weeks later, when an inmate started to show possible signs of the virus, the prison system says.
Whitewater Center reopening
The U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte is reopening with limited activities on Saturday.
Mountain biking, flat water kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and whitewater kayaking will be available and trails will be open.
“All locations and activities will have very limited capacities and guests must adhere to social distancing requirements at all times,” the center says.
State parks reopening
North Carolina’s state parks will reopen this week with restrictions, officials said Wednesday.
All 41 state parks will reopen on Saturday, with the exception of Gorges State Park in Transylvania County, which plans to reopen next week.
Hiking trails, biking trails and boat ramps at the parks will be open but visitor centers, campgrounds and picnic shelters will remain closed. Officials expect to reopen campgrounds May 22.
Outer Banks reopening
Visitors will be allowed back on North Carolina’s Outer Banks on May 16.
Dare, Hyde and Currituck counties have had visitor restrictions in place to help slow the spread of coronavirus. Tourists were previously banned due to the pandemic.
However, social distancing measures and other restrictions are still in place, and many businesses are closed or not operating like normal.
Meat processing plants
North Carolina officials won’t say whether they will release details on coronavirus outbreaks at meat processing plants.
More workers at these plants across the state have contracted COVID-19, but Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, said at a new conference Wednesday that only one state releases data on which plants are experiencing outbreaks.
“But I hear you,” she said during the conference. “Everyone wants more and more information, so stay tuned for more information about that.”
Bill targets executive orders
A new bill proposed in the North Carolina General Assembly would allow businesses and individuals to violate several of Gov. Roy Cooper’s coronavirus-related executive orders with virtually no consequences.
The NC Freedom to Work Act has the support of some conservatives in the state Senate and would allow businesses to reopen with a $25 civil fine and no criminal charges instead of a fine up to $1,000 or criminal charges.
Cooper, a Democratic, issued an executive order this week that will move the state into Phase One of relaxing restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic on Friday. But some businesses, including salons and gyms, must remain closed.
It’s unclear whether the bill could get enough support to pass in the House and Senate, The News & Observer reports.
Summer camps
Summer day camps may operate under Phase One of North Carolina’s reopening plan as long as guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are followed.
Sports and other activities cannot be offered without social distancing, and swimming is only allowed if local health officials designate the pool for use by camp attendees only.
Overnight camps are not allowed under Phase One and the state is waiting for guidance from national officials on whether they can open during Phase Two.
Wi-Fi buses
School buses will start providing Wi-Fi to students in some areas as schools remain closed and online learning continues for the rest of the school year.
The buses will be equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots and will travel to drive-up location in under-served areas so students can use the internet to turn in assignments, download class materials or connect with their teachers.
The Wi-Fi buses can also be used for people to apply for unemployment or connect with a doctor.
See a list of locations at www.ncbroadband.gov/covid19.
This story was originally published May 7, 2020 at 6:44 AM.
