Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on May 16
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 18,101 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus and 676 have died as of Saturday afternoon, according to state and county health departments.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Saturday reported 853 new cases — the largest single day jump since the state reported its first case in early March.
Over the previous seven days, the state was averaging 466 daily cases as of Friday. That’s the all-time highest seven-day average recorded in the state.
As of Saturday, 238,586 COVID-19 tests had been completed in North Carolina, up from about 231,547on Friday. The state is aiming to test between 5,000 and 7,000 people per day.
About 7.5% of overall tests have come back positive.
At least 481 North Carolinians were in the hospital with COVID-19 on Saturday, down from 492 the day before.
Avery is still the only one of North Carolina’s 100 counties that hasn’t reported a case of the virus. Avery County has about 17,500 residents.
At least one death has been reported in 73 N.C. counties.
Judge blocks Cooper’s restrictions on religious services
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Gov. Roy Cooper’s restrictions on religious services put in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Two Baptist churches had sued the governor on Thursday, claiming the order violated their First Amendment religious freedoms, The News & Observer reported.
A hearing is scheduled for May 29.
New guidance on tests
North Carolina is expanding its guidance on who can get tested for the coronavirus, Dr. Mandy Cohen, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services secretary, announced Friday.
Clinicians are encouraged to test anyone who thinks they have the virus, and first responders, health care workers and essential workers should have access to tests, the N&O reported.
During the news conference, Cohen also said overnight summer camps will be allowed to reopen during Phase Two — with certain restrictions.
J Cole’s Dreamville Festival canceled
The organizers of J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival called it off on Friday after initially agreeing to postpone until the fall.
“Although we originally hoped it would be possible to bring you the festival this August, the ongoing uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic has made this timeline no longer possible,” organizers wrote. “This decision has been extremely difficult to make, but the safety of our fans, artists and staff is always our top priority, and nothing will ever take precedence over your well-being.”
The festival was originally slated for April 4 but had been rescheduled for Aug. 29.
Brooks Brothers factory closes
A Brooks Brothers factory in Eastern North Carolina that employs nearly 150 workers is shutting down permanently.
In a letter to the Commerce Department obtained by The News & Observer, Brooks Brothers cited “unforeseen business circumstances” related to the coronavirus pandemic as its reason for shutting down the factory.
It’s set to close permanently on July 20, the letter states.
Are people wearing masks?
Phase one of Gov. Roy Cooper’s reopening plan began May 8. During the first week, staff at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer went to 125 stores to find out how many people were out shopping, if stores were enforcing social distancing rules and whether anyone wore masks.
According to the N&O, the majority of employees were wearing a face covering — “even if they weren’t always wearing it correctly.” But half or fewer than half of all customers at retailers were wearing masks.
“Yeah, we are kind of past the point of concern,” one shopper at a TJ Maxx in Knightdale said. “We were really scared and cautious at first, but ... you have to live life and not live life in fear. We weren’t afraid to come out.”
The Charlotte Observer reported not all employees were wearing masks at more than half of the businesses staff visited.
“In nearly 1 in 5 businesses, all customers wore masks,” according to the Observer. “But at 40% of the locations, less than half of the customers had them on.”
Farmworkers test positive
Coronavirus outbreaks have been reported at four North Carolina produce farms during strawberry season. At least 46 people who worked at farms in Cabarrus, Guilford, Lee and Wake counties have tested positive for the disease.
Steve Troxler, N.C. agriculture commissioner, previously said there’s little to no chance that the coronavirus will spread through food, The News & Observer reported.
Residents say they’ll keep social distancing
North Carolinians have said they will continue to social distance after the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey from marketing firm Chernoff Newman.
About 71% of residents said they plan to keep the habit, but only 32% said they will continue wearing masks in public.
This story was originally published May 16, 2020 at 7:34 AM.
