Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on May 27
Click here for updates for May 28.
We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date news about the coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
Deaths exceed 800
At least 24,870 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus and 838 have died as of Wednesday afternoon, according to state and county health departments.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported 488 new cases of the virus on Wednesday, up from the 176 reported Tuesday.
Tuesday marked the lowest number of completed tests in the state in about two weeks, which likely means fewer people got tested over the Memorial Day weekend and fewer labs reported results. About 11,800 new tests were reported Wednesday for a total of 364,156, about 6.8% of which were positive.
The state has averaged 644 daily reported coronavirus cases over the last seven days of as of Wednesday.
Health officials estimate that 14,954 people have recovered from the virus in North Carolina. Data on recoveries is released weekly, on Monday.
In the Charlotte area, the “number of daily new coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and the percent of people tested who are positive have all increased slightly in Mecklenburg County” since the state started to reopen, The Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday.
Hospitalization reaches a high
At least 702 North Carolina patients were in the hospital with COVID-19 on Wednesday, up from 621 the day before and the highest-ever daily total the state reported during the pandemic.
The latest count breaks the previous record of 627 hospitalizations, which was reported Monday.
As of Wednesday, the state’s seven-day hospitalization average was 610.
Duke not required to waive fees
The North Carolina utilities commission denied a request to order Charlotte-based Duke Energy to waive fixed monthly fees that impact commercial and industrial customers during the pandemic.
The commission and Duke say doing so would mean extra costs for other customers.
The manufacturers trade group Carolina Utility Customers Association wanted fees waived by Duke and Dominion Energy — arguing that such customers pay thousands of dollars in “demand charges” even if business has slowed or closed during the pandemic.
But Duke says is still has to maintain the ability to deliver energy when needed even if businesses aren’t using much.
Gyms Lawsuit
A group of North Carolina gym owners filed a lawsuit against Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday for not allowing gyms to reopen under Phase Two, an attorney representing them told The News & Observer.
Phase Two of the state reopening plan started Friday and allowed more businesses to open and eased more restrictions. But gyms and indoor fitness facilities were not included, as health officials said they, along with indoor entertainment venues, have a greater risk of virus spread.
The Facebook group ReOpen NC’s Health Clubs has garnered more than 6,600 members since it started last Wednesday. It also raised more than $20,000 to retain an attorney.
Unemployment office leadership
N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday said a new person is in charge of the state’s unemployment office.
Former state lawmaker Pryor Gibson replaces Lockhart Taylor, who is moving into a different role with the state.
Though the governor didn’t say why Taylor transitioned to other duties, the announcement comes after North Carolinians have complained that it takes too much time to get through to the unemployment office or receive benefits.
More than 1 million residents filed for jobless benefits between mid-March and early May, while there were statewide restrictions to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, The News & Observer previously reported. The state is now in the second phase of Cooper’s reopening plan, which allows more businesses to operate.
Ban on crowds
Gov. Roy Cooper said during a Tuesday news conference that his administration is “considering all options” to stop large gatherings, which are banned under Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan.
Under this phase, which started May 22, up to 25 people can gather outdoors and up to 10 can gather indoors. But a racing event over the weekend at Ace Speedway in Alamance County attracted 4,000 people after county officials gave the speedway owners the go-ahead.
“That is a dangerous situation that ought to concern all the local officials and all the citizens surrounding that venue,” the governor said. “It is a completely reckless way to operate.”
But Alamance County leaders said they were “puzzled” at Cooper’s comments because they had been in contact with the state before the event, according to a statement on the county website.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, however, says it urged the speedway to hold the event without fans and that the plan was to limit attendance to 25 spectators.
Another race is planned for this weekend at Bobby Watson’s Carteret County Speedway in Peletier. The speedway plans to hold its season opener on Saturday with fans.
Additionally, more than 250 people gathered for an alternative medicine conference at a Charlotte hotel over the weekend, which police were aware of but issued no citations for, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Phase Two lasts until at least June 26, and the state will need to meet trend benchmarks to move to the next phase.
“When we all did this together it worked,” Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the NCDHHS, said during the press conference. “We slowed the spread of the virus and put ourselves in a good position to begin easing restrictions. Our individual actions will continue to determine our path forward.”
Trump, Cooper and the RNC
Gov. Roy Cooper said Tuesday that health and safety, not politics, will guide any decisions regarding the Republican National Convention, which is scheduled to take place in Charlotte starting Aug. 24.
President Donald Trump has threatened to move the convention elsewhere if the state does not allow “full attendance.”
On Tuesday, Trump said Cooper needs to decide “within a week” whether the convention can be held as planned.
Another college cuts sports
Appalachian State University said Tuesday it cut three sports — men’s soccer, men’s tennis and men’s indoor track and field — from its athletic program due to financial concerns during the coronavirus pandemic.
The cuts will equal a $5 million budget reduction for the athletic program. Scholarships will still be honored for athletes who want to return and for incoming signees.
Last week, East Carolina University cut men’s and women’s tennis and men’s and women’s swimming from its athletic program, saving $4.9 million.
This story was originally published May 27, 2020 at 7:02 AM.
