Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Aug. 3
Click here for updates for Aug. 4.
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
Daily cases fall again
At least 126,532 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 1,982 have died, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday reported an additional 1,313 cases of the virus, down from 1,341 on Sunday. It marked the fourth consecutive day daily reported cases dropped after reaching a near-record high on Thursday.
Officials reported 13 additional deaths Monday.
More than 1.8 million tests for COVID-19 have been completed in North Carolina. About 7% of tests were positive, the health department reported as of Monday.
Hospitalizations continue to drop
At least 1,057 North Carolinians were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Monday, down from 1,142 Sunday.
It was the first time since July 19 that reported hospitalizations fell below 1,100, according to health department data.
Reported hospitalization totals haven’t been lower than 1,000 since July 7. Data on hospitalizations are preliminary and can be updated.
School to be virtual for 1 million K-12 students
The majority of school districts and dozens of charter schools in North Carolina have opted for remote learning in the upcoming academic year, The News & Observer reported Monday.
That accounts for 1 million, or 66.2%, of the state’s public K-12 students.
Gov. Roy Cooper last month announced the state’s public schools could reopen under a plan for “moderate social distancing” and gave individual districts the option to choose a more restrictive plan and hold classes virtually.
Wake County and Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools are among districts that have chose the remote instruction only option.
Many students will start the school year on Aug. 17.
Cases increase among young people
Public health officials are concerned about an increase in COVID-19 cases among younger residents of Mecklenburg County, home to Charlotte.
People under age 20 have accounted for increasingly more of the county’s COVID-19 cases since the beginning of April, from 1.1% of cases reported on April 1 to 16% of the cases on July 29, data show. As of late last month, people age 20 to 39 made up 44% of all Mecklenburg’s cases, compared to 31.7% on April 22.
Statewide, Cooper said last week that young people now make up the majority of COVID-19 cases in North Carolina.
He issued a statewide ban on late-night alcohol sales that went into effect Friday.
Students move into dorms amid protest over safety
UNC-Chapel Hill students moved into dorms Monday, the first of seven move-in days for the upcoming semester, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A small group of campus workers and union members outside the dorms protested reopening campus, which they say puts the lives of housekeepers and other employees at risk.
While some students were excited to be on campus, others told The News & Observer it isn’t worth the risk.
Wake to help residents pay utility bills
A fund in Wake County, home to Raleigh, could help almost 10,000 families who are behind on their utility bills.
The program WakeHELPS was announced Monday, days after an end to statewide provisions that had banned utility companies from cutting off customers or charging late fees due to COVID-19.
WakeHELPS is designed to provide up to $500 for each eligible household, using money from the federal government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Residents can go to wakegov.com/WakeHELPS, call 919-212-0476 or go to the Swinburne Building or Eastern Regional Center in Zebulon.
Tropical Storm Isaias approaches during pandemic
Isaias remained a tropical storm Sunday but could be “near hurricane strength” when it reaches North Carolina on Monday, forecasters say.
Parts of the coast are under mandatory evacuation orders ahead of the storm and state leaders are urging coastal residents to stay with family or friends who live further inland. Staying in a shelter should be a last resort during the coronavirus pandemic.
Experts say it’s important to have supplies ready for a hurricane and the coronavirus. Read more here.
This story was originally published August 3, 2020 at 6:42 AM.
