Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Sept. 8
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We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases top 178,000
At least 178,635 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus and 2,909 have died, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday reported 716 new COVID-19 cases, down from 1,018 reported the day before. Tuesday’s count is the lowest the state has seen since Aug. 17.
The health department also reported 12 deaths Tuesday.
On Sunday, the most recent day available, 6.2% of COVID-19 tests were reported positive. Health officials say that number should ideally be 5% or lower.
At least 827 people in North Carolina were reportedly hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Tuesday, an increase from 765 the day before. But the health department says it’s had problems with hospitalization data since Sept. 4 and that those numbers are likely an undercount.
Hospitalizations have been decreasing in the state — remaining below 1,000 since Aug. 20 after peaking at over 1,200 a day in late July — despite outbreaks among college students. Young people are less likely to have underlying health problems that can cause a coronavirus patient to require hospitalization, doctors say.
Mixed reactions to school choice during pandemic
Legislation recently passed by North Carolina lawmakers expands school choice options this year during the coronavirus pandemic — and reactions have been mixed.
The school choice provisions are part of the Coronavirus Relief Act 3.0, which passed in the General Assembly last week and allocates nearly $1 billion in federal relief funds. It provides more access to private school voucher programs and allows up to 3,800 more students attend the state’s two virtual charter schools.
While some have said it’s good for parents, other have expressed concerns about hurting public schools.
“Once again, North Carolina remains on the forefront of parental school choice by providing real action in educational opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mike Long, president of Parents For Educational Freedom in North Carolina, said in a statement last week. “Now, more than ever, families are utilizing more accesses to schools and educational options that are the best fit for their children.”
But others say it won’t help public school students.
“It’s a continuation of what we’ve seen in the past 10 years,” Kris Nordstrom, a senior policy analyst with the N.C. Justice Center’s Education & Law Project, told The News & Observer on Tuesday. “The General Assembly has used choice as a substitute for quality. They think they can just expand choice options without doing the hard work for helping the 1.4 million kids still in our public schools.”
Some attractions to reopen
As North Carolina has moved into Phase 2.5 of Gov. Roy Cooper’s reopening plan, some attractions in the state have announced plans to reopen.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame said Tuesday it would start welcoming guests again this month. The Uptown Charlotte facility plans to reopen to the public Sept. 16, with limited capacity and a face mask requirement.
The N.C. Museum of Art is reopening galleries Wednesday, and the N.C. Museum of History is opening Thursday. The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences will open Sept. 22 and will require free, timed tickets for visitors.
Most YMCA of the Triangle branches will also open Wednesday but sitting rooms, showers and locker rooms will remain closed.
Rules loosened for child care facilities
A provision in the recently passed coronavirus relief package loosens licensing requirements for child care facilities in the state during the coronavirus pandemic.
It will allow some facilities to operate during the school day with little oversight during states of emergency such as the pandemic. “Community-based organizations” like YMCAs, YWCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs and parks and recreation programs will be able to provide care for school-age children at a “remote learning facility.” Previously, they could operate as unlicensed, full-day summer programs or after-school care programs, with some exceptions.
The provision, set to become law, has raised concerns.
Some child care facilities won’t have to require background checks for employees or be required to report COVID-19 cases to public health officials. Staff members also won’t be required to be certified in CPR or first aid.
“In a rush to pass this bill in two days without a lot of input, we’ve created these huge loopholes,” Rep. Julie von Haefen, a Democrat from Wake County, told The News & Observer. “Child care to me is a huge issue during the pandemic. The system operates on very thin margins. Now we’re allowing more child care with less parameters.”
Group wants transparent testing data at Durham jail
A group is pushing for more transparency from the public health department about COVID-19 testing in the Durham County jail.
Durham Congregations, Associations and Neighborhoods sent a third letter asking for comprehensive data on testing to public health director Rodney Jenkins on Aug. 26, The News & Observer reported. It sent its first letter in May and another in June. The latest letter comes as county commissioners are set to meet Sept. 8 to discuss the jail’s response to its second outbreak.
The jail reported 29 confirmed cases in August. During the first outbreak in April, eight detention officers at the jail tested positive for the coronavirus, and one died, according to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.
“These are people’s brothers and sisters and family members and moms and dads,” said Robert Singagliese, co-chairperson of Durham CAN, according to The N&O. “Let people know on the (county) website, these are the tests that were done and these are the positives and the negatives.”
This story was originally published September 8, 2020 at 6:50 AM.
