CHARLOTTE, N.C. — At WCNC Charlotte, we are focusing our coronavirus coverage on facts, not fear. We aim to give our viewers the information they need from officials to best protect themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Facts:
- Cases in North Carolina: 15,045 with 550 deaths. From Sunday to Monday the state is reporting 281 new cases. From Saturday to Sunday the state is reporting 404 new cases.
- Cases in South Carolina: 7,792 with 346 deaths. Confirmed cases have increased by 140 from Sunday. A total of 346 people have died, an increase of 15 from Sunday. Dr. Linda Bell, the state's epidemiologist with DHEC, says the curve of cases for the illness appears to be leveling in the state.
- Cases in Mecklenburg County: 2,132 and 63 deaths — Mecklenburg County trends and daily case counts remain stable, according to the Mecklenburg County Public Health Director. Mecklenburg County reported one additional death Sunday.
- How to file for unemployment in North Carolina
- North Carolina stay home remains in effect: Phase 1 starts May 8.
- South Carolina State of Emergency expiration: May 11
South Carolina provides COVID-19 update, close-contact businesses allowed to reopen in May
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster says barbershops, hair salons, gyms, as well as many other businesses will reopen in one week, ending weeks of restrictions on those businesses.
McMaster announced that close contact service providers, fitness and exercise centers, commercial gyms, and public or commercial pools will be able to open in a limited capacity on Monday, May 18. Click here for more information.
South Carolina announces 140 new cases of COVID-19
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced 140 new cases of COVID-19 and 15 additional deaths. It brings the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 7,792, and 346 people have died.
Of the 15 recently announced deaths, 11 deaths occurred in elderly individuals in Charleston (1), Clarendon (1), Florence (1), Hampton (1), Lancaster (1), Lexington (3), and Richland (3) counties, and four of the deaths occurred in middle-aged individuals in Fairfield (1), Florence (2), and Sumter (1) counties.
Here's a breakdown of all the new cases in South Carolina, by county:
Aiken (1), Allendale (1), Anderson (1), Beaufort (1), Berkeley (3), Charleston (10), Chester (3), Chesterfield (1), Clarendon (2), Darlington (5), Dillon (7), Dorchester (2), Fairfield (1), Florence (21), Georgetown (1), Greenville (13), Greenwood (1), Horry (5), Kershaw (4), Lancaster (1), Laurens (1), Lee (9), Lexington (6), Marion (1), Marlboro (2), Richland (19), Saluda (3), Spartanburg (3), Sumter (3), Union (1), Williamsburg (5), York (3)
NC DHHS: About 60% of COVID-19 patients in the state have recovered
An estimate of 9,115 people in North Carolina have recovered from COVID-19, according to the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
That's 60.58% of the total people in NC who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Currently, the NC DHHS is defining a need for a test as anyone with symptoms — that includes cough, fever, loss of smell or taste — or anyone who had exposure to COVID-19.
NC DHHS officials are estimating it takes an average of 14 days to recover, though people who need hospitalizations usually take around 28 days.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services have been urging everyone to follow the "3 Ws" as North Carolina navigates Phase 1 of the reopening plan:
- Wear a Mask
- Wash your hands
- Wait 6 feet apart
Burke County reports 2 new COVID-19 deaths
Health officials announced that two more people have died as a result of COVID-19 in Burke County. This brings the county's death toll related to the virus to 13. Both patients suffered from underlying conditions that complicated COVID-19.
Caldwell County reports first COVID-19 death
Health officials in Caldwell County announced the first coronavirus-related death. The patient has not been identified at this time.
"It is with heavy hearts that we report the first death in Caldwell County. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family," said Anna Martin, Public Health Director. "While tragic, this first death in Caldwell County due to COVID-19 emphasizes the importance of staying at home and social distancing to slow the spread of this virus."
North Carolina DHHS press briefing
Officials with the Department of Health and Human Services are providing an update on the state's response to COVID-19 after announcing 281 new cases on Monday. The state remains in Phase 1 of Governor Roy Cooper's reopening plan.
License Plate Agency in Eastridge Mall closed after employee tests positive.
The license plate agency inside Gastonia’s Eastridge Mall is closed after an employee tests positive for COVID-19. NC DOT says the office’s owner is responsible for cleaning and when to reopen.
South Carolina prepares to reopen for indoor dining
Governor Henry McMaster released guidelines last week for restaurants to follow if they choose to reopen for dine-in, including limited occupancy, spacing-out tables, and additional cleaning of equipment, tables and chairs.
"People are looking for a chance to try to get their lives back to normal and we're excited to help," Anastasia Cook, a manager at Pawleys Front Porch, said.
They've been renovating the inside of the restaurant, according to Cook. For now, operations are expected to remain limited to dine-out and to-go, as they continue renovations and grow their staff.
Remainder of Charlotte Checkers season cancelled
The American Hockey League announced Monday that the league’s Board of Governors has voted to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 AHL regular season and the 2020 Calder Cup Playoffs due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.
"After a lengthy review process, the American Hockey League has determined that the resumption and completion of the 2019-20 season is not feasible in light of current conditions.
The League’s operational focus has turned toward actively preparing for the 2020-21 season. We are very grateful to the National Hockey League and its teams for their support and leadership in navigating through the challenges faced over the past two months.
The AHL continues to place paramount importance on the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and fans and all of their families, and we all look forward to returning to our arenas in 2020-21.”
The AHL’s standings – sorted by points percentage – and statistics as of March 12, 2020, are considered final and official, and will serve as the basis for determining league awards for the 2019-20 season.
