NC Coronavirus: Cases, Hospitalizations Show No Decrease

CHARLOTTE, NC — Coronavirus numbers for North Carolina were a mixed bag on Saturday, with confirmed cases jumping, patients hospitalized with the respiratory disease hovering around 700, and the daily death toll declining. No new deaths were reported from COVID-19 as of 2:30 p.m. Saturday; the statewide tally of deaths stands at 992, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

There were nine coronavirus deaths on Monday, 15 on Tuesday, 13 on Wednesday, three on Thursday and six on Friday.

State health experts are concerned the disease could spread as people gather in ongoing racial justice protests around the state. Protesters should consider getting a novel coronavirus test, according to the state's top public health official.

The state hit a record of 1,189 cases of coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, on Wednesday, increasing the total number in the state to nearly 32,000.

As of Saturday afternoon, the total number of North Carolina coronavirus cases stood at 34,625.

State public health officials launched a new online tool Thursday that can be used to determine if someone should consider COVID-19 testing, and if so, where they can go for a test. The site also helps monitor symptoms for those who have tested positive or possibly been exposed to the virus.

"These tools are one way we can help break down barriers to access, particularly for our historically marginalized populations, who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19," said Dr. Cardra Burns, Senior Deputy Director, NCDHHS Division of Public Health, in a statement.

New online tools include:

• Check My Symptoms, a public website that allows people to enter their symptoms to determine if they should consider getting tested for COVID-19. If a test is recommended, they will receive a link to a list of nearby testing sites via email or text.
• Find My Testing Place, a public website that allows people to enter their county or ZIP code and access a list of nearby testing site locations online.
• COVID-19 Community Team Outreach (CCTO) Tool, a password-protected online software that helps people track their own symptoms if they have been advised to do so by the COVID-19 Community Team. The tool is also a platform that helps streamline and integrate contact tracing work across the state.

Gov. Roy Cooper allowed North Carolina to enter Phase 2 of easing restrictions May 22. The "Safer-At-Home" Phase 2 executive order will be in place until June 26.

"We are in a good place to make a cautious move here," that will help boost the state's economy, Cooper said.

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The modified approach to reopening the state means that many of the capacity restrictions for retail businesses and limitations on mass gatherings will remain in effect.

"When people gather together, one person can be the spark to spread the virus to many," Cooper said.

Included in the Phase 2 executive order:

• Indoor restaurant areas will be limited to 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements
• Personal care businesses, such as salons and barbers, will be allowed open at 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements. Employees will be required to wear face coverings.
• Swimming pools will also be able to open at 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements
• Retail businesses will continue to operate at 50 percent capacity
• Overnight and day camps will be allowed to operate with special guidance
• Teleworking continues to be recommended when possible
• Bars, nightclubs, gyms, indoor entertainment venues such as movie theaters, museums, as well as public playgrounds will remain closed.
• Mass gathering limitations will also remain, with no more than 10 people gathered together indoors and 25 people when outdoors
• Church services will be exempt from the order, however are encouraged to adhere to mass gathering and social distancing recommendations

President Donald Trump abruptly announced via Twitter that the Republican National Conventionwould not be held in Charlotte due to an impasse with state officials regarding coronavirus health restrictions.

Trump wanted the four-day event, which is scheduled to begin Aug. 24, to be a full convention including 19,000 attendees in an arena with no requirements for social distancing or face coverings.

"Because of [Cooper], we are not forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention," the president tweeted.

The RNC's Executive Committee has voted unanimously to allow the official business of the national convention to continue in Charlotte, RNC Communications Director Michael Ahrens said in a statement Thursday, WFAE reported.

"Many other cities are eager to host the president's acceptance of the nomination, and we are currently in talks with several of them to host that celebration," Ahrens said.