Coronavirus local updates: SC reports 207 new cases, 20 more deaths

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More than 5.6 million people worldwide -- including more than 1.6 million people in the United States – have been infected with the new coronavirus, and the number of deaths from the outbreak continues to rise. Officials are attempting to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. as hospitals manage unprecedented patient surges.

>> Scroll below for live, local real-time minute-by-minute updates

____________________

***Possible news conferences scheduled for today***

(WANT TO WATCH ON OUR STREAMING APPS? CLICK HERE)

Mecklenburg County: (TBA)

North Carolina Task Force: (TBA)

South Carolina Task Force (TBA)

White House Task Force: (TBA)

____________________

>> Have questions about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the Carolinas? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak -- CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

[CLICK HERE FOR TODAY’S NATIONAL UPDATES]

[COUNTY-BY-COUNTY COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE]

[CORONAVIRUS IN THE CAROLINAS; HERE’S HOW TO STAY INFORMED]

>> We’ll bring you LIVE updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News. Get extended coverage on the free WSOC Now app on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV.

>> Here are the latest updates about COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in North Carolina and South Carolina. Scroll below for real-time updates.

• The number of cases across North Carolina reached 24,628 on Wednesday. North Carolina is now reporting 794 deaths, 364,156 completed tests and 702 people currently in the hospital.
• Gov. Roy Cooper and the state’s coronavirus task force announced the state moved into a “safer-at-home” plan on May 22.
• Gov. Henry McMaster lifted the home or work order in South Carolina on May 1.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking cases in the United States here.

Important Links:

• CDC: Tracking Cases in the U.S. here
• NC Dept. of Health & Human Services
• WSOC Special Section: Tracking Coronavirus
• WHO: Advice for the Public
• WHO: Q&A

Live, local updates from Wednesday:

10:14 p.m.

9:52 p.m.

American Airlines will reduce management and support staff by 30%, Reuters reported.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the hubs for the airline company.

6 p.m.

The man at the helm of South Carolina’s state health agency is resigning in the middle of a pandemic.

Director Rick Toomey’s resignation was approved Wednesday during the health department’s scheduled board meeting.

Toomey said he is stepping down due to health concerns and wanting to be with family more. Toomey’s final day with the health department will be June 10. Marshall Taylor will serve as interim director of DHEC.

A native of Greenville, Toomey holds more than 32 years of public health administration and executive management experience. Prior to his current role, he served as the President and CEO of Beaufort Memorial Hospital. In addition, he spent eight years as a health care consultant, primarily in Tampa, Fla., and Chicago, Ill., before joining the staff of Nash Health Care Systems, Rocky Mount, N.C., in 1989. In 1998, he was named President and CEO of Nash Health Care Systems. Toomey most recently served as a member of the S.C. Board of Health and Environmental Control.

Below is a copy of his resignation letter:

It is with profound and mixed emotions that I share my decision with you to resign as the agency director, effective June 10, 2020. Please know that this decision was not an easy one for me to make and while my health remains stable, I need to be in Beaufort more with my family. Although my time serving DHEC is shorter than intended, I recognize that I cannot effectively lead and fully honor the role if I’m not in Columbia.

I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished together as Team DHEC and I know first-hand that others also recognize our great work. The work that is done at our agency is critically important to our great state.

It is nearly impossible for me to adequately express my gratitude and appreciation for the support that you have given me. I’ve found this to be true at every level in our organization—from the Upstate to the Lowcountry, each deputy area, and front line staff, leaders, and the agency’s Executive Leadership Team. Equally impressive is the support that DHEC has received from the Board, state agency directors, members of the general assembly, and Governor McMaster and his staff particularly during these challenging months as we have responded to COVID-19.

It has been one of my greatest honors to serve the State of South Carolina and be part of such an outstanding agency. Together, we have exceeded our goal to test 110,000 South Carolinians for COVID-19 in May and the state has begun its careful transition toward a new normal. This momentum has reassured me that the timing of my decision to step down as agency director is right for me and my family.

Marshall Taylor will serve as acting director for the agency until the Board selects the next DHEC director.

All my best,

Rick

5:30 p.m.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 207 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and 20 additional deaths.

This brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 10,623 and those who have died to 466.

5 p.m.

AppHealthCare has confirmed three cases of COVID-19 among subcontractors working on Appalachian State University’s campus. Two individuals are Watauga County residents whose last days on campus were May 16 and May 22, respectively. The other individual, whose last day on campus was May 20, is not a resident of Watauga County.

These individuals have fully cooperated with isolation instructions and are recovering at home. Public health staff have identified close contacts, and they are in quarantine and will be provided access to testing during their quarantine period.

The total confirmed case count for Watauga residents is 14 with 5 individuals who have active cases that are in isolation and 18 others who are in quarantine due to risk of exposure. Additional data can be found on the AppHealthCare website dashboard. It will be updated regularly.

“We continue to work diligently to protect our community and quickly adapt as we respond to this rapidly evolving situation. We appreciate the community’s effort in doing their part in slowing the spread of COVID-19. We know this remains a stressful and anxious time for each of us and appreciate each person’s sacrifice and willingness to take action as we respond to this challenge. This virus will be with us for a while, so I encourage everyone to take action to slow the spread. Please, show your care for others by practicing the 3Ws: wear a cloth face covering, wait 6 feet from others and wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer,” stated Jennifer Greene, Health Director, AppHealthCare.

Additionally, AppHealthCare and App State are partnering together with all construction contractors working at the university to conduct broader testing at worksites, including those that have not experienced a positive case to date.

App State will continue to keep the university community informed about verified, positive cases that impact university students, faculty and staff. The latest updates regarding App State’s response to COVID-19 may be found at appstate.edu/coronavirus.

4 p.m.

The state Department of Health and Human Services has fired back at Alamance County officials after county officials said they tried to work with state health officials to plan a race last weekend at Ace Speedway but then never got answers to their questions.

DHHS spokeswoman Kelly Haight Connor provided two sets of proposed rules that the agency supplied to county and racetrack officials. The first one was based on rules created for Hickory Motor Speedway to run a race without fans. It states at the top that the rules are tentative and contingent on any executive order spelling out Phase 2 regulations.

“Limits on participant capacity have yet to be determined. When determined, ACE is expected to adhere to the capacity limitation set by the Governor,” the proposal states.

The second set of rules was provided to Alamance County and Ace Speedway officials on May 20, when Cooper announced his Phase 2 plan, according to Haight Connor. Rule No. 1 states: “Per Governor Executive Order 141, spectator attendance cannot exceed 25 participants.”

DHHS officials also spoke with local officials on Saturday and “repeatedly said that Ace Speedway needed to adhere to the 25 spectator limit,” Haight Connor said in an email.

3 p.m.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos announced that it will reopen to the public at 6 a.m. on Thursday.

Harrah’s will operate at 30% capacity, consistent with NC and Tribal guidelines and operating with social distancing in place. Most restaurants are open with limited seating as well as carryout options.

Among the enhanced health and safety protocols are more-frequent cleaning and sanitization. Employee health checks are conducted daily, and employees are required to wear company-provided masks.

Guests will undergo temperature checks before entering the casinos and are also required to wear masks. The casino gaming areas will temporarily be non-smoking.

2:30 p.m.

A federal judge has denied a temporary restraining order requested by more than two dozen North Carolina strip clubs. They allege that the state’s pandemic-related restrictions, which have kept them closed for two months, violate their constitutional rights.

Although the judge's order doesn't allow the clubs to reopen immediately, their lawsuit against the state proceeds.

2:20 p.m.

Bowling alleys are the latest group threatening to sue Gov. Roy Cooper unless he allows them to reopen, following bars, gyms and strip clubs.

An attorney for the Bowling Proprietors Association of the Carolinas& Georgia said many bowling alleys “face imminent insolvency” because of the two-month shutdown during the pandemic. Anthony Biller said the bowling alleys can operate under the same guidelines that restaurants and personal care businesses are now working under: 50 percent capacity, social distancing guidelines in place and strict cleaning protocols.

“[P]ublic health and allowing our bowling facilities the opportunity to resume operations should not be viewed as mutually exclusive,” Biller wrote in a letter to Cooper on Tuesday. “Further, we see no rational let alone compelling reason to close our client’s bowling lanes, but allow their retail shops and restaurant facilities to function. It is an arbitrary distinction that is imposing ongoing irreparable harm to family owned lanes across our state.”

2 p.m.

Rock Hill Schools Graduation Details

As previously announced by Superintendent Dr. Bill Cook, Rock Hill Schools will host in-person open-air graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 at district stadiums on June 5 and June 6. In order to protect the health and safety of all attendees and observe guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the South Carolina Department of Education, all graduates will be allowed a maximum of two guests.

All attendees will be subject to social distancing requirements, in keeping with Governor McMaster’s directives that allow school districts to hold events with more than 50 people for the purpose of graduation exercises so long as social distancing is maintained. Additionally, all students, family members, and employees attending graduation are expected to wear a face covering.

“We are extremely pleased to provide our 2020 graduates with the graduation ceremony they have earned and so richly deserve,” said Cook. “I am grateful for the input we received from this year’s seniors and their parents, and for the ongoing dialogue with high school principals and student leaders that allowed us to identify and respond to the graduates’ most pressing priorities. Finding a way to celebrate their accomplishments in-person and in the presence of their most honored guests has been a focus of our work over the past few weeks.”

Recognizing graduates’ desire to have friends and additional family celebrate this milestone, each ceremony will be streamed live and available on-demand on multiple outlets, including district and school websites and the Rock Hill Schools Facebook page. Following the ceremonies, each graduation will be rebroadcast on the Comporium Channel 114 as well as CN2 beginning June 15.

Consistent with district safety protocols for large-scale events, all guests entering District Three Stadium South and District Three Stadium for graduation ceremonies will be required to adhere to the following guidelines and expectations:

• Each graduate will receive two (2) tickets to limit the number of audience members. Tickets will be color-coded and pre-assigned to designated parking areas and seating sections. Each guest will enter through the gate corresponding to the color code on his or her ticket.
• Ushers will direct and assist seating guests to ensure social distancing guidelines are practiced. Family members are to be seated together unless otherwise requested.
• All participants and guests must enter through designated gates.
• All participants and guests are subject to metal detector screening and bag checks. To expedite entry into stadiums, participants and guests must adhere to the district’s clear bag policy.
• All participants and guests must remain in assigned seats unless using the restroom facilities.
• Programs will be delivered electronically to families and will be available on school websites prior to graduation day. Graduates and school staff are the only individuals who will receive a printed program.
• Guests are not permitted to bring noisemakers or signs into the stadium.
• Graduates and families will not be allowed to congregate within district stadiums or on the property outside. Individuals without tickets will not be allowed to enter the stadium and school property prior to graduation or loiter outside the stadium to greet graduates after the ceremony.

Additional health and safety considerations for each ceremony are:

• All participants, including graduates, administrators, guests, or family members, who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, such as a temperature at or above 100.4, must not enter the stadium.
• Any participants – including administrators, guests, or family members – who are in high-risk categories or who are sick should not enter the stadium.
• Any graduate who may be concerned about participating in the ceremony should contact the school to make alternate plans to receive his or her diploma.
• All participants – including graduates, administrators, and guests – must always remain at least six (6) feet apart.
• All participants, including staff and students, should wear face coverings at all times, including entrance and exit from the stadium. Graduates will wear face coverings during the ceremony. Graduates may unmask while seated and while on stage to receive diplomas or have professional pictures taken.
• Graduates will be presented diplomas by staff wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
• All participants – including graduates, administrators, guests, or family members – must adhere to signage and other markings throughout the stadiums and seating areas. Markers or tape will be used to indicate the distance.
• To comply with the social distancing recommendation, handshaking and hugs should not occur.
• Hand sanitizer or handwashing stations will be available at all entrances and restrooms.

The cooperation of all participants – including graduates, administrators, guests, and family members – in following the prescribed guidelines and expectations will help to minimize opportunities for potential exposure to COVID-19 and allow everyone to have a memorable experience.

1:20 p.m.

Yard Waste + Bulk Item Collection to Resume Monday, June 1

Yard waste and bulk item collection services, which have been suspended since late March, will resume on Monday, June 1.

Solid Waste Services suspended bulk item and yard waste collection services to secure proper personal protective equipment for employees and adjust operations to ensure they could provide service with the required social distancing mandate. Since that time, Solid Waste Services has modified operational procedures and retrofitted trucks. As a result, services can resume on June 1.

Here’s what residents need to know:

• Yard waste, including leaves, grass clippings and branches, will be collected on the same day of service as garbage and recycling starting the week of June 1.
• Residents can expect service to continue weekly after this date. The two-month suspension of yard waste collection services is lifted.
• Residents are advised to place properly prepared yard waste at the curb on their normal collection day. Preparation guidelines can be found on the website - curbit.charlottenc.gov.
• Bulk item collection will also resume on Monday, June 1.
• Bulk item collection requests must be scheduled.
• There are three options for scheduling bulky items:
• Call CharMeck 311 (704-336-7600)
• Online at curbit.charlottenc.gov
• CLT + app

11:20 a.m.

NCDHHS has released updated data on COVID-19 for the state:

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting 24,628 cases of COVID-19 across the state, up 488 from Tuesday.

There have been 28 new deaths attributed to COVID-19 since Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 794.

The state reached its highest number of reported hospitalizations for severe complications due to COVID-19, with 702 being reported by the NCDHHS. While that represents a large jump from the previous single-day high of 627 patients, NCDHHS reports that 29% of the state’s 19,048 inpatient beds and 22% of the state’s 3,223 intensive care unit beds are still available, meaning overall, hospitalizations are staying fairly level.

NCDHHS also reported 364,156 tests have been completed. The state reported 11,825 total tests were done in the past 24 hours, which is above the state’s benchmark to test between 5,000 and 7,000 people every day.

Mecklenburg County continues to lead the state in both cases and deaths with at least 3,478 and 80 respectively.

Confirmed cases by age:

0-17 (6%)

18-24 (9%)

25-49 (44%)

50-64 (23%)

65-74 (8%)

75 or older (10%)

COVID-19 deaths by age:

25-49 (4%)

50-64 (12%)

65-74 (21%)

75 or older (63%)

Cases by race:

White: 54%

Black: 31%

Cases by gender:

Women: 51%

Men: 49%

(Men account for 52% of deaths)

Cases and deaths in congregate living settings:

There have been 84 outbreaks in nursing homes across the state, resulting in 3,041 cases and 421 deaths (Anson, Burke (2); Cabarrus (2); Catawba; Cleveland; Iredell; Mecklenburg (9); Rowan (4); Union (2)).

There have been 35 outbreaks at residential care facilities across the state, resulting in 658 cases and 58 deaths (Cabarrus (2); Mecklenburg (6); Stanly; Union).

HOW ARE WE DOING?

As the state looks to go through the phases of reopening, officials are looking to meet certain benchmarks. Here’s how we’re doing on some of those:

Decrease in percent of positive tests? For the second day in a row, NCDHHS reported 8% positive tests. This number has remained fairly level over the past few days after an increase to 10% last Friday.

Hospitalizations decreasing? For the second time this week, the state has broken its record COVID-19 hospitalizations. The previous record was Monday, with 627 reported hospitalizations. Still, 29% of inpatient beds and 22% of ICU beds in the state are available. NCDHHS reports 76% of ventilators are available.

Testing capacity? The state doubled its goal with 11,825 completed tests.

Contract tracers? The state still only has 250 and is working to double this workforce to 500. Recently, 152 new contact tracers were hired through the Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative, but it is unclear whether these recent hires have been deployed.

PPE Supplies? Though the state still does not have a 30-day supply of surgical gowns on hand, supplies have now reached a 29 day supply -- a dramatic increase from a 0 day supply last week. However, the state’s stockpile of N95 respirators has decreased to a 19-day supply.

11 a.m.

Alexander County Has Shortage Of COVID-19 Tests And PPE

The Alexander County Health Department is still experiencing a shortage of COVID-19 tests and personal protective equipment (PPE), according to Leeanne Whisnant, Director of Consolidated Human Services.

She said that larger, urban counties are receiving the majority of supplies from the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which adds to the problems that rural counties experience.

Last week, local health officials tallied the number of COVID-19 test kits at all medical facilities in Alexander County, and there was a total of only 55 test kits. The health department is starting to purchase tests from private companies to allow more testing for the public.

10:15 a.m.

Governor Cooper Appoints Pryor Gibson head of Division of Employment Security

Today, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Tony Copeland announced that Pryor Gibson will serve as the Assistant Secretary for the Division of Employment Security (DES). He assumes the role immediately, and will be responsible for the Division’s operations, communication and accountability.

“Pryor Gibson is a forceful presence to lead DES during this unprecedented economic stress,” said Secretary Copeland.

“It is always an honor to serve the people of North Carolina, and I am ready to take on the challenges at DES helping people get back on their feet and back in the economy,” said Gibson.

Prior to this appointment, Gibson served as Director of Hometown Strong, Governor Roy Cooper’s initiative to stimulate economies and help businesses thrive in North Carolina’s rural communities by focusing on infrastructure improvement, broadband access, and workforce training. He previously served as Director of Business Services at the Division of Workforce Solutions at N.C. Commerce.

Lockhart Taylor will assume a different role at the Department of Commerce with separate duties and responsibilities.

Pryor Gibson is a former member of the North Carolina General Assembly representing Anson, Montgomery, Stanly and Union counties. Gibson’s business experience includes a decade at TimeWarner Cable Construction, Executive Vice President of the North Carolina Forestry Association, and as Senior Adviser for Governor Bev Perdue. Gibson is an Anson County native.

10 a.m.

Dozens of clubs, some of the gentlemen’s variety, have filed a civil action against Gov. Roy Cooper, challenging the constitutionality of his executive orders.

9 a.m.

Some gyms and fitness centers are expected to file a restraining order Wednesday in light of not being allowed to reopen under Phase 2. Gyms are working with a Raleigh-based attorney to file the order against Gov. Roy Cooper, hoping to prove they’re essential and their rights are being violated.

The Facebook group “ReOpen NC’s Health Clubs” has more than 6,400 members and has raised more than $23,000 for legal fees. Gym owners hope to get in front of a judge by the end of the week.

State lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow bars and private clubs to sell alcohol outside in a patio setting. Another bill would expand the customer capacity for restaurants and breweries by accounting for outdoor space.

Currently, under Phase 2, restaurants have to operate at 50 percent capacity.

North Carolina has now had more than 24,000 positive COVID-19 cases statewide. 12 new deaths were reported Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 766.

7:30 a.m.

Starting Wednesday, Atrium will start allowing some visitors into the hospital.

Each patient can have one guest, and that person must wear a mask, have their temperature checked and stay in certain areas.

This new policy applies to most surgery patients, except for those in high-risk categories.

Also, gym owners across North Carolina plan to file a lawsuit against Governor Roy Cooper Wednesday.

Gyms were excluded from the Phase Two order and they likely won’t have the chance to reopen until the end of June as part of Phase Three.

6:30 a.m.

NATION’S FIRST EMERGENCY DRONE OPERATION FOR HOSPITAL’S PANDEMIC RESPONSE LAUNCHES

Today, Novant Health, Inc., a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system headquartered in North Carolina, announced the launch of America’s first emergency drone logistics operation by a hospital for its pandemic response. The launch was made possible through a partnership with Zipline, the world’s only national scale, on-demand logistics service, which will provide drone flight services.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Novant Health a Part 107 waiver to begin operation, which is being launched as part of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT’s) Unmanned Aircraft System Integration Pilot Program (IPP).

The operation provides contactless distribution of personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies to Novant Health frontline medical teams in the Charlotte, North Carolina, metro area. The operation helps position Novant Health, which operates 15 hospitals and nearly 700 locations in the southeastern United States, to adapt quickly to the evolving pandemic and could lead to innovative uses such as testing, drug trials, and vaccine distribution in the future.

The groundbreaking operation will provide ongoing drone logistics flights in Class-D controlled airspace, where all air traffic is actively managed by the FAA, under a part 107 waiver issued to a major U.S. healthcare system. True to its roots, North Carolina is once again “First in Flight.”

“Novant Health has long been at the forefront of leveraging technology to enhance how health care is delivered to our patients,” said Angela Yochem, executive vice president and chief digital and technology officer, Novant Health. “The COVID-19 pandemic has tasked us with being even more nimble and innovative in how we solve complex challenges. Fast-tracking our medical drone transport capability is just one example of how we’re pioneering in the health care industry, which is known for being resistant to change. We are very grateful to the FAA and North Carolina’s DOT for their help to expedite the process during this unprecedented time.”

“Zipline has been hard at work helping other countries respond to the pandemic,” said Zipline CEO Keller Rinaudo. “And we’re proud to partner with Novant Health, a true leader in health care innovation, to begin helping in the United States as well. We’re likely in for a long-term fight against COVID-19. Using contactless drone logistics will be an important tool in that effort. The work underway here in North Carolina will provide the rest of the country with a blueprint for how to build the most resilient and responsive health care system possible.”

Over the next two years, the partnership plans to expand beyond emergency operations in the Charlotte area to regular commercial operations, subject to approval under FAA Part 135 rules, to serve health facilities and, ultimately, patients’ homes across the state. Novant Health and Zipline’s partnership seeks to create a next-generation model for health system logistics leveraging contactless drone deliveries.

"Hopefully, this project and ones like it can help ease the strain on our medical supply chains," said N.C. Secretary of Transportation Eric Boyette. "We're living through an unprecedented situation, and we're going to need innovative solutions like this to get us through it."

About The New Operation

The FAA approved the pandemic response operation through Part 107 waivers granted to Novant Health. Zipline, which has partnered with Novant Health, will provide drone flight services under an agreement with Novant Health, supported by additional agreements among Novant Health, Zipline, and NCDOT.

The emergency drone fulfillment center, which is adjacent to the Novant Health Logistics Center in Kannapolis, North Carolina, will launch Zipline drones to distribute Novant Health’s critical medical products to its area hospitals. The emergency drone fulfillment center was made possible by Stewart-Haas Racing, which generously contributed the site.

Two initial routes have been approved by the FAA for the launch of operations. Service will begin with flights to Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center and expand in later phases. Flights to initial facilities will range in distance from 20 to 30 miles round trip.

Prior to the launch of this operation, typical drone logistics flights in America ranged between 500 feet to a mile and a half in distance. Zipline’s drones have a round trip range of over 100 miles, making them capable of delivering medical supplies from the Novant Health Logistics Center to more than 30 additional Novant Health facilities upon approval.

The drones take off from and land at the emergency drone fulfillment center, requiring no additional infrastructure at the Novant Health facilities they serve. Deliveries are made from the sky, with the drone descending to a safe height above the ground and dropping off a box of medical products by parachute at a designated spot. The drones are capable of carrying close to four pounds of cargo, flying up to 80 miles an hour, even in high winds and rain.

The emergency fulfillment center, like those operated by Zipline in the nations of Rwanda and Ghana, can serve an almost 8,000 square mile area and micro-target the distribution of more than two tons of medical supplies a week.

7:40 p.m. (Tuesday)

Board changes next year’s school calendar; CMS will open for students Aug. 17

The Board of Education voted at its May 26 meeting to change the school calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. The original calendar set Aug. 31 as the first day of school for students. But a new law passed by the North Carolina General Assembly requires public schools to open across the state on Aug. 17 and end before Memorial Day 2021.The Aug. 17 opening day means that CMS will open before the Republican National Convention, scheduled to be in Charlotte from Aug. 24-27. During that week, the district will use the five-state required remote learning days."The amended calendar for next school year has several aspects that will be good for students and families," said Elyse Dashew, Board chair. “We’ll have first-semester exams before the winter break and school finished by Memorial Day.”

6:20 p.m. (Tuesday)

COVID-19 Testing Sites Available in Rowan County - UPDATE

In a continual effort to develop additional resources for the community, the Rowan County Health Department would like to share updated testing site locations. Testing criteria may apply at each location. As more locations become available, we are committed to keeping the community informed.

• Novant Health:
• Located at 1904 Jake Alexander Blvd in Salisbury; Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
• All Novant GoHealth locations are also able to test.
• Promed:
• Located at 812 W Innes Street in Salisbury; Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
• W. G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center:
• Located at 1601 Brenner Ave in Salisbury; will test veterans only.
• Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Center (CRCHC) mobile testing: CRCHC Ccovid-19 Resources (Appointments and walk-ins accepted; anyone with COVID-19 symptoms can be tested, testing is FREE, and results are ready in 24 hours.)
• Food Lion parking lot located at 313 Salisbury Ave in Spencer
• Rowan Helping Ministries located at 226 N Long Street in Salisbury
• Rowan County Health Department located at 1811 East Innes Street in Salisbury
• UPDATED: West End Plaza located at 1935 Jake Alexander Blvd W in Salisbury

Remember the 3 W’s

Whether working or shopping at local businesses, please remember the 3 W’s: WEAR, WAIT, and WASH!

• Wear a cloth face covering
• Wait 6 feet apart/avoid close contact
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer

© 2020 Cox Media Group