Coronavirus local updates: Mecklenburg County’s known COVID-19 case count is now at 106

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The United States has more than 35,000 cases across all 50 states, and businesses, education, sports and more are being impacted as leaders continue to move to stricter measures to contain the coronavirus.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has declared a State of Emergency. Following the statewide declaration, Mecklenburg County declared a state of emergency. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster also declared a State of Emergency.

President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency, opening up more avenues to battle the outbreak. In addition, the federal government has slashed regulations around testing development in order to try and speed up testing.

The president has also signed a coronavirus relief package into law. That package includes free coronavirus testing for people who need it and paid emergency leave from work, among other things.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking cases in the United States here.

Important Links & Updates:

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

Live local updates from Monday:

10:15 p.m.

Winthrop University was told Monday that a resident student who stopped by a Winthrop residence hall on March 17 to pick up belongings during spring break has tested positive for COVID-19.

7:48 p.m.

Mecklenburg County has updated the known COVID-19 case count to 106.

7:12 p.m.

An attendee of the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference at the Charlotte Convention Center tested positive for COVID-19. The convention was March 10-13.

6:33 p.m.

There are currently at least 13 cases of COVID-19 in Union County. The cases are in 28079, 28104 and 28173.

6:07 p.m.

UNC Charlotte says a student has tested positive for COVID-19. The student was studying abroad, self-quarantined upon returning to the U.S. and did not return to campus

6 p.m.

The Mecklenburg County Health Department said about 1/3 of the county’s 97 COVID-19 cases are due to community spread.

5:22 p.m.

South Carolina DHEC says there are now 298 cases of COVID-19 in the state.

This is an increase of 103 positive cases compared to yesterday.

Local counties with new cases:

• Chester- 1
• Lancaster- 2
• York- 3

4:20 p.m.

Update from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster:

“It’s comforting to see us all coming together,” Gov. Henry Mcmaster said Monday.

McMaster is issuing an executive order directing all law enforcement to prohibit or disperse gatherings or congregations of more than three people that they think may pose a threat to public health.

McMaster hopes a shelter in place action will not be necessary.

The state is reporting 295 confirmed cases in 34 counties across the state, with five deaths.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is investigating 103 additional cases of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. This brings the total number statewide to 298 cases* in 34 counties.

“We recognize the hardships that are facing many South Carolinians as we continue to respond to this ongoing public health event,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC physician. “We encourage the public to focus on things that each of us can do to limit the spread of illness by washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough, and practicing social distancing.”

New positive cases:

• Anderson County: 5 cases
• Beaufort County: 7 cases
• Berkeley County: 2 case
• Charleston County: 17 cases
• Chester County: 1 case
• Clarendon County: 3 cases
• Dorchester County: 1 case
• Darlington County: 2 cases
• Fairfield County: 1 case
• Florence County: 2 cases
• Horry County: 5 cases
• Kershaw County: 10 cases
• Lancaster County: 2 cases
• Lee County: 1 case
• Lexington County: 5 cases
• Georgetown County: 2 cases
• Greenville County: 12 cases
• Oconee County: 1 case
• Orangeburg County: 5 cases
• Richland County: 14 cases
• Spartanburg County: 1 case
• Sumter County: 1 case
• York County: 3 cases

Please note that today’s reported cases include two days’ worth of DHEC Public Health Laboratory testing. Due to a shipment delay from one of our lab suppliers, yesterday’s lab results were run later than usual and received after the 4 p.m. daily update. DHEC’s COVID-19 webpage is updated daily with a map of positive cases as well as the most current recommendations for protecting against COVID-19.

“Everyone copes with stress differently, so please be thoughtful of how others are feeling during this time,” Dr. Traxler said. “It is also important for all of us, especially those of us who are most vulnerable to getting sick from the virus, to protect our mental and emotional health.”

In addition to taking precautions to stop the spread of germs, residents are encouraged to take the following steps to help protect your mental and emotional health:

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about COVID-19 or other stress-inducing issues repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body: eat healthy, well-balanced meals; exercise regularly; get plenty of sleep; and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind and participate in activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Individuals with signs of illness are asked to stay at home and not attend public gatherings. South Carolinians are encouraged to monitor for symptoms, practice social distancing, avoid touching frequently touched items (i.e. doorknobs and rails), and regularly wash their hands, especially after being in a public place.

Anyone with concerns about their health should reach out to their healthcare provider. Several South Carolina health systems are offering telehealth options to the public. For telehealth options and the latest information about DHEC’s COVID-19 response efforts, please visit scdhec.gov/COVID19. For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC website here.

4:15 p.m.

Rowan County Social Services makes operational modifications

Rowan County Department of Social Services remains operational and committed to serving residents during this healthcare crisis.

The following programs are mandated services that must continue:

• Medicaid applications and determinations

• Food and Nutrition Services applications and determinations

• Work First Family Assistance applications and re-certifications

• Adult Services including Special Assistance, APS, Guardianship

• Child Support

• Energy Programs

• Non-Emergency Medicaid Transportation

• Children’s Services including CPS, Foster Care, In-Home Services, Adoptions

• Subsidized Child Care

• Refugee Assistance

Based on guidance provided by the CDC and NCDHHS on social distancing and measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, we are publishing instructions and guidance on how to apply for services when those protective measures are put into place.

Applicants/Beneficiaries can apply for Medicaid and Food and Nutrition Services through the ePASS System. ePASS is a quick and easy way for individuals and families to learn about and apply for available benefits and services. Online applications are available for Food and Nutrition Services (formerly Food Stamps) as well as Medical Assistance (Medicaid and NC Health Choice or CHIP). You can learn if you are potentially eligible for Medical Assistance by completing an electronic pre-assessment screening. When applying, please use the following link: https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do.

The Social Services page on the Rowan County website also has a “quick link” to e-PASS. An additional new feature added to the Rowan County website is the ability to supply verifications requested by your caseworker electronically. You can use your smartphone to take a picture of the documents and upload these verification documents through a link on the Rowan County website. This link is under Social Services and then Economic Services Division. Please feel free to use this link to upload any needed verification documents for your pending applications and re-certifications. Remember – this upload capability is for verification documents only such as pay stubs, contribution forms, and bank statements. Applications must be mailed, faxed, dropped off to agency, or completed online electronically.

The State website also has applications via Word documents that you may print out from home for all programs that include FNS, Medicaid, Energy, Work First and Subsidized Child Care Assistance. If you do not have access to a computer, you may stop by the DSS office to pick up a paper application and submit it via our external drop box. We encourage you to use the best method for you in order to apply for any benefits you may need.

If you are already receiving benefits and have questions, please call 704-216-8330 and you will be put into contact with your current caseworker. These needs may include completing an interview for your recertification, reporting a change of address, or adding an individual to your case. Most of the transactions for DSS benefits can be completed by phone, including interviews. When a signature is needed, mailing the information to the agency is an acceptable way to correspond.

As a service-oriented agency, DSS wants to encourage customers that attending to your health and safety during this time should be your top priority.

Rowan County Public Health Department operational modifications to include screening all staff and clients

In an effort to protect the safety and well-being of clients and staff, beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 8:00 am, access to the Health Department will be limited to the badge access only doors on the side of the building. Rowan County Health Department staff will start performing COVID -19 screening for each staff member reporting to work and each client presenting for an appointment.

RCHD hours will be Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm

• Late Clinics are cancelled until further notice
• No walk-in appointments
• For scheduled appointments, we are limiting to minor and 1 parent or if an adult appointment then client only.

Care Management: Staff will continue services via phone communication only.

Dental: Emergency situations only. For emergency clients, we will limit to the client and 1 parent. For appointment information, please call 704-216-8796.

Family Health Services: We are providing the following services only: communicable disease, immunizations, prenatal, and sick visits; however, no walk-in appointments. We are limiting appointments to minor and 1 parent or adult client only. For appointment information, please call 704-216-8782.

WIC: Operational as normal with the exception of no walk-in appointments. All appointments must be made ahead of time by dialing 704-216-8797 and please leave a message. This appointment line will have up-to-date information regarding changes to the WIC Program operations if any. We are requesting only the WIC client attend WIC appointments or one adult attend the child(ren)’s WIC appointment.

Rowan County Animal Shelter implements appointment only adoptions and surrenders

In the interest of following federal, state and local guidelines for social distancing, The Rowan County Animal Shelter, will be implementing appointment only adoptions and surrenders of stray animals. Please call the shelter at 704 216-7768 before you visit the shelter to arrange an appointment. Additionally, The Animal Shelter volunteer program is currently suspended until further notice.

Indoor walking at West End Plaza suspended

While citizens can still access County Government services at West End Plaza walking for the purpose of exercise inside has been suspended.

3:30 p.m.

South Carolina DHEC is reporting the state’s fourth and fifth deaths related to COVID-19. This brings the state’s total number of deaths to five.

“We, unfortunately, have to announce that our state has suffered two more losses related to COVID-19,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist. “On behalf of all South Carolinians, we express our deepest sympathy for the families, friends and loved ones of these individuals. We also share gratitude to the medical workers who cared for these individuals to the best of their ability as we all face this new disease together.”

One patient was an elderly person from Clarendon County, who had underlying health conditions. The second patient was an elderly person from Kershaw County who also had underlying health conditions.

“We must continue to do all we can to protect ourselves and those around us, especially those at higher risk for developing severe illness from the virus,” Bell said. “Based on our data as well as the data shared by other states and other countries, we, in South Carolina, should expect to see the number of positive cases continue to increase. This disease is here, it’s in our communities, and we all have a part to play in helping to stop the spread of it.”

3 p.m.

The Epicenter Festival at Charlotte Motor Speedway has been canceled.

2:45 p.m.

The Northlake Mall is suspending hours effective tonight at 7 p.m. until April 6.

2:30 p.m.

There are now three confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Catawba County.

1:45 p.m.

All playground equipment and bathroom facilities at parks in Matthews will be closed until further notice.

1:35 p.m.

Update from CMPD on online reporting

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department remains steadfast in its service to each member of the community and is continuing to respond to every call for service where we are requested. The CMPD understands there are times where the public needs non-emergency access to reporting crimes, notifying us of concerns and accessing information. When needs can be met online, we are encouraging the public to use the following tools so we can ensure our 911 lines remain open and maintain our availability to those needing emergency services:

• Report non-emergency crimes at https://charlottenc.gov/CMPD/ReportACrime/Pages/default.aspx
• Report mass gatherings at https://servicerequest.charlottenc.gov/service/COV19_MG
• Report price gouging at https://servicerequest.charlottenc.gov/service/COV19_PRGG

The public can also make these reports by calling 311. The CMPD’s Public Affairs Team truly appreciates the collaboration with its media partners in pushing this information out to our community.

If you need to report COVID-19 fraud activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline: 866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov.

1:30 p.m.

Update from NC Superintendent Mark Johnson:

To our parents, keep your kids engaged. Work on remote learning, reading and writing a few hours each day. Get fresh air. Go to bed at a reasonable time. Set a schedule and stick to it.

KahnAcademy.org is one of the most advanced learning tools and it is a wonderful free resource to use at home.

We are so grateful for the sacrifices our students and families are making during this unprecedented time. And we will get through this together.

1:20 p.m.

Update from NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen:

"The more we practice staying 6 feet apart, washing hands, coughing into elbows, the better the position we will be in. We expect that folks in North Carolina are going beyond our mandates – and doing their part to limit the spread of the virus.

"Yesterday, the CDC updated who is at greatest risk to include: People 65 years and older, people who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility, people with high-risk conditions including chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, or heart disease with complications. People who are immunocompromised, people of any age with severe obesity or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes. The CDC also advises that women who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk. While children are generally at lower risk for severe infection, some studies indicate a higher risk among infants.

"I know that testing is something you’ve had a lot of questions about. The proof is in the numbers that our state has been a leader in testing. We are in the top ten of states. We have test results for more than 8,400 people with thousands more samples collected with results pending.

"This posture means we now have a snapshot of COVID-19 in North Carolina. We now know with certainty that we have community transmission – meaning we don’t know how some people are getting COVID-19.

"For those who think they might have COVID-19 and have mild symptoms, the CDC now recommends that you stay home. You can call your doctor to see if you need to be seen at the office or another setting.

"The vast majority of people who get COVID-19 will have mild illness and recover at home. Your doctor – or your local health department or community health center - can help you determine what is the best course of action for you.

"Today, we will be sending out updated health, safety and operational guidance to child care programs that they will need to meet to stay open so that they can best protect the health, safety and well-being of our child care workforce and the families they serve. We know that the child care industry, like many others, is struggling financially. We are also actively pursuing options to provide financial support to child care programs in order to ensure available child care for families who need it during this crisis.

“Finally, distancing is hard. I know that these last few weeks have disrupted our daily lives. This disruption, in addition to social distancing and the uncertainty that clouds exactly what will happen, is leading to isolation and fear for many of us. Unchecked, this can give rise to anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. It’s important that we take care of ourselves — take a walk outside, give yourself a break from the news, check in with neighbors, friends and family by phone or video. And there are also professionals that can help. Many behavioral clinicians in NC are ready to take new patients and provide care over the phone or by video.”

1:15 p.m.

“We are tracking our level of resources, both supplies and human resources, and right now we need both,” Gov. Roy Cooper said. “We are recruiting volunteers and companies to supplement our health care workforce. We’ve already had 300 people reach out to us, and we need more. This includes clinical providers such as doctors and nurses, clinical support such as pharmacy and imaging and respiratory care, and facility maintenance and administrative support."

If you fit into one of these categories, go to http://ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus to learn more about how you can help.

“As we are seeing around the country, critical supplies and equipment are also running low. Masks, gloves, and gowns. Our state is pursuing all available channels to buy more of these supplies. But we need more help,” the governor said.

1:10 p.m.

As of yesterday, more than 1,100 schools have served more than 1.2 million meals since schools closed.

The executive order takes other steps to slow the spread. It lowers the threshold to ban mass gatherings of more than 50 people.

“Along these lines, this order closes gyms, movie theatres, sweepstakes parlors, health clubs, and other similar facilities,” Cooper said. “We want you to close as soon as possible, and the order takes effect Wednesday. Because of their inability to conduct social distancing, this order also closes hair and nail salons, barbershops, and massage therapists as of 5 p.m. Wednesday. As with the other facilities we encourage you to close even before that date if you can."

Grocery stores will remain open, as will restaurants providing takeout and delivery. Cooper urged people not to overbuy at the grocery store.

“I know these actions cause hardship and heartache for a lot of people. But they are necessary to save lives,” Cooper said.

1:05 p.m.

Gov. Cooper will sign an executive order that closes public K-12 schools across North Carolina for in-person instruction until May 15.

“I know many parents have been expecting something like this. Many of you have become home school teachers in the last week, and I know this is extremely difficult for you and your children,” Cooper said. “This is what we need to do to help slow the spread of this virus, but I am committed to ensuring our students get the best education they can this year. I have asked the State Board of Education in collaboration with the Department of Public Instruction and legislators to develop a plan that strives to educate our students through the remainder of the school year."

Cooper added, “We arrived at May 15 by looking at the CDC and public health guidance, but as you know this is a rapidly evolving health crisis and if the guidance changes, we will adjust the order.”

12:20 p.m.

North Carolina’s health website is reporting at least 297 cases statewide, which is up from 255 last night. But counties report their own numbers on their own timelines, so the actual number may be slightly higher. So far, there have been no deaths in the state.

South Carolina is reporting at least 195 cases right now, and three deaths. York and Lancaster counties reported two new cases yesterday.

12 p.m.

Update from Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Gibbie Harris:

97 positive cases in Mecklenburg County. Results are coming in very slowly, but expected to increase. Roughly 1 in 8 patients have been hospitalized, some in serious condition.

There have been no deaths in Mecklenburg County.

Young people are at risk of contracting and spreading the virus.

Harris said a third of Mecklenburg County’s 97 COVID-19 cases are due to community spread. She also said she believes residents in the county are not taking the virus seriously enough.

11:30 a.m.

CATS Announces Service Modifications

Starting on Wednesday, March 25, CATS will make modifications to transit service to accommodate the current need for demand. CATS bus and LYNX light rail ridership has decreased up to 41%.

CATS will operate a temporary modified schedule seven days-a-week, fare free, until further notice. Since fare will not be needed during this time, and all ticket vending machines and fare boxes will be taken out of service.

Service modifications are as follows:

Bus

CATS Local fixed-route and community circulator buses will operate on a Saturday schedule Monday thru Saturday. Buses will operate normal Sunday service on Sundays. The route 290-Davidson Shuttle will not operate.

CATS Express routes will operate two trips in the morning and afternoon, Monday through Friday. The 41X-Steele Creek Express, 61X-Arboretum Express, 65X-Matthews Express and 88X- Mountain Island Express will not operate due to complementary local routes in those areas.

CATS asks that riders exit buses through available rear doors.

Light Rail

The LYNX Blue Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.

Paratransit

CATS’ Special Transportation Services (STS) operations will be limited to life-sustaining trips only. Life-sustaining trips include those to medical facilities and grocery stores.

“By operating modified service, we’re able to continue providing our community access to essential daily needs, front-line jobs and medical services”, said CATS CEO John Lewis. “We thank our riders for obeying the recommendations of officials and providing room on transit for those who serve us most.”

Sanitization Efforts

CATS continues its stringent sanitization efforts. As a standard, every vehicle in CATS’ fleet is cleaned on a nightly basis. On March 3, CATS implemented Contamination Protocol, more than one week before Mecklenburg County’s first identified case of COVID-19.

In addition to nightly normal cleaning procedures, Contamination Protocol consists of:

• All hard surfaces on vehicles are wiped down with a hospital-grade solution
• All 42 light rail vehicles are being treated with disinfectant antibacterial foggers

CATS continues to make gloves, anti-bacterial hand-gel, and anti-bacterial soap available to all bus drivers and train operators.

While CATS continues the increased sanitization efforts, we highly encourage riders to continue to follow all recommendations from public health officials. Whenever possible, we ask that all riders abide by the six-foot social distancing recommendation for the protection of transit operators and other passengers.

Modified schedule information can be found at RideTransit.org. Riders with questions or concerns should email TellTransit@charlottenc.gov or call 704-336-RIDE (7433).

11:15 a.m.

Mecklenburg County will hold a virtual news conference at noon. You can watch it live on Channel 9 or on your mobile device.

Gov. Roy Cooper, along with health and education leaders, will have a news briefing at 1 p.m. which you can also watch live on Channel 9 or your mobile device.

11 a.m.

10:40 a.m.

There are now 97 positive COVID-19 cases in Mecklenburg County, the health department has just reported.

9:30 a.m.

9:25 a.m.

9:20 a.m.

CMS now has an official page dedicated to remote supplemental learning for families.

9 a.m.

The Department of Health and Human Services is now reporting 297 positive and presumptive positive cases across North Carolina.

As of Monday morning, the state had completed 8,438 tests. The state lab had completed 919 tests.

Health officials said the state lab has enough supplies for 1,540 patients.

From Sunday to Monday, the state reported 42 new cases of coronavirus and 2,000 more tests were completed.

5:30 a.m.

Grocery stores have been so crowded lately, and many are doing their part to help people who need some extra time getting around the store.

Harris Teeters across Charlotte will open early for seniors starting Monday. The stores will open at 6 a.m. and they will have the store to themselves until 7 a.m.

Harris Teeter is not the only store to do this. Others have similar plans that allow those who are most at-risk of COVID-19 to shop with smaller crowds.

In addition to that, several grocery stores have changed their hours to restock and clean.

If you’re a senior, here are some other stores that are switching around their schedules:

• Walmart -- Senior Hour, every Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• Publix -- Every Tuesday, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Fresh Market -- Senior Hour, every weekday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Dollar General -- Every day from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Stores said they plan to keep offering the service for at least a month.

9:40 p.m. (Sunday)

Novant Health announced they are opening a new screening center in Salisbury to test for COVID-19.

It will be at 315 Mocksville Avenue and open starting Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

People have to be displaying symptoms of the virus, otherwise, Novant Health won’t screen them.

8:24 p.m. (Sunday)

Atrium Health announced a new program it is using called “Virtual Hospital, at Home” to help monitor patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

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