Coronavirus local updates: Burke County Health Dept. reports its first case of COVID-19

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The United States has more than 46,000 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 Tuesday:

11:13 p.m.

More than 1,000 layoffs announced in Charlotte in just the last 5 days:

10:02 p.m.

South Carolina DHEC says there are 342 cases of COVID-19 in 36 counties.

This is an increase of 44 cases. Local counties with new cases:

Chesterfield (1) and York (4)

Counties with the most cases:

• Kershaw 58
• Richland 45
• Greenville 39

There have been 2128 negative tests

8 p.m.

The Burke County Health Department director was told by the North Carolina state lab that two people positive tested positive for COVID-19.

One is a Burke County resident and the other is from another county in the state.

They are in isolation.

7:46 p.m.

10 a.m. Tuesday update:

• 8,502 tests completed in NC
• 938 tests completed at the state lab
• The state lab has supplies for 1,400 patients

7:40 p.m.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control said there were two more deaths related to COVID-19. This brings the state’s total number of deaths to seven.

One patient was an elderly person from Florence County who had underlying health conditions. The second patient was an elderly person from Horry County with no underlying health conditions.

After further investigation, an individual who passed away and was reported as residing in Kershaw County has been determined to have a Sumter County residence. DHEC reports cases based on the county of residence.

6:51 p.m.

Over 100,000 meals have been provided to CMS students in the community

6:20 p.m.

Mecklenburg County COVID-19 cases:

• March 11- 1
• March 12- 3
• March 13- 5
• March 14- 7
• March 15- 7
• March 16- 13
• March 17- 17
• March 18- 30
• March 19- 37
• March 20- 45
• March 21- 74
• March 22- 80
• March 23- 108
• March 24- 142

5:55 p.m.

Caldwell County has its first positive COVID-19 case.

5:40 p.m.

There are five new cases of COVID-19 reported in Union County today, bringing the total to 18.

5:35 p.m.

Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio says the stay at home order is based on the increase in cases in Meck County. She says parks, greenways, playing golf is all OK, but playgrounds will be closed. Diorio says the quicker we get compliance, the quicker we will be on the other side of this.

County health director Gibbie Harris says more COVID-19 tests, in the beginning, would have put Mecklenburg County in a better place today. She says officials will be looking at the curve of cases and hospital capacity when deciding whether to lift or extend the stay at home order.

Charlotte Fire Department Chief Johnson says people do not need documents to prove where they are going.

5:05 p.m.

GASTON COUNTY LEADERS HOLD OFF ON ‘STAY AT HOME’ ORDER

Mecklenburg County’s decision on Tuesday to issue a Stay at Home order is one Gaston County will hold off on following for now.

Gaston County is in close communication with its partners at CaroMont Health about its patient load respective to COVID-19. As of Tuesday afternoon, CaroMont has not formally requested such an order, as the major hospital systems in Mecklenburg County did of leadership there.

Gaston County currently has three confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Gaston County was the first in our area to restrict gatherings to 50 or less and continues to strongly encourage good hygiene and handwashing and social distancing.

Gaston County Manager Dr. Kim Eagle said the county is prepared to act if the situation on the ground here changes.

“We want to do everything we can to protect people’s jobs, while making sure we do not put our healthcare providers at undue risk,” she said. “We have tremendous relationships here in Gaston County that allow us to work closely together to make sure we are making the right decisions for all of our citizens.”

Those who work in Gaston County but live in Mecklenburg County will not be prevented from coming to work by Mecklenburg County’s order.

4:15 p.m.

South Carolina DHEC is investigating 44 additional cases of COVID-19. This brings the total number statewide to 342 cases in 36 counties.

“As the number of cases and community spread expectedly increase in our state, we reiterate the importance of taking daily prevention practices to protect yourself and your community,” said Dr. Jonathan Knoche, DHEC physician. “We all have the responsibility to protect ourselves, our families, friends and community.”

New positive cases:

• Aiken County: 1 case
• Anderson County: 1 case
• Beaufort County: 1 case
• Charleston County: 5 cases
• Chesterfield County: 1 case
• Clarendon County: 1 case
• Darlington County: 1 case
• Dorchester County: 1 case
• Florence County: 2 cases
• Greenville County: 8 cases
• Horry County: 3 cases
• Jasper County: 1 case
• Kershaw County: 4 cases
• Marlboro County: 1 case
• Richland County: 4 cases
• Spartanburg County: 1 case
• Sumter County: 4 cases
• York County: 4 cases

3:15 p.m.

Governor Henry McMaster and South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced that South Carolina’s schools will remain closed for the duration of the month of April.

They released this joint statement:

“At this time, students, parents, and families should plan for South Carolina’s schools to remain closed through the month of April. Our dedicated teachers and school administrators have done a tremendous job in making it possible for our students to learn at home. We understand that the prospect of schools remaining closed for an extended period of time places stress and strain on parents and children. Rest assured, if there is any way to safely open our schools earlier, we will do that, but schools must remain closed to protect the health and safety of South Carolinians.”

On March 15, McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-09, which closed public schools for students and non-essential employees through March 31. The governor said he will issue an additional executive order to extend the K-12 school closures through the month of April.

McMaster is also encouraging the state’s public colleges, universities, and technical colleges, and encourage those institutions to continue virtual learning for the rest of their semesters.

2:35 p.m.

Update from Mecklenburg County leaders, who have issued a ‘stay at home’ proclamation

Mecklenburg County has issued a Stay at Home Order beginning Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 8 a.m. in order to further combat the spread of COVID-19 in our community. This order directs all Mecklenburg County residents to shelter at home and limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs.

The order was announced Tuesday afternoon by Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio.

This order is valid through April 16, 2020 but will be regularly reviewed and evaluated and may be revised, amended, or extended accordingly, based upon recommendations by the Mecklenburg County Public Health Director and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management. Read the full Stay at Home Order.

Call 704-353-1926 for more information.

If voluntary cooperation is not achieved, CMPD is equipped to enforce these restrictions through citations or misdemeanor charges. Any person violating any prohibition or restriction imposed by this order shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Essential workers, including hospital and medical staff, pharmacy employees, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS Agency (MEDIC), some government employees and food service and grocery store employees will be allowed to travel to work. There are also many other essential business operations that can continue to operate.

“As we said from the beginning, we must act based on what we are seeing on the ground in our community,” said Harris. “Mecklenburg County has far more cases than any other County in North Carolina, and this extra step will keep more people away from each other and begin to flatten the rate of new cases before the hospital system becomes overwhelmed.”

The order will be enforced by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the police departments of the six towns in Mecklenburg County. The order will not prohibit restaurants from providing take out or delivery options. It also does not prohibit daycares, homeless shelters and government agencies from operating.

YOU CAN

• Go to the grocery, convenience or warehouse store
• Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities
• Visiting a health care professional for medical services that cannot be provided virtually (call first)
• Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-thru
• Care for or support a friend or family member
• Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog and be in nature for exercise – just keep at least six feet between you and others
• Walk your pets and take them to veterinarian if necessary
• Help someone to get necessary supplies
• Receive deliveries from any business which delivers

YOU SHOULD NOT

• Go to work unless you are providing essential services as defined by this Order
• Visit friends and family if there is no urgent need
• Maintain less than 6 feet of distance from others when you go out
• Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility or other residential care facility, except for limited exceptions as provided on the facility websites
• Travel except for essential travel and activities

What is the difference between “Stay at Home” and “social distancing?”

Stay at home is a stricter form of social distancing. Stay at home means:

• Stay home (stay unexposed and do not expose others)
• Only go out for essential services
• Stay 6 feet or more away from others
• Don’t gather in groups

The order will not prohibit restaurants from providing take out or delivery options. It also does not prohibit daycare centers, homeless shelters and government agencies from operating.

Essential workers, including hospital and medical staff, pharmacy employees, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS Agency (MEDIC), some government employees and food service and grocery store employees will be allowed to travel to work.

Essential business operations:

• Grocery store
• Food, beverage, agriculture
• Media
• Charities
• Gas stations
• Banks
• Hardware & supply stores
• Mail
• Laundry
• Restaurants with take-out or delivery
• Childcare centers

If businesses have questions as to whether they are considered “essential,” owners should call 704-353-1926.

Mecklenburg County makes up 25% of the state’s coronavirus cases. County Health Director Gibbie Harris says Meck has 142 cases of COVID-19. 80% percent of the cases are between the age of 20-59. Two cases involve people under the age of 20. One in five cases are requiring hospitalization.

No deaths have been reported in the county.

COVID-19 is not transmitted through sex or drug use, Harris says. She adds that you need to assume people around you are infected.

The following zip codes in Mecklenburg County have more than 7 cases: 28210, 28205, 28216 and 28269.

Mecklenburg’s order was signed by all the local mayors, the county commission chair, the county manager and city manager.

2:20 p.m.

Update from NC Director of Emergency management Mike Sprayberry:

We look forward to future allocations from the Strategic National Stockpile. Governor Cooper has reiterated our state’s need for more federal supplies to the President and Vice-President.

We received a similar shipment of supplies from the stockpile last week. Those supplies were also sent to medical providers across the state, but providers are using them up quickly. We are working vigorously to get more supplies.

48 counties also have their county emergency operations centers activated. 94 counties have declared states of emergency.

You can also receive information from 2-1-1 by text. Just text COVIDNC to 898211 to get regular information updates via text.

Gov. Cooper has told the President and Vice President that we need more equipment -- that is our number one priority over the next few days.

2:15 p.m.

Cleveland County resident confirmed to have COVID-19 while vacationing at beach

A Cleveland County resident has tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) while on vacation in Brunswick County. The individual arrived at the beach on March 16 and became symptomatic while there. The individual went to a healthcare provider in Brunswick County and tested positive. The individual will remain in Brunswick County until the required isolation period is over. Because the individual is a county resident, Cleveland County Health Department personnel will remotely monitor the individual’s temperature and other symptoms daily and have begun contact tracing for the individual. Anyone that is determined to be a close contact of the individual since symptom onset will be notified and asked to self-isolate for 14 days. The individual traveled with a companion that will serve as the individual’s primary caregiver during the isolation period. This companion will be expected to self-monitor for symptoms during this time and self-isolate for a period of 14 days beyond the positive individual’s isolation period to ensure that symptoms do not develop.

“This situation reinforces the importance of staying home and not participating in non-essential travel during this time,” Interim Cleveland County Health Director Deshay Oliver said. “Everyone has a role to play. If we all stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing, frequent handwashing, and follow other recommendations set forth, we can flatten the curve and hopefully prevent this from becoming widespread within our community. Everyone needs to do their part.”

If you have fever, cough, or other symptoms of respiratory illness, even if not from COVID-19, you should isolate yourself as if you have COVID-19. This will reduce the risk of making the people around you sick. If symptoms worsen or you become concerned about your health, call your healthcare provider. Your doctor can help you decide if you need to be tested for COVID-19. Anyone in your household or others who have been in close contact with you should, as much as possible, stay home for 14 days and monitor themselves for symptoms. Close contact means being within six feet of another person for at least 10 minutes. Anyone who starts having symptoms of COVID-19 should take the same steps to prevent spreading it.

2:10 p.m.

Update from Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson:

The CDC is now recommending that people who think they might have COVID-19 and have mild symptoms stay home, separate themselves from others and call their doctor for medical advice. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of action. I’ve talked to doctors across the state and they have been heroic in standing up a variety of ways to increase access to safe care for their patients – including telephone, video and FaceTiming.

Remember, for most people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness and the safest thing for them is to stay at home. However, we do know it can make some people very ill.

According to the CDC, higher risk includes people who:

• Are 65+ years
• Have high-risk conditions such as chronic lung disease, asthma, heart disease with complications, compromised immune system, severe obesity other underlying medical conditions.

Since we know pregnant women are at higher risk for severe illness from other viruses, they should be monitored. However, as of now data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk pregnant women.

While children are generally at lower risk for severe infection, some studies are showing a higher risk among infants.

Anyone with more serious or worsening symptoms should call their doctor or 911 right away. Those symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, or blue lips.

People can go back to my normal activities when they can answer “YES” to all the following questions:

• Has it been at least 7 days since you first had symptoms?
• Have you been without fever for 72 hours without any medicine for fever?
• Are other symptoms improved?

1:35 p.m.

The York County Sherif’s Office says all 2020 Census field operations are currently suspended.

1:30 P.M.

The North Carolina Board of Nursing is taking steps for graduate nurses to join the workforce and is also working on processes to have retired or inactive nurses re-join the workforce.

12:30 p.m.

An NC A&T community member has tested positive for COVID-19.

12:25 p.m.

Craven County reports its third positive COVID-19 test.

12:15 p.m.

Lake Norman Woman magazine is offering free grocery delivery to people who can’t do it themselves.

12:05 p.m.

The North Carolina Healthcare Association sent a letter to Gov. Roy Cooper yesterday requesting a shelter in place order.

11:30 a.m.

Starting Wednesday, CATS will provide special transportation service for life-essential trips only, including medical appointments, trips to work and to the grocery store.

10:50 a.m.

Mecklenburg County Health Department officials reporting 127 positive cases of COVID-19 in the county.

10:45 a.m.

City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services is only collecting garbage and recycling at this time. Yard waste and bulk item collection is suspended for 30 days or until further notice.

• Garbage and recycling will continue to be collected as scheduled.
• Yard waste collection is suspended.
• Bulk items scheduled that were previously scheduled will be collected as scheduled. Immediately, any new bulk item requests will be scheduled at least 30 days out.
• Beginning Monday, March 30, recyclables will not be collected outside the recycling cart. All materials, including cardboard, must be loosely placed in the recycling cart. Cardboard must be cut or torn, not folded, into pieces small enough to fit loosely in the cart
• Customers with questions can email curbit@charlottenc.gov or call 311.

10:40 a.m.

Watauga County has announced its third positive COVID-19 case.

10:05 a.m.

Garth Brooks is rescheduling his concert at Bank of America Stadium for June 13.

9:56 a.m.

NC DHHS is now reporting at least 398 cases of COVID-19 in the state. That’s up from 297 yesterday.

This figure does not always include all of the positive tests that counties report throughout the day.

9:45 a.m.

Chesterfield County is reporting its first case of coronavirus.

8:30 a.m.

Charlotte Motor Speedway is partnering with Atrium Health to create a coronavirus testing center at the zMax Dragway.

Officials said the remote testing site will give residents in northern Mecklenburg County and Cabarrus County a more convenient location to have tests done.

“At Charlotte Motor Speedway, we work for the fans, salute our military and serve our community,” Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter said. “During these unprecedented times, we want to support our neighbors and the region with what we can do to keep people healthy.”

Healthcare providers will make the appointment and testing at the speedway is set up so patients do not have to get out of their cars.

Atrium said samples will be tested at their in-house lab and patients typically receive results in 24 hours. Atrium Health has the ability to test 1,000 samples a day; officials said Atrium is one of the only health systems in the country to have this capability.

7 a.m.

The Army said two soldiers at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina have tested positive for coronavirus. Both soldiers are in isolation and are receiving care.

Charleston Air Force Base and Marine Corp Air Station Beaufort are reporting one case each. The Pst and Courier reported the stations have closed down on-base schools and other facilities.

4 a.m.

With many hospitals speaking out about dwindling supplies, Gaston College stepped up and collected thousands of items to protect healthcare professionals from the virus.

Officials said the school donated over 9,000 medical supplies to CaroMont Regional Medical Center and Atrium Health Lincolnton.

According to a statement from Gaston College, the Dean of the Health and Human Services program Dr. Allison Abernathy coordinated with the local hospitals and school faculty to collect and deliver supplies.

“Each year our partners help us prepare Gaston College students to become the best qualified, working professionals in the healthcare field," Abernathy said. "They critically need our medical supply donations so they won’t put themselves and other individuals at risk by spreading the Coronavirus pandemic.”

The school donated things like gowns, masks, surgical caps, plastic eye goggles, disposable lab coats, gloves and other forms of personal protective equipment.

10:15 p.m. (Monday)

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. (Monday)

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

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