Local

Coronavirus local updates: Frontier Airlines to screen passengers, staff members temps before boarding

By WSOCTV.com News Staff
By WSOCTV.com News Staff

Nearly 3.8 million people worldwide -- including more than 1.2 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

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

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

Mecklenburg County: (2:15 p.m.)

North Carolina Task Force: (2 p.m.)

South Carolina Task Force (TBA)

White House Task Force: (TBA)

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>> 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.

[Everything you need to know about the stimulus payments, unemployment]

[Food banks, soup kitchens helping people affected by COVID-19 outbreak]

[Charlotte restaurants, breweries offering curbside pickup, delivery, discounts]

>> 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 13,397 Thursday. North Carolina is now reporting 507 deaths, 171,328 completed tests and 525 people currently in the hospital.
  • Gov. Roy Cooper and the state’s coronavirus task force announced a statewide stay-at-home order which is currently in effect.
  • Gov. Henry McMaster has ordered a home or work order in South Carolina.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking cases in the United States here.

Important Links:

Live, local updates from Thursday:

10:39 p.m.

10:23 p.m.

Lyft announced all drivers and passengers will be required to wear face masks. Drivers and passengers will also be required to confirm they are not showing COVID-19 symptoms, the company said.

9:15 p.m.

Rowan Little League announced it is canceling the 2020 spring softball and baseball season.

8:49 p.m.

6:50 p.m.

Frontier Airlines to start temperature screening all passengers and staff members

Frontier Airlines announced it will temperature screen all passengers and staff members before boarding flights starting June 1.

Anyone who has a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will not be allowed to board the flight.

“The health and safety of everyone flying Frontier is paramount and temperature screenings add an additional layer of protection for everyone onboard,” said Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle. “This new step during the boarding process, coupled with face coverings and elevated disinfection procedures, will serve to provide Frontier customers an assurance that their well-being is our foremost priority and we are taking every measure to help them travel comfortably and safely.”

4:42 p.m.

Public Health Command Center Urges Caution as Stay-at-Home Order is Modified

On Friday, May 8 at 5pm North Carolina will transition to a modified Stay-at-Home Order and enter Phase 1 of the Governor’s plan to ease certain restrictions and begin reviving the economy. Rowan County does not have any additional restrictions beyond the Governor’s Executive Orders.

The modification provides additional reasons for people to leave home, but the Executive Order remains in place and can result in legal consequences. According to State guidance, “All North Carolina residents should continue to stay at home except for the purposes outlined in this Order. Anyone who is feeling sick should stay home and should leave the house only to seek health care or for some other necessary reason.”

Rowan County continues to experience community spread (person to person) of the virus. Not including congregate care settings, 44.1% of positive cases (76 of 172) have occurred in the last 7 days. It is extremely important to remain cautious when leaving home. Please do not let your guard down! Remember the 3 W’s: Wear a cloth face covering, Wait 6 feet apart/ avoid close contact, Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.

Highlights of Phase 1 include:

  • Any retail business may open at 50 percent capacity. Businesses will be required to practice social distancing, perform frequent cleanings, provide hand sanitizer when available, screen workers for symptoms and more.
  • People may leave their homes for commercial activity at any business that is open.
  • Certain businesses remain closed, including bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms. Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, take-out and delivery.
  • Teleworking is still encouraged for businesses that can practice it.
  • Cloth face coverings are recommended when you leave the house and may be near other people who are not family or household members.

4:30 p.m.

Atrium Health Unveils COVID-Safe for Employers to Help Organizations Return to Work Safely

Atrium Health is now offering nationally-leading and innovative COVID-Safe for Employers solutions to organizations and companies, as well as high-quality and reliable antibody testing across the Charlotte region. In order to help decrease the economic impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Atrium Health is helping organizations reopen as quickly and safely as possible by providing critical assistance with employee COVID-19 planning, screening and testing. Through several hundred practices, Atrium Health will also provide fast, reliable and high-quality antibody testing to determine if a person has previously had COVID-19.

COVID-Safe for Employers

As the most integrated health system in the Southeast, with nearly 40 hospitals and 900 care locations, Atrium Health is uniquely positioned to partner with companies and organizations to provide invaluable worksite guidance, protocols and services related to a COVID-Safe for Employers environment. Atrium Health will assist businesses as they seek ways to safely re-open the workplace with screening for employees and subsequent testing as needed. Atrium Health will also supply educational materials and treatments, as well as testing for employees who may have been exposed to people who are or have been COVID-positive while at work.

“As we begin to enter this next phase of addressing the realities of coronavirus, Atrium Health is partnering with businesses across our region to provide expert clinical guidance and advice to help safely restore a sense of normalcy,” said Dr. Scott Rissmiller, executive vice president and chief physician executive at Atrium Health. “Atrium Health is bringing innovative treatments, implementing extensive safety measures and expanding our care to patients across this region to provide health, hope, and healing – for all.”

Companies and organizations interested in learning more about Atrium Health’s innovative COVID-Safe for Employers solutions can email COVID19rtw@atriumhealth.org.

High-Quality and Reliable Antibody Testing

Atrium Health will also begin to provide fast, reliable and high-quality antibody testing to determine if a person has previously had COVID-19. The presence of antibodies in a person’s blood can help in determining a person’s immune response and can also support future research to establish clinical guidelines to improve public health. As one of the only health systems in the nation to have its own in-house lab to test for COVID-19, test results are typically available within 24 hours, up to three days faster than others, and will be easy for patients to access as part of their health record that are available online or as part of the MyAtriumHealth app.

“We are still learning the full capability of what antibody testing can provide, but if we’re able to test for coronavirus antibodies now, it can help as we interpret the data over time and allow us to make informed decision with results as we advise patients on the next steps as we learn more about this disease,” said Dr. Suzanna Fox, deputy chief physician and senior medical director of Atrium Health’s women’s service line.

As a first step in antibody testing, Atrium Health will immediately begin pilot testing its employees next week. Results from this internal employee testing pilot will be used to deploy high-quality and reliable testing available for both existing and new patients at hundreds of Atrium Health primary care, women’s care, Levine Children’s and urgent care practices in the weeks ahead. Existing and new patients wanting antibody testing can call an Atrium Health practice for more information, including upcoming availability and scheduling.

4:27 p.m.

Mecklenburg County Information Regarding Phase 1 in North Carolina

Governor Cooper issued Executive Order No. 138 that outlines what is allowed in North Carolina under Phase 1 of the state’s reopening plan. The information is subject to change in light of new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance and additional Executive Orders or local government declarations.

Below are answers to Frequently Asked Questions from the State of North Carolina

  • Phase 1 begins on Friday, May 8, 2020 at 5:00p.m. and remains in place until 5:00p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2020.
  • The Stay at Home order has not been lifted. People should continue to stay at home. Executive Order No. 138 increases the number of reasons people are allowed to leave. All North Carolina residents should continue to stay at home except for the purposes outlined in the order.
  • Anyone who is feeling sick should stay home and leave the house only to seek health care or for some other necessary reason.
  • COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus, and state officials will continue to monitor key metrics. COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person, especially indoors or if people come in close contact for more than ten minutes. All residents should continue to exercise extreme caution when in public.
  • Phase 1 is different than the current Stay at Home Order in the following ways:
    • Eliminates the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses;
    • Allows most retailers (with exceptions) that can comply with specific requirements to open at 50 percent capacity;
    • Allows people to leave home for non-essential goods or services;
    • Encourages state parks and trails that are closed to open;
    • Specifically allows people to gather outdoors while following social distancing guidelines with up to ten people;
    • Opens child care to working families; and
    • Encourages North Carolinians to wear cloth face coverings when outside the home in order to protect others.
  • The following does not change in Phase 1 from the Stay at Home Order:
    • A Stay at Home order remains in place;
    • Mass gatherings are generally limited to no more than ten people;
    • Teleworking is encouraged;
    • Social distancing, hand hygiene, and other methods to slow the spread of CVID-19 should be practiced, including staying at least six feet apart;
    • Restaurants and bars remain closed for dine-in service;
    • Personal care and grooming businesses, including barber shops, beauty, nail, and tanning salons, and tattoo parlors, remain closed;
    • Entertainment facilities, including movie theaters, bowling alleys, and performance venues, remain closed;
    • Fitness facilities such as health clubs and gyms remain closed;
    • People may leave their homes to obtain medical services, obtain goods and services, engage in outdoor exercise, take care of others or volunteer;
    • Playgrounds remain closed;
    • Open retail businesses must meet certain requirements to ensure the safety of their employees and customers; and
    • Visitation continues to be banned at long-term care facilities, except for certain compassionate care situations.
  • North Carolinians may leave their homes for the following allowable activities during Phase 1:
    • Work at any business, nonprofit, government, or other organization that is not closed by an Executive Order, or seek employment;
    • Take care of health and safety needs, including to seek emergency medical services, obtain medical supplies and medication, or visit a health care professional or veterinarian;
    • Receive goods, services, or supplies from any business or operation that is not closed by an Executive Order;
    • Engage in outdoor activities, including to walk, hike, run, golf, hunt, fish, or hike outdoors;
    • Take care of others, including assisting a family member, friend or pet, or attend weddings or funerals;
    • Worship or exercise First Amendment rights, outdoors and following social distancing guidelines;
    • Travel between places of residence, including child custody or visitation arrangements;
    • Volunteer with organizations that provide charitable and social services;
    • Gather at other people’s homes with no more than ten people outdoors while following social distancing guidelines; and
    • Provide or receive government services.
  • Restaurants will remain closed for dine-in meals. Take-out, drive-through, and delivery services continue to be allowed.
  • Shopping malls are open to the public. However, all congregation areas including food courts will remain closed. Shoppers are limited to going into retail locations only.
  • All retail businesses must follow these requirements:
    • Direct customers and staff to stay at least six feet apart except at point of sale if applicable;
    • Limit occupancy to not more than 50 percent of stated fire capacity and ensure that social distancing of six feet apart if possible;
    • Mark six feet of spacing in lines at point of sale and in other high-traffic customer areas;
    • Perform frequent and routine environmental cleaning and disinfection of high-touch areas with an EPA-approved disinfectant of COVID-19;
    • Provide, whenever available, hand sanitizer stations, and ensure soap and hand drying materials are available at sinks;
    • Conduct daily symptom screening of employee before entering the workplace and immediately send symptomatic workers home;
    • Have a plan in place to immediately isolate an employee from work if symptoms develop; and
    • Post signage at the main entrances to remind people about social distancing guidelines, to request people who are or have been recently symptomatic not to enter, and to notify customers of the reduced store capacity.
  • Retail businesses are also strongly encouraged to:
    • Direct workers to stay at least six feet apart from one another and from customers, to the greatest extent possible;
    • Provide designated times for seniors and other high-risk populations to access services; and
    • Develop and use systems that allow for online, email, or telephone ordering, no-contact curbside or drive-through pickup or home delivery, and contact-free checkout.
  • High-volume retail businesses, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, are strongly encouraged to:
    • Install acrylic or plastic shields at cash registers;
    • Clearly mark designated entry and exit points; and
    • Provide assistance with routing through aisles in the store.

4:18 p.m.

Charlotte Motor Speedway to Host In-car Graduations for the Cabarrus County Class of 2020

North Carolina officials have announced that Cabarrus County Schools will hold graduation ceremonies at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The event will be an in-car graduation ceremony and students will receive their diplomas at the start/finish lines on the track.

“We are grateful to the Charlotte Motor Speedway for making their facility available to some of our graduating seniors to give them the opportunity to have an unforgettable graduation this year,” said Superintendent Johnson. “When we approached the speedway with this idea, they began work right away to make the speedway available and to plan an incredible graduation experience.”

Seniors from all 10 high schools in the county will have their graduation on June 12 and 13.

Students will get to watch the commencement on the massive Speedway TV like in a drive-in before driving around the track to get their diplomas.

Guests will not be allowed in the stands due to COVID-19 guidelines to limit large gatherings.

Click here for more information on the ceremony.

3:52 p.m.

Per Coroner Karla Deese: Lancaster County Coroner’s Office has confirmed Lancaster County’s 5th COVID-19 positive death. The death occurred in Lancaster County on May 5, 2020.

2:40 p.m.

Amtrak Requires Facial Coverings as Added Measure of Protection

As part of Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to protect customers and front-line employees in response to the coronavirus pandemic, beginning on May 11 Amtrak is requiring that all customers in stations, on trains and thruway buses wear facial coverings.

“The safety of Amtrak’s customers and employees is our top priority and requiring a facial covering is one more way we can protect everyone,” Amtrak President and CEO Bill Flynn said. “Amtrak continues to operate as an essential service for those who must travel during this public health crisis. Our services will be even more critical as our nation recovers.”

This new policy will require customers wear a facial covering over their nose and mouth while in stations, on trains and thruway buses. Facial coverings can be removed when customers are eating in designated areas, in their private rooms, or seated alone or with a travel companion in their own pair of seats. Small children who are not able to maintain a facial covering are exempt from this requirement.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of simple cloth facial coverings or masks to slow the spread of the virus and prevent transmission. Customers must supply their own facial covering. Customers can go to CDC.gov for detailed instructions on how to make their own facial covering.

Amtrak continues to take extra steps to sanitize stations and trains. Additional measures include the following:

  • Limiting bookings: To help maintain CDC recommendations for physical distancing onboard trains, we have temporarily reduced Coach and Business class sales to 50% capacity.
  • Going cashless: As an added measure to ensure the health and safety of our customers and employees, we are temporarily accepting only cashless payments in stations and on trains.
  • Promoting physical distancing: Signage has been displayed at several of our busiest staffed stations to indicate safe distances in high customer traffic areas such as waiting rooms, in front ticket offices, at the base/top of escalators, lounge entrances, etc. In addition, clear protective barriers have been retrofitted at staffed stations where there are no current glass barriers.
  • Updating food and beverage service: We are temporarily offering Flexible Dining service in the dining or lounge car on all long distance routes (except Auto Train) and encouraging all Sleeping Car customers to select optional room service for their meals. In addition, we are limiting seating in dining and café areas.

Amtrak continues to evaluate current practices and pilot new opportunities to support personal safety.

Visit Amtrak.com for more information about how Amtrak is maintaining a safe environment.

2:25 p.m.

The Whitewater Center will resume a few limited activities beginning Saturday, May 9

Pursuant to Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order #138 issued on May 5th, 2020, the Whitewater Center will resume a few limited activities beginning Saturday, May 9th, 2020. Please reference the Calendar for hours of operation and the activity schedule for specifics on available activities on the date of your visit. The Whitewater Center trails and grounds are accessible to the public, subject to weather and conditions. The activities, outlets, and services that will be available include:

All locations and activities will have very limited capacities and guests must adhere to social distancing requirements at all times. Equipment and surfaces will be disinfected prior to guest contact in accordance with Whitewater Center policy and CDC guidelines.

Annual Pass Extension

Guests with an Annual Pass that has been activated prior to March 25th, 2020 will automatically receive a 45 day extension to match the period of time that activities have been unavailable due to NC Executive Order #121.

Summer Camp

All summer camp programs are currently available and will proceed as originally scheduled. Registration for all sessions is currently available here.

Employment

The Whitewater Center is currently hiring for a variety of part-time/seasonal roles to engage the public through the active, outdoor lifestyle. Please reference the Employment page for more information and to apply online.

Questions? Please contact Guest Services at info@usnwc.org.

2:15 p.m.

Mecklenburg County officials held a news conference about the latest developments surrounding COVID-19.

Health Director Gibbie Harris said as of noon, 1,932 residents have tested positive for COVID-19. 59 people have died. She said one of the long-term facilities no longer has an outbreak, but did not name the facility.

According to Harris, hospitalizations have continued to decline.

Over 36,000 tests have been conducted in Mecklenburg County so far. The county is moving into the next phase of testing. 5% of the population is expected to be tested in the next 30 days.

Harris is aiming to test 13,000 per week over the next 30 days. About 1850 tests a day. Harris said the county has reached that target the past two days.

With increased testing, we’ll get an increase in positives. Harris says we are already seeing that. The county doesn’t want to see an increase in hospitalizations or deaths.

The county is not moving into antibody testing at this point.

3 groups for testing:

  • Group 1: Moderate-severe symptoms, 65+ residents, healthcare workers, first responders
  • Group 2: Mild symptoms, known medium-high risk exposure, people undergoing med procedures
  • Group 3: People who support critical infrastructures, asymptomatic people

The county would like to see test results come back within 72 hours. Most of the results are coming back within 24, Harris said.

“The community needs to act not like it was before Christmas,” Harris said about entering Phase 1 as shops reopen.

Harris says leaders don’t know when Mecklenburg County will be back to normal.

2:07 p.m.

Deadlines to claim lottery prizes extended

North Carolinians who couldn’t claim lottery prizes in person since March 10 due to the coronavirus outbreak will get additional time to collect their winnings.

Under legislation signed into law Monday, winners of N.C. Education Lottery prizes have until Nov. 1 to claim prizes from tickets that expire between March 10 and Aug. 1. The legislation was approved on Saturday by the N.C. General Assembly as part of COVID-19 legislation and signed into law Monday by Gov. Roy Cooper.

The N.C. Education Lottery temporarily closed its Claim Centers on Monday, March 23, under the state’s Stay At Home order to help protect the safety of the public, lottery players, and employees. The closing meant that players with prizes of $599 or less could claim those prizes as usual at a retail location where lottery tickets are sold and those with prizes of $600 or more could mail in their claims to obtain their winnings.

The lottery already extended the claim deadlines for all winning tickets that could expire during the closure and temporarily lifted the requirement that prizes of $100,000 must be claimed in person. The new law extends the deadline further.

“Anyone who has the good luck to win a lottery prize should get their prize,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “The prizes are waiting for winners to claim when it is safe to do so. We’re glad that our players have more time to collect the money they won.”

Here are the current options available to collect a lottery prize:

  • Prizes up to $599 can be cashed at retail locations.
  • Lottery tickets also can be mailed in. Winners of $100,000 or more are not required at this time to claim their prizes in person and a temporary Stay At Home Claims Process assists those with prizes of $600 or more. Claim forms can be downloaded from the lottery’s website by visiting www.nclottery.com/ClaimPrizes.

Under the extended deadline, players who do not prefer to mail in their claims can use the additional time to claim their prizes in person. The lottery recommends that those winners sign the back of their tickets and secure them in a safe place.

“We’re here to help you collect the prizes you have won,” said Michalko. “We appreciate your patience and understanding as we balance our responsibility to public health and to our players.”

The lottery’s Customer Services will continue to staff the toll-free helpline to assist lottery players with questions. The toll-free Customer Services line is 1-877-962-7529. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m.

2 p.m.

North Carolina leaders held a news conference to update the public on the state’s coronavirus response.

Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy K. Cohen encouraged people to stay up to date with important vaccines amid the crisis.

She emphasized the importance of the 3 W’s: Wearing a face masks, waiting 6 feet apart and washing hands for at least 20 seconds.

When asked about the continued increase in new cases, she said that is expected because state increased testing. She said the virus is still here so that’s why leaders chose a phased approach to reopening. She said Phase 1 is focused on lower risk activities that keep people moving around such as being outdoors and walking around retail stores.

The state has hotspots available for student use.

Director of Emergency Management Mike Sprayberry joined Cohen and said 211 call specialists have helped North Carolinians with about 38,000 calls since March. 211 has provided people with resources for food, supplies and other needs.

He said the state has delivered masks, face shields, goggles and hand sanitizers to regional counties.

Sprayberry also discussed Hurricane Preparedness Week. He said flooding is the most damaging aspect of hurricanes and urged people to get flood insurance if they haven’t already.

He listed other ways to prepare for storms such as securing loose objects and keeping trees trimmed.

North Carolina’s latest hurricane guide here.

Sprayberry also encouraged people to check their family emergency kit. He suggested adding wipes, face masks and hand sanitizers to the kit.

Both leaders saluted nurses for their dedication to helping those impacted by COVID-19

They praised North Carolinians for their progress and pushed residents to stay vigilant.

“Keep up the good work because you are the ones that will help us out of this situation,” Sprayberry said.

1:40 p.m.

Republican National Convention Announces Jeffrey W. Runge, MD, FACEP as Senior Advisor

Today the Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements (COA) announced Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge, a leading national health security official, is joining their team as a Senior Advisor for Health and Safety Planning. With 35-years of experience as a board-certified physician in emergency medicine and notable leadership positions across the federal government and industry, Dr. Runge’s extensive medical and risk management background and work with federal, state and private entities, including many in North Carolina, make him well equipped to guide the convention as they plan for a safe, in-person event in August.

“We’ve said from the start that we are committed to hosting a safe and successful 2020 Republican National Convention in Charlotte, and Dr. Runge’s background and expertise will be instrumental as we continue to map out our plans that ensure the health safety of all convention participants and the Charlotte community,” said President and CEO Marcia Lee Kelly. “We recognize this hasn’t been done before, but we remain committed to leading the path forward so that we can safely re-open America and create a five-star event for attendees and guests this August.”

Dr. Runge has decades of clinical, research, leadership and administrative experience. He served as the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the United States Department of Transportation (2001 – 2005) and the Chief Medical Officer and Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2005 – 2008). He continued to advise companies on their medical, safety and biodefense risk planning in subsequent years across both the public and private sectors.

Dr. Runge lives in North Carolina where he consults on health and safety risk management, medical preparedness and response, operational planning, biodefense and transportation safety.

ABOUT THE 2020 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION:

The 2020 Republican National Convention will be held at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 24-27, 2020. Nearly 50,000 visitors– including delegates, members of the media and guests – are expected to gather to witness history as we re-nominate President Donald J. Trump as President of the United States. This 5-star event will play an integral role in promoting local businesses and generating millions of dollars across the region. It will leave a lasting impact – not only in the “Queen City” of Charlotte, but also across the nation as we celebrate together American greatness.

1:05 p.m.

New Portal Opens to File Claims for COVID-19 Testing and Treatment of Uninsured Patients

Health care providers and hospitals can use a new portal to request reimbursement for claims associated with COVID-19 testing and treatment of uninsured patients retroactive to Feb. 4, 2020. The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program Portal was launched by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support health care providers in delivering COVID-19 diagnostic testing and treatment at no cost to patients. It can be accessed at COVIDUninsuredClaim.linkhealth.com.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) established a $1 billion fund to pay for testing for people without insurance. Additional funding for treatment was provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Health care providers must deliver COVID-19 related services at no cost to be eligible to request reimbursement from the provider relief fund made available by the CARES Act. Providers must register to use the COVID-19 Uninsured Program Portal, and reimbursement requests will be accepted beginning May 6, 2020. More information and training videos are available in the portal.

Additionally, to help North Carolina providers navigate the financial opportunities related to COVID-19, NC Medicaid has prepared a list of all federal funding available. Key Federal Funding Available for Health Care Providers and Hospitals to Address COVID-19 is available on the NC Medicaid website and will be updated as new or updated funding opportunities are announced.

For more information about the HRSA Uninsured Program Portal or COVID-19 resources and information, visit:

1 p.m.

June 12-14 Pennzoil AutoFair Canceled due to Pandemic

Due to circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, Charlotte Motor Speedway has canceled the spring edition of the Pennzoil AutoFair. Originally scheduled for its traditional early April weekend, the event was postponed until June 12-14 but now is off the 2020 event calendar. The fall edition of Pennzoil AutoFair is scheduled for Oct. 22-24.

“While North Carolina is currently moving toward Phase 1 of re-opening the economy, we recognize that restrictions on large public gatherings such as spectator events will still be in place by mid-June,” said Greg Walter, executive vice president and general manager at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “As our discussions with state and local government health officials continue, we believe this is the best decision for the health and safety of the thousands of vendors, car club participants and attendees who enjoy this show each spring.

“The Pennzoil AutoFair is a marquee event that fans and automotive enthusiasts from across the country look forward to every year. We’ll work hard alongside our partners at the Hornet’s Nest Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America to invite the vendors and car-lovers back to join us for a spectacular edition of the show in October.”

Participant questions regarding on-site displays and vendor set-ups should be directed as follows:

11 a.m.

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

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting 13,397 cases of COVID-19 in 99 counties. That is up 639 from Wednesday. Avery County is the only county in North Carolina to not see any cases of coronavirus so far.

There have been 30 new deaths attributed to COVID-19 since Wednesday, bringing the state’s total to 507.

NCDHHS reported that 525 people remain hospitalized and 171,328 tests have been completed.

Mecklenburg County continues to lead the state in both cases and deaths with 1,922 and 58 respectively.

Confirmed cases by age:

0-17 (3%)

18-24 (7%)

25-49 (42%)

50-64 (26%)

65 or older (22%)

COVID-19 deaths by age:

25-49 (3%)

50-64 (11%)

65 or older (86%)

Cases by race:

White: 53%

Black: 36%

Cases by gender:

Women: 51%

Men: 48%

(Men account for 55% of deaths)

Cases and deaths in congregate living settings:

There have been 62 outbreaks in nursing homes across the state, resulting in 1,988 cases and 250 deaths (Anson, Burke (2); Cabarrus; Cleveland; Iredell; Mecklenburg (6); Rowan (4); Union (2)).

There have been 23 outbreaks at residential care facilities across the state, resulting in 386 cases and 40 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? In the last 24 hours we’ve seen 9% positive tests. That’s up from 6%-7% earlier this week.

Hospitalizations decreasing? We are level. The number increased by nine from Wednesday to Thursday but Dr. Cohen has said we are level.

Testing capacity? The state did meet its goal in the last 24 hours with 6,846 tests.

Contract tracers? The state still only has 250 and is working to double this workforce to 500.

PPE Supplies? The state does not have enough gowns to handle 30 days, however, the state now reports it does have enough N-95 masks.

10:50 a.m.

SouthPark Mall, Concord Mills and Charlotte Premium Outlets will reopen on Saturday, May 9.

Previously, it was reported they would open on May 8.

10 a.m.

Closed N.C. State Parks To Begin Phased Reopening May 9

Currently closed state parks in North Carolina are set to reopen following a phased plan. Click here for park by park details.

At a glance:

  • Most trails and most restrooms will reopen on May 9.
  • Visitor centers, exhibits, meeting rooms, community buildings, picnic shelters, and retail areas will remain closed to enable staff to focus on cleaning restrooms and implementing social distancing on trails and other open areas.
  • No campgrounds will be open. Campgrounds are expected to open May 22. Group camps will not open until at least June 30.
  • No facility rentals will be available, including picnic shelters.
  • Please check park pages for park hours. Some parks may close early.
  • Parking will be limited to available spaces to keep parks under capacity. Overflow parking will not be allowed. Several parks will further limit parking capacity to allow for social distancing.

Following guidance from the Governor’s office and the Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina’s state parks will increase recreational access and services beginning May 9. The Division of Parks and Recreation is working with state and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and use a phased, collaborative approach to increase access to North Carolina State Parks in a systematic manner.

Beginning May 9, 29 state parks that were closed will reopen including most roads, trails, restrooms and some boat ramps. Some access areas may be closed, so visitors should check park webpages for details. Campgrounds, picnic shelters, swim areas, playgrounds, visitor centers, and other common gathering areas will remain closed during this phase.

The health and safety of employees, visitors, and residents of our state remain the highest priority as we move forward with easing restrictions at state parks. Park superintendents have examined each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with public health guidance. Cleaning procedures effective for COVID-19 disinfection are established and staff are trained to disinfect restrooms and high-touch areas. Park staff have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to reduce the spread risk of COVID-19 as they interact with the public and clean restrooms and other areas.

“The importance of our parks and trails to North Carolinians has become quite apparent during this pandemic,” said State Parks Director Dwayne Patterson. “While we look forward to welcoming visitors back to the parks that have been closed, we are approaching this phased reopening with safety in mind. As we balance the high visitation we expect with our responsibility to protect park staff and natural resources, we ask that everyone be respectful of park staff, other visitors, and the parks’ natural areas.”

A return to full operations will occur in phases. The current plan calls for reopening campgrounds in the second phase, and the third and final phase will include opening common areas and resuming educational activities and other programming.

To ensure health and safety, park visitors should follow the “Three W’s” as outlined by the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services – wear a mask or cloth face covering; wait in line at least six feet away from others, and wash hands frequently. Visitors should also follow local health orders, maintain social distancing, bring hand sanitizer and reusable water bottles, avoid high-risk activities that could lead to calling first responders who are needed elsewhere during the pandemic, and practice Leave No Trace principles.

For more Covid-19 information, consult the DHHS website at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/covid19/covid-19-guidance#phase-1-easing-of-restrictions.

Park staff ask that visitors check the park webpage for detailed information before their visit rather than calling the park office. For the most up to date information about facility openings, service hours, and access, please visit the Division of Parks and Recreation’s website at ncparks.gov/open.

8:30 a.m.

Nearly 3.2 million laid-off workers applied for unemployment benefits last week as the business shutdowns caused by the viral outbreak deepened the worst U.S. economic catastrophe in decades.

Roughly 33.5 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the seven weeks since the coronavirus began forcing millions of companies to close their doors and slash their workforces. That is the equivalent of one in five Americans who had been employed back in February, when the unemployment rate had reached a 50-year low of just 3.5%.

On Friday, the government will issue the April jobs report, and it’s likely to be the worst since modern record-keeping began after World War II. The unemployment rate is forecast to reach at least 16%, the highest rate since the Great Depression, and economists estimate that 21 million jobs were lost last month. If so, it would mean that nearly all the job growth in the 11 years since the Great Recession ended has vanished in a single month.

Even those stunning figures won’t fully capture the magnitude of the damage the coronavirus has inflicted on the job market. Many people who are still employed have had their hours reduced. Others have suffered pay cuts. Some who lost jobs in April and didn’t look for a new one in light of their bleak prospects won’t even be counted as unemployed. A broader measure -- the proportion of adults with jobs -- could hit a record low.

The official figures for jobless claims may also be under-counting layoffs. Surveys by academic economists and think tanks suggest that as many as 12 million workers who were laid off by mid-April did not file for unemployment benefits by then, either because they couldn’t navigate their state’s overwhelmed systems or they felt too discouraged to try.

As the economy slides further into what looks like a severe recession, economists are projecting that the gross domestic product -- the broadest gauge of economic growth -- is contracting in the current April-June quarter by a shocking 40% annual rate. As it does, more layoffs appear to be spreading beyond front-line industries like restaurants, hotels and retail stores.

6:30 a.m.

THURSDAY MORNING STORYLINES

The women’s prison in Raleigh reported its first COVID-19-related death. Authorities say an inmate in her late 60s died from a pre-existing condition complicated by the virus.

North Carolina is nearing 13,000 COVID-19 cases.

Unemployment numbers due out Thursday morning are expected to show another 3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, which would mean 33 million have applied since mid-March. The Labor Department’s monthly jobs report, which comes out Friday, is expected to show a 15% to 20% unemployment rate, according to ABC News.

The North Carolina Air National Guard will flyover local hospitals and medical centers Thursday morning in a show of support for frontline workers. Operation American Resolve will start and end in Charlotte.

>> Eyewitness News will broadcast the flyover event live on Channel 9, and you can also watch it on our mobile app.

Starting today, everyone at the VA medical center in Salisbury will have to wear a mask. If you have an appointment and don’t take a mask with you, the VA will give you one. The center made the new rule based on a new study. The Veterans Health Administration studied COVID-19 in veterans and staff living and working in community living centers and spinal cord injury units. It found several facilities with veterans and staff who tested positive but don’t have symptoms.

Tonight, we’ll get some hope of sports coming back. The NFL will release its schedule for next season. We’ve also learned the league has set policies for reopening team facilities. The first phase does not involve players, only team staff. Teams must have the policies in place by next Friday.

9:30 p.m. (Wednesday)

An inmate in her late 60s at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh has died because of complications from COVID-19, ABC affiliate WTVD reported.

This marks the fourth coronavirus-related death of an inmate at North Carolina state prison and the first woman.

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, the woman tested positive for COVID-19 on April 18. She was hospitalized on April 19 where her condition worsened and she died at the hospital Wednesday.

“Any death is deeply saddening, and we continue to work hard to deal with COVID-19 in our prisons,” Todd Ishee, Commissioner of Prisons, said in a news release. “The safety and health of the staff and the offenders in our custody remain our top priority.”

© 2020 Cox Media Group

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