Coronavirus local updates: NC state prisons says female inmate dies from COVID-19

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Nearly 3.7 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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Mecklenburg County: (TBA)

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

South Carolina Task Force (4 p.m.)

White House Task Force: (4 p.m.)

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>> 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 12,758 Wednesday. North Carolina is now reporting 477 deaths, 164,482 completed tests and 516 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:

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

Live, local updates from Wednesday:

11 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

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.”

9 p.m.

8 p.m.

6 p.m.

U.S. death toll nears 75,000 as the U.K. death toll becomes highest in Europe.

5:55 p.m.

As Rowan County looks forward to a modified Stay-at-Home order and the transition to Phase 1, certain restrictions will ease.

These will be effective on Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m.

Rowan County does not have any additional restrictions beyond the Governor’s Executive Orders.

5:23 p.m.

Ten COVID-19 cases that have been identified in Lincoln County since April 28, 2020 are attributed to an isolated private household exposure, and all close contacts have been identified.

• A positive active case is a person who tested positive in a lab and remains in isolation until cleared.
• A positive recovered case is a person who tested positive in a lab and has now met the state criteria for clearance.
• A negative case is a person that tested negative in a lab. 
• A PUI is a person who was tested for COVID-19 and is self-isolating until test results are received.
• Total tested: 876
• Positive Active Cases: 14
• Positive Recovered Cases: 24
• Negative Cases: 827
• PUIs: 11

5:12 p.m.

Eight new positive COVID-19 cases were reported today in Caldwell County. Six cases are in the 28645 ZIP code along with one in the 28601, and one in the 28638.

• Confirmed: 53
• Recovered: 25
• Deaths: 0
• Completed Tests: 1,639
• Negative Tests: 1,457

Confirmed Cases By age:

• 0-24: 6
• 25-64: 44
• 65+: 3

As the pandemic began, EMS established a screening protocol to determine first responders’ risk of COVID-19 exposure when responding to 911 calls. In March, 223 calls required first responders to take extra precautions. In April, that number increased to 478 calls, approximately a third of all EMS calls for the month.

5:11 p.m.

Burke County Public Health was notified today and is reporting the 11th COVID-19 associated death in Burke County.

The individual in their 70’s was not hospitalized but died from complications associated with their underlying medical conditions.

To protect the family’s privacy, no further information about the patient will be released.

“We are deeply saddened to have to report another death within our county. We want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this individual”, said Burke County Health Director Rebecca McLeod. We continue this battle on all fronts and plead with our residents to keep up the preventive measures to help contain this virus moving forward.”

For general questions about COVID-19, you can contact the Burke County Public Information line at 828-764-9388 or visit the COVID-19 webpage at www.burkenc.org/COVID-19.

4:55 p.m.

South Carolina to Test All Residents and Staff at Nursing Homes for COVID-19

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced it will test residents and staff members at every nursing home in the state for COVID-19.

This extensive testing plan is part of DHEC’s ongoing efforts to increase COVID-19 testing in South Carolina, especially for those at higher risk for developing severe complications from the virus, like nursing home residents and the staff members who care for them.

“Many of us have family, friends and loved ones in these types of care facilities,” said DHEC Director Rick Toomey. “Across the country, COVID-19 has drastically impacted the residents and workers at nursing homes, and we want South Carolinians to know that DHEC is doing everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19, especially for the vulnerable populations who reside at these care facilities.”

Beginning next week, DHEC — with testing support from LabCorp and extensive coordination and cooperation from the two primary associations that represent nursing homes, South Carolina Healthcare Association and Leading Age South Carolina — will begin a phased testing approach to include approximately 40,000 residents and staff members at the 194 nursing homes in the state. The first phase will begin on May 11 with approximately 15,000 residents and staff at 74 facilities. While these facilities were identified based on risk, the majority of them volunteered to be tested in phase one.

The statewide testing of the 194 facilities is anticipated to be complete by the end of May.

COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care facilities are an indicator of ongoing transmission of the virus within a community and require an intense focus on infection prevention practices. DHEC has worked, and continues to work, closely with these health care facilities to provide guidance and help implement recommendations for protecting residents as well as the dedicated workers who care for them. The facilities have been notified of this testing plan, and DHEC staff are working with facilities to answer any questions or concerns ahead of the testing roll out.

“Asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19 from staff to residents and between residents is a concern in nursing homes,” said Dr. Joan Duwve, DHEC Director of Public Health. “Universal testing in these facilities will allow us to better identify residents with asymptomatic infection in order to cohort infected patients and further reduce the spread of COVID-19 from patients with no signs of illness.”

In addition to providing universal testing, several measures have been implemented statewide to protect residents and staff at nursing homes. DHEC’s disease investigation staff work closely with facilities to prevent additional cases by investigating when a COVID-19 case is reported involving a staff member or resident. This includes that all nursing homes are required to report COVID-19 infections to DHEC.

A typical response includes:

• Frontline epidemiologists contact the facility to collect preliminary information about residents and staff.
• Frontline staff connect the facilities with DHEC Infection Preventionists who provide facility-specific consultations.
• Guidance is provided about how to assess possible exposures, restriction of activities, isolation and quarantine measures, appropriate use of personal protective equipment and disease monitoring in staff and residents to rapidly detect additional cases.

On March 13, Gov. Henry McMaster issued an Executive Order that stopped public visitation to nursing homes in order to help protect the vulnerable population of residents, staff and visitors. This order is still in effect today.

DHEC continues to release new and updated information as it becomes available. For the latest COVID-19 information and updates, visit scdhec.gov/covid19.

4:35 p.m.

The SCDHEC today announced 97 new cases of COVID-19 and nine additional deaths. This brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 6,936 and those who have died to 305.

4:15 p.m.

SC Gov. Henry McMaster’s update on COVID-19

SC Governor Henry McMaster says the state is “turning the tables” on the virus. He says there is a plan for contact tracing the virus, and increased testing. McMaster says contract tracing is essential. He says, “we know what the disease looks like, and we know its capacity.”

SCDHEC also announced today that the agency will test all patients and staff at all the state’s nursing homes. That will begin on Monday. That’s roughly 40,000 who will be tested.

From day one, 68,766 tests have been done in SC for COVID-19 and 6,841 have tested positive. That’s about 10%.

The goal is to test 110,000 people per month in May and June. That’s 2% of the population. That means mass testing in urban areas.

Officials say African Americans and other minorities have been disproportionately impacted by the virus. African Americans represent 44% of COVID-19 cases. Officials say they’re working to set up mobile testing clinics to address this issue and increase access to care.

McMaster says he expects to see more positive tests when testing increases around the state. He says it will help the state contain the virus and get back to work.

Officials say the CDC is recommending increased testing, and that includes people with mild symptoms and even no symptoms. People who could have the disease and not know it. These new mobile testing clinics will help reach those people.

DHEC wants to test twice the number of people they’ve tested so far. They have 230 contact tracers and want to add more. There is online training so people can learn how to be part of the program.

Contact tracers will be in touch with people who have COVID-19, link them to resources, follow their progress, and monitor their case, ask about others they’ve been in contact with. DHEC wants to hire hundreds more contact tracers in the coming days.

“Nursing homes around the state are bearing an undue burden of death and disease,” doctors say. That’s why there will be a focus on testing all residents and staff at nursing home around the state beginning Monday.

McMaster says increasing testing (and tracing) is very important when it comes to reopening the economy. He said aggressive testing will play a major role in those decisions.

When asked about the next wave of reopenings, McMaster says he hopes to make another announcement before the end of the week, but only if it’s safe to do so.

3:45 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper Proclaims North Carolina Nurses Week May 6-12

Governor Roy Cooper issued a proclamation honoring North Carolina Nurses with a week dedicated to their important work. Cooper declared the week of May 6 – 12, 2020 as North Carolina Nurses Week.

North Carolina’s registered nurses are dedicated health care professionals sacrificing every day to save lives and care for people in hospitals, long term care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and other medical settings.

The week acknowledges the essential role of registered nurses in the lives of North Carolina families, communities, and individuals who are depending on them now more than ever. There are nearly 120,000 registered nurses in the state of North Carolina who are bravely working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 epidemic.

“Even under normal circumstances, nurses have tough jobs with long, tiring shifts. It takes so much strength, skill and compassion to be a nurse, and I am thankful for our dedicated nurses who are making great sacrifices and saving lives every day, but especially during this pandemic,” Cooper said.

Governor Cooper expressed his appreciation for NC nurses this week in a thank you video celebrating the week.

“Nurses are my heroes! Watching and listening to my mom talk about her work as a nurse practitioner is what inspired me to pursue a career in health care. I want to thank all of the nurses who give so much of themselves to care for others,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human Services. See the proclamation.

Due to COVID-19 crisis the demand for registered nurses has increased, if you are a North Carolina Nurse or other health care professional seeking to volunteer please visit terms.ncem.org/TRS/.

3:30 p.m.

In a news conference, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said the state is looking to the federal government for guidelines concerning travel and mass gatherings.

When asked about welcoming tourists from other states, Cohen said the most important thing to remember is to continue wearing face coverings while in close proximity with others and to continue to practice good hygiene and stay socially distant from others. Cohen also added that short term rentals and hotels are not limited by the stay-at-home order.

When asked about when gatherings will be allowed to increase past 100 people, Cohen said she would not be able to provide an exact date, but said there will continue to be modifications to how people gather until a COVID-19 vaccine is available. She explained that while people may be allowed to gather in increasingly larger goups, they would need to be able to space apart. For example, a gathering of 100 people in a 10,000 person arena is a different issue than 100 people in a 200 person room.

“We’re going to base that information on as much of the data and science as we possibly can,” Cohen said.

Cohen also explained why retail stores would be allowed to reopen while other businesses, like bars and restaurants could not.

“Given the nature of the virus -- that it’s highly contagious and it can be very dangerous for some -- we wanted to ease restrictions in a measured way,” Cohen said. That’s why, she added, retail stores would be allowed to open because people can move around while keeping physically distant from others, and outdoor worship services and protests would be allowed because people can stay in the same place and keep apart.

“We wanted to acclimate to things that are lower risk at first,” Cohen said, adding that in two weeks, more high-risk businesses, like salons and bars would be allowed to reopen.

Cohen also reminded North Carolinians that face coverings will be highly recommended as the state enters Phase 1, and encouraged residents to continue to wash their hands frequently and stay six feet from other people while in public.

2:55 p.m.

A COVID-19 positive York County resident died in Fort Mill late Monday afternoon. The death was reported to the Coroner’s Office per standing protocols. SC DHEC was contacted and given the decedent’s information as required.

DHEC notified York County officials that another York County resident died at a Charlotte hospital with complications related to COVID-19.

These two deaths bring the total number of reported COVID-19 deaths to six for York County.

2:50 p.m.

Burke County’s Response/Update to COVID-19

• Burke County is currently at 119 positive cases. The cases consist of traveling, congregate living, and community spread. All positive cases are isolated and Public Health staff continues to investigate the cases and will be locating those close contacts to help contain the spread of the infection.

• Numbers noted on the state website may fluctuate during the public health investigations when staff find out that some positive tests are truly not Burke County residents. Numbers listed above are correct numbers for Burke County.

• Public information line has been opened Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm for those with questions can call 828-764-9388.

2 p.m.

Governor Cooper Announces his DRIVE Task Force to Recommend Education Equity Measures

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced appointments to the DRIVE Task Force. Established through Executive Order 113, the task force is focused on improving equity and inclusion in education and will submit a report to the Governor with recommendations to reach that goal.

“North Carolina is committed to living up to our responsibility to deliver a quality education to every student in every county,” said Governor Cooper. “This group of experts knows how to tackle the inequities across our state in order to ensure quality education.”

The task force is comprised of parents, educators, administrators, education advocates, representatives of state and local government, representatives from the University of North Carolina system and North Carolina Community College System, and employers with a presence in North Carolina. The Hunt Institute, an affiliate of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, will provide facilitation and research support for the task force.

12:25 p.m.

University of South Carolina to resume in-person instruction for fall 2020

The University of South Carolina announced Wednesday its plan to resume in-person instruction on the Columbia campus for the fall 2020 semester beginning in mid-August.

In a letter to students, faculty and staff, UofSC President Bob Caslen outlined the strategies the university will employ to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 virus on the campus community while delivering an exceptional educational experience to the more than 33,000 enrolled students at the state’s flagship research institution. Full text of the letter is included below.

The announcement follows weeks of focused planning by an interdisciplinary group led by public health, medical and academic experts from across the university. Citing the work of the group, Caslen told the university community the decision to return was based on a number of factors, but ultimately guided by the principle that their safe return is possible when combined with sound public health practices.

“Every step of the way, our top priority is your health, safety and wellbeing. The in-depth, tireless work of the group has given me a new level of understanding and confidence that in-person instruction can safely begin this fall,” Caslen wrote. “As we prepare for August, we recognize that we are embarking on a new normal that will demand from each of us a commitment to public health and safety.”

The plan announced Wednesday also includes a phased in return of some students, faculty and staff during the summer, while regular summer courses will continue to be delivered remotely. This will allow the university to begin implementing key mitigation measures prior to the full return of all students to the Columbia campus.

Debbie Beck, executive director of UofSC's Student Health Services, said collaboration with experts from the university's Arnold School of Public Health and the School of Medicine will continue through the summer and beyond.

“We know the COVID-19 virus will be with us for some time, but we are incredibly fortunate that our campus has a world-class accredited student health infrastructure that will allow us to respond and adapt to new cases” Beck said. “We also will continue to work closely with university, local and state health officials to ensure our mitigation strategies are informed by best practices and designed to minimize risk to our community.”

Highlights of the plan include:

· COVID-19 testing available for all students, faculty and staff;

· Comprehensive identification of positive cases and contact tracing;

· An increase in single-occupancy rooms in residence halls;

· A combination of public health protocols, including social distancing for classrooms, lecture halls, social gatherings and sports activities;

· Modified dining options;

· Space on campus for safe quarantine and self-isolation if necessary;

· Strong encouragement of proper social distancing off campus;

· Alternative arrangement for high-risk students and employees

Note: University officials will join President Caslen tonight at 6 p.m. E.T. for a live virtual public town hall for the university community. Click here to tune in to the event. For more information on the university’s COVID-19 planning, visit the Future Planning Group webpage and the COVID-19 site.

Letter from President Bob Caslen

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

After weeks of analysis and consideration, and in consultation with the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to report that the Columbia campus of the University of South Carolina will resume in-person instruction in mid-August.

One month ago, I called together a Future Planning Group (FPG) – an interdisciplinary gathering of public health, clinical medicine, academic and staff experts from across the university – to examine how to implement a safe return to campus in August. The FPG has gathered and analyzed data from every operational aspect of this institution and it works closely with public health experts on campus and throughout the state and nation to monitor COVID-19 trends and recommend appropriate measures to implement on-campus going forward. Every step of the way, our top priority is your health, safety and wellbeing. The in-depth, tireless work of the FPG has given me a new level of understanding and confidence that in-person instruction can safely begin this fall.

This decision has not been made lightly. It is informed by the science of our excellent epidemiologists and health care specialists in our planning group, as well as the CDC and the SC Department of Health and Environment Control. It is also made with the understanding of the cost of interrupting or postponing the education of tomorrow’s leaders for another semester or year. We have listened to the increasing number of students who have expressed their desire to be back on campus to experience the fullness of academic and student life. Many of these students, if faced with no option other than prolonged remote learning, will elect to postpone or discontinue their education. Finally, as has been the case with all of our actions up to this point, this decision is made with a genuine concern for our community and an absolute commitment to mitigating the future risks to Columbia and our surrounding communities.

As we prepare for August, we are embarking on a new normal that will demand from each of us a commitment to public health and safety. Our epidemiologists remind us that the risks associated with COVID-19 will remain a reality for the foreseeable future, simply because we have neither herd immunity nor a vaccine. With that reality, our purposeful efforts to reduce the spread of the virus through recommended public health protocols will continue as we also bolster our ability to respond to any potential resurgence of cases. Our excellent healthcare facilities and capacity on campus, and the top tier hospitals and available healthcare resources in the Columbia area will enable us to effectively address the needs of our campus community as we move forward. The success of the fall and the continued safety of our community depend, however, on the resolve of each student, staff and faculty member to comply daily with safety and health protocols.

We will begin by phasing in an increased presence on campus this summer of selected populations of students and faculty, even as summer courses remain online. This transitional, phased approach will allow us to test our mitigation measures, pilot our initiatives and further build our confidence and capacity to open our doors to the University community safely in August.

While we would like as many students, faculty and staff members as possible to return in person, doing so would not be mandatory, as we recognize that some would be uncomfortable coming back to campus in August. We respect each person’s decision to either return or delay their return, and we will expand our online course offerings to accommodate those who choose to remain away.

For those who are returning to campus, plans for academics, housing, dining and every aspect of student and campus life for the fall semester are being meticulously formed by the FPG and an increasingly broad group of campus leaders. Plans include the following:

· We will have the capacity to test every Student, Faculty and Staff member for COVID-19 upon return the campus

· We have the capacity to sustain a robust testing program throughout the entire semester

· We are reviewing several comprehensive tracing and tracking apps for early and thorough identification of at-risk contacts

· We have designated ample student housing for those who may require isolation and quarantine, and we are putting in place the support services to provide for their meals, education, and other needs

· We will increase on campus single-occupancy rooms in on-campus residence halls

· We will modify our dining practices in order to reduce close student contact in student dining facilities through “grab and go” meals

· We will make accommodations for high-risk individuals and others who choose to continue online instruction with safeguards for protection against discrimination and stigma

· We will follow clear public health protocols, including social distancing within classrooms, lecture halls, meeting rooms and sports venues, with strong encouragement of proper social distancing off campus

· We will ensure that large class sections will either meet in smaller sections or in online formats and create alternative academic offerings to accommodate safe class gatherings

· We will provide advising over the summer to help all students adjust their course schedules as needed

· And finally, as stated, no student, faculty or staff member will be required to return

The new normal on campus won’t be easy but judging by how well all of you have risen to the occasion during the challenges of the last many weeks, I have great confidence in you. Make no mistake, it will take all of us, working together, to keep our campus as safe and productive as possible when we’re together again. The student leadership is working to develop its own campaign on social distancing norms both on and off campus and ways to hold themselves accountable. Our mayor and governor have been briefed on this plan and are both in agreement and support, and we will continue to work seamlessly with both the city and the state on their re-engagement plans. I know we will all commit ourselves to following the protocols necessary to protect the welfare of our fellow Gamecocks and the surrounding Columbia community.

Once again, I want to emphasize our excellent healthcare facilities and capacity on campus, and the top tier hospitals and available healthcare resources in the Columbia area that will enable us to address the needs of our campus community as we move forward.

We have a lot to look forward to and must remain focused, determined and agile. This plan, as thoughtful as it is, could change at any time due to COVID-19 developments. We will remain flexible to address how education is delivered if and when the public health environment changes within our community. We will keep you informed in the weeks ahead as we finalize plans for the fall semester. This is the time to recommit ourselves to our own well-being and that of others as we draw closer to joining together again at our beloved university.

Each day as I walk from the President’s House to my office and back, springtime on the Horseshoe reminds me that ours is a campus that invites and inspires us to learn and work together. Our University of South Carolina has for nearly 220 years beckoned generations to its hallowed grounds and has survived the Great Depression, two world wars, previous pandemics and countless natural disasters. We are meant to be together and we will gather again, safely.

This evening we will host a virtual town hall event at 6:00 p.m. to answer as many of your questions as possible. You can join the event by clicking here or by visiting our COVID-19 webpage.

Forever to Thee,

Bob

11:45 a.m.

Food and Nutrition Services Participants Can Now Use Benefits At Authorized Online EBT Retailers

Starting today, North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) participants will be able to purchase groceries online using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards at authorized online EBT retailers. North Carolina is the 10th state to implement this flexibility, which will remain permanently in place beyond the COVID-19 emergency.

The new flexibility will allow participants to buy food while also promoting social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and helping families with transportation and mobility barriers.

“People need to feed their families while also practicing social distancing,” said NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “This will allow families to order groceries at home and lower their risk of getting sick.”

Currently, Amazon and Walmart are the only authorized retailers approved for online FNS purchases nationally. The U.S. Department of Agriculture must approve other retailers who wish to participate in the FNS online purchasing program. NCDHHS encourages other EBT retailers to pursue USDA approval to become authorized online retailers.

All EBT retailers in North Carolina have received information from USDA about how to become approved for online FNS purchases and other retailers are encouraged to seek approval for online purchasing.

More information for retailers is available on the USDA website.

More information about North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services can be found at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/food-nutrition-services-food-stamps.

North Carolina individuals and families can apply for FNS at https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do.

11:15 a.m.

Lyft launches Essential Deliveries in Charlotte to support local community

Starting today, local organizations and nonprofits in Charlotte can request a Lyft driver to deliver essential items. Lyft’s new on-demand Essential Deliveries service also gives its drivers an additional earning opportunity while helping to meet the needs of the local community.

As part of its new Essential Deliveries rollout in Charlotte, Lyft has collaborated with Loaves & Fishes to immediately start delivering groceries to low-income communities.

This is Lyft’s second time partnering with Loaves & Fishes. Last summer, the transportation network began offering subsidized rides to food banks and grocery stores for Charlotte families living in food deserts as part of its Grocery Access Program.

“Loaves & Fishes provides the critical need of food for thousands of families in our community each week,” said Tina Postel, Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes. ‘During this COVID-19 crisis, we have seen the need for emergency groceries triple. We are grateful for the food delivery option that Lyft’s Essential Deliveries pilot provides for individuals and families who urgently need groceries but are unable to access food through our mobile pantry locations. Knowing that food delivery is a ‘push of a button’ away for some of our community’s most vulnerable offers so much peace of mind.”

Other local organizations can request support from Lyft to transport meals, groceries, life-sustaining medical supplies, hygiene products and home necessities by completing this intake form.

All deliveries will be contact-free. Also, Lyft drivers are paid the same standard rates for deliveries as with regular rideshare services.

“As Charlotte shelters in place, the need for items to be delivered to the doorstep is at an all-time high,” said Lisa Boyd, Director of Social Impact at Lyft. “Whether it's meals for high-risk seniors or medical supplies for individuals with a medical condition, Lyft’s community of drivers is ready to help meet the needs of our communities while earning additional income.”

Lyft’s Essential Deliveries first launched in mid-April in 11 select markets before rolling out in Charlotte today. Charlotte is the third Southeast city where Lyft drivers have begun making deliveries, following Atlanta and Orlando.

In response to COVID-19, Lyft has also activated more than 500 community partnerships across the country through its LyftUp initiative to offer free rides to vulnerable communities, first-responders, healthcare workers and others.

10:55 a.m.

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

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting 12,758 cases of COVID-19 in 99 counties. That is up 502 from Tuesday. Avery County is the only county in North Carolina to not see any cases of coronavirus so far.

While that increase may seem high, the state performed 12,682 more tests--a new single-day record. Tuesday morning’s reported number of tests for the previous day was just over 5,000.

So while the number of confirmed cases did increase, with the massive increase in the number of tests, the percentage of positive COVID-19 cases actually went down.

There have been 25 new deaths attributed to COVID-19 since Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 477.

NCDHHS reported that 516 people remain hospitalized and 164,482 tests have been completed.

Mecklenburg County continues to lead the state in both cases and deaths with 1,850 and 57 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 (4%)

50-64 (10%)

65 or older (86%)

Cases by race:

White: 52%

Black: 36%

Cases by gender:

Women: 51%

Men: 47%

(Men account for 57% of deaths)

Cases and deaths in congregate living settings:

There have been 63 outbreaks in nursing homes across the state, resulting in 1,933 cases and 229 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 381 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?

We decreased in the last 24 hours. 3 percent of tests came back positive in the last 24 hours. It has been previously hovering around 8 percent.

Hospitalizations decreasing?

We are level. The number decreased from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Testing capacity? The state exceeded this benchmark with 12,682 tests reported in the last 24 hours.

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.

10:45a.m.

CMPD provides update on COVID-19:

With more children on electronic devices for gaming, social media and web browsing, it grows increasingly imperative to supervise their interactions and ensure they don’t access untrusted or inappropriate content.

Cyber Crimes Detective Aaron McBroom provided a great rule-of-thumb: if the child is too young to be dropped off at the mall, they are also too young to be given unrestricted access to the internet. Setting and monitoring parental controls on the devices your children use and educating your children on best practices when using the internet are great ways to protect your child.

Please call 911 to report online crimes and be sure to report suspicious activity to the service provider (such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.). You can also file a report with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Our Cyber Crimes Unit is seeing an uptick in email and phone-based scams where suspects try to convince victims to send money or gift cards. These may seem legitimate and may reference personal information, but they should be ignored and reported to the Federal Trade Commission.

Although not seen in Charlotte, there have been reports across the country about fake COVID-19 testing kits. It is recommended to review the CDC website which details approved testing methods. The website is also the best place to send anyone with concerns.

10:30 a.m.

More than 450,000 North Carolinians have now been paid unemployment since March 15, the approximate beginning of layoffs related to COVID-19.

The 459,807 people who have received assistance account for just under 44% of those who have applied for unemployment. Gov. Roy Cooper said the Department of Employment Security is working to expand its processing capabilities, in order to serve more people.

All told, the department has paid out $1,386,907,703 in unemployment benefits. Nearly $500 million of that has come from state unemployment insurance.

10:15 a.m.

Salisbury VA Health Care System Requires 100 Percent Universal Masking Beginning May 7

The Salisbury VA HCS is implementing 100 percent universal masking as part of VA’s source control efforts to safeguard Veterans and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) response to provide a safe environment for employees and Veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic has included the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, physical distancing, screening for symptoms of disease, testing, exposure and contact tracing, and appropriate disinfection. Recently, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) conducted a point prevalence study for COVID-19 on Veterans and staff living and working in Community Living Centers and Spinal Cord Injury Units. The study identified several facilities nationwide with asymptomatic, COVID-19 positive Veterans and staff. As a result of these findings, VHA will institute source control masking measures by May 7, 2020.

Source control for a health care facility involves the use of a face covering on all individuals entering a facility, whether employees, patients, or visitors. Face coverings are normally cloth and are not considered PPE. The face-covering must cover the mouth and nose, fit snugly, allow for breathing without restriction, and be laundered daily. Individuals should be informed to be careful when removing their face covering and not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering. Individuals should wash their hands immediately after removing their face covering. In addition, source control face coverings are to be provided to inpatients who move outside of their room.

Information on face coverings from the CDC can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.

All individuals entering the Salisbury VA Health Care System’s facilities have the option, and are encouraged to bring their own face covering, or they may be provided one for the duration of their time on campus. All staff, trainees, volunteers, Veterans, inpatient residents, and visitors are required to wear a face-covering during their time at the facility.

10 a.m.

School Buses to Serve as Wi-Fi Hot Spots for Remote Learning

Starting this week, additional school buses will bring internet access to communities without it to help more North Carolina students connect to school online. Governor Roy Cooper announced the plan to equip more school buses with hotspots following the announcement that K-12 public schools would continue remote learning through the end of this school year.

“In many communities, school buses are already delivering meals to students and their families. Now they’re delivering Wi-Fi for online learning,” Governor Cooper said.

As many as 280 more school buses will be equipped with Wi-Fi thanks to donations from AT&T, Google and Duke Energy Foundation. AT&T and Google are providing up to 100 Wi-Fi hot spots each and the Duke Energy Foundation is providing up to 80. The first 156 devices are expected to be delivered starting today to communities in 29 counties across the state.

At Governor Cooper’s request, NCDIT is working with the North Carolina Business Committee on Education (NCBCE) and Hometown Strong as well as providers and other corporate partners to help more students who lack home internet access get connected during this time, including through installing Wi-Fi technology on more school buses.

The buses will travel to underserved areas in school districts and park in designated locations, such as a school nutrition meal distribution site or a grocery store, so students can use this temporary access to turn in assignments, download materials and connect with teachers. The drive-up Wi-Fi access will also be available for all residents in the communities to use to connect to healthcare providers, apply for unemployment, and access other critical information and services while exercising appropriate social distancing precautions.

These buses will join the hundreds of other free Wi-Fi hotspots from providers across the state who are already providing locations where residents can access the internet during this crisis.

“We are deeply thankful to all the vendors and service providers who are stepping up to help our children and our communities,” NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Tracy Doaks said. “Their response ─ including offers for free or affordable service, without fees or penalties ─ is helping keep North Carolina connected during this critical time.”

Schools in Avery, Bertie, Bladen, Burke, Caswell, Chowan, Columbus, Duplin, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gaston, Gates, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Johnston, Martin, Montgomery, Northampton, Perquimans, Person, Randolph (includes Asheboro City Schools), Robeson, Sampson (includes Clinton City Schools), Scotland, Tyrrell, Vance, Wayne, Warren and Yadkin counties will receive the first 156 Wi-Fi hotspots. A team from the NCDIT Broadband Infrastructure Office, Hometown Strong and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) began delivering the hotspots the afternoon of Tuesday, May 5, to local education advisors. Outreach to other school systems to determine the location of additional hot spots is ongoing.

Local school officials will determine the exact locations and schedules for school bus Wi-Fi hot spots in their communities. Additional information, including links for locations, will be added to NCDIT’s webpage when available at www.ncbroadband.gov/covid19. The webpage also includes a map of other public Wi-Fi drive-up locations, as well as a listing of free or low-cost options for internet service during the pandemic. This list is updated as new offers and locations are added.

NCDIT’s Broadband Infrastructure Office used data from Federal Communication Commission and NCDPI’s school survey to identify counties with the most households unserved and underserved by high-speed internet. Working with partners at NCDPI, they then cross-referenced that information with counties using school buses to deliver meals to students, as well as information about cellular coverage, to determine where school bus Wi-Fi hot spots can be most useful. Some counties are already using school buses to provide internet access.

8 a.m.

NORTH CAROLINA AIR NATIONAL GUARD TO CONDUCT AIR FORCE SALUTE FLYOVER FOR OPERATION AMERICAN RESOLVE

The 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard will be conducting a one aircraft C-17 flyover of various North Carolina cities, hospitals, and food banks on Thursday, May 7, as part of Operation: American Resolve.

The flyover is to demonstrate the Department of the Air Force’s continued readiness during the national COVID-19 response, while saluting the American heroes at the forefront in our fight against COVID-19. These flyovers will incur no additional cost to taxpayers and are being conducted as part of regularly scheduled training.

Morganton – 11:02 a.m.

• Broughton Hospital
• J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center

Hickory NC – 11:07 a.m.

• Frye Regional Medical Hospital

Statesville, NC – 11:12 a.m.

• Iredell Memorial Hospital

Charlotte area – 1:25 p.m.

• Harris Teeter Distribution Center – 1:21
• Novant Health Presbyterian Med Ctr – 1:25
• Atrium Health Charlotte – 1:25
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina – 1:27

7 a.m.

North Carolina-based LabCorp says you can now order an antibody test online. This allows people to receive antibody testing from their doctor, in person and now at home.

If you order it online, there is a $10 cost. But if you go through your doctor or insurance, there is no fee.

Also, Dunkin Donuts is celebrating National Nurses Week by giving away a free medium coffee and a donut for any healthcare worker.

WEDNESDAY MORNING STORYLINES:

North Carolina will enter Phase 1 of the reopening process this week as some restrictions will ease. It’s part of a three-part plan to restart the economy; the stay-at-home order will remain in place during the first phase, and North Carolinians still may not gather in groups of 10 or more people.

The state will enter Phase 1 on Friday at 5 p.m. Phase 1 means retail businesses can open at 50 percent capacity with social distancing practices in place. Restaurants will continue take-out and to-go orders only. Gyms, salons, bars and theaters will remain closed. State parks and trails are permitted to reopen.

It was previously advised that customers only leave home for essential purposes like buying food and medicine. In Phase 1, leaving home for other commercial activity is now permitted.

North Carolina has registered at least 12,256 confirmed cases of the virus and 452 deaths. Wake County has at least 928 cases and 21 deaths. In Durham County, there are 800 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Cumberland County has 330 cases.

U.S. deaths from the coronavirus have now topped 71,000.

The White House will hold a media briefing Wednesday at 4 p.m.

Tuesday:

President Donald Trump said in an exclusive interview with ABC “World News Tonight” Anchor and Managing Editor David Muir on Tuesday that “it’s possible there will be some” deaths as states roll back restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of the novel coronavirus, acknowledging that it was the choice the country faces to reopen and jumpstart the economy.

"Do you believe that’s the reality we’re facing that -- that lives will be lost to reopen the country?” Muir asked Trump during an interview in Phoenix, Arizona, on the president’s first major trip in months since the virus outbreak worsened.

"It's possible there will be some because you won't be locked into an apartment or a house or whatever it is," Trump said. "But at the same time, we're going to practice social distancing, we're going to be washing hands, we're going to be doing a lot of the things that we've learned to do over the last period of time."

In addition to the president’s acknowledgment directly to Muir that it’s “possible there will be some” deaths as a cost of reopening the country, the president also acknowledged during his visit to Arizona that there will be some who are “affected badly” by the decision.

“Will some people be affected? Yes. Will some people be affected badly? Yes. But we have to get our country open and we have to get it open soon,” Trump said, directly acknowledging there will be a real, negative human cost in prioritizing an economic revival over a more cautious approach in favor of public health. But even as the president advocates for a return to normal economic business, the nation’s governors remain in control of decision-making for their respective states.

[CLICK for ABC News’ Full Story Here]

10:20 p.m. Tuesday

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