North Carolina to Offer Pre-Holiday, No-Cost COVID-19
Community, Press Release December 15, 2020
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will offer more than 300 no-cost, walk-up or drive through COVID-19 testing events over the next two weeks to help North Carolinians protect themselves and their loved ones during the holidays. This includes testing in partnership with new retailers in seven counties across the state.
In addition to existing testing events throughout North Carolina, retailers in Buncombe, Durham, Harnett, Iredell, Lee, Mecklenburg and Wake counties are offering testing Dec. 18-20 and Dec. 26-27 in the parking lots of select Agri Supply, Carlie C’s IGA, Home Depot, Piggly Wiggly and Wegman’s stores.
“We want North Carolinians to do everything possible to protect their loved ones and keep themselves and our community safe,” said Mack McLamb, President of Carlie C’s. “We’re committed to working with NCDHHS to ensure that anyone who needs a COVID test can get one. Our goal is to love the communities we are in, and wellness of our customers is part of that goal.”
For a full list of all testing event times and locations throughout the state, visit the No-Cost Community Testing Events page on the NCDHHS website. More locations are being added each day, and additional testing sites can be found at Find My Testing Place.
Anyone can get tested for COVID-19 at these events. People without insurance are eligible for testing, and identification documents are not required. Children and adults may be tested, but a parent or legal guardian must be present with children and teens 17 or younger.
People who have symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been around a person with COVID-19 should not shop in person until their isolation or quarantine period has ended. This includes shopping at partner retailers during testing events.
With nearly half the state experiencing critical community spread of COVID-19, NCDHHS and the CDC strongly urge caution when traveling or gathering for holiday celebrations. Per North Carolina’s modified Stay at Home order, indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people or fewer.
“We strongly recommend you celebrate the holidays at home with the people who live in your household,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “Our numbers are dangerously high and climbing, and staying home is the safest way to protect the people you love. If you must travel or gather, get tested first, keep it small and outdoors, and always wear a mask.”
NCDHHS recommends you avoid traveling and gathering this holiday season. If you must, consider taking a test three to four days before traveling or gathering with people who live outside your home. A test can help you know if you have COVID-19 even if you do not have symptoms. If your test is positive, stay home and self-isolate or quarantine.
However, tests can miss some infections. If your test is negative, continue to practice the 3Ws — wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart from people who do not live in your household and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
NCDHHS also recommends you quarantine for 14 days before gathering with anyone outside your household, especially from the time you test until you travel or gather.
While gathering, shopping or traveling, for the holidays, follow the 3Ws and current mask wearing requirements, which include wearing a mask in any public indoor space even when maintaining 6 feet of distance.
NCDHHS expands measures to prevent COVID-19 in long-term care facilities
Community, Health May 18, 2020
RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is taking further action to prevent and respond to COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. All long-term care facilities in the state will receive personal protective equipment (PPE) packs of needed supplies, and facilities will receive a limited increased rate for some Medicaid services to support infection prevention and management.
“We have a team dedicated to supporting our long-term care facilities as they protect our aging family members and loved ones who require round-the-clock care and the staff who care for them,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “We want to help them do all that they can because once an outbreak occurs in a congregate living setting, it can be difficult to prevent the spread of the virus.”
PPE packs will go to more than 3,000 state-licensed long-term care facilities and include a fourteen-day supply of face shields, procedure masks, gloves and shoe covers. Adult care homes, family care homes, nursing homes, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health facilities will receive supplies. NCDHHS is partnering with North Carolina Emergency Management and the National Guard to deliver the packs at local distribution centers.
In addition to the PPE distribution, NCDHHS is providing a time-limited Medicaid rate increase for nursing facility services such as skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. The increase is intended to support strengthening infection prevention and management capacities with technical support from NCDHHS. The increase will also apply to personal care assistance and home health services to help providers who support people being able to stay at home where there is less risk to exposure.
NCDHHS also released updated testing guidance to clinicians that recommends testing people who live in or have regular contact with high-risk settings such as long-term care facilities.
These actions build on earlier measures North Carolina has taken to protect residents and staff in long-term facilities. Previous actions include:
- Issuing Executive Order 130, which codified public health and safety requirements for nursing homes, including requiring staff to wear surgical masks, screenings for all staff and residents for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 daily and closing communal areas.
- Conducting remote infection prevention and control consultation with skilled nursing and other long-term facilities across the state through a partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the North Carolina Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology.
- Providing targeted funding to support nursing homes and adult care homes to provide the more intensive care needed for residents with COVID-19 and limit the spread of the virus to other residents and staff.
- Providing a toolkit to support long-term care facilities in preparing for and responding to COVID-19 outbreaks in their facility. The toolkit contains an infection control assessment, infection staffing worksheet, infection prevention educational resources and other tools.
- Helping to fill staffing shortages in long-term care facilities and other health care facilities through a partnership with East Carolina University School of Nursing to match Registered Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants with facilities, particularly long-term care facilities, that are seeking to urgently hire staff for temporary, part-time or full-time roles. Interested health care employees can register at nc.readyop.com/fs/4cjq/697b.
- Implementing several temporary regulatory changes to assist providers in caring for their residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, including adopting an emergency rule granting reciprocity to nurse aides certified in other states to work as nurse aides in North Carolina, and allowing facilities to exceed the number of licensed beds if needed to provide temporary shelter and services to adequately care for residents with COVID-19.
- Providing virtual trainings for more than 2,000 staff working in long-term care sites. Trainings are available online at www.ncahec.net/covid-19/webinars.
For NCDHHS and CDC guidance for long-term care facilities visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/guidance#long-term-care-facilities. A list of congregate care settings with outbreaks is available on the NCDHHS COVID-19 Dashboard.
NCDHHS reports 9,115 COVID-19 patients are presumed recovered
Health, Press Release May 18, 2020
RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) estimates that as of May 11, 9,115 North Carolinians with COVID-19 are likely to have recovered from their symptoms. This data along with information about how it is calculated is posted on the COVID-19 Dashboard and will be updated weekly.
To calculate this number, NCDHHS estimates the median time for recovery from symptoms to be 14 days from the date of specimen collection for non-fatal COVID-19 cases who were not hospitalized or if hospitalization status is unknown, or 28 days for hospitalized non-fatal COVID-19 cases.
Patients’ actual recovery times could be shorter or longer depending on the severity of illness. This interval was chosen based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidance, and in consultation with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other state health departments. This estimates how many people have recovered from their symptoms. It does not estimate who many cases are or are not still infectious.
To learn more and find the current weekly reportOpen PDF on COVID-19 patients presumed to be recovered, visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard. Go to covid19.ncdhhs.gov to stay informed on the latest COVID-19 updates.
Staying home is still the best way to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect North Carolinians. When going out, remember the 3 Ws. Wear a face covering. Wait at least six feet apart. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
For information on the North Carolina COVID-19 response across state government, visit nc.gov/covid19.
15,816 confirmed COVID-19 cases in North Carolina as of May 13
Health May 13, 2020
In an effort to keep our readers, up to date with the latest number of cases confirmed in N.C., Fetch Your News will continually be updating this article with the most recent updates from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
As of May 13, 2020, NCDHHS reported 15,816 cases statewide, 597 deaths, and 521 hospitalized. The highest concentration is now in Mecklenburg with 2,204 cases and 61 deaths. NCDHHS reported 210,457 tests have been completed in the state. The confirmed cases report is released each day at 11 a.m.
Up-to-date map of N.C.
NC Counties with Confirmed Cases
| County | Laboratory-Confirmed Cases | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alamance County | 181 | 8 |
| Alexander County | 14 | 0 |
| Alleghany County | 9 | 0 |
| Anson County | 34 | 0 |
| Ashe County | 16 | 0 |
| Beaufort County | 25 | 0 |
| Bertie County | 72 | 3 |
| Bladen County | 63 | 1 |
| Brunswick County | 50 | 2 |
| Buncombe County | 105 | 4 |
| Burke County | 148 | 13 |
| Cabarrus County | 361 | 18 |
| Caldwell County | 67 | 1 |
| Camden County | 2 | 0 |
| Carteret County | 34 | 3 |
| Caswell County | 40 | 1 |
| Catawba County | 85 | 2 |
| Chatham County | 468 | 11 |
| Cherokee County | 18 | 1 |
| Chowan County | 12 | 0 |
| Clay County | 5 | 0 |
| Cleveland County | 51 | 2 |
| Columbus County | 216 | 17 |
| Craven County | 55 | 4 |
| Cumberland County | 398 | 10 |
| Currituck County | 9 | 0 |
| Dare County | 17 | 1 |
| Davidson County | 232 | 10 |
| Davie County | 37 | 2 |
| Duplin County | 274 | 4 |
| Durham County | 903 | 35 |
| Edgecombe County | 157 | 7 |
| Forsyth County | 449 | 5 |
| Franklin County | 119 | 20 |
| Gaston County | 181 | 5 |
| Gates County | 11 | 0 |
| Graham County | 2 | 0 |
| Granville County | 171 | 6 |
| Greene County | 37 | 1 |
| Guilford County | 670 | 44 |
| Halifax County | 96 | 1 |
| Harnett County | 228 | 15 |
| Haywood County | 19 | 0 |
| Henderson County | 250 | 30 |
| Hertford County | 49 | 1 |
| Hoke County | 128 | 0 |
| Hyde County | 1 | 0 |
| Iredell County | 162 | 5 |
| Jackson County | 22 | 1 |
| Johnston County | 220 | 17 |
| Jones County | 20 | 2 |
| Lee County | 285 | 2 |
| Lenoir County | 125 | 5 |
| Lincoln County | 42 | 0 |
| Macon County | 3 | 1 |
| Madison County | 1 | 0 |
| Martin County | 33 | 3 |
| McDowell County | 29 | 1 |
| Mecklenburg County | 2,204 | 61 |
| Mitchell County | 5 | 0 |
| Montgomery County | 43 | 2 |
| Moore County | 112 | 10 |
| Nash County | 133 | 3 |
| New Hanover County | 112 | 3 |
| Northampton County | 122 | 9 |
| Onslow County | 59 | 2 |
| Orange County | 258 | 34 |
| Pamlico County | 8 | 0 |
| Pasquotank County | 81 | 5 |
| Pender County | 40 | 1 |
| Perquimans County | 19 | 2 |
| Person County | 31 | 1 |
| Pitt County | 182 | 2 |
| Polk County | 29 | 3 |
| Randolph County | 369 | 6 |
| Richmond County | 98 | 2 |
| Robeson County | 440 | 4 |
| Rockingham County | 43 | 2 |
| Rowan County | 497 | 25 |
| Rutherford County | 154 | 5 |
| Sampson County | 176 | 1 |
| Scotland County | 43 | 0 |
| Stanly County | 30 | 4 |
| Stokes County | 18 | 0 |
| Surry County | 47 | 1 |
| Swain County | 5 | 0 |
| Transylvania County | 7 | 0 |
| Tyrrell County | 4 | 0 |
| Union County | 304 | 16 |
| Vance County | 173 | 16 |
| Wake County | 1,080 | 25 |
| Warren County | 23 | 0 |
| Washington County | 25 | 3 |
| Watauga County | 9 | 0 |
| Wayne County | 760 | 13 |
| Wilkes County | 262 | 1 |
| Wilson County | 216 | 9 |
| Yadkin County | 75 | 1 |
| Yancey County | 8 | 0 |
All data are preliminary and may change as cases are investigated.
*County case numbers may change once residence is verified. Therefore, the total number on the county map may differ from the number of NC Cases.
Phase One of reopening North Carolina begins on May 8
Business May 7, 2020
RALEIGH, N.C. – Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8, residents of N.C. will have certain restrictions lifted as the state moves toward reopening.
In Phase One, the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses is removed and individuals can leave their homes for any commercial activity that is open. Small outdoor gatherings are allowed, but gatherings more than 10 are still prohibited. Religious services and First Amendment activities are also allowed but must follow social distancing protocols. However, the 10-person limit doesn’t apply to these gatherings, but they should gather outside unless impossible.
“COVID-19 is still a serious threat to our state, and Phase 1 is designed to be a limited easing of restrictions that can boost parts of our economy while keeping important safety rules in place,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a careful and deliberate first step, guided by the data, and North Carolinians still must use caution while this virus is circulating.”
Those who do decide to go out they are encouraged to wear a face mask, carry hand sanitizer, wash their hands whenever possible, and regularly clean high-touch surfaces.
“When leaving home and wear it inside all public settings such as grocery stores, pharmacies, or other retail or public-serving businesses. A Face Covering should also be worn outdoors when you cannot maintain at least six (6) feet distancing from other people with the exception of family or household members. These coverings function to protect other people more than the wearer,” states the Executive Order.
Retail stores can operate at 50 percent capacity. Additionally, customers must stand six feet apart and retailers should provide hand sanitizer, screen employees, and frequently clean. NCDHHS is posting the screening questionnaire online.
Phase One summary from Gov. Cooper’s office.
Businesses that remain closed are bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms.
Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, takeout and delivery.
All employees are encouraged to wear face masks or coverings and Cooper still recommends teleworking whenever possible.
Long-term care facilities are still closed to visitors.
Parks are encouraged to open if they can accommodate social distancing, but playgrounds should remain closed.
Childcare facilities will be open to serve families who need the assistance. The organizations are required to follow strict cleaning protocols. Summer day camps can operate in compliance with NC DHHS guidelines.
In explaining the decision to move to Phase One, Cooper and Secretary Cohen reported North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:
- Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.
- Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over the last 14 days cases is slightly increasing.
- Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive over the last 14 days is decreasing.
- Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations over the last 14 days is level.
In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:
- Laboratory Testing – North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate.
- Tracing Capability – The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has received over 4,000 applications and is in the process of hiring 250 new contact tracers.
- Personal Protective Equipment – Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.
The order is in effect until 5 p,m, on Friday, May 22. However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase Two. Phase Two only start if data and indicators are in the right place.
13,397 confirmed COVID-19 cases in North Carolina as of May 7
Health May 7, 2020
In an effort to keep our readers, up to date with the latest number of cases confirmed in N.C., Fetch Your News will continually be updating this article with the most recent updates from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
As of May 7, 2020, NCDHHS reported 13,397 cases statewide, 507 deaths, and 525 hospitalized. The highest concentration is now in Mecklenburg with 1,922 cases and 58 deaths. NCDHHS reported that 171,328 tests have been completed in the state. The confirmed cases report is released each day at 11 a.m.
According to NCDHHS data, N.C. does seem to be seeing a dip in positive cases with total positives from this week falling between six and eight percent. However, specimens collected during this timeframe may also be yet to be reported.
Up-to-date map of N.C.
| County | Laboratory-Confirmed Cases | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Alamance County | 143 | 3 |
| Alexander County | 8 | 0 |
| Alleghany County | 7 | 0 |
| Anson County | 33 | 0 |
| Ashe County | 6 | 0 |
| Beaufort County | 22 | 0 |
| Bertie County | 57 | 2 |
| Bladen County | 45 | 1 |
| Brunswick County | 49 | 2 |
| Buncombe County | 88 | 4 |
| Burke County | 126 | 11 |
| Cabarrus County | 333 | 17 |
| Caldwell County | 50 | 0 |
| Camden County | 2 | 0 |
| Carteret County | 29 | 3 |
| Caswell County | 38 | 0 |
| Catawba County | 65 | 1 |
| Chatham County | 421 | 11 |
| Cherokee County | 18 | 1 |
| Chowan County | 7 | 0 |
| Clay County | 5 | 0 |
| Cleveland County | 50 | 2 |
| Columbus County | 184 | 11 |
| Craven County | 46 | 4 |
| Cumberland County | 336 | 9 |
| Currituck County | 7 | 0 |
| Dare County | 14 | 1 |
| Davidson County | 191 | 9 |
| Davie County | 31 | 2 |
| Duplin County | 161 | 3 |
| Durham County | 807 | 29 |
| Edgecombe County | 137 | 7 |
| Forsyth County | 332 | 5 |
| Franklin County | 111 | 20 |
| Gaston County | 157 | 4 |
| Gates County | 10 | 0 |
| Graham County | 2 | 0 |
| Granville County | 164 | 5 |
| Greene County | 33 | 0 |
| Guilford County | 536 | 35 |
| Halifax County | 77 | 1 |
| Harnett County | 199 | 12 |
| Haywood County | 16 | 0 |
| Henderson County | 216 | 23 |
| Hertford County | 45 | 1 |
| Hoke County | 113 | 0 |
| Hyde County | 1 | 0 |
| Iredell County | 137 | 5 |
| Jackson County | 20 | 1 |
| Johnston County | 189 | 16 |
| Jones County | 19 | 2 |
| Lee County | 229 | 1 |
| Lenoir County | 97 | 4 |
| Lincoln County | 37 | 0 |
| Macon County | 3 | 1 |
| Madison County | 1 | 0 |
| Martin County | 27 | 1 |
| McDowell County | 28 | 1 |
| Mecklenburg County | 1,922 | 58 |
| Mitchell County | 5 | 0 |
| Montgomery County | 43 | 2 |
| Moore County | 109 | 7 |
| Nash County | 107 | 3 |
| New Hanover County | 91 | 3 |
| Northampton County | 102 | 5 |
| Onslow County | 53 | 2 |
| Orange County | 239 | 30 |
| Pamlico County | 8 | 0 |
| Pasquotank County | 39 | 2 |
| Pender County | 20 | 1 |
| Perquimans County | 14 | 2 |
| Person County | 27 | 1 |
| Pitt County | 152 | 2 |
| Polk County | 30 | 0 |
| Randolph County | 290 | 5 |
| Richmond County | 80 | 2 |
| Robeson County | 313 | 4 |
| Rockingham County | 36 | 2 |
| Rowan County | 452 | 24 |
| Rutherford County | 148 | 5 |
| Sampson County | 126 | 1 |
| Scotland County | 34 | 0 |
| Stanly County | 29 | 4 |
| Stokes County | 10 | 0 |
| Surry County | 26 | 1 |
| Swain County | 5 | 0 |
| Transylvania County | 7 | 0 |
| Tyrrell County | 4 | 0 |
| Union County | 283 | 14 |
| Vance County | 147 | 10 |
| Wake County | 961 | 21 |
| Warren County | 19 | 0 |
| Washington County | 25 | 3 |
| Watauga County | 9 | 0 |
| Wayne County | 699 | 12 |
| Wilkes County | 186 | 1 |
| Wilson County | 192 | 8 |
| Yadkin County | 33 | 1 |
| Yancey County | 7 | 0 |
All data are preliminary and may change as cases are investigated.