COVID-19 Updates

March 2021

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

• Gov. Roy Cooper extended three executive orders on evictions moratoriums, processing unemployment benefits and to-go cocktails that will continue to provide relief to families and economic support amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Executive Order 205 extends the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission’s authorization to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to on-site consumption through April 30, 2021.
• Executive Order 206 extends North Carolina’s statewide residential eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021, in coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recent extension of the nationwide moratorium through the same date. 
• Executive Order 207 expedites the processing of unemployment insurance claims and is also effective through June 30, 2021.

Friday, March 26, 2021

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with Labcorp, is piloting a program to provide 35,000 no-cost, home test collection kits to North Carolinians receiving Food and Nutrition Services and/or are disabled and experiencing barriers to getting tested. Results are typically returned within 24 to 48 hours from the time the specimen is received at the lab.

Thursday, March 25, 2021

• Citing more supply than anticipated, Gov. Roy Cooper announced an accelerated timeline for all North Carolina adults to become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The remainder of Group 4 – who were previously eligible on April 7 – can begin receiving doses on March 31. Those in Group 5 will become eligible on April 7.

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

• Gov. Roy Cooper announced that the state will continue to ease some COVID-19 restrictions under Executive Order 204, which becomes effective March 26 at 5 p.m. The order keeps the state’s general mask mandate in place but fully lifts the 11 p.m. curfew for on-site service of alcohol, increases mass gathering limits and increases occupancy limits in museums and aquariums, retail businesses and shops, barbershops, salons, restaurants, breweries, gyms, bars, sports arenas and other public places.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

• Wednesday marked the opening of vaccine eligibility for people in Group 4 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk for severe illness or who live in certain congregate settings.
• North Carolina continues to focus on distributing vaccines quickly and equitably. To date, the state has administered more than 3.4 million doses – 25.7% of those 18 and up is at least partially vaccinated and 16.5% of those 18 and up have been fully vaccinated.
• Gov. Cooper and Secretary Cohen also discussed state health officials’ ongoing efforts to monitor the presence of COVID-19 variants and stressed the importance of continuing with safety precautions across the state. Recent data shows an increase in these more contagious variants among those infected in North Carolina. People should continue to protect themselves and those around them by practicing the 3 Ws – wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart and wash hands often.

Friday, March 12, 2021

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is updating its visitation guidance for long-term care facilities to allow for in-person, indoor or outdoor, visitation in most circumstances. The change aligns with new guidance released from the U.S. Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and reflects rapidly improving trends in long-term care facilities.

Thursday, March 11, 2021

• Beginning March 17, people in Group 4 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk of serious illness and people who live in certain congregate settings will be eligible for vaccination, Gov. Roy Cooper announced. The rest of Group 4, which includes other essential workers will become eligible April 7. The state was able to update its timeline based on provider feedback and expected supply. As with previous eligibility changes, some vaccine providers might not be ready to open to Group 4 on March 17 if they are still experiencing high demand for vaccines in Groups 1 through 3.

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

• Gov. Roy Cooper visited the newly opened federally supported COVID-19 vaccination site operating for the next eight weeks out of the Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro. The site, which offers both drive-through and walk-in service, is operating seven days per week and providing up to 3,000 vaccinations per day. The federal government is providing the center’s vaccine supply, which is in addition to North Carolina’s weekly allotment from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has expanded its vaccine data dashboard to provide more demographic data on people who are partially or fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Users will be able to see vaccinations by race, ethnicity, gender and age group by county, by week and since vaccinations began.
• Gov. Roy Cooper announced that 1.1. million people in North Carolina have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 but that more work remains to provide vaccinations for the nearly 8 million adults in the state. "This is not the time to abandon our prevention efforts,” he said. “In fact, until the vaccine is widely available, preventing the spread of this virus must continue to be a focus."
• Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said that even though the percent of positive COVID-19 has been consistently around 5%, cases and hospitalization numbers remain elevated. “With the introduction of new variants of the COVID-19 virus that are more contagious, we need to safeguard our progress and keep protecting each other while we get everyone a spot to get their shot,” she said. “So, keep doing the three Ws for now – wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart and wash your hands.

Thursday, March 4, 2021

• New COVID-19 cases in North Carolina long-term care facilities have declined rapidly in the last several weeks. Case rates are down more than 15-fold in skilled nursing facilities, adult care homes and other licensed facilities since the peak of transmission in January 2021. Given the rapid decline in new cases, most facilities currently meet criteria to resume indoor visitation while continuing to follow infection prevention recommendations.
• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is expanding access to COVID-19 rapid testing in K-12 public schools to protect students, teachers and staff from COVID-19. When schools implement testing combined with the state's strong mitigation strategies, they can detect new cases to prevent outbreaks and reduce the risk of further transmission.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

• K-12 schools are expected to open for in-person instruction for students following the StongSchoolsNC health guidance released by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Schools should only use remote learning options for higher-risk students and for families opting for remote learning for their children.

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

• Frontline essential workers in Group 3 will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination beginning Wednesday, March 3, Gov. Roy Cooper announced. The expedited timeline follows federal approval of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine and an expected increase in vaccine supply to North Carolina.
• Gov. Cooper also outlined an expected timeline for beginning Group 4 vaccinations. Beginning on March 24, people at higher risk from COVID-19, due to underlying medical conditions, will become eligible to receive a vaccine, as well as people in certain congregate-living settings.
• A federally supported community vaccination center will open in Greensboro on March 10 with options for drive-through service and walk-in service. The center will operate seven days a week with the capacity to provide up to 3,000 vaccinations per day.

Monday, March 1, 2021

• North Carolina is expected to receive this week more than 80,000 doses of the recently authorized Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine - a single-dose shot that does not require extreme cold storage. As a result, it can be more easily shipped, stored and administered, factors that will help to increase the number of vaccination sites and make them more accessible.
• Gov. Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 200 to increase efforts to help North Carolinians who file for unemployment benefits return to work. The order establishes a flexible work search requirement for all new claimants who apply for unemployment benefits on or after March 14, 2021. With the recent end of the Extended Benefits program for state unemployment under federal law, this step will ensure that out-of-work North Carolinians can access job seeking assistance available through NCWorks and other state-sponsored job search programs.

February 2021

Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021

• Gov. Roy Cooper announced that the state will carefully ease some of its COVID-19 restrictions under Executive Order 195, which takes effect 5 p.m. Feb. 26. Among the measures in Executive Order 195: the modified Stay at Home order is lifted and some indoor businesses – including bars and taverns, indoor amusement parks, movie theaters and indoor sports arenas – may open at 30% capacity (with a cap of 250 people). (View frequently asked questions.)

Monday, Feb. 22, 2021

• The latest update of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 County Alert System shows 27 red counties – a decrease from 61 since Feb. 4 – and the fewest red counties in the state since the start of the County Alert System. The update also lists 40 orange counties and 33 yellow counties — both changes from 33 orange counties and 6 yellow counties on Feb 4.

Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021

• The federal government has notified the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services of continued delays in some shipments and deliveries of COVID-19 vaccine this week due to severe weather. Both first- and second-dose shipments have been affected. NCDHHS is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as vaccine providers to help minimize the potential effects of these delays.

• As of Feb. 18, 2021, North Carolina has administered almost two million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The state continues to make progress in equity of vaccine distribution. Last week, 23% of doses were administered to Black North Carolinians, up from just 13% five weeks ago.

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, on Feb. 19, will begin issuing additional benefits through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. These benefits will be received over several days for those who already have an EBT card for Food and Nutrition Services or P-EBT benefits.

Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported the first identification of the COVID-19 variant B.1.351 in a North Carolina resident – an adult in the central part of the state who had not recently traveled. The B.1.351 variant was first detected in South Africa in October and in the United States in January. 
• North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services  participants can now purchase groceries online using their EBT cards through Instacart.com or the Instacart mobile app, providing access to an additional authorized online EBT retailer, Food Lion. This flexibility will allow participants to buy food while promoting social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and will help families with transportation and mobility barriers.

Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021

• Gov. Roy Cooper and Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen outlined a timeline for Group 3 frontline workers becoming eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those working in child care and schools, such as teachers, bus and van drivers, custodial and maintenance staff, and food service workers, will be eligible on Feb. 24.

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021

• Among the strategies North Carolina is implementing to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines:
  • Requiring all vaccine providers to collect race and ethnicity data. 
  • Pioritizing a portion of its weekly vaccines to events that focus on underserved communities 
  • Allocating a baseline weekly amount of vaccine based on county population to ensure geographic equity with vaccine available in all 100 counties. 
• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported that North Carolina has reached a sobering milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic – more than 10,000 North Carolinians have died from the virus. The state also surpassed 800,000 total cases. 

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

• Gov, Roy Cooper outlined a plan for allocating federal COVID-19 relief funds for immediate needs and investing state resources to help North Carolina communities build back as the state turns the corner on the pandemic. The plan also calls for investing some state resources for immediate critical needs. Read the full recommendation.

Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021

• Top state education leaders joined Gov. Roy Cooper in calling on K-12 school districts across North Carolina to allow in-person instruction for all students. Increasing evidence suggests that, with prevention measures in place, there are low rates of COVID-19 transmission in primary and secondary school settings even with high rates of community transmission. In addition, ongoing medical studies and peer-reviewed data affirm that children infected with COVID-19 generally have mild or no symptoms and are less likely to spread the disease. 
• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has released new tools to help North Carolinians get their COVID-19 vaccine questions answered and to find vaccine locations in the state. Tools include the COVID-19 vaccine help center line, available by calling 888-675-4567 and the "Find a Vaccine Location" search tool. Last week, NCDHHS also launched "Find My Vaccine Group," an online tool to help people know when they will be eligible to get a vaccine.

Monday, Feb. 1, 2021

• North Carolina surpassed the 1 million mark of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered across the state last Friday. This milestone capped a week when the state’s vaccine providers administered more than 99% of first doses. Beginning today, the state’s dashboard will be updated every weekday so North Carolinians can track the state’s administration of COVID-19 vaccines. The state’s dashboard is the source for the most accurate and timely information for vaccine data for North Carolina. 

January 2021

Friday, Jan. 29, 2021

• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks North Carolina sixth in the nation for total doses administered of the COVID-19 and 12th for first doses administered per 100,000 people. The state is ranked 17th for total doses administered per 100,000 people.

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021

• North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order, requiring people to be at home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., has been extended until at least Feb. 28, 2021. Face covering requirements and restrictions on individuals gathering in both indoor and outdoor settings are still in place. 
• Gov. Roy Cooper also issued executive orders extending the sale of mixed beverages “to-go” or for delivery until March 31, 2021. He also issued an executive order extending until March 31, 2021, North Carolina’s moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent. 

Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services expanded its vaccine data dashboard to provide information about vaccine doses promised to and received by the state. Users also will be able to see the percent of doses received that have been administered.

Monday, Jan. 25, 2021

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new online tool to help North Carolinians know when they will be eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Find My Vaccine Group walks users through a series of questions to determine which vaccine group they are in. People can then sign up to be notified when their group can get vaccinated.

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services released the COVID-19 Community Readiness toolkit to help people find mental and behavioral health support and resources in their communities. The toolkit provides resources to the public for a variety of mental health needs, including resources for parents engaging in online school, family-based needs, resources for those within the I/DD community and others.

Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported the first identification in a North Carolina resident of the COVID-19 variant called B.1.1.7, which was first detected in the United Kingdom in December. The B.1.1.7 variant was identified in a sample from an adult in Mecklenburg County processed by Mako Medical Laboratories. 

Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021

• The N.C. Departments of Health and Human Services and Transportation announced that approximately $2.5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funding is being distributed to local transit agencies across the state to help pay for rides for those who need transportation assistance to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021

• Gov. Roy Cooper and Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen visited a large-scale vaccine site at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Friday Conference Center. The state over the past week has significantly increased the pace of vaccinations. A list of local vaccine providers is available on YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov.

Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021

• Vaccine providers may vaccinate all health care workers and anyone 65 years and older, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced. Because supplies are limited, states must make vaccine available in phases. 
• NCDHHS is partnering with health systems, local health departments and community health centers across the state to host large-scale community vaccine events for people currently eligible to be vaccinated. More than 45,000 vaccines are expected to be given through these events.

Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021

• Gov. Roy Cooper and Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen provided an update on vaccines for COVID-19. Helping local health departments, hospitals and other health care providers get vaccines in arms as quickly and equitably as possible remains the top priority. The state is continuing to see a steady increase in vaccination rates. There was a 113% increase in vaccinations over the past seven days compared to the week before. More than 100,000 doses were given in just the past seven days.

Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021

• Gov. Roy Cooper extended North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order that requires people to be at home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to last through at least Friday, Jan. 29.

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services issued a secretarial directive, telling North Carolinians to stay home except for essential activities and to avoid gathering, especially indoors, with people who do not live with them. The directive comes as the state reports 84 counties as red in the COVID-19 County Alert System, meaning most of the state has critical levels of viral spread. North Carolina also has experienced record high numbers on key metrics in recent weeks, including its highest number since the start of the pandemic of cases reported each day, the percent of tests that are positive and people hospitalized with COVID-19.

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced that Food and Nutrition Services recipients will see a temporary increase in the amount of benefits they receive. This increase is part of the federal Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020.

Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported new records for COVID-19 key metrics for Jan. 1 and Jan. 2. On Jan. 1, North Carolina reported its highest one-day number of COVID-19 cases with 9,527 new cases reported, exceeding the state’s previous highest day set on Dec. 18, 2020, by more than 1,000. Cases remained high on Jan. 2, with 9,365 new cases reported.

December 2020

Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has updated its vaccination plan to align with new federal recommendations issued last week. The changes simplify the vaccine process and continue the state’s commitment to first protect health care workers caring for patients with COVID-19, people who are at the highest risk of being hospitalized or dying, and those at high risk of exposure to the virus.

• Gov. Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 184, extending North Carolina’s evictions moratorium through Jan. 31. The order, which clarifies and expands the federal eviction moratorium, halts evictions for nonpayment of rent. It also extends protections for individuals applying for assistance through the state’s Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program. 
   

Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020

• Beginning Jan. 4, households can apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services  is partnering with North Carolina Central University’s Advanced Center for COVID-19 Related Disparities to ensure comprehensive COVID-19 information is effective in reaching underserved communities in North Carolina. The partnership aims to help everyone make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccines.

Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper announced plans to extend the state’s evictions moratorium on residential evictions for non-payment of rent through at least Jan. 31, 2021. The details and language of the moratorium are forthcoming and will be based on how or whether Congress extends the federal moratorium. 

• To notify people as quickly as possible if they have tested positive for or been exposed to someone with COVID-19, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, in cooperation with local health departments, is expanding how it contacts people. Starting this week, all residents who have provided cellphone or email addresses will receive an automatic text or email message to connect people to follow-up resources and support.

Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020

• More than 90% of North Carolina counties are now designated as red or orange -- the highest tiers in the state's COVID-19 County Alert System, meaning there is critical community spread in 65 counties and substantial spread in 27 counties. Gov. Cooper and Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen urged the public to reconsider holiday plans that involve traveling.

• Cooper and Cohen urged those who must gather to keep get togethers small and outside with social distancing and masks. People can also get a COVID-19 test ahead of gathering.

• The state is expecting approximately 60,000 additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 176,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine, state leaders said at a news conference. The Moderna vaccine does not require ultra-cold storage and is slated to go to 59 hospitals and 97 local health department sites. 

Monday, Dec. 21, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 183, authorizing the North Carolina ABC Commission to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to on-site consumption. The order is effective until at least 5 p.m. Jan. 31, 2021.

  • View frequently asked questions

Friday, Dec. 18, 2020

• Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said she is “very worried” as the number of COVID-19 cases reported in a single day reached 8,444 Friday. The number doubles a record day reported a month ago, when 4,296 cases were recorded.

Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper and Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen visited UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, one of 11 hospitals to receive the initial Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shipment this week. Under the state’s vaccine distribution plan, health care workers who interact with COVID-19 patients are the first group of North Carolinians to receive vaccines, followed by residents and staff of long-term care facilities.

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has selected 17 school districts and 11 charter schools to participate in a pilot program to deploy COVID-19 rapid testing in K-12 public schools where any in-person instruction is happening. 

Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020

• The N.C. 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.

Monday, Dec. 14, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper, Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen and Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks have written a letter to local elected officials imploring them to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in their communities by considering additional enforcement measures.

Friday, Dec. 11, 2020

• North Carolina is now seeing the impact of Thanksgiving gatherings, North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said in a statement on the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the state. More than 7,500 cases were reported, according to the COVID-19 North Carolina Dashboard.

• Executive Order 181, the Modified Stay at Home Order, went into effect. It requires people to stay at home from 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Businesses including restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care businesses, most retail stores and more, will be required to close by 10 p.m. In addition, all on-site alcohol consumption sales must end by 9 p.m. View frequently asked questions.
• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging people who have not gotten a flu shot to do so, as part of Flu Vaccination Week.

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020

• North Carolina will enter a modified stay at home order, effective Friday Dec. 11 until at least Jan. 8, that requires people to stay at home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Executive Order 181 also requires that restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care businesses and other businesses to close at 10 pm. Travel to and from work; to obtain food, medical care, fuel or social services; or to take care of a family member is exempted. Read Executive Order 181 or view frequently asked questions about the order.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020

• North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen released a statement, calling the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the state "very worrisome" and urging people to "take responsibility for their actions and slowing the spread of this virus."

Friday, Dec. 4, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is launching a pilot program to deploy COVID-19 testing in K-12 public schools to quickly identify students and staff who might have the virus to help slow its spread. Public school districts, charter school networks or individual charter schools currently offering any in-person instruction – either Plan A or Plan B – are eligible to apply.

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper and Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen outlined at a news conference the state’s plan to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine. Distribution will be prioritized, first for health care workers at high risk of exposure and then to other adults who are at high risk for complications.

November 2020

Monday, Nov. 30, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services will begin issuing automatic payments Dec. 1 to help thousands of eligible seniors and people with disabilities with winter heating bills.

Monday, Nov. 23, 2020

• A new executive order that goes into effect Wednesday until Friday, Dec. 11, tightens the existing statewide mask requirement and requires large retail businesses to have an employee stationed near entrances to ensure masks are being worn.

Friday, Nov. 20, 2020

• In response to the impact COVID-19 is having on schools and students, North Carolina has launched N.C. Education Corps, a partnership to provide emergency relief to public schools by employing talented community members — including current college students and recent graduates experiencing financial strain or loss of employment — to provide wraparound services to K-12 students across the state.

Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported the state’s highest one-day number of COVID-19 cases with 4,296 new cases reported. The record-high day follows several days of increasing trends in new cases, the percent of tests that are positive and hospitalizations. 

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is offering more than 120 no-cost COVID-19 community testing events the weekend of Nov. 20-22, including new locations in partnership with retailers to help North Carolinians protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities as they prepare for Thanksgiving. 

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, announced the new COVID-19 County Alert System to pinpoint North Carolina counties with the highest levels of viral spread and to offer specific recommendations to bring down the numbers. This system will help give local leaders another tool to understand how their county is faring and to make decisions about actions to slow viral spread. The map will be updated every four weeks. 

• North Carolina communities hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic will have access to $5 million in grants to help address food insecurity needs, Gov. Roy Cooper announced. 

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020

• Ahead of the holidays, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is sending 74,470 federally funded rapid antigen tests to public and private colleges and universities across North Carolina to test students before they travel home or celebrate the holidays with people who live outside their household. NCDHHS is also working with local health departments in some counties to host community testing events near college and university campuses.

• New COVID-19 cases have been increasing faster in rural counties, according to a new report by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. COVID-19-related deaths in rural counties have also increased significantly. 

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported the state’s highest one-day number of COVID-19 cases with 3,119 cases reported. Other key metrics also increased, with hospitalizations at 1,246 and the percent of tests that were positive climbing to 7.9%.

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020

• Effective 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 until at least Dec. 4, North Carolina’s indoor mass gathering limit will be lowered to 10 people under Executive Order 176 in an effort to drive down North Carolina’s key COVID-19 metrics.  The order does not change the reduced capacity limits for certain businesses that have already been laid out.  View frequently asked questions about the executive order.

• Gov. Roy Cooper announced that full-service restaurants may now apply for up to four months of rent or mortgage through the Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief Program. More information is available at the N.C. Department of Commerce’s website.

• The N.C. Department of Revenue is now awarding $335 Extra Credit grants to families with qualifying children. For those who filed a 2019 state return and reported a qualifying child or completed an application, payments will be mailed through Dec. 15.

Monday, Nov. 9, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services released guidance for Thanksgiving celebrations and Black Friday shopping to help people gauge the risks, protect their friends and loved ones, and slow the spread of COVID-19.

October 2020

Friday, Oct. 30, 2020

• Four popular Latin American sports figures are talking about the importance of wearing masks as part of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services' "Whatever Your Reason" campaign to encourage North Carolinians to wear face masks.
• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services launched an online portal for primary care providers to request reimbursement for costs related to COVID-19 for people without insurance.

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020

• Ahead of the holidays, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new commercial, reminding everyone that the decision to wear a mask is not about “who you know, or how well you know them."
• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has guidance on how to safely celebrate Halloween, strongly recommending alternative, instead of traditional activities as much as possible.
• Gov. Roy Cooper has signed an executive order to prevent evictions in North Carolina for people who can’t afford the rent. Roughly 300,000 to 400,000 households across North Carolina are currently unable to pay rent. Without the executive order, nearly 250,000 eviction filings could be submitted by January 2021.
• The NC HOPE program remains available to assist people with rent or utility payments. More than 23,000 applications have been received since the program was announced on Oct. 15.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020

• North Carolina will remain paused in Phase 3 until at least 5 p.m. Nov. 13, as health officials continue to monitor North Carolina’s viral trends. North Carolina has seen increased hospitalizations and trajectory of cases in recent weeks.
• With North Carolina’s COVID-19 trends moving in the wrong direction, the N.C. Departments of Health and Human Services and Public Safety sent a letter to local leaders asking them to take action to slow the spread of the virus.
• The state has released new guidance for private gatherings. 
• N.C. Medicaid is extending temporary provider rate increases related to COVID-19 through the end of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency, which goes through Jan. 21, 2021.

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services added demographic data for hospitalizations to the N.C. COVID-19 Hospitalizations Demographics Dashboard. Data is provided by age, gender, race and ethnicity for patients who were newly admitted to the hospital and confirmed or suspected to be positive for COVID-19 at the time of admission.
• Growing evidence shows that cloth face coverings or masks, when worn consistently, can decrease the spread of COVID-19, especially among people who are not yet showing symptoms of the virus. Wearing a cloth mask in public settings is a simple but powerful action to slow the spread of this virus. Learn more about the effectiveness of face coverings.

Friday, Oct. 16, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported 2,684 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases, the state’s highest one-day increase to date. The department also reported 1,148 hospitalizations, the second highest number to date.
• North Carolina submitted its COVID-19 vaccination plan to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The plan reflects five principles to guide the planning for and distribution of one or more COVID-19 vaccines in the state:
   
  • All North Carolinians have equitable access to vaccines.
  • Vaccine planning and distribution is inclusive; actively engages state and local government, public and private partners; and draws upon the experience and expertise of leaders from historically marginalized populations.
  • Transparent, accurate and frequent public communications is essential to building trust.
  • Data is used to promote equity, track progress and guide decision-making.
  • Appropriate stewardship of resources and continuous evaluation and improvement drive successful implementation.

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020

• Applications are now being accepted for the N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program, which will assist eligible low- and- moderate-income renters experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
• As early voting begins across the state, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has provided guidelines for voters and local polling locations during the voting process. (View guidelines.)

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020

• Licensed facilities providing in-person child care from August to October are eligible for $35 million in grants to help offset the financial strains placed on child care to meet health and safety guidelines while serving fewer children.
• Most North Carolina families with children are eligible for a $335 coronavirus relief payment under the Extra Credit Grant Program. Those who filed a 2019 state tax return reporting a qualifying child will get the payment automatically. Those who did not file a state return might qualify if they apply before Oct. 15. Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 2, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services updated its COVID-19 guidance for places of worship and shared a toolkit to support faith leaders in slowing the spread of the virus. The toolkit is available in English and Spanish. It includes talking points, sample language for websites and newsletters, social media posts, flyers, information to host a community testing event and to request personal protective equipment and FAQs.

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Administration has launched a new grant program, RETOOLNC, to help minority and women-owned businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Roy Cooper announced.
• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced a $7 million partnership with United Providers of Health to address unmet health care needs of historically marginalized communities.

September 2020

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020

• Under Executive Order 169, North Carolina will enter Phase 3 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions, effective 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2.
   
  • View Executive Order 169
  • View frequently asked questions

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020

• The N.C. Pandemic Recovery Office has distributed more than $2.6 billion in coronavirus relief funds (to 75% of the $3.5 billion allocated by the N.C. General Assembly) to local governments, state agencies, nonprofits, hospitals, educational institutions and research organizations.
• Since establishing telehealth flexibility policies in early March, North Carolina Medicaid has processed claims for more than 1.1 million telehealth and 350,000 telephonic visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced.

Monday, Sept. 28, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has updated guidance to allow indoor visitation at nursing homes that have gone 14 days without a COVID-19 case and in counties with a percent positive testing rate of 10% or less.

Friday, Sept. 25, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is adding information about antigen testing to the COVID-19 NC Dashboard, including positive COVID-19 cases and deaths diagnosed with an antigen test as well as the number of antigen tests completed daily.
  • View frequently asked questions
  • View COVID-19 Dashboard
• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services will provide additional benefits through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program to help families purchase food for children whose access to free and reduced-priced meals at school has been affected by remote learning this fall due to COVID-19. The program provides a benefit on an EBT card that can be used to buy food at authorized retailers, including most major grocery stores. Children are eligible if they had access to free or reduced-priced meals at school last year, their school district or charter school is eligible to provide free or reduce-priced meals at school this year, and their school district or charter school used remote learning for all students for at least five consecutive school days between Aug. 17 and Sept. 30.

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has launched a COVID-19 exposure notification app called ‘SlowCOVIDNC’ to alert North Carolinians when they might have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
• Gov. Roy Cooper has announced a $40 million relief program to help small businesses offset costs, such as rent, mortgage interests and utility bills.
• Cooper also said that he will allow large outdoor entertainment venues – those that can seat more than 10,000 – to open, beginning Oct. 2, at 7% capacity with key safety precautions in place.

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020

• Beginning Oct. 5, North Carolina public school districts and charter schools can choose to implement Plan A for elementary schools (grades K-5), which continues important safety measures, such as face coverings social distancing and symptom screening but does not require schools to reduce the number of children in the classroom. 
   
  • Summary: In-Person Learning in Public Schools
  • Fact sheet: School Children and COVID-19
  • StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Guidance
  • N.C. Department of Public Instruction Guidance

Monday, Sept. 14, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is urging North Carolina residents to get vaccinated against influenza to help protect themselves, their families and those around them as the state enters flu season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Find a flu shot location.)

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper announced nearly $40 million in funding for NC Student Connect, a new partnership created to address internet connectivity gaps that are a barrier to remote learning for many North Carolina students. When school resumed in August, superintendents estimated that at least 100,000 students still lacked a reliable internet connection at home.
• Gov. Cooper and Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen met with White House coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx.. The governor and Dr. Birx also participated together in the call with the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and the governor spoke about the need for elected leaders and candidates to lead by example on the campaign trail this fall by holding events with face coverings and social distancing.

Friday, Sept. 4, 2020

• North Carolina entered “Safer At Home Phase 2.5" restrictions, at 5 p.m. Ahead of Labor Day, Gov. Roy Cooper urged North Carolinians and visitors to remain cautious and practice COVID-19 prevention measures over the weekend.

Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020

• The N.C. Division of Employment Security has started issuing payments for Lost Wages Assistance to eligible North Carolinians. Find out more about Lost Wages Assistance.
• North Carolinians across the state are sharing their personal reasons for wearing a face mask to help fight COVID-19 in a newly launched public campaign, "Whatever Your Reason." Learn more:
   
  • Whatever Your Reason
  • Cualquiera que Sea tu Razón

Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has launched the N.C. Medicaid Optional COVID-19 Testing program to reimburse Medicaid providers for costs associated with COVID-19 testing of people without insurance.

Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper announced a careful step forward, moving North Carolina into “Safer At Home Phase 2.5” beginning 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. (View FAQs.) Under Executive Order 163:
   
  • Mass gatherings will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. 
  • Playgrounds will be allowed to open. 
  • Museums and aquariums may open at 50% capacity. 
  • Gyms and other indoor exercise facilities may open at 30% capacity. 
  • The age requirement for mask wearing will include children down to age 5. 
  • Capacity limits at restaurants and personal care businesses, such as hair and nail salons, will stay the same. 
  • Some places will remain closed, including bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, indoor entertainment and amusement parks. Large venues will still be subject to the mass gathering limits. 

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