COVID-19 Updates

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. (View frequently asked questions.) 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. 

August 2020

Monday, Aug. 31, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper has signed Executive Order 162, extending the statewide alcohol curfew until Oct. 2.
   
  • View Executive Order 162
  • View Frequently Asked Questions

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper has shared a recommended budget that outlines how to use North Carolina's remaining $900 million in federal coronavirus funding and make responsible investments in the state's future. Read the proposed budget.
• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has added new data to the COVID-19 Data Dashboard – average turnaround time for COVID-19 testing that shows the average daily turnaround time based on data from all laboratories that report electronically to NCDHHS.

Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper announced $175 million to assist North Carolinians with rental and utility payment support. Information about how to apply will be available once the programs have launched in the coming weeks.
• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services released a Partner COVID-19 Testing Toolkit for organizations seeking to host community testing events. The comprehensive toolkit comes in response to widespread interest among North Carolina organizations, such as community-based organizations, churches and nonprofits. The toolkit is available in English and Spanish.
• NCDHHS awarded four contracts to regional organizations to administer its new COVID-19 Support Services program. The program will support North Carolinians in 20 targeted counties who are asked to isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19 and need assistance such as food, relief payments or access to primary medical care.

Monday, Aug. 24, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has 55 upcoming community testing events scheduled in 11 counties to increase access to no-cost COVID-19 testing, particularly for African-American, LatinX/Hispanic and American Indian communities that currently have limited testing sites.

Friday, Aug. 21, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services updated guidance for institutions of higher education, further emphasizing that colleges and universities must work to reduce risk of viral spread of COVID-19. both on and off campus. In compliance with existing executive orders, colleges and universities should be requiring and enforcing that students and staff wear cloth masks and limit on- and off-campus. The guidance also recommends limiting on-campus housing, closing communal dining settings and implementing procedures to isolate and quarantine cases appropriately.

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper has announced $12 million to expand internet access in 11 rural counties. The funding, made available partly by the COVID-19 Recovery Act,  is expected to connect 8,017 families and 254 businesses, farms and community institutions to high-speed internet.
• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has selected StarMed Urgent and Family Care, P.A to continue surging COVID-19 testing capacity in North Carolina. The new sites will be located in Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Onslow, Orange and Randolph counties. NCDHHS selected locations for the additional testing sites based on epidemiological trends and reports from local health departments.

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020

• Due to concern for the health and safety of its customers and staff, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles has consolidated in-person services to offices large enough to maintain social distancing.

Monday, Aug. 17, 2020

• Returning to school looks different this year. If your child is returning to in-person learning, know what to expect and how to prepare them and yourself. Read more in English or in Spanish.
• With schools opening in-person and remotely across the state under new health and safety procedures, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is expanding the Hope4Healers Helpline (919-226-2002) to serve teachers, school personnel and their families. Hope4Healers can provide mental health and resilience supports, and is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. When teachers, school personnel or family members call the helpline, they will speak to someone who is trained to listen and offer support.

Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Commerce is accepting applications for the Job Retention Grant Program, a new program to support businesses and nonprofits affected by COVID-19, until Sept. 1.

Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order giving students and families more time to get required vaccines and health assessments needed for school.  Executive Order 156 extends, but not waives, proof-of-immunization and health assessment documentation deadlines for students enrolled in public, private or religious educational institutions, including child care facilities, K-12 schools, colleges and universities.
• Gov. Roy Cooper sent a letter to North Carolina Speaker of the House Tim Moore and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger urging them to expand unemployment benefits for North Carolinians. Read the letter.
• Gov. Roy Cooper directed $95.6 million in new funding to help support K-12 and post-secondary students most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic who can benefit from support during the upcoming school year. The funding is North Carolina’s share of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, a part of the federal CARES Act. 

Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has received the first confirmed case in the state of a dog with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. Review resources and guidance for pet owners.
• Families and caregivers in need of child care for children up to age 12 can call the child care hotline at 1-888-600-1685 to be connected directly to care options in their community that meet their families’ needs.
• The N.C. Division of Emergency Management and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced a new, expedited reimbursement program to increase community non-congregate shelter options during COVID-19. The program allows local jurisdictions, agencies and community organizations to receive expedited reimbursements from the Divison of Emergency Management for all eligible costs for non-congregate sheltering operations and associated wrap-around services.

Friday, Aug. 7, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a secretarial order requiring bi-weekly staff testing at North Carolina nursing homes. NCDHHS also announced continued state funding for staff testing through November.
• NCDHHS announced its selection of seven vendors to hire and manage more than 250 community health workers, who will be deployed in 50 targeted counties to connect North Carolinians affected by COVID-19 with needed services and support.

Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020

• The state has distributed approximately 3.5 million cloth face coverings, 4.5 million procedure masks and significant amounts of additional personal protective equipment to targeted settings across the state. The ongoing shipments support operations including schools, nursing homes, first responders, agricultural facilities, child care facilities and courthouses.

Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper has signed Executive Order 155, extending North Carolina’s Safer at Home Phase 2 restrictions for an additional five weeks until Friday, Sept. 11. “Other states that lifted restrictions quickly have had to go backward as their hospital capacity ran dangerously low and their cases jumped higher. We will not make that mistake in North Carolina.”
   
  • View Executive Order 155
  • View FAQs about Safer at Home Phase 2

Monday, Aug. 3, 2020

• Due to the threat of Tropical Storm Isais, some community testing events are being canceled or hours are being changed. Please contact the testing site before arrival to ensure that the site is open.
• The COVID-19 pandemic will add additional challenges and changes to the 2020 hurricane season, which runs until Nov. 30. Find out what you need to know to be prepared.

July 2020

Thursday, July 30, 2020

• North Carolina counties this week received an additional $150 million in COVID-19 relief to help pay for medical and public health needs as well as payroll expenses for public safety and health care employees and expenses to help protect public health.

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

• The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the N.C. Department of Public Instruction a $17.6 million grant to develop innovative instructional approaches to better meet student needs during disruptions to schooling such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

• A statewide curfew on the sale of alcohol at restaurants goes into effect Friday, July 31, requiring restaurants to stop selling alcoholic drinks after 11 p.m. Bars will remain closed.
   
  • View Executive Order 153
  • View Frequently Asked Questions
• Gov. Roy Cooper says his administration will soon announce a plan to use funding from the CARES Act to help people with their rent and utility bills.

Monday, July 27, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has upcoming events for free community testing as part of the initiative to increase access to COVID-19 testing for African-American, LatinX/Hispanic and American Indian communities that currently have limited testing sites.

Friday, July 24, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper has issued Executive Order 152, returning regulatory authority for skilled-nursing facilities to the secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Under Secretarial Order 1, current restrictions remain in place, as NCDHHS collaborates with industry and advocacy organizations, monitors progress and evaluates options to best protect the health and well-being of staff, residents and their loved ones.

Thursday, July 23, 2020

• Gov. Roy Cooper is urging Congress to extend the weekly $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefit, which expires July 25. Those who are owed FPUC for weeks ending April 4 through July 25 will be paid those benefits retroactively. Learn more from the N.C. Division of Employment Security.
• Gov. Roy Cooper, Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen and officials representing Mexico and Guatemala are urgently calling on Latinx/Hispanic communities to take prevention measures against COVID-19, which has notably increased in these communities.

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services' work to increase COVID-19 testing access, including its innovative universal testing strategy within skilled nursing facilities, has been cited as a national model in the Rockefeller Foundation’s newly released National COVID-19 Testing & Tracing Action Plan.
• NCDHHS is delivering more than 900,000 masks and other infection control supplies to North Carolina Cooperative Extension county centers across the state for distribution to farms and agricultural operations.

Monday, July 20, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services unveiled an updated COVID-19 Dashboard that includes more granular information about hospital capacity and hospitalization trends, both regional and statewide This new data will provide additional insight into North Carolina’s hospital capacity in the COVID-19 pandemic.
• NCDHHS has approved a third vendor to expand free COVID-19 testing to historically marginalized communities that currently have limited testing sites.
• Gov. Roy Cooper has sent a letter to the North Carolina Congressional Delegation asking for their continued support to address critical needs of the state.

Thursday, July 16, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services launched online tools to help Spanish-speaking North Carolinians determine if they should be tested for COVID-19 and help monitor their symptoms if they have tested positive for or been exposed to COVID-19. (En Español)

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

• North Carolina schools will open in the fall for both in-person and remote learning with key safety precautions to protect the health of students, teachers, staff and families.

  • Summary: In-Person Learning in Public Schools
  • Fact sheet: School Children and COVID-19
  • StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Guidance
  • Lighting Our Way: N.C. Department of Public Instruction Guidance

• North Carolina will continue to stay paused in Safer at Home Phase 2 when the governor’s current executive order expires on Friday, July 17. The order will be extended for three weeks until Friday, Aug. 7.

  • View frequently asked questions about Safer at Home Phase 2

Saturday, July 11, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported 2,462 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 on July 11 – the highest one-day increase to date. Hospitalizations also set a record high at 1,093.

Thursday, July 9, 2020

• Thursday, July 9 marked the highest day of COVID-19 hospitalizations (1,034) in North Carolina and the second highest day of new cases (2,039) reported.
• Gov. Roy Cooper announced the COVID-19 Student Response Corps Initiative to match North Carolina college students in need of work experience with local governments and nonprofits seeking help to support COVID-19 response efforts.
• Work to prepare public schools for the fall is underway, and Gov. Cooper says a decision about how schools should be opened in the fall will be announced the week of July 12.
• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is beginning an initiative to send up to 250 community health workers to historically underserved areas with high COVID-19 caseloads to work with local health departments and help connect North Carolinians to medical and social support resources.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

• The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) took action to decrease barriers to COVID-19 testing by issuing a statewide standing order for COVID-19 diagnostic testing as well as a state health director temporary order on COVID-19 diagnostic test reporting. 
   
  • The statewide standing order allows testing sites to collect and submit samples to a laboratory for COVID-19 testing without requiring a specific order.
  • The order also authorizes testing sites to receive results directly from laboratories.
  • This will facilitate community-based testing sites and reduce barriers to testing, especially for members of historically marginalized populations who might be less likely to have a medical home.
• NCDHHS launched the Community Testing in High-Priority and Marginalized Populations (CHAMP) Initiative to increase access to no-cost COVID-19 testing for African American, LatinX/Hispanic and American Indian communities that currently have limited testing sites. As many as 300 temporary testing sites will be deployed throughout July, including drive-through and walk-up sites.
• NCDHHS joined the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Food and Drug Administration in alerting consumers of adverse health effects associated with methanol-contaminated hand sanitizers. Learn more about ways you can stay healthy.

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