COVID-19 Updates

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.

Aug. 30-Sept. 5, 2020

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. 

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

Aug. 23-29, 2020

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.

Aug. 16-22, 2020

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.

Aug. 9-15, 2020

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.

Aug. 2-8, 2020

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 26-Aug. 1, 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.

July 19-25, 2020

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.

July 12-18, 2020

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

July 5-11, 2020

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.

Archives

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