Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on April 3
We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date news about the coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases top 2,300
North Carolina has 2,304 reported coronavirus cases as of Friday afternoon, and at least 27 people have died, according to state and county officials.
The state passed the 2,000 mark on Thursday, one month after the first coronavirus case was reported in North Carolina. The total number of cases is likely higher, as some counties have decided not to test people with only mild symptoms.
Nearly 31,600 people had been tested for COVID-19 as of Friday, and more than 150 people in the state are hospitalized.
Mecklenburg County has the most cases in the state, with 601 on Friday. Wake County has 279, and Durham County has 159.
Death toll rises
More coronavirus-related deaths were reported in North Carolina on Friday, bringing the statewide total to 27 — triple what it was earlier this week.
By the end of the day Monday, only seven deaths had been reported across the state.
Henderson, Catawba, Johnston, Guilford, Wilson, Davie and Randolph counties all announced at least one death on Friday.
Three first-responders in Charlotte test positive
Two Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers and one employee with the Charlotte Fire Department have tested positive for COVID-19, city officials said Friday.
Another 14 officers and 13 fire department employees have been quarantined as a result.
Court proceedings postponed
North Carolina Chief Justice Cheri Beasley has delayed court proceedings for the second time since the coronavirus outbreak began, pushing them back until June 1.
The deadline for paying fines has also been extended by 90 days.
Durham revises stay-at-home order
The City of Durham and Durham County Government combined their stay-at-home orders on Friday.
The stricter regulations reduce the number of people allowed in a gathering from 10 to 5, ban sports with shared equipment and closes apartment gyms.
Food stamp applications soar
Applications for food stamps in North Carolina jumped 40 percent during the last week of March compared to the same time period last year, the News & Observer reported.
More than 14,000 people applied.
“We are averaging 200 applications per day, which is just unheard of,” said Ben Rose, director of the Durham County Department of Social Services. “And it is going to get worse. It’s going to get much worse.
Charlotte cops issue first stay-at-home violation
Police in Charlotte have charged a businessman with violating the state’s stay-at-home order.
A community tip led officers to Cool Cave Day Spa on Monroe Road, where the owners were informed they were violating the order. A “follow-up investigation” several hours later indicated the business was still operating despite the warning, The Charlotte Observer reported.
The on-duty manager of Cool Cave Day Spa, 28-year-old Cheree-Alexia Hercule, was cited for violating emergency prohibitions and restrictions, which is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Johnston County suspends meal distribution
The Johnston County school system is temporarily suspending its school meal distribution program, officials said Friday.
“This difficult decision was made to protect the health and safety of the students, their families and our staff, and to provide the school nutrition department time to replenish supplies and train staff on additional safety protocols,” the Johnston County school system said in a statement Friday.
The district plans to re-evaluate after spring break ends on April 17.
Charlotte mayor comments on GOP convention
In response to a question about Charlotte hosting the Republican National Convention in August, mayor Vi Lyles said: “We’ll see.” She said Friday that moving forward with the event could depend on the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mecklenburg County, home to Charlotte, has the most coronavirus cases in the state.
Curfews announced
Some North Carolina leaders have implemented curfews to help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus. Columbus County and the city of Fayetteville have introduced measures to keep people home late at night and early in the morning.
‘A gummy bear has more teeth’ than stay-at-home orders — so NC sheriff adds a curfew
