Coronavirus local updates: New measures added for stores, nursing homes, unemployment claims in NC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Nearly 1.5 million people worldwide -- including nearly 432,000 people in the United States -- have been infected with the new coronavirus, and the number of deaths from the outbreak continues to rise. Officials are attempting to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. as hospitals brace for unprecedented patient surges.

>> Scroll below for live, local real-time minute-by-minute updates

____________________

***Possible news conferences scheduled for today***

(WANT TO WATCH ON OUR STREAMING APPS? CLICK HERE)

Mecklenburg County: (TBA)

North Carolina Task Force: 4 p.m.

South Carolina Task Force (TBA)

White House Task Force: 5 p.m.

____________________

[SPECIAL SECTION: TRACKING CORONAVIRUS]

[CLICK HERE FOR TODAY’S NATIONAL UPDATES]

[COUNTY-BY-COUNTY COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE]

[CORONAVIRUS IN THE CAROLINAS; HERE’S HOW TO STAY INFORMED]

>> We’ll bring you LIVE updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News. Get extended coverage on the free WSOC Now app on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV.

[FAQ: N.C. Gov. Cooper’s Stay-at-Home Order]

[FAQ: S.C. Gov. McMaster’s Work-or-Home Order]

[Everything you need to know about the stimulus payments, unemployment]

[Food banks, soup kitchens helping people affected by COVID-19 outbreak]

[Charlotte restaurants, breweries offering curbside pickup, delivery, discounts]

>> Here are the latest updates about COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in North Carolina and South Carolina. Scroll below for real-time updates.

• The number of cases across North Carolina reached 3,651 Thursday. North Carolina is now reporting 65 deaths, 47,809 completed tests and 398 people currently in the hospital.
• Gov. Roy Cooper and the state’s coronavirus task force announced a statewide stay-at-home order which is currently in effect.
• Gov. Henry McMaster has ordered a home or work order in South Carolina.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking cases in the United States here.

Important Links & Updates:

• CDC: Tracking Cases in the U.S. here
• NC Dept. of Health & Human Services
• WSOC Special Section: Tracking Coronavirus
• WHO: Advice for the Public
• WHO: Q&A

Live local updates from Wednesday:

10:49 p.m.

Wells Fargo confirmed five employees at the Customer Information Center have tested positive for COVID-19.

8:35 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

7:45 p.m.

Meck County says vape shops are not considered essential in Mecklenburg County. All sales are prohibited unless they can be conducted virtually.

7:25 p.m.

Mecklenburg County officials say the only faith-based services allowed are virtual and livestreamed.

6:16 p.m.

Butner prison now shows 76 total positive COVID-19 cases at the complex. At Butler Medium, there are 44 inmates and 16 staff members who’ve tested positive

5:50 p.m.

Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA), Cabarrus County’s public health authority, is launching an investigation and conducting facility-wide testing after learning of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at Five Oaks Rehabilitation in Concord. Facility-wide testing is recommended when COVID-19 is identified in this type of congregate living facility.

“We are working closely with Five Oaks throughout this process,” said Interim Director of the Cabarrus Health Alliance Erin Shoe. “We appreciate their full cooperation. Everyone continues to work diligently on mitigation strategies to stop the virus from spreading.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NNDHHS) issued guidance for long-term care facilities with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Mitigation strategies include:

• Early detection and prompt isolation of patients with symptoms of respiratory infection
• Usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), including gown, gloves, facemask or N95 mask, and eye protection for all staff interacting with a COVID-19 patient
• Grouping residents in a unit or wing with similar symptoms and diagnoses
• Closing all communal dining areas and using single-serve utensils and food containers
• Using EPA registered disinfectants for healthcare settings

Five Oaks has voluntarily complied with NCDHHS recommendations.

Shoe asks those who’ve had recent contact with Five Oaks Rehabilitation staff or residents to monitor for symptoms of fever (100.4 or higher), cough and shortness of breath. If you exhibit these symptoms, call your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider, call the CHA Health Information Line at 704-920-1213.

5:45 p.m.

There have been 29 positive tests and almost 300 negative tests for COVID-19 in Cleveland County. Of the 29 positive cases in the county, seven have completed their required isolation period and have fully recovered.

Since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the county, a total of seven county residents have been hospitalized.

“Unfortunately, approximately 24 percent of the confirmed cases in Cleveland County have been hospitalized at some point due to complications from the virus,” Oliver added. All of these individuals, with the exception of one, were considered to be at high risk for more severe symptoms due to age or underlying health conditions. This is why it so critically important that everyone does their part to prevent the spread of coronavirus – to protect those that are most vulnerable.”

According to the CDC, approximately 80 percent of COVID-19 cases are considered to be mild, 15 percent severe, and 5 percent critical.

To stay up to date on the COVID-19 case count in Cleveland County, please visit www.clevelandcounty.com/cchd.

“The percentage of confirmed cases in Cleveland County experiencing more severe symptoms is slightly higher than the national average, likely due to the fact that testing criteria from the NC Department of Health and Human Services prioritizes testing for those with more severe symptoms and in high risk categories,” Oliver said.

Cleveland County now has its first confirmed outbreak in a nursing home facility, though no residents have tested positive at this time. The North Carolina Department of Health Human Services defines an outbreak in a congregate living setting as two or more laboratory confirmed cases in residents or staff within two incubation periods (28 days) in the same facility. At this time, the confirmed cases have been limited to the facility’s employees.

“Cleveland County Health Department personnel, in collaboration with State epidemiologists, are working with the nursing home to ensure they have effective processes and procedures in place related to visitor restrictions, temperature screenings, use of personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection, and isolation, Oliver said. “The nursing home facility has been very cooperative and is doing everything they can to help prevent the further spread of the virus.”

In a recent article, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that they now know that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms and that even those who eventually develop symptoms can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.

“This is one of the reasons it is so critically important for people to stay home as much as possible,” Oliver added. “With Easter weekend approaching, I recognize that there is a desire to get together with family and friends and celebrate the way we traditionally would. However, I urge people to continue to take heed of the Governor’s orders in an effort to hasten the day that this will all be behind us.”

5:15 p.m.

Meck County says 869 residents have tested positive for COVID-19. No additional deaths are being reported at this time.

5:25 p.m.

RNC officials tell me they are committed to having an in-person convention in Charlotte this August. “It will be a sign of life getting back to normal. It will be a picture of a Charlotte getting back on its feet as well as the whole region.” Story to come.

4:50 p.m.

CATS says they will work to ensure buses will not exceed 20 passengers. Riders are being asked to not sit in the seats with an “X” on them. Markings on the floor indicate seats that are 6’ apart

4:45 p.m.

A Monroe firefighter has tested positive for COVID-19.

4:15 p.m.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 241 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, including four additional deaths.

This brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 2,792, and those who have died to 67.

The additional deaths occurred in four elderly patients with underlying health conditions. The elderly individuals were residents from Anderson (1), Beaufort (1), Lexington (1), and Lee (1) counties.

The number of new cases by county are listed below.Abbeville (1), Aiken (10), Anderson (11), Barnwell (1), Beaufort (10), Berkeley (5), Calhoun (1), Charleston (5), Cherokee (1), Chesterfield (1), Clarendon (3), Colleton (3), Darlington (3), Dillion (2), Dorchester (4), Fairfield (1), Florence (6), Georgetown (1), Greenville (31), Greenwood (1), Hampton (1), Horry (8), Kershaw (5), Lancaster (3), Laurens (1), Lee (2), Lexington (33), McCormick (1), Newberry (2), Oconee (1), Orangeburg (4), Pickens (1), Richland (45), Saluda (2), Spartanburg (13), Sumter (9), Union (3), Williamsburg (1), York (5).

CLICK HERE for more information

4 p.m.

Gov. Cooper: “Today, I am signing a new executive order that does 3 important things. First, this order requires new social distancing policies at open stores. This should make shopping safer for everyone and help prevent stores from becoming flashpoints for virus transmission.

Effective Monday at 5 p.m., stores may not have a number of people inside at one time that is more than 20% of the stated fire capacity or either five people for every 1,000 square feet.

Stores must also mark 6 feet of distance at places where people need to gather, like checkout lines, and they must perform frequent environmental cleaning and routine disinfection.

Even as we follow the stay at home order, there are still essential reasons to leave the house, like for groceries or medicine. We want to ensure that essential stores are as safe as possible for everyone so that no one is afraid to go out for basic necessities.

The order also encourages stores to make hand sanitizer accessible, set shopping times for seniors and at-risk people, use shields at check out, and mark aisles as 1-way to limit traffic. I know a number of stores have already taken steps like these, and I thank them. The second part of this order includes mandatory protective measures for nursing homes that had previously been recommended as guidance. It prevents dining and group activities in common spaces. It requires face masks for employees.

It also requires these nursing homes to screen employees and residents for symptoms of sickness. We strongly encourage other long-term facilities to follow this same guidance.

We are focusing efforts on these congregant care institutions since the nature of the virus makes them easy targets for outbreaks.

The third part of this order requires additional measures that will get more unemployment claims processed faster. The order makes it easier for employers to file a batch of claims on behalf of their employees. This is known as an attached claim.

By temporarily eliminating some hurdles for employers, we hope to get benefits in the hands of those who need them faster. Since 3/16, the Division of Employment Security has accepted over 497k unemployment claims. NC has sent $40.3M with more going out every day.

The Department has also received updated guidance from the federal government on how to disburse the supplemental $600 a week benefit. Those payments are expected to begin by the end of next week. Time is critical and precious for those who are out of work.

I, my staff, and the Secretary of Commerce, are pushing the Department to move as fast as possible. Every claim is important and represents an unemployed worker on the edge. Their families and our economy need these funds as quickly as possible.”

CLICK HERE for more information.

3 p.m.

N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein and 21 other attorneys general urged the federal government to withdraw a proposal that would undermine the Community Reinvestment Act and other efforts to fight banking discrimination.

CLICK HERE for more information.

2:25 p.m.

Mecklenburg County Extends Conditional Deadline to File Business Personal Property Listing

Mecklenburg County officials are aware that businesses are facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the Mecklenburg County Board of Equalization and Review has approved a policy to grant waivers for listings received after the April 15, 2020 deadline for filing 2020 Business Personal Property Listings. Taxpayers who meet the following requirements will be granted a waiver of the 2020 Late Listing Penalty and have until July 15, 2020 to file: To be considered for a waiver, taxpayers must:

• Have previously requested an extension on or before January 31, 2020 (which extended the date to file until April 15, 2020)
• File a Waiver Request Form; and
• File the listings on or before July 15, 2020

Waiver Request Forms will soon be available on the Mecklenburg County Assessor’s Office website,www.MeckNC.gov/AssessorsOffice . The form must be signed and returned by regular mail or email, at BPPEMAIL@MeckNC.gov by July 15, 2020. Taxpayers or their representatives do not need to be present for the waiver. The waiver will be approved with no further action needed, by the Board of Equalization and Review.

For assistance contact the Mecklenburg County Assessor’s Office at 980-314-4226 or by email at BPPEMAIL@MeckNC.gov.

2:20 p.m.

GASTON COUNTY CHAIRMAN SEEKS RETURN TO LOCAL CONTROL ON APRIL 30

Gaston County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tracy Philbeck sent a letter to Gov. Roy Cooper today, thanking the governor for his leadership during the COVID-19 crisis, while asking he considers returning Stay-At-Home decision making to the counties on April 30.

Gaston County leaders remain in full agreement for the need for the Stay-at-Home order through April 29 that was issued by Governor Cooper on March 30. It aligns almost exactly with the order issued in Gaston County three days before the governor’s.

But Philbeck said that as there are glimmers of hope about flattening the curve of the coronavirus, it makes sense to let individual counties decide the level of restrictions needed moving forward. Larger and more densely populated areas in Wake, Guilford and Mecklenburg counties may require a slower loosening of restrictions compared to what counties like Gaston may be able to allow.

Philbeck said any decision on loosening restrictions will be made in close consultation with county health officials, who in turn, work with local health system CaroMont Health, as well as analyzing data from state and federal sources.

“We still plan to limit gatherings, promote proper sanitation efforts, and mandate safe social distancing guidelines to help keep our citizens safe,” Philbeck wrote to Gov. Cooper on Thursday. “We can do this while also allowing our people to get back to work.”

Gaston County leaders continue to emphasize the need this month for residents to only travel for essential jobs or essential needs and otherwise to stay home.

2:15 p.m.

Burke County’s Response to COVID-19

Burke County is reporting 42 positive cases. The cases consist of both traveling and community spread. All positive cases are isolated and Public Health staff continues to investigate the cases and will be locating those close contacts to help contain the spread of the infection.

Public information line has been opened Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm for those with questions can call 828-764-9388.

After hours, general questions can be directed to NC Public Information Line at 1-866-462-3821

Easter Weekend:

Easter is a time to spend at with church members, family, and friends, but this Easter will look different. It is imperative that churchgoers please not congregate together and listen to Easter services live streamed, YouTube, etc and eat together as a family.

Do not have any Easter egg hunts except with your family in your own yard (less than 10 people) and not a neighborhood or community egg hunt.

1:30 p.m.

Stanly County reporting its first COVID-19 related death. The person was in their early 60s and had underlying medical conditions, and had also recently traveled to an area of high risk.

1 p.m.

ONE NEW CASE OF COVID-19 IDENTIFIED IN CATAWBA COUNTY

One new case of COVID-19 has been identified in Catawba County, bringing the county’s total number of residents who have tested positive to 29. We have received 471 negative test results.

The county’s total case number is based on COVID-19 test results. Not all cases of COVID-19 are tested, so this does not represent the total number of people who have or had COVID-19.

Because community spread is occurring locally and across North Carolina, all residents are urged to stay home and avoid contact with others to the extent possible.

Catawba County case and testing numbers are updated by 1 p.m. daily on the Catawba County website at www.catawbacountync.gov.

12:30 p.m.

Lincoln County is advising residents to wear a face mask when out in public.

12:20 p.m.

Channel 9 heard from Republican National Convention leaders who want to put money back into local businesses. They told government reporter Joe Bruno they’re moving ahead with the scheduled dates of August 24-27 in uptown Charlotte.

But they also said they’ll follow the CDC’s guidance.

They said they want an in-person convention and not a virtual convention, so hotels and businesses and Charlotte can get the boost.

12:05 p.m.

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

On Wednesday, April 8, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) was notified by AppHealthCare (the health department) that an ARHS employee who had recently traveled has tested positive for COVID-19.

The employee did not provide direct patient care, has been in quarantine and is recovering at home. Additionally, ARHS has been working with the health department to identify other staff who may have been in contact with the employee who tested positive. Each of these employees has also self-quarantined.

“As a healthcare organization operating in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), we take very seriously our commitment to preserving protected health information and respecting the privacy of individuals infected by the virus," said Rob Hudspeth, Senior Vice President for Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.

ARHS will continue to work closely with AppHealthCare and local, state, and national health officials to ensure we are taking the strongest possible precautions to keep employees and patients safe.

11:40 a.m.

Lancaster Police Department, Lancaster Fire Department & Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office came together this morning to surprise ER staff at MUSC Health-Lancaster.

“We are working hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are on the front lines dealing with those affected by the disease,” the police department posted on Facebook. “To all of the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, we are grateful for all that you do.”

11:10 a.m.

The NCDHHS has released the latest numbers surrounding COVID-19 in the state.

As of Thursday morning, there were 3,651 lab-confirmed cases from 91 of the 100 counties across the state. That is an increase of 225 from Wednesday.

65 people have died from the virus, up 12 from the day before.

There have been 47,809 completed tests and 398 people are currently hospitalized.

Mecklenburg County was reporting at least 861 positive cases.

Age breakdown of positive cases: 0-17 (1%); 18-24 (8%); 25-49 (41%); 50-64 (29%); 65 or older (22%)

Age breakdown of deaths: 25-49 (6%); 50-64 (12%); 65 or older (82%)

55% of those who tested positive are white, while 39% are black.

51% of those who tested positive are women, while men make up 47%, though men account for 72% of the deaths.

There have been 16 outbreaks reported at nursing homes across the state, including two in Mecklenburg County, and one each in Burke, Cabarrus, Cleveland and Rowan counties.

There have been four reported outbreaks at residential care facilities, including one in Stanly County.

11:05 a.m.

CMS parking lots and school playgrounds are closed

CMS parking lots are closed for vehicle parking and playgrounds and school properties are closed to all citizens, unless related to grab and go meal distribution or student instructional materials or devices. The mandatory order includes no pets allowed on school properties and playgrounds.

11 a.m.

People step forward to donate COVID-19 convalescent plasma with OneBlood providing hope to coronavirus patients in critical condition

OneBlood, the not-for-profit blood center serving Florida, North Carolina and other parts of the southeastern United States, is actively collecting plasma from people who have recovered from the coronavirus so it can be transfused to people with life-threatening coronavirus infection in hopes of aiding their recovery.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez was OneBlood’s first COVID-19 convalescent plasma donor, and less than a week later, several more people have stepped forward to donate. Among the qualified donors, a cardiologist and a registered dietician.

The experimental treatment is approved by the FDA to be used on an emergency basis and is called “COVID-19 convalescent plasma”.

“OneBlood is actively identifying qualified donors and arranging for their donations. In some cases, donations have been issued to hospitals within 24 hours of a person donating,” said Susan Forbes, senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations at OneBlood.

People who recover from coronavirus infection have developed antibodies to the virus that remain in the plasma portion of their blood. Transfusing the plasma that contains the antibodies into a person still fighting the virus can provide a boost to the patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover.

In addition to State Health Departments, OneBlood is working directly with their hospital partners and physicians to identify people who have recovered from the coronavirus who can be potential donors. OneBlood has also launched a social media initiative to bring heightened awareness to people who have recovered from the virus, letting them know that they are needed and could hold the potential key to helping critically ill coronavirus patients recover.

“Hospitals are eager to use this therapeutic treatment. OneBlood has the ability to help during an unprecedented time and our team is working around the clock to meet the growing demand for COVID-19 convalescent plasma,” said Forbes.

People who think they may be a candidate are urged to go to OneBlood’s website at www.oneblood.org to fill out the online form. Donors who meet the FDA criteria to be a donor will be contacted by OneBlood to coordinate their donation.

In addition to local efforts, OneBlood is also cooperating with the federal government and anticipates participating in a national-level initiative to be able to provide convalescent plasma when and where it is needed.

OneBlood is one of the largest blood centers in the country and already has the technology in place to be able to collect, test and process plasma from donors.

Donor Eligibility Requirements

• COVID-19 convalescent plasma must only be collected from recovered individuals if they are eligible to donate blood
• Required testing must be performed and the donation must be found suitable
• Prior diagnosis of COVID-19 documented by a laboratory test
• Complete resolution of symptoms at least 14 days prior to donation
• Have a negative result for COVID-19
• Meet all standard FDA blood donation requirements

In addition, the recipients of the plasma will also have to meet FDA criteria in order to qualify to receive this therapy for treating life-threatening COVID-19.

10:30 a.m.

Mecklenburg County Provides COVID-19 Stabilization Funds for Small Businesses and Micro Businesses

In response to the local economic impact of the current health crisis, Mecklenburg County has created a COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Stabilization Loan Fund and a Micro Business Stabilization Fund. The funds were created through the County’s partnerships with Carolina Small Business Development Fund and Centralina Council of Governments.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners approved the establishment of these funds during its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 7. Funds will be distributed to qualifying small businesses and micro businesses that have been affected in the recent weeks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The application process for both funds is simple and quick, with disbursements available within 10 days of a completed application.

COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Stabilization Loan Fund

The County has committed $5,000,000 for this fund. Small businesses (up to 50 employees) located in Mecklenburg County can apply for loans of $5,000 - $35,000. Funds may be used to cover the day-to-day operating expenses of the business, such as payroll costs, rent, routine real estate and equipment financing payments, utilities or losses due to destabilizing events. Loans will be available with up to 10-year terms at an interest rate of 3%.

Applicants must provide:

• One-page simplified loan application (online)
• Statement describing how the COVID-19 has adversely impacted the business
• Copy of driver license
• Copy of lease agreement or mortgage statement
• Tax returns (business) 2018 & Profit and Loss statement for 2019
• Tax returns (personal) 2018
• Year-to-date Profit and Loss statement including balance sheet
• One year of income and expense projection including cashflow

The program will consider alternative forms of documentation to supplement standard underwriting requirements.

The County will be an active partner with Carolina Small Business Development Fund by playing a supportive role through all phases of the application and loan process. Additional details regarding program guidelines, loan terms and a link to the online application will be available on MeckNC.gov Monday, April 13.

Micro Business Stabilization Fund

The County has committed $1,000,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds to support micro businesses with up to five employees who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. Funds are available to micro businesses in the CDBG program area which includes the towns (with the exception of Mint Hill and the City of Charlotte) and the unincorporated areas of Mecklenburg County. Applicants will be eligible for loans in the amount of up to $10,000 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• The business owner or 51% of employees must have a low- or moderate-income (≤80% of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Area Median Income)
• The business must have experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19, by certifying that revenue has declined by 25% or more as a result of COVID-19
• The business must provide documentation to help verify the economic hardship suffered as a result of the COVID-19, including, tax returns, financial statements, gross receipts and other financial data

Loans may be used to cover the day-to-day operating expenses, such as payroll costs, including benefits, commercial mortgage payments, rent and utilities. Loans have a maturity of 3 years at 0% interest.

The program will be managed through Centralina Council of Governments (CCOG) which currently administers the County’s CDBG program. A link to the online application will be available on MeckNC.gov Monday, April 13.

10 a.m.

The Union County Public Health Department has confirmed the first resident death associated with COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. The man in his 70s had been hospitalized and had other health complications. Public Health was notified of the death Thursday, April 9, 2020.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the patient's family and friends,” said Dennis Joyner, Director of Public Health. “I know this is a hard realization for our community. I want to assure our residents that Union County Public Health is working tirelessly to help individuals who have tested positive receive necessary care and carry out guidance by the CDC and NC DHHS to limit exposure to others.”

Prior to being admitted to the hospital, the man was connected to a long-term care facility. Public Health is working closely with the facility to provide recommendations consistent with CDC guidance. To protect the privacy of the patient’s family, no additional information about the individual will be released.

Union County’s first confirmed case of COVID-19 was identified on March 18, 2020. At the time of this press release, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in Union County is 91.

Residents are urged to follow Governor Roy Cooper’s Stay at Home Order and only leave home for essential activities. If residents must leave home, they are encouraged to keep six feet distance from others and wear a cloth face-covering in public places where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

"The life of every resident in Union County is valuable,” said Michelle Lancaster, Deputy County Manager and Human Services Agency Director. “We are asking residents to take every possible measure to stay healthy, stay home, and help protect our most vulnerable residents."

For the duration of the coronavirus pandemic, Union County has updated its COVID-19 webpage with important information and resources.

9:30 a.m.

Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) issued the following joint statement regarding DMV inspection deadlines:

"We continue to work with the Governor’s team to identify and resolve issues facing North Carolinians in this crisis. DMV regulations are a particularly pressing matter that we have worked daily for several weeks on a bipartisan basis to resolve.

"We support passage of legislation when the General Assembly reconvenes to retroactively extend vehicle inspection deadlines. Until such legislation passes, we support bureaucratic flexibility on compliance with the existing deadlines. Based on our communications with the Executive Branch, we understand that the Department of Public Safety and State Highway Patrol are doing just that by not prioritizing enforcement.

“This shared commitment by the legislative and executive branches provides North Carolinians’ certainty that the state government will provide this flexibility they need now and act to retroactively alleviate DMV deadlines despite the current law temporarily in place.”

8:30 a.m.

10% of the U.S. labor force is now out of work since the coronavirus slammed the economy as 6.6 million more people filed for jobless aid.

With a startling 6.6 million people seeking jobless benefits last week, the United States has reached a grim landmark: Roughly one in 10 workers have lost their jobs in just the past three weeks.

The figures collectively constitute the largest and fastest string of job losses in records dating to 1948. They paint a picture of a job market that is quickly unraveling as businesses have shut down across the country because of the coronavirus outbreak. More than 20 million Americans may lose jobs this month.

The viral outbreak is believed to have erased nearly one-third of the economy’s output in the current quarter. Forty-eight states have closed non-essential businesses. Restaurants, hotels, department stores and small businesses have laid off millions as they struggle to pay bills at a time when their revenue has vanished.

All told, in the past three weeks, 16.6 million Americans have filed for unemployment aid. The surge of jobless claims has overwhelmed state unemployment offices around the country. And still more job cuts are expected. The unemployment rate could hit 15% when the April employment report is released in early May.

8 a.m.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library invites the community to stay at home but stay connected with its “In Living Color” day on Saturday, April 11, 2020.

This all-day virtual event is intended to connect the community by participating in fun, color-themed activities like a color walk, a spell-your-name activity list, recipe and cooking ideas, as well as reading or listening to Library-curated books and music lists.

While many families might normally travel for spring break or the long holiday weekend, these unique color-themed activities can be done at home by anyone.

The Library encourages everyone to post and share their activities on social media with the hashtags #CMLinlivingcolor and #icanwithCML.

More information can be found at www.cmlibrary.org/in-living-color-day.

7 a.m.

As you are waking up this morning, state leaders are working on a variety of issues that affect you and your family. Here are three major takeaways we want you to know about:

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed another executive order last night. This one waives restrictions on hospitals and protects healthcare workers from being sued.

It also waives regulations on daycares. The hope is to open up enough centers so that people on the front lines have someone to watch over their children. Daycare workers are getting bonuses for taking in children of hospital workers.

The order also puts medical students and volunteers on the fast-track to serve in hospitals.

Today, you could get more answers on the evolving situation with schools. The state board of education is holding an emergency session Thursday to discuss testing and waivers.

They'll also talk about funding for the future, including transportation, when schools are finally back open.

We’re also expecting to receive record-breaking unemployment numbers this morning for the third week in a row. Nearly 10 million Americans filed for unemployment in the last two weeks and experts believe this week we could see another 7 million added.

8 a.m.

Dick’s Sporting Goods announced they are furloughing most of its 40,000 employees.

Their 800 stores, including more than a dozen in our area, won’t reopen anytime soon. They are doing online orders and curbside pickup at some locations.

With high school sports on pause, they’ve lost a lot of business.

9:39 p.m. (Wednesday)

Amazon said an employee at the CLT4 facility on Tuckaseegee Road in Charlotte has tested positive for COVID-19.

This is the third local Amazon employee to test positive for the virus.

8:32 p.m. (Wednesday)

A Target employee at the Midtown store in Charlotte has tested positive for COVID-19, the department store confirms.

Store officials said all the employees have been notified.

“We’ve communicated directly with the impacted team member, who is in quarantine and following all health department guidelines, and we’ll pay them while they’re on leave. We’ve also worked quickly to deep clean and sanitize the store, which is the recommendation of public health experts,” store officials said in a statement.

© 2020 Cox Media Group