Signs of progress: Meck County leaders say ‘curve is beginning to flatten’

CHARLOTTE — Mecklenburg County leaders on Wednesday revealed there are indications that what the community is doing, is working.

County Health Director Gibbie Harris wanted to make it clear though, that this does not mean we can stop social distancing.

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She said the curve is starting to flatten -- which is great news -- but it doesn't mean it is time to take the foot off the gas. In fact, leaders said now is the time to double down on efforts.

In a virtual news conference, Harris and County Manager Dena Diorio announced 848 total cases of COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County. Ten residents have died.

Diorio also said Mecklenburg County is extending its stay-at-home order from April 16 to April 29, to match the governor’s statewide order.

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The county also addressed the disproportionate amount of African American residents that are getting the virus. African Americans make up more than 43% of coronavirus cases in the county as of April 4, but less than 33% of the population.

On Wednesday, officials said roughly half of the 10 people who died in Mecklenburg County were African American.

The county is now targeting messaging to the African American community about the COVID-19 threat.

At first, leaders downplayed the possibility that COVID-19 was impacting one group of people more than another. On Wednesday, they were pressed on whether they waited too long to communicate to African Americans.

“Unfortunately, in the early days, we did not have enough data that really helped us understand what we were seeing,” Harris said. “I am not sure we could have seen this earlier than this. I guess if you think about it, we should have suspected this would be something that would happen.”

Harris also spoke about outbreaks at at least two nursing homes in the county. Channel 9 reported last week one of the nursing homes is the Pavilion Health Center in Ballantyne.

North Carolina coronavirus deaths exceed 50; child care aid coming

Daycare employees and the families of first responders and other essential workers who need child care access during the COVID-19 crisis are getting financial help from the North Carolina state government.

The state Division of Health and Human Services announced hospital, police and emergency workers and others required to work outside their homes can now get emergency child care subsidies from the state. Applicants must meet income restrictions and state that they have no alternative child care options.

The department also announced workers in child care centers staying open to take care of these children will see April and May pay raises of $200 or $300 a month, depending on their position.

“We want to be sure child care teachers and programs have support in providing safe, quality care,” DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen said in a release. Child care centers that have remained open are required to meet higher health and safety standards.

Department data shows more than 3,400 positive cases of the virus confirmed as of Wednesday morning, or 200 cases more since Tuesday. More than 50 state residents have now died and close to 400 people testing positive are now hospitalized.

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More than a dozen nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities and four adult care homes or similar homes are scenes of current outbreaks, defined as having at least two cases.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, and the vast majority survive. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause pneumonia or death.

Gov. Roy Cooper has signaled additional orders this week to prevent crowds in essential retail stores like groceries to redouble social distancing directives. Cooper has said he doesn't know yet whether a statewide stay-at-home order will continue beyond its current April 29 expiration. But he's highlighted a report showing state hospitals have a better chance to avoid bed shortages with social distancing restrictions extended beyond April.

State government and hospital systems are scouting out locations for additional beds. The Council of State this week approved a lease so the state can use a former Richmond County hospital that closed in 2017.

Novant Health and Atrium Health told Mecklenburg County commissioners they want the county to build a 600-bed field hospital in or near central Charlotte.

The hospitals previously requested a 3,000-bed hospital at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, but it’s not needed now as the hospitals have increased capacity.

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