Topics Related to COVID-19

MEDIA ADVISORY: Governor Cooper Holds COVID-19 Dial-In Media Availability Today

Governor Roy Cooper, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Secretary Mandy Cohen and Director of NC Emergency Management Mike Sprayberry will be available today for a dial-in media briefing at 2 p.m. regarding COVID-19. Please see below for
details on how to join the call. A live stream video feed will be available from a pool camera. In
order to maintain social distancing guidelines and further prevent the spread of COVID-19, the
media room at the State Emergency Operations Center will not be open for media to attend in
person.

North Carolina Reports First COVID-19 Associated Deaths

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first COVID-19 associated deaths.
 
A person from Cabarrus County died on March 24 from complications associated with the virus. The patient was in their late seventies and had several underlying medical conditions. A second person in their sixties, from Virginia who was traveling through North Carolina also died from COVID-19 complications. To protect the families’ privacy, no further information about these patients will be released.
 

Governor Cooper Requests Major Disaster Declaration for COVID-19

In a letter to President Trump, Governor Roy Cooper has requested a major disaster declaration for the State of North Carolina due to the continuing impacts of COVID-19 on North Carolina.

“It’s important that we help North Carolinians stay protected from the health impacts of COVID-19 and recover economically from the financial impacts this crisis is having on our state,” Cooper said.

Governor Cooper directs funding to schools to teach and feed students during COVID-19

Governor Cooper directed $50 million in school funding flexibility to help public schools and support the greatest needs to serve students during the COVID-19 crisis. Governor Cooper has ordered North Carolina public schools to remain closed to in-class instruction through May 15. 

COVID-19 Dial-In Media Availability March 24

State Public Health and Emergency Management Officials will be available today for a dial-in media briefing at 2 p.m. regarding COVID-19. Reporters can call in to monitor the remarks and ask questions. A livestream video feed will be available from a pool camera. In order to maintain social distancing guidelines and further prevent the spread of COVID-19, the media room at the State Emergency Operations Center will not be open for media to attend in person.
  

What:
    COVID-19 Media Availability 

Governor Cooper Extends School Closure Date To May; Orders Group Limit To 50 People

 Today, Governor Roy Cooper ordered tighter limits on gatherings and extended school closures statewide to May 15, 2020. The order also closed some businesses that require close social interaction and limited visitors to long-term care centers.

The Executive Order’s effective date will be Wednesday, March 25.

Governor Cooper Orders Increased Access to Childcare, DMV Clarifications

Governor Roy Cooper has waived restrictions to increase access to caregivers to provide flexible child care and elder care during the coronavirus emergency. The Order provides flexibility to local health departments working to adapt to the increased need for their resources.

Additionally, it provides for ways for Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices to enact social distancing protections, and waives some registration requirements to ensure resources can be delivered by truck throughout the state.

Governor Cooper Shares Federal Funding Priorities with North Carolina Congressional Delegation

Letter can be read HERE

Today, Governor Roy Cooper wrote to North Carolina’s Congressional Delegation thanking them for their partnership in combatting the new Coronavirus and sharing a list of specific funding priorities on behalf of North Carolina. 

MEDIA ADVISORY: COVID-19 Dial-in Media Availability Today, March 20

State Public Health and Emergency Management Officials will be available today for a dial-in media briefing at 2 p.m. regarding COVID-19. Reporters can call in to monitor the remarks and ask questions. A livestream video feed will be available from a pool camera. In order to maintain social distancing guidelines and further prevent the spread of COVID-19, the media room at the State Emergency Operations Center will not be open for media to attend in person.What: COVID-19 Media Availability

Governor Cooper Pushes for Key Federal Changes to Make Food, Healthcare More Accessible

Governor Roy Cooper has written to President Donald J. Trump to ask for key waivers that will allow North Carolina to adapt federal food and healthcare programs to better serve North Carolinians in the COVID-19 crisis.

"We need to get food to children who are now not in school and these waivers will help," said Governor Cooper. "They also will help healthcare providers who need to concentrate on patients, not paperwork."