Wake County reports outbreak at Apex long-term care facility
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Here are the latest updates about COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in North Carolina.
What can we help you with? View our COVID-19 information and resources page here
WATCH: May 3 marked two months since North Carolina's first COVID-19 case. Here's a timeline of what has happened since
8:00 p.m.
Wake County health officials reported the fourth outbreak at a long-term care facility in the county.
According to a news release, multiple people--including both employees and residents--at UNC REX Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center of Apex tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Health officials did not specify how many cases or deaths had been reported at the facility.
"As we've seen with previous outbreaks, the coronavirus can spread quickly through communities where people live near each other in relatively close quarters," said Dr. Jeff Williams, a representative for the Wake County Emergency Operations Center's public health branch, in a written statement. "We're working closely with this facility to minimize the number of people exposed to the virus."
7 p.m.
Durham County is reporting 790 total positive COVID-19 cases, up 23 from Sunday. There have been two more coronavirus-related deaths, bringing that total to 26. The residents were over 65 and had multiple underlying health conditions.
6:55 p.m.
The Wake County Board of Commissioners announced the county received $194 million as part of the federal CARES Act.
In a news release, leaders said $4 million would be made available as loans for small businesses, and $1 million would go to independent contractors--including barbers and hairstylists who won't be able to open until Phase 2 of Gov. Roy Cooper's reopening plan.
"Coronavirus has taken its toll on our small businesses, and many of them are struggling to make ends meet," Commissioner Matt Calabria said in a written statement. "That's why we're working to provide them with the support they need to stay afloat as we weather this crisis together."
An additional $2 million will go to the county's housing department to help support residents experiencing homelessness or struggling to pay rent.
6:10 p.m.
Robeson County reported 45 more positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 281. There have been six deaths.
The oldest person who tested positive was 74 and the youngest patient is a 4-year-old.
5:55 p.m.
There are 320 COVID-19 cases throughout Cumberland County, up 31 since Saturday. Eight residents have died from complications from the virus.
The average age for positive cases is 44 with 53 percent of cases being female. African-Americans make up 37 percent of the cases.
5:15 p.m.
Halifax County reported two new COVID-19 cases, bringing the county total to 71 cases with 1 death. The county said 364 people have tested negative for the virus and 45 COVID-19 patients have recovered.
County officials said the cases are spread across the county and there are no "hotspots."
4:45 p.m.
Lee County Health Department reported 17 new COVID-19 cases since Friday, including seven cases identified Saturday, five identified Sunday and five more identified Monday.
The county has confirmed a total of 205 cases, 39 of whom have resumed normal activities.
2:45 p.m.
A provision included in the COVID-19 bill signed into law Monday by Governor Cooper grants a five-month extension of the expiration date on more than two dozen DMV credentials.
The bill also allows the DMV to waive any penalties for a late registration renewal during the extension period. Customers who already paid a $15 fee for a late renewal in March or April will be reimbursed.
The five-month extension applies to any credential that expires on or after March 1, and before August 1.
The list includes: Driver license, Learner's permit, Limited learner's permit, Limited provisional license, Full provisional license, Commercial driver license, Commercial learner's permit, Temporary driving certificate, Special identification card, Handicapped placard, Vehicle registration, Temporary vehicle registration, Dealer license plate,Transporter plate, Loaner/Dealer "LD" plate, Vehicle inspection authorization, Inspection station license, Inspection mechanic license, Transportation network company permit, Motor vehicle dealer license, Sales representative license, Manufacturer license, Distributor license, Wholesaler license, Driver training school license, Driver training school instructor license and Professional house-moving license.
The bill also extends the due dates for motor vehicle taxes that are tied to vehicle registration to correspond with the extended expiration dates.
In addition, there is also an extension of the expiration of an Intrastate Medical Waiver for up to five months, if the DMV Medical Review Unit determines the extension is appropriate.
And it confirms the validity of a driving eligibility certificate dated on or after Feb. 9, and before March 10, to meet the requirements for a license or permit until 30 days after the date the Governor rescinds the State of Emergency Executive Order or the date the DMV reopens all driver license offices, whichever is earlier.
11:45 a.m.
Gov. Roy Cooper signed two COVID-19 relief bills, which outline how North Carolina will distribute $1.5 billion from the federal CARES Act to North Carolinians.
Read more about the bills here.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and they deserve our support right now," Cooper said. "I hope the spirit of consensus that brings us together today will continue."
North Carolina Senate Leader Phill Berger said he admired the leadership of the North Carolina General Assembly. Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue added that he understood that the restrictions are difficult, but said the efforts by North Carolinians had saved lives.
"The bipartisan work we've accomplished shows what we can do when we put people above politics," Blue said.
House Speaker Tim Moore echoed Blue's sentiments, adding, "It's been very refreshing to see everyone put aside whatever differences they had or thought they had, and be able to work together for the common good."
House Democratic Leader Darren Jackson stressed that the bills signed into law Monday were just a beginning and said he is planning work on the next bill.
"Science tells us there will be peaks and there will be lows," Jackson said. "This virus is not going away."
Jackson said he hopes the next bill will expand health care and provide more help for the more than 1 million unemployed workers in the state.
10:50 a.m.
An additional 184 cases of coronavirus were reported Monday morning, bringing the state's total to 11,848. Eight more deaths were announced, making 430 virus-related deaths since late March.
RELATED: Why you might see different numbers of COVID-19 cases depending where you look
The state reported another 23 were hospitalized with another 2,604 tests administered. The number of tests is down 40 percent from Sunday. The state aims to test 5,000 to 7,000 patients each day. The numbers range across 99 counties.
Since Friday, Mecklenburg (83), Wilkes (73) and Wake County (52) have added the most new cases.
Rowan (4), Durham (3), Johnston (3) counties saw the most new deaths.
Mecklenburg and Wake counties still lead the state in cases and Mecklenburg and Guilford counties lead the state in deaths.
Here's how North Carolina health officials determine and report coronavirus deaths
There are now 498 people hospitalized in the state.
Avery County is the only county in the state without a confirmed case of COVID-19 at this time.
10:30 a.m.
Now more than 1 million unemployment claims have been made in North Carolina since March 15, with 84 percent of them related to COIVD-19.
More than $1 billion ($1,267,645,207) has been paid out for claims in that period. 1,008,641 claims were made since March 15. 847,748 of the claims were related to the virus.
The single-day high for claims filed was April 24, when 54,4495 claims were made. 11,869 claims were filed on Friday, May 3.
MONDAY MORNING STORYLINES
Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to sign a $1.5 billion package to address the new coronavirus pandemic in North Carolina that will send money to schools, hospitals, local governments and researchers.
Here's what the North Carolina coronavirus relief package means for you
The package includes $85 million going to five universities to help research the virus, $50 million going toward buying personal protective equipment and $25 million going toward expanding testing and tracing. Around $150 million will go to further education with new computers and school nutrition programs. The bill will also delay car inspections and license renewals until August.
Deleted from the bill was a Senate provision to raise the maximum weekly state unemployment benefit from $350 to $400 once federal benefits are exhausted and a House provision to let still-shuttered restaurants sell take-out mixed drinks
Cooper will share updates on the state's response at 11:30 a.m. ABC11 will stream the update on its website and Facebook page.
What does reopening North Carolina look like? We break it down
The state is looking to enter Phase 1 of reopening this week. (Here are the 3 phases of Gov. Cooper's reopening plan) State officials want to see a downward trajectory in sustained cases for 14 days before moving forward. They also want to ensure hospitals have enough protective gear and supplies for all patients. Should the state enter Phase 1, the stay-at-home order will remain in place and gatherings will be limited to 10 people or less. Phase 1 would last 2 to 3 weeks.
Gov. Roy Cooper laid out a plan to reopen North Carolina, but here's what has to happen first
Gov. Cooper said there's always a chance the state would have to return to a previous phase if there's a large spike in cases and deaths.
On Sunday, North Carolina health officials reported 11,664 COVID-19 cases throughout 99 counties, up 155 since Saturday. Wake County is reporting 887 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 19 deaths.
32 states have lifted at least some restrictions related to COVID-19. Seven states will take at least one step toward reopening on Monday.
The experimental drug Remdesivir is expected to arrive in hospitals across the country this week. Health officials believe the drug could help patients recover from the virus faster.
Delta, JetBlue and United Airlines are now requiring passengers to wear masks during flights. Last week, a woman's video of a nearly full flight went viral. Ride-hailing company Uber will soon require all passengers and drivers to wear masks. Walgreens and Costco are also requiring customers to wear masks now.
SUNDAY
6:15 p.m.
An additional person has died from COVID-19 related complications, raising the Durham County's total number of deaths to 24.
Twelve additional people have tested positive for COVID-19 bringing the total case count to 755.
The Durham County Department of Health continues to monitor COVID-19 outbreaks at four Durham long-term care facilities and one crisis and assessment center.
111 of those cases at Durham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 57 at Treyburn Rehabilitation Center, five at Durham Recovery Response Center, four at Durham VA Healthcare System Community Nursing Home and two at Hillcrest Convalescent Center.
2:30 p.m.
ABC11 spoke to the mayor of Atlantic Beach who is encouraging visitors to stay home and avoid the beach for now.
Chopper 11 flew over the North Carolina coast as some beaches begin to loosen restrictions.
11:25 a.m.
North Carolina health officials reported 11,664 COVID-19 cases throughout 99 counties, up 155 since Saturday. There are 422 total deaths after two more were reported.
RELATED: Why you might see different numbers of COVID-19 cases depending where you look
Here's how North Carolina health officials determine and report coronavirus deaths
475 cases are currently being hospitalized, down 27 from Saturday.
4,360 more tests have been completed from Saturday to Sunday for a total of 143,835 completed throughout state.
As of Sunday morning, there are 1,133,069 confirmed coronavirus cases throughout the United States.
Wake County's total number of cases by Saturday was 868, up 11 from Friday. There are been 19 deaths throughout the county. The average patient age is 44.
