North Carolina Coronavirus Updates — July 22, 2020 | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:


    Last week, Governor Cooper wrote to the North Carolina Congressional delegation urging them to extend the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, which is the supplemental $600 weekly payments to those who are out of work because of COVID-19. Right now, that program will expire at the end of the week.

    "This program has been a lifeline for families and their communities, giving people the ability to pay their rent or utilities, to put food on the table and make ends meet," said Governor Cooper. "Remember, this funding has a multiplier effect, going from families' pockets back into local communities, helping small businesses and our economy stay afloat."

    The extra federal support has been especially important here in North Carolina, where the legislature several years ago slashed unemployment insurance benefits to among the lowest in the nation and made them available for only 12 weeks. Governor Cooper urged state legislators to re-evaluate North Carolina's own unemployment compensation to support people who find themselves sidelined because of this virus.

    Read Governor Cooper's letter to North Carolina members of Congress.

    Information is changing rapidly, this update is current as of July 2, 2020

    It's important to rely on trusted sources of information about COVID-19. Keep up with the latest information on Coronavirus in North Carolina HERE.

    Text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19 and North Carolina's response.

    Dial 2-1-1 provides free, confidential information and is available 24 hours a day to help you find resources within your community. They can connect you with people and groups that can help with questions about access to food, shelter, health care, employment and child care.

    Families who need food assistance for their children can text FOODNC to 877-877 to find free meal sites in their communities.

    Make sure to prioritize your overall wellness and don't hesitate to seek additional help. Optum has a toll-free 24-hour Emotional Support Help Line at 866-342-6892 for people who may be experiencing anxiety or stress due to Coronavirus.

    You can track the disease in real time through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 NC Dashboard. It includes detailed information about the state's COVID-19 confirmed cases, hospital capacity and more.

    Tuesday, Governor Cooper announced NCDHHS is working to ensure that those who cultivate and harvest North Carolina's crops are protected by delivering more than 900,000 masks and other COVID-19 prevention supplies to 31 counties. The supplies are on their way now to North Carolina Cooperative Extension centers across the state for distribution to farms and agricultural operations.

    "We must keep food in our grocery stores and on our tables. To do that, we must help protect farmers and their families from this virus. I appreciate the collaboration that makes this delivery of equipment possible," said Governor Cooper.

    North Carolina has targeted efforts to ensure the protection and help stop spread of the virus among farmworkers. For more information on guidance, educational materials, and resources read the press release.

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has announced community free testing events in Edgecombe, Halifax, Hertford, Johnston, Northampton, Sampson and Wake counties. For an up-to-date list of events, visit the Community Testing Events page. People who may not currently have symptoms but may have been exposed to COVID-19 should get tested, especially people from historically marginalized communities.

    If someone tests positive for COVID-19, the COVID-19 Community Team will reach out to connect them with needed resources. People should answer when the Community Team reaches out, via phone, text from 45394, or email from NC-ARIAS-NoReply@dhhs.nc.gov with further instructions.

    Find a nearby testing site Find My Testing Place.

    For more information visit the NCDHHS FAQs about Testing and FAQs about Contact Tracing.

    During this time it is imperative that everyone is informed about what is going on in our state. Governor Cooper's administration has been working to get information and resources translated for the Spanish speaking population in our state. Many of the Governor's press conferences, press releases, and executive orders are available in Spanish. Resources are also available in Spanish on the DHHS website.

Congressman John Lewis was a hero whose lessons will echo for generations to come. Let’s all honor him by working to live up to his example. - RC pic.twitter.com/0PhCmptjyo

— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) July 18, 2020