North Carolina Coronavirus Updates — August 4, 2020 | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:


    Governor Cooper today updated North Carolinians on the effects of Hurricane Isaias, hours after the storm left the state. The storm slammed into the state Monday night with 85 mph winds, coming ashore at Ocean Isle Beach and spinning up the eastern part of the state causing floods, wind damage, and tornadoes in the eastern part of the state.

    Unfortunately, Isaias claimed the lives of two North Carolinians in Bertie County. The Governor joined the state in mourning those lost.

    "Our state has recovered from some fierce storms over the years. As we pick up the pieces today, let's harness that spirit of recovery and resiliency that has gotten us through tough times before," said Governor Cooper.

    DOT crews spent Tuesday removing debris and clearing roadways as line workers moved quickly to restore power.

    Governor Cooper spoke with the President who pledged help to help the state recover from the effects of Isaias. Cooper will remain in contact with FEMA and other federal agencies as the needs are fully evaluated.

    State officials had prepared for months to handle a hurricane during the COVID-19 pandemic, making plans to have PPE at shelters, perform screening, and set up options for people with symptoms to safely isolate.

    For more information storm preparation visit www.readync.org/.

    For more information or to learn your zone, visit knowyourzone.nc.gov.

    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.

    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.

    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.

Getting testing done quickly is key to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Gov. Cooper has joined a bipartisan group of governors to increase the amount of rapid testing done so we can continue protecting North Carolinians from this virus.https://t.co/3idNBTPxJT

— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) August 5, 2020