Find COVID-19 resources and the latest case count in North Carolina here and testing informationhere.
(4/9 4:30 p.m.) The number of customers permitted in retail and grocery stores will be limited to ensure social distancing starting Monday at 5 p.m. under a new executive order issued by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.
Cooper unveiledthe order at a Thursday afternoon press conference in Raleigh. Only 20% of the fire marshal posted occupancy limits or five people per 1,000 square feet will be permitted at a time under the order. Stores must also mark six feet of distance in areas where people gather like checkout lines, and must perform frequent cleaning measures with disinfectant approved by the federal EPA for the virus that causes COVID-19.
State and local law enforcement officers are empowered to enforce the limits. Violators face a class two misdemeanor.
(4/9 4 p.m.) The State Coronavirus Task Force is holding a news briefing in Raleigh. Governor Roy Cooper is expected to announce an executive order issuing uniform restrictions for grocery and other stores. BPR will air on both channels and you can watch a live video stream: https://www.ncdps.gov/storm-update
(4/9 2:30 p.m.) Buncombe County officials are holding a coronavirus briefing at 2:30 you can watch the briefing https://www.facebook.com/buncombeGov/
(4/9 1:25 p.m.) Cherokee County Health Department has announced that another resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is a healthcare worker in Georgia and was tested by their employer after developing symptoms of COVID-19.
Cherokee County Health Department is performing an extensive contact investigation in an effort to identify close contacts of this individual and perform testing. Health officials say the individual is now isolating at their home in Cherokee County and did not have contact with anyone known to be infected with COVID-19 before they were tested.
(4/9 12 p.m.) The governments of Haywood County, Canton, Clyde, Waynesville and Maggie Valley have responded to questions from churches about Easter Sunday services with a strict warning: stay home.
“ Most of us have many fond Easter memories of community worship and family time. Let’s not make 2020 a year of disastrous Easter memories filled with regret,” reads the Haywood County website. “Haywood County clearly has community transmission right now. For the ultimate good of all of the people of Haywood County PLEASE stay home and social distance on Easter Sunday so we can all be here to celebrate Easter 2021.”
(4/9 10 a.m.) Macon County Health Department has announced the second county resident has tested positive for COVID–19. The individual is between the ages of 25-49 with underlying health conditions and is in isolation in a healthcare facility, according to the press release.
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(4/8 6 p.m.) The Clay County Health Department announced the county's fourth resident tested positive COVID-19. The individual is believed to have contracted the virus through community spread because they have had no contact with a known positive case. All contacts have been notified, have no symptoms, and have been compliant with the stay-at-home orders since late last month. The individual is currently in isolation at a local hospital.
(4/8 5 p.m.) Buncombe County officials say there is no expiration date on the new Stay Home Stay Safe orderthat goes into effect Thursday morning, but there are changes.
Buncombe County Public Health Emergency Preparedness director Fletcher Tove announced at a news briefing on Wednesday that Auto Sales, Real Estate, and Lawn Care and Landscaping have been added to the list of businesses now deemed essential – with restrictions. While the mass gathering ban stays put, weddings and funerals with a limit of 10 people are allowed. Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and short term vacation rentals must cancel all future leisure travel reservations. Buncombe County residents and people traveling for essential business are allowed , but must be documented. You can read the order here, a summary of the changes here and watch the announcement https://www.facebook.com/buncombeGov/
(4/8 5 p.m.) On Tuesday, Swain County Board of Commissioners announced a countywide curfew as part of its state of emergency. The curfew will begin on Wednesday, April 8 from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. until further notice. Those traveling to and from work, seeking medical care or other emergency needs will be exempt. Those who violate the order face a Class 2 misdemeanor. In addition, the board approved closures of non-essential town offices from April 20-May 4, coinciding when data indicates the outbreak will peak in North Carolina. There are still no cases of Swain County residents who have COVID-19.
(4/8 4 p.m.) Buncombe County is extending the Stay Home Stay Safe order. Watch the live briefing https://www.facebook.com/buncombeGov/
(4/8 3 p.m.) At a Coronavirus Task Force news briefing in Raleigh on Wednesday State Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announcedthere are now coronavirus outbreaks in at least 21 residential facilities across North Carolina, including 60 cases at a nursing home in Orange County.
Over the weekend, Henderson County health officials announced 23 COVID-19 cases had been confirmed at an assisted living facility in Hendersonville. Along with the current no-visitor restriction, Dr. Cohen said the state is now requiring all nursing facility staff to wear masks and to move patients who test positive in a separate part of the facility with staff members who only treat those patients.
Governor Cooper noted he expects to issue an executive order on Thursday creating uniform social distancing guidelines for grocery and other retail outlets in the state. The governor says officials are consulting with health experts and business leaders as they work to decide whether to extend the state stay home order into May.
(4/7 2:30 p.m.) One day after a report with projected modeling that showed COVID-19 cases in North Carolina could triple in one month if social distancing guidelines are ended, Governor Roy Cooper said he was not ready to extend a 'stay home' order for the state through May - yet.
Speaking at Tuesday afternoon press conference in Raleigh, Cooper says modeling - like what was done by health experts for the state in a report released Monday - is just "one of a number of tools being used to make informed decisions" as the state looks to slow the spread of COVID-19. The governor listed other models, experiences of other countries, and consultations with public health experts and business leaders as tools he'd use before deciding whether to extend the stay home order past its current expiration of April 29th.
Monday's report showed that if the stay home order and social distancing were lifted on the current date of April 29th, the chance that hospitals in the state would be overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients would go from 2o% to 50%, while the number of state residents infected could triple from 250,000 to 750,000. North Carolina Health & Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said Tuesday those numbers show that social distancing is working in 'flattening the curve', but still won't prevent more infections and deaths.
Cooper said new executive orders will be coming shortly that will allow for child care for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare works. Another order will deal with restrictions on how many customers can be inside grocery and large retail stores at a time to ensure that social distancing can be practiced within their confines. Some chains have already gone ahead and put limits in place, but the governor said it's necessary that such restrictions be mandatory across the state.
(4/7 1:00 p.m.) Buncombe County Board of Commissioners chair Brownie Newman tweeted Tuesday morning the county's 'stay home stay safe' order will be extended past its expiration Thursday morning.
The original order from the county was only for two weeks and is due to expire Thursday April 9th at 6 a.m. At a Monday press briefing, county emergency preparedness coordinator Fletcher Tove hinted a new order would be in effect by the time the old one expired, and that it would align more with the statewide order issued by Governor Roy Cooper that runs through April 19th. In his Tuesday morning tweet, Newman did not say how the new order would be different, though did state there would be some modifications in comparison to the original order. The county is expected to hold a press update Wednesday afternoon at 4 to give further details.
(4/7 12:00 p.m.) Asheville police are looking a man whom they say is violating emergency orders that prohibit short-term rentals for non-essential travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
34-year-old Shawn Johnson (pictured below) is accused offering short-term rentals at a property in West Asheville. That violates a state order banning such rentals for non-essential travel, punishable as a class two misdemeanor. Anyone who may have seen Johnson or know of his whereabouts is asked to contact Asheville police at 828-252-1110 or Asheville-Buncombe Crime stoppers at 828-255-5050 (where they can remain anonymous). Johnson is described as a white male, six-feet tall weighing around 280 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.
(4/6 3:00 p.m.) Buncombe County's 'stay home stay safe' order expires this Thursday morning at 6, though a new order is expected to be in place by that time.
At a Monday afternoon press briefing, county emergency preparedness coordinator Fletcher Tove said the new order will align more with Governor Roy Cooper's statewide stay home order, which runs until April 29th. It was issued last week, and said anywhere where a local stay home order is more restrictive than the state order, the local order supercedes. Tove added there will be areas where Buncombe County's new order will go further than the governor's Full details will be released during the next Buncombe County press update on Wednesday afternoon.
(4/6 1:00 p.m.) From the office of Governor Roy Cooper, Raleigh:
A collection of North Carolina experts today released a composite modeling forecast looking at how COVID-19 could affect North Carolina in the coming months. The models, constructed by experts from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, RTI International, and others reinforced the need for limiting personal contact to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure that health care is there for people who need it.
“We have life-changing decisions before us and North Carolina is fortunate to have world-class experts who can help our state as we continue battling the coronavirus,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Modeling is one tool that helps us prepare for this fight and it shows we will save lives if we stay home and keep our social distance right now.”
“The modeling affirms that the actions we take now will determine how this virus will impact North Carolina in the weeks and months to come,” said NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD. “We need to continue to do everything in our power so that fewer people get sick at the same time, while also surging the capacity of our health care system so those that do need hospital care will have it. Please stay home now to save lives.” Read the modeling team's full brief.
(4/6 noon) Macon County Health Department has announced the first death of a resident diagnosed with COVID-19. The person was over the age of 65 and had underlying medical conditions. The announcement says that to protect the families’ privacy, no further information about this patient will be released. The county only had one case of a resident with COVID-19. This was announced on April 1st. The resident was in isolation at an area hospital after being tested on March 26th .
(4/5 6 p.m.) Cherokee County Health department have announced that another has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently isolated in their home in Cherokee County. This individual is a household contact to the previously reported case believed to have been infected during a visit to Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino.
(4/5 2:30 p.m.) Henderson county health officials say 23 COVID-19 cases have been reported in residents and staff at an assisted living facility in Hendersonville. A news release states the additional cases were identified during a comprehensive public health investigation at Cherry Springs Village after a COVID-19 case was identified on April 1. According to the HCDPH website, the county is now reporting forty-nine positive cases and two reported deaths related to COVID-19 in Henderson County residents.
“I want to acknowledge the obvious concerns this will create for residents and their families. It is a very difficult situation for all involved,” said Steve Smith, Henderson County Health Director. “Since the identification of these additional cases, the staff and leadership of the facility and all of our public health partners including Pardee Hospital, Advent Health and Henderson County Emergency Services have been communicating and prioritizing strategies and actions to care for those affected and to reduce the risks for others at the facility. All residents and their families have been notified along with staff.”
A media response statement from Cherry Springs Village said: Those individuals are being treated in isolation by health professionals and the community is under quarantine until further notice. Since early February, Cherry Springs Village has adhered to aggressive infection-control policies, in compliance with guidelines set by the CDC and the NC State Health Department. We will continue to work with the local health department in maintaining the health of our community. We appreciate the support of our families and the public at this time. According to NC-DHHS, Cherry Springs Village is licensed for 60 beds.
(4/4 10:00 a.m.) Starting Saturday, the city of Asheville will reduce ART bus service due to lower staffing levels because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Routes 170 and S6 will be discontinued, while Route WE1 will only run once per hour, leaving the station at 40 minutes past the hour.
Last month, Asheville put restrictions in place due to COVID-19 on the ART system, including that no more than 10 people at a time could be on a bus, including the driver. The city is urging those who don't need to use a bus to travel for essential business not to do so, in order to allow the limited capacity on ART to remain for those who need it.
(4/3 1:40 p.m.) Six people who were diagnosed with COVID – 19 in Cherokee County have recovered and been released from isolation, according to the Cherokee County Health Department. Test results now indicate they are no longer infected with COVID-19.
The Health Department says they expect additional cases to be released soon. Yesterday there were about 14 cases in Cherokee and Clay Counties – this cuts that number significantly. Those cases break down into 11 cases in Cherokee County, including one death, and 3 cases in Clay County. Nine of those cases were originally linked to John C. Campbell Folk School.
Today, Dogwood Health Trust announced that it coordinated with Cherokee and Clay County Health Departments to help with testing and tracing after the first case at the 90-person contra dance at the folk school was identified.
(4/3 1:30 p.m.) Gov. Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force are holding a briefing on COVID-19 updates at 2 p.m. BPR will broadcast live on both BPR News/Classic View live stream here: https://www.ncdps.gov/storm-update
(4/3 10:30 a.m.) The Henderson County Health Department says the first county resident has died due to complications of COVID-19. The elderly individual died Thursday at Pardee Hospital according to the department.No further information on the individual was released. The Henderson County Health Department says there are 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county as of Friday morning.
(4/3 9:00 a.m.) Mission Health says all staff and providers will wear now be required to wear masks in patient care areas at its facilities. There will be three different levels of mask use according to a press release sent out by the health system Thursday evening -
- Level I “procedure” masks for all staff not needing higher levels of protection. These masks can also be used for caring for suspected or confirmed COVID patients when paired with a full faceshield.
- Level 3 masks for additional protection from fluids and droplets, and for use by staff caring directly for suspected COVID or COVID positive patients, except when performing aerosolized procedures.
- N-95 respirators for staff caring for suspected COVID or COVID positive patients, and are the only mask that should be used during aerosolizing procedures, such as intubation, nebulization, bronchoscopy, or suctioning.
Masks will be optional for workers in non-patient care areas as long those workers maintain appropriate social distancing.
(4/2 4:00 p.m.) Buncombe County and the city of Asheville are launching a call center to answer COVID-19 related questions. The number is 828-419-0095. Questions can also be emailed to ready@buncombecounty.org.
City of Asheville employees will staff the call center and answer general questions, including those related to Buncombe County's 'Stay Home Stay Safe' order which is in effect until April 9th. That order mandates among other things that all county residents stay home unless they are conducting essential business, such as grocery shopping, getting medicine, or traveling to care for a family member or close friend. The call center will have multiple language options, including Spanish and Russian.
(4/2 2:30 p.m.) North Carolina's COVID-19 task force is asking FEMA to provide quarantine shelters as part of the effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. At a press conference this afternoon state emergency management director Mike Sprayberry said they want to tap hotels and dormitories to house people who may have been exposed to coronavirus and people who have mild cases of COVID-19. North Carolina saw its single largest one-day jump in identified cases today , with the total number approaching 2-thousand. Meanwhile, Sprayberry said the state still has less than half of the N-95 masks it requested from the federal government to protect healthcare workers.
(4/2/ 2:00 p.m.) Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina says it is waiving member cost-sharing – including deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance – for treatments related to COVID19 if an insurance holder is diagnosed with the virus.
The state’s largest insurer says the waiver applies to both in-network and out-of-network providers. ““Blue Cross NC is doing all it can to make sure costs are not a barrier to care. We want our members to focus on getting well knowing that they are covered,” said Gerald Petkau, Blue Cross NC chief operating officer and interim CEO, said in a statement. "We’ll continue to respond and determine how to best serve our members in the face of COVID-19.”
BCBSNC is a business sponsor of Blue Ridge Public Radio.
(4/2 1 p.m) Haywood County Public Health has announced that two Haywood County residents have tested positive for COVID-19.
These individuals live together and are doing well in isolation at their home. The health department says they have followed CDC recommended guidance since the onset of initial symptoms in mid- March. Both are residents of Haywood County with no out of state travel history.
Swain County Commissioners have announced an amendment to the county's state of emergency. Effective, Tuesday March 31, 2020 at noon any person entering Swain County coming from another state or country shall self-quarantine for 14 days immediately upon arrival into Swain County. All members of the household shall also self-quarantine for 14 days. These out of state or out of country visitors shall bring with them enough supplies such as food/groceries and medications to last the entire 14 day quarantine period.
(4/1 1:30 p.m.)
The Macon County Health Department has announced the first county resident has tested positive with COVID-19. The department says they are an elderly individual who was tested on Thursday, March 26, and was subsequently admitted to an area hospital where they are in isolation.
Clay County Health Department has announced another positive case of COVID-19 as well, this brings the county total to 3 cases. This case can also be traced to the John C. Campbell Folk School Dance.
On Tuesday evening, Cherokee County Health Department added 2 more cases to their list bringing the total to 11 cases isolating in the county. The health department says both new cases are isolated in their homes in Cherokee County. These individuals have been linked to the first case identified in Cherokee County with the commonality being the John C. Campbell Folk School event that was attended by the index case.
(4/1 1:00 p.m.) Henderson County Public Schools confirm the employee that tested positive for COVID-19 worked at North Henderson High. According to the school system, the individual was not involved in the distribution of meals or educational materials before coming symptomatic.
The county department of public health on Tuesday confirmed an employee of the school system had tested positive, but did not say where they worked. It said it would reach out to any people who may have in close contact with person who tested positive, and finished that process Wednesday. The Henderson County Department of Public Health says 'close contact' as defined by the CDC is "being within approximately 6 feet of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time, OR having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on)."
(4/1 10:00 a.m.) The Henderson County Department of Public Health says an employee of the county school system has tested positive for COVID-19. It will not release further information about the individual. The department says it will notify anyone who may have come in contact with the person and provide self-isolation guidelines.
Mission Health says it will begin to put tents around its hospitals to create additional capacity for its emergency rooms should it need it because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The health system says the tents are part of standard emergency protocols and just a precaution at this time. “All Mission Health facilities have well-established protocols in place to care for patients with infectious diseases, and our emergency planning efforts related to COVID-19 began weeks ago,” said Greg Lowe, President of the North Carolina Division of HCA Healthcare in a statement. “While Mission Health has the bed capacity, staffing, supplies and equipment we need at this time, we continue to plan by accessing the resources, support and best practices across HCA Healthcare to help ensure we remain able to meet the needs of the communities we serve as this situation continues to evolve.”
(3/31 4 p.m.) North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive to prohibit utility companies from shutting off services to people who are unable to pay. Executive order 124 states that electric, gas, water and wastewater services cannot be shut off for the next 60 days. It also encourages banks not to charge customers overdraft fees, late fees and other penalties.
Gov. Cooper said during a press conference that telecommunications companies that provide phone, cable and internet services are “strongly urged to follow these same rules.” Cooper added that many companies have already committed to follow these guidelines even before the order was signed.
(3/31 3:40 p.m.)
The Clay County Health Department has announced a 2nd positive case of COVID-19. The individual was an attendee at the John C. Campbell Folk School dance on March 10th.
The dance has been linked to multiple positive cases in Cherokee County starting with a resident of New York who attended the dance. The Clay County resident has been in quarantine since the New York case was announced on March 18th. The health department says that specialized testing was performed in coordination with regional partnerships on March 24th for attendees of the dance. The Clay County Health Department is following State guidance on the continuation of their isolation period for extra precaution. All potential contacts of this individual have been notified.
The press release continues, “We are expecting that there will be more positive tests in the coming weeks, however it is important to be mindful that for every positive, there are more negative results we are seeing in our county. In the last two days we have received 11 negative results compared to 2 positives,” says Stephanie Johnson, Clay County Public Health Director.
(3/31 3 p.m.) Governor Roy Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will hold a 4 p.m. briefing on COVID-19 updates. BPR will air the briefing on both BPR News and BPR Classic. You can also view a live stream in English and Spanish at ncdps.gov/news-conference
(3/31 1 p.m.) The Cherokee County Health Department has reported the first COVID-19 associated death of a county resident. The individual was in their late 80s and died today from complications associated with COVID-19. To protect the privacy of the family no further information about this patient will be released by the Cherokee County Health Department.
(3/30 6:30 p.m.) Jackson County issued a strict amendment to its state of emergency last week which set up a protocol for any out-of-state visitors to bring their own supplies to the county and be quarantined for 14-days upon arrival.
Monday, the county issued clarification of the law to explain that this does not apply to Jackson County residents who work out-of-state at jobs that are deemed “essential services” nor does it apply to people who work at essential jobs in Jackson County but live in other states. It is recommended that these people self-monitor and follow social distancing guidelines.
(Cherokee County Health Department has announced that another county resident has tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total up to 9. This individual has been on isolation since being tested for COVID-19. The source of the infection is currently unknown but Health Department is conducting contact tracing on this patient in order to identify close contacts.
(3/30 4 p.m.) The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, the trade association behind NC’s $23.5 billion hospitality industry, has launched a relief fund to provide fast access to cash for restaurant and hotel workers immediately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A press release states the goal of the NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund is to provide qualified applicants with $500 to help with the immediate expenses faced by many who have suddenly found themselves without work. To apply for assistance, learn more information about the fund or to donate to the NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund, visit: www.ncrestaurantrelief.com
(3/30 3 p.m.) April 1 brings another COVID-19 concern – rent is due. With restrictions shuttering businesses and putting thousands out of work across Western North Carolina, non-profit organizations that provide housing and other support services are seeing an increase in calls from residents concerned about rent and mortgage payments.
“Our advice is to prioritize to rent as best you can and to seek out emergency assistance,” says Jackie Kiger with Pisgah Legal Services. On March 13, North Carolina Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued an order halting eviction and foreclosure court hearings for 30 days which Kiger says provides some help, at least temporarily, for at-risk residents. “Right now we’d advise people to apply for financial assistance, they can also call us and we might be able to help, perhaps negotiating with the landlord.” Kiger notes Pisgah Legal has set up a section on their website dedicated to COVID-19 related resources.
(3/30 2:50 pm) Clay County has announced its first case of COVID-19. The Clay County Health Department says they notified early this morning about the resident and that the individual has been in isolation. The resident will remain in isolation and under observation.
(3/30 1:30 p.m.) Erlanger Health System says it will institute several temporary cost-cutting measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The non-profit Erlanger operates hospitals in four states, including Erlanger Western Carolina in Murphy.
Due to loss of revenue because elective surgeries and procedures have been suspended, Erlanger will furlough some administrative employees, while also suspending job recruitment for administrative positions and reduce leadership pay. It will also reduce overtime, suspend vacation accruals and 403b retirement contributions.
“The sudden and unexpected COVID-19 pandemic has already cost Erlanger millions of dollars in the past week alone,” Erlanger president and CEO Dr. Will Jackson said in a statement. “This is revenue critical to paying our 7000+ employees and continuing to treat (the) most vulnerable and acutely ill populations.”
(3/30 10:00 a.m.) The first unemployment payments will be sent out this week in North Carolina since changes were made to get them faster to laid off workers due to COVID-19 related closures. Approximately 270,000 claims were filed in the past two weeks statewide, compared to just 7500 in the first two weeks of March.
In an executive order issued earlier this month, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper made several changes in order to get unemployment benefits to laid off workers faster. Those included allowing people to file for unemployment online or over the phone instead of just in-person, as well as removing the requirement that someone be actively looking for another job to receive benefits. The governor's office does remind those applying for benefits that they must complete their weekly certifications to get their payments. Those can be completed at des.nc.gov. Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Kit Cramer estimated that over 10-thousand people in the area lost jobs in the first week of closures related to COVID-19.
(3/30 9:30 a.m.)
On Saturday, Public Health and Human Services for the Eastern Band of Cherokee announced the first COVID-19 case on the Qualla Boundary. The individual is a part-time resident on the boundary so the case will not be counted in North Carolina. On Sunday, March 29, Chief Richard Sneed shared that the individual has returned to their state of residence.
Cherokee County announced another positive COVID-19 case of a county resident over the weekend. This brings the total cases in the county up to eight. The individual is being hospitalized at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital. The Cherokee County Health Department is investigating where they might have been exposed to the virus. They had no contact with a person who has tested positive. Public health staff have tracked this person’s movements and found that this person’s opportunity to be exposed to the virus is most likely related to a visit to the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino. Cherokee County Health Department is working closely with Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino, and the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority in an effort to identify the source of the infection and other potential contacts for further follow-up by the health department.
(3/29 11:00 a.m.) Buncombe County announced Sunday morning the first death of a county resident due to COVID-19 complications. The elderly individual died Saturday at Mission Hospital.
A press release from the county said no further information about the person would be released. “Our thoughts are with the family at this time. COVID-19 can be a serious illness, especially for the elderly or those with underlying health problems. All of us must do our part to protect ourselves, our friends and family, our neighbors, and the most vulnerable in our community,” said Interim Public Health Director, Dr. Jennifer Mullendore. As of Sunday morning, there were 17 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Buncombe County according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
(3/29 8:30 a.m.) Dogwood Health Trust has announced it's working with a cycling apparel company based in Old Fort as it manufactures personal protective equipment(PPE) for healthcare workers. Kitsbow, which open their factory in McDowell County recently, transitioned all of its manufacturing operations to creating face shields and face masks in just 48 hours.
CEO David Billstrom has been running the company for about 2 years but he's been a first responder for 38 years. He says he talked local first responders when he started to make this decision.
"After you’ve work through a number of critical incidents, its a direct conversation with people," says Billstrom, who is a member of fire department in Swannanoa. Billstrom also worked in Silicon Valley for a number of years.
On Wednesday, March 25, Dogwood announced it would be spend $10 million across its 18-county coverage area of Western North Carolina to fight COVID-19. Purchasing and distributing PPE with Kitsbow is part of this effort.
"I’m very impressed with the speed and thoughtfulness that they have pursued this strategy," says Billstorm. "Our partnership with Dogwood is a huge benefit."
Kitsbow is a part of Outdoor Gear Builders, a collaborative of WNC outdoor gear manufacturers. Since Kitsbow switched production last week, demand for face shield went from 23,000 to over 100,000 units per week. To help meet this urgent need, they reached out some of their Outdoor Gear Builder friends. Industry Nine, a bike wheelset and component manufacturer, was able to develop a better method for manufacturing the Face Shield, sourcing the raw materials and helping with production. Watershed and Oowee, are assisting with cutting.
Now the companies will be able to produce 10,000 face shields a day. Billstrom says the company is only selling medical suppliers and first responders and that they will sell to Western North Carolina first.
BPR will have more information on this effort on Monday.
(3/29 8 a.m) Cherokee County health officials say a county resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The resident presented to their primary care provider with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and reported attending the Church at Liberty Square in Cartersville, Georgia on March 8th where exposed to individuals with confirmed COVID-19.They are now isolating in Cherokee County.
(3/28 3 p.m.) Henderson County health officials say a resident atBrian Center Health and Rehabilitation in Hendersonville tested positive for COVID-19. The resident is currently undergoing isolation protocol at the center.
A statement from the center notes ”We recognize the especially vulnerable nature of those we serve and the staff who care for them. The safety and health of our residents and our employees is our highest priority. We are working diligently to take heightened precautions and to adhere to protocols outlined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). We are also working closely with our local health department to prevent exposure and to protect all our residents and staff at the Center.” The center adds that any residents who are symptomatic are being isolated as well. As of 3/28 Henderson Countyhas confirmed 12 COVID-19 cases. A Friday news release from Pardee UNC Health system said it also has one positive COVID-19 in isolation.
(3/27 5:30 pm.) Jackson County has followed the lead of the nearby town of Highlands. Commissioners announced added quarantine restrictions for out-of-towners coming to the county. Anyone entering Jackson county from another state or country must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. All members of the household must also remain in quarantine. They should bring enough supplies and medication to last 14 days as well. This is effective on Saturday, March 28, at noon.
(3/27 4:30 p.m.) Attorney General Josh Stein today announced that he is working with Amazon to investigate nine North Carolina businesses and sellers over price gouging concerns. Attorney General Stein was notified by Amazon that these sellers had raised prices dramatically for items that have been in high demand during the coronavirus pandemic, including hand sanitizer and N95 masks. Stein says his office has received more than 450 complaints. Please report potential price gouging by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or by filing a complaint atncdoj.gov/pricegouging.
(3/27 4:00 p.m.) North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper says a 'stay at home' order will go into effect for all of North Carolina on Monday at 5 p.m. It lasts until April 29th.
At a Friday afternoon press conference in Raleigh, Cooper said the CDC now considers North Carolina is a state with widespread transmission of COVID-19, meaning some whom have tested positive do not know how they got it. "Because no one is immune and there is no vaccination, the best scientifically proven tool we have to slow the spread is keeping our physical distance and staying at home", the governor said.
The governor's executive order comes after numerous counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for the Qualla Boundary passed some form of emergency declaration this week. Buncombe and Haywood Counties passed stay at home orders that went into effect Thursday, while a similar order for Henderson County is due to start on Saturday. The state order supercedes the local orders.
(3/27 3:30 p.m.) Henderson County commissioners on Friday approved a stay at home order that takes effect on Saturday, following in the steps of neighboring Buncombe and Haywood Counties, which put similar orders into effect Thursday. The Henderson County order mandates residents stay at home unless conducting 'essential' business or traveling to work at 'essential' businesses. Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned under the order.
(3/27 2:30 p.m.) During the daily county COVID-19 briefing, Buncombe County health officials released more details about the seventeen confirmed cases in the county. Buncombe County interim public health director Dr. Jennifer Mullendore said the patients ranged in age from 20s to 70s and noted that twelve of the seventeen have recovered and are no longer in isolation. Five of the seventeen cases were out of state travelers. Mission Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. William Hathaway said the hospital is currently treating two patients.
Buncombe county officials also announced the launch of the “One Buncombe Fund” a financial aid campaign for people and businesses impacted by COVID-19. CEO of the Asheville Buncombe Chamber of Commerce CEO Kit Cramer said, “In the first week alone, it's estimated that over 10,000 of our citizens lost their employment and the layoffs continue.” Cramer announced the “One Buncombe” fund is accepting both donations and requests for financial aid. You can find out more here
(3/27 2 p.m.) The town of Andrews in Cherokee County has delcared all lodging accommodations closed through April 10. Additionally the resolution bars all visitors from nursing homes, assisted living and longterm care facilities. Cherokee County Comissioners followed suit with with a few exceptions. This order goes into effect at 4:30 p.m. today. The county commissioners also advised residents to practice "stay at home strategies."
(3/27 12 p.m.)
Local and state officials are holding live media/community briefings this afternoon: Buncombe County Public Health, Mission Health, Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools will be providing updates to the media and community partners at 2:30 pm today. The media event will be aired at 2:30 pm via Facebook Live @Buncombegov
At 4 pm, Gov. Roy Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will hold a briefing on COVID-19 updates. BPR will air the briefing on both BPR Classic and BPR News. You can also view a live stream here: https://www.ncdps.gov/storm-update
(3/27 11:30 a.m.) A part-time Swain County resident has tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and is being monitored, according to the Swain County Health Department. The patient is doing well and following isolation orders in Swain County. Since the patient is a part-time resident of Swain County, the case will be identified in their home state, not in North Carolina.
Polk County is reporting two positive COVID-19 cases. Health officials have not yet released details.
(3/27 7:00 a.m.) The city of Asheville says all city parks, dog parks, playgrounds, and outdoor courts will be closed due to Buncombe County's "stay home stay safe" order that went into effect Thursday night.
A Friday morning press release from the city says the closure of parks will be re-considered on a daily basis as more is learned about how COVID-19 is spreading. City greenways and walking trails will remain open, though users are reminded to keep at least six feet away from other users. The Buncombe County order did allow for residents to go outside to walk and exercise, provided they maintain social distancing.
(3/26 6:30 p.m.) Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos, which includes Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort & Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, have extended the temporary closure period for an additional two weeks.
During the extended closure period, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos will continue to pay its team members and benefits will not be interrupted.
The decision comes from "the company’s dedication in slowing the progression of the virus and protecting its team members and local communities," according to a press release. There is not reopening date scheduled at this point.
(3/26 6 p.m.) The town of Franklin has issued an addition to their state of emergency which bans lodging accommodations with just a few exceptions. The order also recommends that anyone relocating to Franklin to get away from a virus hot zone will be subject to quarantine or isolation for 14 days by order of the Macon County Health department. The declaration outlines the states of New York, New Jersey, Washington, Florida and any other locations where "community spread" has occurred. This restriction is to limit the spread of the virus.
(3/26 4 p.m.)
Cherokee County currently has six cases isolating in the county - one of the highest numbers in Western North Carolina. The town of Murphy has enacted curfews and on Monday, Mayor Rick Ramsey added a restriction to close the local parks in hopes that more residents would socially distance.
Unlike others, Ramsey says he isn’t worried about homeowners from other states coming to stay.
“We will have our normal influx of our great friends from Florida and other places. Our Snowbirds. They own land here. We are as much of them as they are of us," says Ramsey. They will be travelling and hopefully taking great precautions to keep their hands clean and things like that but we welcome them.”
Like many local officials Ramsey’s biggest concern is the impact that closures will have on local businesses. He especially encourages residents to support local restaurants.
(3/26 p.m.) On Wednesday evening, the town of Highlands in Macon County enacted additional measures to ban lodging in the town (with a few exceptions) as well as adding in restrictions for visitors. Anyone coming to Highlands as an overnight guest or a second homeowner will be required to quarantine for 14 days. If you have a house guest coming from out of town, you will also be required to quarantine for 14 days. The town says it will issue direct communication with all taxpayers living out of town to not come to Highlands. On Thursday, Highlands Police set up check points to let visitors know about there restrictions as they enter the town.
(3/26 2:30 p.m.) Haywood County has issued a stay home proclamation. A press release from the county states commissioners enacted an amendment to the county’s Emergency Proclamation.
The new proclamation requires: 1) that residents remain at home unless they need to leave for essential travel, and 2) that non-essential businesses cease operations. The Proclamation contains definitions of essential businesses and essential travel to give guidance. The proclamation is on the County’s website: www.haywoodcountync.gov under the coronavirus info tab. The Proclamation takes effect at 5 p.m. on March 26 and remains in effect through April 16, 2020.
On Wednesday, Buncombe County issued a Stay Home - Stay Safedeclaration. Scroll down for more details.
(3/26 12:30 p.m.)
In an effort to increase access to safe dining options, the City of Asheville hasamendedthe State of Emergency declaration to exempt food trucks and restaurants from certain portions of the city’s Unified Development Ordinance. Among the suspended restrictions: the restriction on mobile food vendors from operating anywhere other than a permitted mobile food site. A press release from the city notes the move allows food trucks to operate in residential areas and bring food to more communities such as food deserts. The changes will remain in effect until the city’s State of Emergency ends. You can find out morehere.
(3/26 12 p.m.)
The Cherokee County Health Department has announced that a Cherokee County resident who just returned from a cruise has tested positive for COVID – 19 .
The Cherokee County Health Department says it was notified that the resident was exposed to a person with a confirmed case of the virus on a cruise line. At the time that the Health Department was notified, the patient had known of their exposure for approximately five days and had self-quarantined since notification. The individual developed mild symptoms and the Health Department coordinated testing for COVID-19. They are being monitored and following isolation orders in Cherokee County.
(3/26 10 a.m) On Wednesday, Chief Richard Sneed of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians rescinded some of the restrictions on public spaces for tribal citizens to "promote health and well-being.” The Oconoluftee Island Park, Fire Mountain Trail, Mingo and Soco Falls all open.
Just hours later, Sneed announced a curfew on all tribal trust lands between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. The curfew will be enforced by tribal police.
Non-tribal members are still restricted from entering the Qualla Boundary with a few exceptions.
(3/25 2:30 p.m.) Update: 3/26 Buncombe County Officials say they have received hundreds of exemption requests from businesses and questions from the public. They addressed many of those questions at a live press conference. Find links to the declaration and FAQs below.
Buncombe County has announced a Stay Home - Stay Safe supplemental declaration in an effort slow the spread of the coronavirus. This declaration directs all Buncombe County residents to “Stay Home – Stay Safe” and to limit movements outside of their homes that are not deemed essential.
Buncombe County Commissioner Brownie Newman signed the delcaration Wednesday afternoon and stressed that the declaration is not as restrictive as a shelter in place order. People providing essential services, like healthcare and transportation, can still go to their jobs. Activities such as grocery shopping and exercising are also allowed. The measure goes into effect Thursday March 26, at 8 p.m. and lasts until April 9, at 6 a.m You can find a copy of the declaration here along with frequently asked questionshere. Business owners who feel their business should be covered should email the county at business@buncombecounty.org
(3/25 11:15 a.m.) The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first COVID-19 associated deaths. According to a NCDHHS press release, 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. NCDHHS is reporting at least 504 cases of COVID-19. That's up by over 100 cases from yesterday's daily tally.
(3/25 11 a.m.) Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital is partnering with Cherokee, Clay and Graham County Health Departments to open a Coronavirus Community Information line.
Cherokee County has one of the highest counts of cases isolating with 5 confirmed cases. Three are Cherokee County residents, one is from Illinois and the other is from New York. All 5 cases originated from the New York case. The hotline will open on Thursday, community members can call 828-835-4258 with questions for a healthcare provider.
(3/25 8 a.m.) Buncombe County Commissioners held aspecial meetingTuesday night to address organzing relief efforts for people and businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. The proposed campaign would be branded as "One Buncombe" says Commissioner Brownie Newman .
A public hearing on the campaign will be held at the next county commissioners meeting on April 7. Asheville City Councilmembers also addressed the "One Buncombe" campaign during their meeting Tuesday night. The council voted to give Mayor Esther Manheimmer more decision making power to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
(3/24 5 p.m.) The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to address COVID-19 responses. Tune in now BCTV
(3/24 3p.m.) Buncombe County is expected to become the first in Western North Carolina to issue a shelter in place mandate. Madison County has issued recommendations. At a coronavirus news briefing this afternoon, Fletcher Tove, Buncombe County’s preparedness coordinator said the action is needed as public health data suggest the window to slow the spread of COVID-19 is coming to a close.
Tove says the declaration will mandate a ‘Stay Home Stay Safe’ campaign. He says it will place further limitations on mass gatherings, expand mandated closures of local businesses and enact guidelines on essential and nonessential travel. Public health officials expect to release more details about the supplemental mandate on Wednesday.
(3/24 2:45 p.m.) The city of Asheville will implement a 10-person maximum limit on ART buses starting Wednesday. More buses will be added to the busiest routes to accomodate the need created by the move.
The 10-person maximum limit per bus - which includes the driver - falls in line with social distancing guidelines the city is following due to te COVID-19 outbreak. The limit will be in place until further notice. Route 170 will not run its 7:30 or 9:30 morning routes according to the city in order to allow the S6 route availability for overflow in its 7:45 and 9:15 morning trips.
DuPont State Recreational Forest and the neighboring Holmes Education Forest will close at 10 p.m. Tuesday night. That includes all trails, trailheads, parking lots, parking areas, and facilities. The Blue Ridge Parkway will close its southernmost 14 miles Tuesday. This portion of the road goes through the Qualla Boundary and ends at the entrace of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians already put in place travel restrictions on roads through the Qualla Boundary, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was closed by the National Park Service at noon Tuesday.
Pardee UNC Health's hospital in Hendersonville will end visitation on Wednesday. It was the last hospital in Western North Carolina to allow visitors, though anyone who entered the facility was being screened for COVID-19. In an effort to limit person-to-person exposure, Asheville police will handle service calls for non-emergency crimes only over the phone. Such crimes include -
- Stolen property of a value less than $1000 (this does not include residential or commercial breaking and entering, stolen firearms, and stolen motor vehicles)
- Damage to property (with a minimal amount of damage)
- Harassing phone calls
- Fraud, scams, or identity theft
- Lost property
- Other information only reports which do not require immediately police action and/or enforcement
(3/24/ 11:30 a.m.) The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close at noon Tuesday, with only the Foothills Parkway and the Spur remaining open as National Park Service officials look to aid in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The closure will remain in effect until April 6th.
Jurisdictions within the park - including the Qualla Boundary and Graham County - had already put in place travel restrictions to keep outside visitors away. Swain County, parts of which are also within the park, issued an emergency declaration which closed all accomodations such as hotels and campgrounds Monday.
(03/24) 11a.m. Madison County has issued a shelter in place recommendation. A post on the Madison County Facebookpage states, “We are taking steps to protect all of our residents and to avoid overwhelming our healthcare facilities. At this time, the county commissioners and public health department are recommending that you shelter in place” The post explains that residents should only leave home for essential travel – for food, medicine, medical visits and work that cannot be conducted at home.
(3/24 10:30 a.m.) Macon County Health Department has released more details about the COVID-19 case announced in Jackson County on Monday. On Sunday, March 22, 2020, Macon County Public Health was notified that an individual at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital (HCH) tested positive for COVID-19, explains a press release. The person was then transported to Mission in Asheville. The patient is a resident of Maryland and traveled to their secondary residence in Jackson County, where they became ill, and then went to Highlands-Cashiers emergency room for care. Jackson County Health Department were notified of the positive results and are working to identify close contacts.
Jackscon County Health Department has confirmed that this is the same case they announced on Monday.
(3/23 2:30 p.m.) North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has announced public schools in the state will remain closed until May 15th. Gyms, movie theaters, sweepstakes parlors, health clubs, hair & nail salons, barbershops, and massage therapy parlors must also close by 5 p.m. Wednesday under the governor's executive order issued Monday.
Cooper says he is hopeful schools will be able to reconvene for in-person classes by the end of the school year, but admitted during a Monday press conference in Raleigh that circumstances could cause them to adjust his newest executive order and keep schools closed longer. When asked why he has not yet issued a shelter in place order as has been seen in other states, the governor said they are "preparing for every scenario...the situation is constantly evolving."
At the same press conference, state department of health and human services secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said the CDC has modified its guidelines on how to be tested for COVID-19. "For those who think they might have COVID-19 and have mild symptoms - fever or cough - the CDC has now recommended that you stay at home," Cohen said. "You can call your doctor (or local health department) to see if you need to be seen in the office or another setting."
In Asheville, the city police department announced all of its buildings - including the Municipal Building and all district resource centers - are closed to the public. Those who wish to contact the police department for non-emergencies can call 828-252-1110. Asheville City Council will hold its regularly scheduled Tuesday evening meeting, though there will be no public attendance allowed. Mayor Esther Manheimer and council members Shaneika Smith and Keith Young will participate in the meeting and vote by phone. All public comment residents wish to submit for the meeting must be sent by 5 p.m. Monday using this Google form.
(3/23 1:30 p.m.) A part-time Jackson County resident that tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is being monitored by health officials. The patient is in isolation and the household member of the patient is in self-quarantine in Jackson County.
Since the patient is a part-time resident of Jackson County, the case will be identified in their home state, not in North Carolina. The case will not show up on the North Carolina map as a Jackson County case. To comply with State and Federal privacy requirements, no additional information about the patient will be released at this time.
“There is a confirmed a case of COVID-19 in a part time resident of Jackson County,” says Health Director Shelley Carraway, in an email. "In response, we are urging residents to be extra vigilant in their individual efforts to help prevent the spread of the coronovirus. Please, stay at home as much as possible."
Monday night, following the first case of COVID-19 in Jackson County, County Commissioners issued an update to their state of emergency. Beyond the businesses closed by executive order of the governor, the declaration issues the closure of all lodging facilities starting Wednesday at 5pm. There are exemptions for work travel, the local homeless program and for emergency housing. Jackson County first issued a state of emergency on March 16.
(3/23 10:30 a.m.) Henderson County has confirmed its second COVID-19 case Monday morning, with the county health department saying in a press release it presumes community spread has started, meaning more cases are expected to be confirmed this week.
Both Henderson County cases are in isolation, and authorities are reaching out to anyone who may have been in close contact with them. The COVID-19 testing site the county ran in partnership with Pardee UNC Health shut down last Thursday after more than 280 tests were adminstered. It will reopen once more test kits are available.
(3/22/ 6:00 p.m.) Buncombe County authorities announced two more confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in county residents to three.
One of the cases Sunday involves a person who was in close contact with the first case connected to Buncombe County that was announced last week in a New York resident who traveled to Asheville on March 10 to the 13th, before traveling on to Macon County where they are now isolating. The individual whose test was confirmed Sunday has been in isolation since March 15th when they were tested.
The other new case confirmed Sunday is in a person who had recent out-of-state travel, which is believed to be the cause of their infection. They were tested of March 17th and have been in isolation ever since, though they first saw symptoms two days earlier. Staff from the Buncombe County Health & Human Services Communicable Disease staff are getting in contact with anyone who may have been in close contact with any of the three cases announced over the weekend to offer the appropriate guidance.
All three of the new cases are said to be doing well under home isolation according to a county press release. On Saturday, Buncombe County health director Dr. Jennifer Mullendore said the number of cases was expected to rise because test results done over the past week will start to come in. A press release from the county Sunday says over 200 test results are pending.
(3/22 11:30 a.m.) AdventHealth Hendersonville is joining Mission Health is stopping all visitation at its facilities. The announcements came on the day the first local cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Western North Carolina.
The only exception for visitors at AdventHealth facilities will be for OB patients in The Baby Place, and pediatric patients in the ER. Each may have one adult visitor. AdventHealth runs one hospital in Hendersonville. Other hospitals in Western North Carolina also have varying restrictions on visitation. Pardee UNC Health, which also operates a hospital in Hendersonville, is screening all visitors as they enter.
Two Duke LifePoint hospitals in Western North Carolina - Haywood Regional Medical Center in Waynesville and Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva - have also stopped visitation. The only exceptions are for patients who are gravely ill, and for the labor and delivery unit at Harris, where one suport person will be allowed. At Erlanger Western Carolina hospital in Murphy, only one 'care partner' - defined as a family member, guardian, or friend appointed by the patient - will be allowed, provided the person "accepts mutually-agreed upon patient care responsibilities during and between specific episodes of care."
Starting Monday, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close all campgrounds, picnic areas, and restrooms in the park. Visitor centers had already been closed last week. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the National Park Service starting Sunday is imposing a ten-person maximum use permit for all backcountry camping locations in accordance with CDC guidelines on social distancing. The Parkway visitor center in Asheville was closed last week, but outdoor spaces along the parkway do remain open. Visitors are urged if they go to those outdoor areas to maintain social distancing guidance from the CDC.
(3/21 7:30 p.m.) Mission Hospitalannounced it is suspending elective surgeries, increasing visitor restrictions and reducing the number of entrances. A press release sent out on Saturday says Mission Hospital will of all non-essential surgery and procedures effective Monday, March 23, in response to new CMS Guidelines issued as a result of the growing COVID-19 outbreak.
In addition, Mission Health will be elevating visitor restrictions to Level 3, and will no longer allow visitors to any facilities until further notice. The exception will be for our pediatric patients, who will be allowed to have one adult visitor with them at a time.
The new entrances will be limited to:
Entrance 1: Emergency Department – open 24/7 to patients (ONLY PUBLIC ENTRANCE)
· Entrance 9: Labor and Delivery – accessible 24/7, for expecting mothers only
(3/21 11:45 a.m.) Health officials in Buncombe, Henderson, and Cherokee Counties announced the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in local residents Saturday morning. The prior two cases of COVID-19 in Western North Carolina were residents of New York who traveled to the region, and are isolating here. Few details were offered about the Buncombe and Henderson County cases. Both are in isolation. The Henderson County health department said it was notified by Mission Health the person had tested positive. Buncombe County and Henderson County officials offered further details at an afternoon press update on the case - find it here.
In Cherokee County, three residents along an individual from Illinois have tested positive for COVID-19. Two of the three county residents were 'household contacts' of the first case reported in Cherokee County earlier this week, an individual of New York who had traveled there. A social media postfrom the Cherokee County Health Department says the person from Illinois who tested positive was staying with the first case. All four have been in isolation since the testing was done on the person from New York.
The other Cherokee County COVID-19 case is in a person who attended a contra dance on March 10th at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown that the original case from New York had attended. Health officials there are now tracing any contacts the individual had since that event. Anyone who attended the event and is feeling symptoms of COVID-19 - fever with cough or shortness of breath - is asked to contact their county health department. The dance is the lone public event the original Cherokee County case was known to have attended in the area before being tested and isolated.
(3/20 4:00 p.m.) The runoff election to determine the Republican nominee in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District has been postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The election between Lynda Bennett and Madison Cawthorn will now take place on June 23rd, six weeks later than the original date of May 12th.
The State Board of Elections made the decision Friday afternoon, saying given the uncertainty on social distancing restrictions and when they may end, a later date is now required. Absentee ballots were due to be printed and mailed starting next week. The declaration also stated the runoff date could be pushed back further if needed. Bennett and Cawthorn finished first and second in this month’s primary election, but neither came close to the 30-percent of the vote needed to avoid a runoff in the GOP primary. The winner will face Democrat Moe Davis in the fall, with the victor replacing soon to be White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows in representing Western North Carolina in Congress.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper tweeted Friday that a full shelter in place order for North Carolina is not coming for now. California Governor Gavin Newsom did issue one for his state, while leaders in other states and large cities mulled the decision as well Friday.
(3/20 1 pm) After news that a COVID-19 patient from New York is isolating in Cherokee County. The county Commissioners voted not to declare a state of emergency on Thursday evening in a 4 to 1 vote. However, the towns of Murphy and Andrews in Cherokee County did. Both towns also established curfews that will begin on Friday night.
In Murphy, pedestrians are prohibited in the town limits - except for customers or employees walking to their vehicles - from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. In Andrews, pedestrians are prohibited from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Violators could face imprisonment and/or a fine, according to the Cherokee Scout.
(3/20 2:30)
Buncombe County health officials have announced they are stopping drive through testing now that a case of community-spread COVID-19 has been reported in North Carolina. Buncombe County medical director Dr. Jennifer Mullendore says the move will help save resources like personal protective equipment and protect health care personnel who she says will be critical as COVID-19 spreads into the community.
“The second reason,” says Dr. Mullendore, “ is we know most people who become ill with COVID-19, have mild illness. If you have a mild cold, you don’t necessarily go to the doctor. It’s something a person can manage at home safely. We want to reframe this if you have symptoms of fever, and lower respiratory symptoms like a cough, stay home manage your symptoms there, reach out to your healthcare provider if you are concerned your symptoms are worsening.
(3/20 12:15 pm) In response to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic,Western Carolina University is postponing all spring commencement ceremonies originally scheduled for May 8 and 9, and will announce by April 3 plans for rescheduling the events.
The decision to postpone commencement ceremonies was made after consultation with faculty and student leaders, WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown said. Students who complete all academic requirements for graduation at the end of the spring semester will be awarded their degrees and will be able to request official transcripts after all degrees have been certified by the WCU registrar.
In addition, university leaders do not expect face-to-face classes to resume before the end of the spring semester, and students should plan to continue online or alternative instruction as directed by their professors through May 8.Decisions about summer courses and activities beyond study-abroad programs, which already have been canceled, will be announced by April 3.
(3/20 11:30 am)
On Thursday evening Chief Sneed announced an executive order to close of all public visitor spaces on the Qualla Boundary including the Oconaluftee (Ah-co-na-luft-te) Island Park and Fire Mountain Trails, as well as other public areas. The order also limits gatherings to 10 people maximum.
Sneed says that these precautions are to limit visitors from outside of the boundary.
“I’m asking the public to postpone visits to Cherokee until a time when this outbreak is under control. I would also ask that our tribal citizens make every effort not to travel and to stay close to home,” says Sneed in a video.
There are no positive cases of COVID-19 on the Qualla Boundary at this time. The Eastern Band declared a state of emergency on March 13.
Here’s the full list of closures: Oconaluftee Island Park, Fire Mountain Trails, Mingo Falls, Soco Falls, Little Snowbird Playground, Skate Park, Wolfetown Soccer Field, Big Cove Stickball Field, Birdtown Batting Cages, Yellowhill and Soco open-air basketball court as well as all picnic areas and playgrounds.
(3/19 4:30 p.m.) Buncombe County officials announced mandatory closures of gyms, indoor pools, spas, movie theaters, and live performance venues starting at 5 p.m. Thursday afternoon in hopes of limiting the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing.
The county's public health emergency preparedness coordinator Fletcher Tove says the new round of closures includes all fitness centers and arcades as well. It goes further than what the state already announced earlier in the week, when public schools were shut down for two weeks in North Carolina and all bars and restaurants closed except for takeout and delivery service. Tove says the new Buncombe County order does not affect grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, hardware stores, farmer's markets, gas stations, and food distribution sites selling prepared food.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper meanwhile says parents and students should expect schools to be closed longer than the original two week order that ends March 30th. After announcing the first COVID-19 case due to 'community spread' in the state Thursday afternoon, Cooper said it's likely schools will be out "for a longer period of time." The first North Carolina community spread case - where someone contracted COVID-19 despite having not traveled or been in close contact with a known positive case - was confirmed in Wilson County.
The city of Asheville is making ART bus service fare-free starting Friday March 20th. The move was done to limit interaction and exposure between drivers, riders, and money handlers according to a press release from the city. Riders will also only be able to use rear entrances of buses to get on and off, and hand sanitizer will be available on all buses. The city will also suspend fees and enforcement for street parking and city garages through April 5th. That does not apply to privately owned parking lots.
ABC stores in Asheville will shorten their open hours starting Friday. The hours will now be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The U.S. Forest Service is extending public comment time for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest plan. Several public meetings scheduled for this month throughout Western North Carolina on the plan have been canceled due to COVID-19. The Forest Service says it will release the new end date for public comment once it goes through the Public Register.
(3/18 10:30 pm) Cherokee County health officials say a New York resident that tested positive for COVID – 19 is being monitored and following isolation orders in Cherokee County. The patient traveled to Cherokee County, where they became ill and were tested and placed on isolation.
Since cases are reported under the state of residency, this case will be identified as a New York State case. The Cherokee County Health Department is working to identify close contacts. On Monday, the first case of COVID-19 in Western North Carolina was confirmed in a patient that is isolating in Macon County after visiting Asheville
(3/18 11:45 am) The SpringLEAF Festival is the latest major event to officially cancel because of the Coronavirus. Originally scheduled for May 14-17, LEAF is now focusing on its fall festival, set for Oct. 22-25 in Black Mountain. What was originally called the Lake Eden Arts Festival has been held each spring and fall for 25 years.
(3/18 7:30 a.m.) Buncombe County commissioners Tuesday night approved $500-thousand in emergency funding to help with the response to COVID-19.
The funding will be used for a variety of needs according to a press release from the county. That includes protective equipment, school meal supplies, an Emergency Operations Center consultant, and other public safety needs. “There are things we will need to do that we don’t even know about. As the plan takes shape, let us know. We can convene as needed if there are additional resources that are needed,” said county board chair Brownie Newman in a statement.
A second COVID-19 testing site will open Wednesday in Henderson County. It will operate from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at AdventHealth's Hendersonville hospital. The other site in the county is on Blue Ridge Community College's Flat Rock campus operated in partnership with Henderson County and UNC Pardee Health.
All events, classes, and meetings are canceled at public libraries in Henderson County. Libraries themselves will not close, but signs will be posted at entrances asking people who are sick not to enter, and that those who do should limit their visits to 30 minutes. Parks in Henderson County will not close, but users are asked to respect others by keeping their groups small and provide everyone with appropriate social distancing.
Starting Wednesday, Mission Health will further limit visitation at its hospitals. Only one visitor at a time over the age of 18 will be allowed to visit individual patients. The only exceptions to that will be for pediatrics, NICU, laboring advocates, pre- and post-surgery, and end of life services.
(3/17 3:00 p.m.) All bars and restaurants in North Carolina will be limited to takeout and delivery service starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday evening. Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order that mandates the action, as well as expands the ability of workers affected by COVID-19 to receive unemployment benefits from the state.
Cooper outlined five changes in the executive order that will allow workers to get unemployment faster, including waiving both the one-week waiting period needed to apply and the requirement that a person be seeking another job to receive benefits. Residents will also be able to apply for benefits online or over the phone.
All public libraries and county parks were closed Tuesday in Buncombe County, and access to county facilities that house nonessential functions are restricted or closed. The county's permitting office is closed by permitting is still available. Biltmore has furthered shut down access to the estate to visitors. All that remains open for the rest of March are the gardens and grounds at Biltmore. Restaurants will only offer takeout at Antler Hill Village, where there will also be limited retail offerings. The National Park Service has shut down the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville. The nearby Folk Art Center remains open, as do all accessible trails along the Parkway. Three visitor centers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Oconaluftee, Sugarlands, and Cades Cove - have also been closed by the park service.
(3/17 11:00 a.m.) North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is issuing an executive order that mandates bars and restaurants in the state only offer takeout and delivery service starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.
Cooper will elaborate more on the order at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. The order will also expand unemployment insurance for workers who are being affected by closures due to COVID-19. On Monday, Buncombe County authorities said they were asking but not mandating that bars and restaurants go to takeout and delivery only, but were considering making the action mandatory.
(3/17 10:30 a.m.) Buncombe County opened two drive-through COVID-19 screening sites Tuesday. They're located at Biltmore Church in Arden and on the campus of UNC Asheville.
The site at UNC Asheville is in parking lot P28 off of W.T. Weaver Boulevard. Both sites will operate until 6 p.m. Tuesday, and then from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday. Based on the availability of testing supplies, the sites will operate the rest of the week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Only residents who exhibit the symptoms of COVID-19 - fever with either cough or shortness of breath - or those who have been in contact with a known COVID-19 case and are exhibiting any of the symptoms are asked to come to the testing sites. Those who do are asked to stay in their vehicle as they will be directed where to go for the necessary paperwork before they are tested. Testing is available to all, regardless of income or ability to pay.
(3/17 9:30 a.m.) The city of Asheville is closing city hall and other municipal buildings starting Tuesday. Many city employees will start telecommuting to minimize person-to-person contact to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
Meanwhile Asheville City schools started meal delivery service Tuesday. Lunches will be delivered at Pisgah View Apartments, Hillcrest Apartments, Klondyke Apartments, and the Edington Center each day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will also be drive-through meals offered at Issac Dickson Elementary from 2-4 p.m. each afternoon.
(3/16 2:45 pm) Buncombe County authorities are asking - but not mandating - that bars and restaurants offer takeout and delivery services only. The decision comes on the day the first COVID-19 case tied to the county was confirmed.
The announcement was made at a Monday afternoon press conference. Fletcher Tove, the county's public health emergency preparedness coordinator, says they are not making their request mandatory because many bars, breweries, and restaurants have already made the decision on their own. He does add they have discussed making it mandatory. "But right now we're asking for buy-in. It's a big ask," Tove said.
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 is an individual from New York who visited Asheville from March 10 the 13th, before traveling on to Macon County where they are now isolating. Buncombe County health director Dr. Jennifer Mullendore says the person has been co-operative with health authorities. She added that an investigation is underway into where the person visited in Asheville and whether they were in close contact with anyone.
While the first public drive-through COVID-19 screening site in the region was set up Monday in Henderson County, another one is expected to be up and running in Buncombe County later this week. That's according to Dr. William Hathaway, the chief medical officer for HCA's North Carolina Division which includes Mission Health facilities. He says there have thus far they have had no confirmed cases, but they expect that to change.
Meanwhile, Harrah's announced the two casinos it operates on the Qualla Boundary that are owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will close for two weeks starting Wednesday. Employees will be paid during that time and benefits will not be interrupted.
(3/16 11:15 am) This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is available Source: Buncombe County Department Health Human Services: Today Macon County Public Health announced a presumptive positive case of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in a person who visited Buncombe County last week. This is the first known presumptive positive case of COVID-19 associated with Buncombe County.
The individual visited Asheville March 10-13, 2020, at which time they had symptoms of COVID-19. They were tested by BCHHS Communicable Disease staff and immediately traveled on to Macon County for isolation. The individual has been cooperative with all public health requests. BCHHS public health staff are conducting an active investigation into this individual’s activities during their time in Buncombe County. More information will be provided as we identify potential close contacts. BCHHS will not release further details about the individual to protect their privacy.
BCHHS Medical Director, Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, urges the public to remain calm in response to this news, saying, “It is important that our community remain calm, stay informed and be prepared for the spread of this illness. It is critical that everyone follow the guidance to stay home when sick. Additionally, everyone needs to wash their hands frequently and cover coughs and sneezes. High-risk people – those over 65 years of age or with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems – should stay at home to decrease their chance of being infected.”
Macon County Public Health Officials released the following statement: A New York resident that tested positive for COVID – 19 is being monitored and following isolation orders in
Macon County. The test, conducted by the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health, is presumptively
positive and will be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The patient is doing well and
is in isolation. The patient is a resident of New York State and traveled to Buncombe County, where they
became ill and were tested, and then traveled to Macon County. Since cases are reported under the state of
residency, this case will be identified as a New York State case, not a North Carolina case. Therefore, this
case will not show up on the North Carolina maps as a Macon County case.
While awaiting confirmation of results from the CDC, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Macon County Public Health will treat presumptive cases as positive and follow CDC guidelines to protect public health and limit the spread of infection.
Macon County Health spokesperson Kathy McGaha explained to BPR that the person. Following instructions to isolate, the person travelled to a private residence in Macon and have been isolated there with limited contact with anyone.
McGaha says if anyone has any questions they can call Macon County COVID-19 Call Center at 828-349-2517.
The Macon County and Buncombe County Health Departments are working to identify close contacts.
(3/16 10:15 am) A COVID-19 screening site has been set up on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock. It is open to the public, but only for people who qualify by exhibiting symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, and a fever of 100 degrees or more. They must first call the Pardee UNC Health COVID-19 Helpline at 828-694-8048 to see if they qualify. The drive-through site is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, and the helpline is accepting calls from 8 to 8 everyday. No one under the age of 12 will be screened. If anyone gets into line at the screening site that has not called the Helpline, they will be pulled out of line and must then call it according to a Pardee spokeswoman.
(3/16 7:00 am) With public schools closed in North Carolina for the next two weeks, Buncombe County will start offering breakfast and lunch each weekday to those aged 2 to 18.
Breakfast will be served each day from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 12 elementary and intermediate schools in the county -
- Oakley Elementary
- Johnston Elementary
- Emma Elementary
- West Buncombe Elementary
- Woodfin Elementary
- Hominy Valley Elementary
- Pisgah Elementary
- Owen High School
- Black Mountain Primary
- Weaverville Elementary
- North Windy Ridge Intermediate
- Estes Elementary
The YMCA will be operating food distribution sites during the outbreak, even though it is closing down its facilities for at least two weeks. On Monday, it is will distribute food from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at La Casa del Alfrero Church at 2040 New Leicester Highway. The shutdown of schools does mean the vast majority of afterschool programs the YMCA runs will be closed, though an emergency child care program will be offered for Buncombe County public school teachers starting today at Beaverdam. Meanwhile Beloved Asheville is accepting donations of food and supplies for preparedness kits today from 8:30 to 5:30 at its offices at 10 North Market Street in Asheville.
(3/14 5:30 pm) Public schools will close in North Carolina will close for at least two weeks starting Monday due to the coronavirus outbreak. Governor Roy Cooper made the announcement Saturday afternoon after issuing an executive order which also bans gatherings of more than 100 people across North Carolina.
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina is now up to 23 in 12 different counties. There continue to be no confirmed cases in Western North Carolina. At a press conference Thursday, the governor and state health officials recommended that gatherings of 100 or more people be canceled. But after some venues decided to keep events scheduled, Cooper said Saturday an executive order was needed to make ban mandatory. The executive order keeps public schools closed until March 30th.
(3/14) Your next late-night run to the local grocery store may be cut short. Harris Teeter and Publix supermarkets announced they will close stores early every night to focus on cleaning, replenishment, and the well-being of their workers. Publix stores will close at 8 p.m. starting tonight. Harris Teeter stores will close at 9 p.m. starting tomorrow, Sunday, March 15 and continue to open at their regular scheduled time.
(3/14) Henderson County has declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus. The declaration ‘includes all the unincorporated areas of Henderson County, and, with the consent of the City of Hendersonville, the Town of Laurel Park, the Town of Fletcher, and Town of Mills River and the Village of Flat Rock, in the incorporated areas of those municipalities’ https://tinyurl.com/hencovid19
(3/14 1:00 pm) Biltmore says it will suspend operations at various sites on the estate for two weeks starting Tuesday. That includes stopping tours of the Biltmore House. Tours of the Biltmore House, as well as restaurants and stores ajdacent to it including the Deerpark Restaurant will close from March 17th to the 31st. The Downton Abbey exhibition will also close, and trolleys that run on the estate will also stop. The grounds will remain open during that time, as will the Inn, Village Hotel, Antler Hill Village, and the Biltmore Winery.
(3/14 11:40 am) Duke Energy says it will suspend service disconnections over unpaid bills due to COVID-19. The city of Asheville is doing the same for water service.
A short statement on the Duke website said, " We know many customers may be facing unusual financial hardships as a result of COVID-19. That’s why we’re suspending disconnections for nonpayment effective immediately. We will continue to look for ways to support customer needs during this pandemic."
(3/13 10:50 pm) Public schools were still open Friday in North Carolina, though the Asheville City school system sent its strongest signal yet that it is preparing for the contingency where schools are closed.
All elementary school students received at-home learning packets on Friday. Then on Monday, all 3rd through 5th graders will receive take home devices such as laptops and tablets. Sixth through 12th graders will be able to file assignments through an online portal. WiFi hotspots can be borrowed at media centers within schools for those who do not have internet access at home.
(3/13 5 p.m) AdventHealth Hendersonville is expanding its response to COVID-19. Beginning Monday, March 16, the hospital says it is temporarily postponing elective surgeries and procedures. A press release notes Advent Health will continue to provide emergency surgical care.
(3/13 1 p.m.) - Stephanie Brown CEO of Explore Asheville says the coronavirus presents unique challenges compared to natural or other disasters with geographical boundaries. Brown says along with regular updates from federal, state and local health officials, the organization is pulling back on marketing around the country for the short term in reponse to COVID-19. She says Explore Asheville has commissioned a survey to asses the impact of the virus on travel intentions from core markets around the country and they expect the results early next week.
(3/13 11:30am) The medical director of Cherokee Indian Hospital says a patient has been tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) at the facility, but is not a health threat to the community. “We have received numerous concerns about a patient that was recently under investigation at our facility for covid-19 or coronavirus,” said Dr. Richard Bunio, Cherokee Indian Hospital's medical director explained via Facebook. “ We want to assure you that while we are waiting for test results from the state lab, this patient is very low risk. This patient poses no threat to the community.” The Eastern Band has cancelled all tribal employee business travel. Here’s an additional list of cancelled events in Cherokee as of Thursday afternoon.
(3/13 6:45 am) - Following Buncombe County, the city of Asheville late Thursday also declared a state of emergency. It effectively prohibits any gathering of more than 100 people on city-owned property, which includes Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville. The postponement or cancelation of shows at concerts at the facility started in earnest Thursday. Mayor Esther Manheimer says the city is also trying to find ways for the public to participate in government meetings without being at them physically.
(3/12) 10:30 pm) - Southwestern Community College will extend its spring break through March 22nd for all in-person classes, following in the footsteps of other community colleges in North Carolina. Regularly scheduled online classes will resume on Monday.
Following Major League Baseball's decision Thursday to suspend spring training and delay the start of its season, Minor League Baseball will also delay the start of its season. That means the Asheville Tourists will not start play on April 9th. Their first home game was scheduled for April 16th.
Other event postponements announced Thursday include next weekend's Get In Gear Festival in Asheville at Salvage Station. Organizers hope to reschedule it for later in the year. Comedian Jeff Dunham's show at Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville on March 21st has been moved to July 9th. And the Center For Cultural Preservation's Appalachian Storytelling event will now be live streamed. Only those who purchased tickets for the show will be able to watch the live stream.
(3/12 5:40pm) The COVID-19 outbreak has compelled the Asheville Symphony to cancel three public events over the coming weeks for the season. The orchestra won’t reschedule a March 17 charity event an Asheville wine bar and concerts March 21 and April 4 at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Masterworks Series concerts April 18-19 are still on the orchestra’s calendar.
(3/12 5 pm )AB Tech Community College has announced it will extend spring break by one week and move to online and virtual instruction immediately afterward where possible. Spring break is scheduled from March 16-20 and will be extended through Friday, March 27. Classes will resume online and virtually on Monday, March 30. The college says it will then reassess instruction delivery on a weekly basis based on guidance from Buncombe County public health officials.
(3/12 4:45 pm) North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is urging the postponement of gatherings over 100 people after "multiple new cases" statewide Thursday. Governor Cooper was joined by state leaders who urged the enhanced guidelines. Starting Friday, Cooper is asking businesses to allow eligible employees to work from home while also urging anyone sick to stay home. "North Carolina has more tough decisions ahead, and we will be ready to make them. We have the benefit of learning from other countries and other states about the best ways to fight this pandemic,” said Governor Cooper. “We know that if we can slow the spread of this virus now, then fewer people will be infected or become seriously ill. And we can be more effective in avoiding an overload of our medical system. It will save lives.”
(3/12 4:30pm) Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva says it has not treated any patients with coronavirus(COVID-19) at the hospital to date. It is taking the following measures to prepare, in accordance with CDC guidelines:
- Patients in the Emergency Department and inpatient units are screened based on their recent travel history.
- Personal protective equipment is available, including face masks and eye protection
- Hand hygiene products are easily accessible throughout the facility.
(3/12 3 p.m.) Buncombe County is declaring a state of emergency. At the weekly COVID-19 media briefing County Commissioner Brownie Newman read the resolution and told reporters the declaration makes the county and municipalities eligible for state and federal funding and allows all units of local government to work together in a coordinated fashion.
“We think it's very important to just send a clear message to our community that this is a serious public health concern,” Newman told reporters, “but that there are practical and effective steps that we can all take as individuals, families, businesses, local government and organizations that can reduce the spread of coronavirus.”
(3/12 2:30 p.m.) Warren Wilson College will suspend in-person classes starting tomorrow. All classes will go online or be held through other methods starting Tuesday until April 10th at the earliest. The campus will remain open, though the Bryson and Devries gyms will close and all school and campus events through April 10th will either be canceled or postponed.
(3/12 1 p.m.) Macon County Health Department has announced that supplies at the department such as masks and other personal protective equipment are limited to health workers that are responding to COVID-19 and for other communicable disease response. They are not able to provide masks and other personal protective equipment to the general public currently.
(3/12 12:30 p.m.) Asheville's Connect Beyond Festival is the first major event in the city to be axed due to COVID-19. Other events are being canceled or postponed too, including tonight's public meeting on the U.S. Forest Service's Nantahala and Pisgah forest plan that was to be held at the North Carolina Arboretum.
Southwestern Community College has canceled a job fair scheduled for March 17th on its campus. UNC Asheville announced Wednesday it was canceling or postponing all events with visting speakers and any gathering with more than 50 people for the time being. No cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Western North Carolina, though the statewide count went up to 12 Wendesday morning. The newest cases are in Forsyth and Johnston Counties, following earlier confirmed cases in Wake and Chatham Counties.
Buncombe County commissioners hold their next meeting March 17th, during which commissioners could declare a state of emergency in the county. The draft resolution added to the agenda does not offer any details on actions the emergency declaration would allow.
(3/12 6:15 a.m.) UNC Asheville will also extend its spring break by one week until March 23rd. It is then moving all classes online, and is asking students not to return to campus once spring break ends. Students are urged to take their classes remotely from the location of their choice. This setup will continue until at least April 6th.The UNC system is prohibiting all gatherings of more than 100 people, and UNC Asheville is taking that a step further by canceling all events of 50 or more people. Visiting speaker events are also canceled or will be postponed.
(3/11/20 6 p.m.) Western Carolina University is among the schools in alignment with a UNC system decision to move all students online and out of the classroom. Chancellor Kelli Brown sent out a notice Wednesday evening stating WCU is extending its official spring break by an additional week until Monday, March 23.
Brown notes that the additional week will help enable faculty members to take the steps necessary to make the transition from in-person classes to delivery of their course materials online or via other distance methods that do not require face-to-face classes. Alternative forms of course delivery will begin on March 23 and will continue as long as the UNC System deems necessary.
However, the university will remain open. WCU will continue to provide services to students who need to remain on campus and operate the business functions of the university. All university-sponsored travel outside the state of North Carolina has also been suspended and in-state travel to gatherings of 100 or more people. This applies to faculty, staff and students. Here is the complete list ofguidelines from the UNC System and WCU coronavirus updates website.
(3/11/20 11:30 a.m.) - BothBuncombe and Henderson Countyschools will suspend all out of state travel until further notice following Tuesday’s declaration of a state of emergency in North Carolina due to the Coronavirus. The move applies to all school-sponsored student and employee out of state travel.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper Tuesday afternoon declared a state of emergency after the number of presumptive & confirmed cases of COVID-19 grew to seven in NC. He was joined by North Carolina's chief medical officer Dr. Elizabeth Tilson at a press conference later Tuesday at AB Tech in Asheville. Tilson told reporters after a meeting with local health officials there are no confirmed cases at this point in Western North Carolina. Six of the seven cases are in Wake County, with the other in Chatham County. Tilson also said the state is not recommending that schools close yet, but that contingency plans for tele-learning should be explored. Tilson noted that broadband access, a lack of which plagues many parts of rural Western North Carolina, could play a factor in determining school closures.
Tuesday afternoon, Advent Health became the latest health system to increase screening of all people who enter its facilities for Coronavirus, including at its hospital in Hendersonville. Mission Healthput similar screening measures in place earlier this month. Visitor restrictions were already in place at Mission due to the flu season.
Organizers of the Connect Beyond Festival, which takes April 3rd through the 5th in Asheville, say it is still scheduled to take place. But they add they will be assessing the situation on a daily basis, saying in a press release that the safety of guests and festival participants is their number one priority. Plans are already in place to have hand-sanitizing stations at all events at Connect Beyond.
