COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19

August 15, 2022

Governor Cooper Lifts North Carolina’s COVID-19 State of Emergency

Today, Governor Roy Cooper ended the state’s COVID-19 State of Emergency. With vaccines, treatments, and other tools to combat COVID-19 widely available, and with new legislation now providing the requested flexibility to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and health care providers to continue to respond, the state is poised to continue comprehensive pandemic response without the need for the State of Emergency.

Many of the state’s public health measures combatting the pandemic had previously been lifted, but the State of Emergency continued to allow the distribution of vaccines and tests and regulatory flexibility to ensure staff capacity in the state’s healthcare system. Following legislative changes made in the budget signed by Gov. Cooper in July that allow NCDHHS to continue to respond to the pandemic, the State of Emergency can be lifted.

“The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to our state and people now have the knowledge and the tools like vaccines, boosters and therapeutic treatments to keep them safe,” said Governor Cooper. “Executive orders issued under the State of Emergency protected public health and helped us save lives and livelihoods. North Carolina is emerging even stronger than before and my administration will continue to work to protect the health and safety of our people.”

“COVID-19 is still with us, and North Carolinians now have multiple ways to manage the virus, so it doesn’t manage us,” said NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “NCDHHS will remain focused on COVID-19 trends and data and ensuring we stay prepared.”

Read the Executive Order.

 

June 23, 2022

COVID-19 Vaccine is Now Available Locally for Children Ages 6 months to 4 years

 

Babies and children ages six months to four years of age can now receive a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Both the Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recently authorized and recommended that this new age range of individuals can receive the vaccine to protect them from contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus.

Throughout the progression of the pandemic, evidence suggests children are vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus like all other age groups. COVID-19 cases in children can result in hospitalization, death, as well as other long-term health complications possibly lasting for several months. By vaccinating yourself and your children you are contributing to the safety of our community-especially as we head into summer activities and increased social interaction.

Parents will have the options to choose between available vaccines for their children, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna COVID vaccines have been recommended by the CDC to be received by people ages 6 months old or older.

Pfizer-BioNTech

Children six months to 4 years old receiving Pfizer will require three doses of the vaccine in the primary series. Both the first and second doses should be separated by three to eight weeks, and the second and third doses should be separated by at least eight weeks. For those who are immunocompromised, the first and second doses need to be separated by three weeks, and the second and third doses separated by at least eight weeks.

Children receiving Pfizer who are over the age of five, will require two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine given eight weeks apart. Those who are immunocompromised should receive a third dose at least 4 weeks after their 2nd dose in the primary series. Boosters will be necessary, however, only some children will require multiple boosters.

Moderna

As for Moderna, children ages six months to five years can receive two doses of Moderna in the primary series, given within four to eight weeks apart. Those who are immunocompromised, the first and second doses should be separated by four weeks, and the second and third doses separated by at least four weeks.

As with other routine vaccinations for children, both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have undergone a thorough testing and review process by the FDA and an independent scientific committee to ensure they are safe and effective for children. Parents and guardians with any questions regarding these COVID-19 vaccines should talk with their child's provider.

COVID-19 vaccines are always free, regardless of insurance and immigration status.

Please contact the following agencies to schedule an appointment for a pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine or check with your provider office:

Rowan County Health Department

                                 Monday & Thursday afternoons by appointment

                                 704-216-8837

 

Salisbury Pediatrics

                                 Thursdays by appointment

                                  704-636-5576

February 17, 2022

Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley provided an update on the state’s COVID-19 metrics and trends. As North Carolina’s COVID-19 metrics continue to move in the right direction and with vaccines widely available, Governor Cooper encouraged schools and local governments to end their mask mandates.

“We are taking a positive step on mask requirements to help us move safely toward a more normal day to day life,” said Governor Cooper. “It’s time to focus on getting our children a good education and improving our schools, no matter how you feel about masks.”

As entities decide how to move forward, people and businesses should continue to make the best decisions for themselves, their employees and their customers. There are still some places, such as health care, long-term care and transportation like airplanes, where a mask will be required because of the setting or federal regulations.

As it has throughout the pandemic, North Carolina is adapting its response based on the data and for the current stage of the pandemic. Vaccines and boosters are widely available and have protected millions of people against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Treatment is available for those at higher risk of severe disease. And the state’s COVID-19 trends are decreasing, lowering the risk of infection, and improving hospital capacity.

“NCDHHS has always been committed to using the right tools at the right time to combat COVID-19 and chart a course for us all to get back to the people, experiences, and places we love,” said Secretary Kinsley. “At this time, the most effective tools are vaccines and boosters. Everyone five and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine and everyone 12 and older should get a booster as soon as they are eligible. It’s not too late to vaccinate.”

To date, North Carolina has administered over 15.7 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 71 percent of the adult population fully vaccinated. About 75 percent of adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine, including 96 percent of North Carolinians 65 and over. About 51 percent of eligible adults have received their booster shot.

North Carolinians can learn more about the state’s vaccine distribution at myspot.nc.gov (English) or Vacunate.nc.gov (Spanish). Find a nearby vaccine provider using NCDHHS’ online tool, Find a Vaccine Location. The state’s COVID-19 vaccine hotline number is 888-675-4567.

View a summary of the changes to the StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit and the ChildCareStrongNC Public Health Toolkit.

January 20,2022

The Federal Government has made free tests available to all US households. These can be quickly requested through https://www.covidtests.gov/

This is limited to one ‘order’ per residential address and each order contains 4 individual rapid COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free and orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Please feel free to utilize this government benefit for any testing needs you may have. 

January 7, 2022

Testing information

Vaccine information

January 4, 2022

Governor Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Kinsley Stress Importance of Vaccines and Boosters to Combat Omicron Variant

With cases rising, state officials encourage people to get tested, vaccinated and boosted

With cases of COVID-19 reaching record highs and hospitalizations increasing, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley called on all North Carolinians to get vaccinated and get a booster as soon as they are eligible to protect themselves from severe illness from the highly contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19.

“For people who have been vaccinated and especially for those who have gotten boosters, the new Omicron variant has been less severe than previous surges,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “With these vaccines and boosters we have an amazing tool to save people’s lives and beat this pandemic – and we’ll keep our foot on the gas when it comes to getting more shots and more boosters administered.” 

Early studies show that boosters greatly increase someone’s immune response and provide greater protection against the Omicron variant than no vaccine. The booster is especially important for those over 65 or in other populations at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

The Governor and Secretary also urged the use of well-fitting, multi-layer masks as another layer of protection against spread of the virus. If possible, wear a surgical or procedure mask, a KN95, or an N95. NCDHHS is making some higher-grade masks available for adults at no cost in more places that need them, such as long-term care facilities and federally qualified health centers, and for schools staff and populations like migrant farm workers which at higher risk of exposure or severe illness. These organizations and those that provide essential services can request these masks online at https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/RequestMasks, and requests will be prioritized.

“Testing and wearing a mask are essential tools in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” Secretary Kinsley said. “But the bottom line is that vaccines and boosters are the number one thing you can do to protect your health.”

Governor Cooper also announced plans to extend Executive Order 224, which aims to curb COVID-19 by requiring vaccines or testing of state employees in cabinet agencies. That Order defined fully vaccinated as having two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and directed the Office of State Human Resources to issue the policy to enforce this requirement. Under the new Order, OSHR will be given the authority to include boosters in the definition of fully vaccinated when appropriate.

To date, North Carolina has administered over 14.8 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 69 percent of the adult population fully vaccinated. About 74 percent of adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine, including 95 percent of North Carolinians 65 and over. About 44 percent of eligible adults have received their booster shot.

Vaccines are available for those ages 5 and older, and boosters are available for those 16 and older. Monday the Food and Drug Administration authorized boosters for children 12 through 15 years old, but the CDC must take action before they are available. Today the CDC accepted the FDA recommendation to shorten the time for a Pfizer booster to five months after the second shot. The CDC also recommended a third dose after 28 days for immunocompromised children ages 5-11.

Information on testing locations, free tests and home tests is available at ncdhhs.gov/gettested. North Carolinians can learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines at myspot.nc.gov (English) or Vacunate.nc.gov (Spanish). Use NCDHHS’ online tool Find a Vaccine Location to find a nearby vaccination site. The North Carolina Vaccine Help Center at 888-675-4567 can also help you make an appointment. It is open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekends.

 

October 26, 2021

Moderna and Johnon & Johnson COVID-19 Booster Shots Now Available

COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now available. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots to help strengthen and extend protections against COVID-19 infections.

The Moderna COVID-19 booster shot is recommended for individuals who received their second dose at least six months ago and who are at high risk for severe illness or exposure based on their age, profession, living setting or health conditions. This includes people:

65 years or older, and

18 years or older who: 

live or work in a nursing home or long-term care facility;  

have underlying medical conditions; 

work in high-risk settings like healthcare workers, teachers and childcare providers or food workers; or,

live or work in a place where many people live together (for example, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, migrant farm housing, dormitories or other group living settings in colleges or universities).

The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shot is recommended for individuals ages 18 and older who were vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.

The Pfizer booster shots have been available since September 24th for individuals who are at high risk for serious illness or exposure and who received their second dose at least six months ago.

Additionally, individuals are now able to receive any brand of the COVID-19 vaccine for their booster shot. Some people may choose to stay with the vaccine type they originally received, while others may prefer to get a different type of booster shot altogether. Limited preliminary evidence does suggest that either the Moderna or Pfizer booster dose may be more effective in raising one’s antibody levels than a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. With that being known, we do highly encourage you to speak with your primary care provider or your pharmacist if you have questions about which booster may be right for you and/or your family members.

This past Friday’s announcement expands the eligibility for more individuals to receive additional protection against COVID-19. Please note that a doctor's note is not needed in order to get a booster shot. Individuals who want to receive a booster shot will simply need to know the dates of any past COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as the vaccine brand they originally received, if they should choose to stay with their original vaccine type. Paper vaccination cards are helpful and should be brought with you, if at all possible.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines or to find a vaccine location, visit MySpot.nc.gov or call the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center for free at 888-675-4567. 

Here locally, the COVID-19 booster shots are now available at the following locations:

  • Novant Health Clinic at the J.F. Hurley YMCA; 8 am to 5 pm Wed. and Friday; Appointments are strongly encouraged and please bring your vaccine card
  • Novant Health’s Primary Care Clinics; call your primary physician for more information
  • Rowan County Public Health—Only Pfizer vaccines are available at this time; however other COVID-19 vaccine brands have been ordered; please call 704-216-8777; Option 3 to make an appointment
  • Local Pharmacies: Walmart; Walgreens; CVS; Moose Pharmacy; Medicine Shoppe, Cannon Pharmacy
  • Local Grocery Stores: Food Lion
  •  

When scheduling your booster shot, please realize that you do not have to go back to the same place you received your initial dose(s). Any of the agencies or businesses listed above can assist you.  For more information on how to schedule an appointment and what types of vaccines are currently available, please visit any of the listed agencies/businesses’ websites or call them directly.

October 20, 2021

N.C. HOPE Program marks first year with more than a half-billion in rent and utility awards

More than $461 million already paid to landlords and utilities statewide

The N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program marked its Oct. 15 one-year anniversary with more than a half-billion dollars in pandemic relief funds awarded to North Carolina landlords and utility companies on behalf of vulnerable families. In total, HOPE has awarded $520.2 million to 135,213 families with more than $461 million of that amount already paid to landlords and utility providers across the state. The HOPE Program continues to rank #2 in the nation for number of households served, while North Carolina overall ranks #6 for spending of federal Emergency Rental Assistance money. The HOPE Program supports housing stability during the pandemic by preventing evictions and utility service disconnections.

“In its first year, the HOPE Program has helped more than 135,000 North Carolina families stay safe and warm in their homes during the pandemic,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “HOPE will continue to pay landlords and utility companies to keep low-income renters in their homes with the lights on as we recover in the months ahead.”

In addition to supporting safe housing during the pandemic, the HOPE Program has provided an economic boost to landlords who experienced financial setbacks due to COVID-19. During the second phase of HOPE that began May 17, the program has mailed checks to 30,727 landlords and more than 5,500 landlords have contacted HOPE to refer tenants. The program continues to accept landlord referrals of tenants struggling to pay rent due to the pandemic. Landlords may submit tenant names and contact information through the HOPE Program website or by contacting the HOPE Call Center at 888-9ASK-HOPE (888-927-5467). A program specialist will then follow up with the tenant to help start the application process.  

HOPE is still accepting applications for rent and utility bill assistance from low-income renters in 88 counties. Applicants can apply online at HOPE.NC.gov or call 888-9ASK-HOPE (888-927-5467) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both English- and Spanish-speaking representatives are available to assist callers.

The HOPE Program is managed by the N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency, a division of the Department of Public Safety. To learn more, visit HOPE.NC.gov.

September 21, 2021

Cabarrus County directs $5 million in recovery funds to small businesses

Application deadline is October 15

Cabarrus County is dedicating up to $5 million in American Rescue Plan Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to help small businesses recover from economic hardship caused by COVID-19.

 

Local small business owners have until October 15 to apply for one-time funding through the Cabarrus Recovery Grant – Small Business Support Program.

 

Qualifying expenses include:

  • Payroll and benefit costs
  • Mortgage/rent
  • Utilities
  • Operating costs
  • COVID-19 prevention/mitigation (e.g., physical barriers, cleaning, testing, etc.)

 

Eligible businesses must:

  • Have a location within Cabarrus County that opened before January 1, 2020
  • Operate as a for-profit agency
  • Have an independent owner/operator
  • Employ 50 or fewer workers
  • Demonstrate loss of revenue due to COVID-19
  • Be in good standing with all federal, state and local governments (taxes, etc.)
  • Provide 2019 and 2020 Federal Tax Returns with their application
  • Meet County vendor onboarding requirements

 

The County will review applications and allocate funding after the October 15 deadline.

 

How to apply

To learn more and apply, visit cabarruscounty.us/BizGrant21.

 

From there, applicants can:

  • Review information
  • Submit their application online in a few easy steps
  • Download and print the application to mail-in or hand-deliver

 

Applicants are required to answer a few qualifying questions, including how the business impacts Cabarrus County’s economy.

 

To complete the process, applicants will need to submit the business’ 2019 and 2020 Federal Tax Returns with the application. Online applicants will need to upload an electronic copy.

 

Paper applications are available at Cabarrus County’s libraries, Human Services Center, Veteran Services Office, Board of Elections Office, Senior Center in Concord and the Government Center (County Manager’s Office).

 

Previous COVID-19 assistance

Businesses that received COVID-19-related financial assistance (i.e., PPP) are eligible to apply for the grant; however, priority may be given to businesses that have not received such assistance.

 

Ineligible business categories

The federal government has outlined which businesses are ineligible for funding. These include, but are not limited to, non-profit businesses, financial businesses primarily engaged in lending, pyramid sale distribution plans and political organizations.

 

Steps toward recovery

The $5 million small business support initiative falls in line with other County efforts to support recovery.

 

Since March of 2020, the County has allocated federal and state recovery funds in the following ways:

  • $6.5 million toward emergency rental and utility assistance
  • More than $1 million in Nonprofit Resiliency Grants to 32 local agencies that helped stabilize the community during the pandemic
  • $40 million toward local nonprofit efforts to support the community’s highest needs

 

August 26, 2021

Cabarrus Health Alliance Issues Public Health Advisory: Face Coverings and Masks

The Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA) is issuing a Public Health Advisory to all residents and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks indoors (and not in your own home) or in crowded outdoor areas where social distancing is not possible.

 

The Delta variant is more than two times as transmissible as the original strains of COVID-19 and is causing large, rapid increases in infections. Cabarrus County has experienced a 200% increase of new COVID-19 cases in the last 2 weeks, and is averaging 800 news cases per week. The percent of positivity has spiked drastically from 2.4% to 14.2% in two months.

 

“Our community and our health care system cannot sustain the rapid rise in cases,” said Dr. Bonnie Coyle, CHA Public Health Director. “Vaccines are still the best protection against COVID-19, but masks also play a part in controlling the spread, along with washing our hands, social distancing and proper cleaning of public spaces. But to truly see case counts and hospitalizations decrease, we need the support of our community and partners to individually or institutionally implement these masking recommendations.”

 

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), while the original virus spread from one person to an average of two or three people, the Delta variant is spreading from one person to an average of six people. Since June 2021, the Atrium Health region has experienced an 800% increase in hospitalizations placing Atrium Health Cabarrus in a similar situation to many hospitals in the region, where available bed space is extremely limited. As of this week, 30% of current Atrium Health admissions are for COVID related illness.

 

Cabarrus Health Alliance and Atrium Health leadership anticipate an even more drastic spike in two weeks due to relaxed efforts to prevent the spread (masking, social distancing) of a more infectious variant, combined with children returning to school and gatherings associated with upcoming Labor Day holiday and major sporting events.

 

To ensure masks are as protective as possible, NCDHHS recommends that you:

  • Make sure your mask fits snugly against your face and covers your nose and mouth. To help with a snug fit, you can use a mask with a metal strip along the top of the mask.
  • Use two or more layers for your face covering. You can do this by wearing a cloth face covering with two or more layers or by wearing one disposable mask (sometimes referred to as a surgical mask or a medical procedure mask) underneath a cloth mask.
  • Do not wear two disposable masks.
  • Make sure you can see and breathe easily.

 

To prevent getting or spreading COVID-19

Get the vaccine. This is the most effective protection against COVID-19.

Wear a face covering, when indoors or in places where social distancing is not possible.

Wash your hands.

Cover your cough or sneeze.

Avoid close contact with individuals who are or maybe sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Get tested if you are a close contact and are experiencing symptoms.

Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.

Clear and disinfect commonly touched spaces.

July 29, 2021

Rowan County Public Health is Offering COVID Vaccination Clinics Targeting Students and Teachers Once Again Next Week

Next Tuesday and Thursday, Rowan County Public Health will begin offering COVID vaccination clinics at West Rowan Elementary School from 12 to 3 pm and the Wallace Center from 10 am to 2 pm, respectively. These clinics are for anyone, but we hope our local students and teachers will take advantage of this service as the beginning of school is less than one month away. Please note that the Pfizer vaccine will be given at both of these clincs, which is safe for anyone twelve years old and older. It is also important to note that the Pfizer vaccine does require two vaccines to be considered fully vaccinated, so we ask that you plan accordingly.

West Rowan Elementary School
Tuesday, August 3rd; 12 to 3 pm
Return Date for 2nd Vaccination: Tuesday, August 24th; 2 to 5 pm

Wallace Center (Clinic will be targeting teachers)
Thursday, August 5th; 10 am to 2 pm
Return Date for 2nd Vaccination: Friday, August 27th; 2 to 5 pm

If you and/or your child still needs to get a COVID vaccine and next week’s school-targeted clinics do not work for your schedule, please feel free to to visit the CDC’s vaccine finder. Here, you will find a number of local agencies/businesses that are offering COVID vaccines in Rowan County, such as:

Novant Health at the J. F. Hurley YMCA; Walk-ins are accepted Wednesdays and Fridays; 8 am – 5 pm 

  • Larger chain pharmacies: CVS and Walgreens
  • Grocery Stores: Walmart, Food Lion (Salisbury and China Grove), Sam’s Club
  • Local pharmacies: Moose Pharmacy, The Medicine Shoppe, and Cannon Pharmacy
  • Provider offices: Rowan County Public Health, Rowan Diagnostic Clinic, Pro Med, and Salisbury Pediatric (only for established patients)

 

To find out more information about which vaccines are being offered and when they are being offered, please contact the agency/business directly.  It is important to know that when seeking out a COVID vaccine for your child, any child younger than 12 is not yet currently eligible to receive a vaccine. However, if your child is 12 years old and older, they can receive the following vaccines based on their age:

  • Pfizer Vaccine (age 12+)
  • Moderna Vaccine (age 18+)
  • Johnson and Johnson (age 18+)

 

In closing, please note that Rowan County Public Health is also offering COVID vaccinations in-house on Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings. We are also offering appointments for other required immunizations and well-child check-ups on Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings, as well.  If you and/or your child need of any of these services, please call 704-216-8837 to make an appointment.

June 2, 2021

N.C. HOPE Program Application Period Is Open, Offering Rent and Utility Assistance for North Carolinians Struggling to Recover from Pandemic

Governor Roy Cooper and Chief Operating Officer of the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) Laura Hogshead shared an update on the application process for the N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program. The program is open for a second application period to assist very low-income renters that are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The HOPE Program provides rent and utility bill assistance to prevent evictions and utility disconnections.

“I strongly encourage landlords and utilities across our state to lend a hand to their communities and to participate in these programs so that we can keep people in their homes with their lights on,” said Governor Cooper. “I am proud that North Carolina is taking steps to support families who need it as we emerge from this pandemic.”

The current HOPE Program is serving very low-income renters in 88 North Carolina counties. Very low-income is defined as earning less than or equal to 50 percent of the area median income for the county where the renter lives. Twelve additional counties and five tribal governments received money directly from the federal government to operate their own programs.

In the last two weeks, more than 8,000 people have applied for financial assistance and as of today, $9.5 million has been awarded.  Payments began on June 1 and 924 checks for a total of $1.1 million have been mailed to help North Carolinians in need. Payments are expected to continue to go out on a rolling basis every business day. Previous applicants who received help can re-apply if they still need assistance.

North Carolina initially launched the HOPE Program last fall, using flexible federal CARES Act funds to keep low-income people struggling during the pandemic in their homes and their utilities turned on. In total, the program awarded $133 million to more than 36,000 applicants. Congress subsequently recognized the outstanding need for rent and utility assistance and passed additional funds in the two stimulus bills, including the American Rescue Plan.

“In advance of this second application period, HOPE Program processes have been streamlined to ensure people get help as quickly as possible,” said NCORR Chief Operating Officer Laura Hogshead. “Our goal is to continue to provide housing stability while our state recovers from impacts of the pandemic.”

Complete details about the HOPE Program, including eligibility requirements, program benefits and an online application, are available at www.hope.nc.gov. Applicants who cannot access the website may also call (888) 9ASK-HOPE or (888) 927-5467.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. also joined the Governor today and provided an update on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts. As part of its ongoing effort to get more North Carolinians vaccinated and safely bring summer back, the NC DHHS is offering $25 Summer Cash Cards at select vaccine sites to offset the time and transportation costs of getting vaccinated.

To date, over 8.3 million doses have been administered in North Carolina, with 54.3 percent of adults partially vaccinated and 49.2 percent of adults fully vaccinated. 79.9 percent of the 65 and older population have been partially vaccinated.

May 14, 2021

Governor Cooper Lifts Most COVID Restrictions

Please see this link for the latest information regarding COVID restrictions in N.C. - https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO215-Lifting-COVID-19-Restrictions.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions - https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/FAQ-For-Executive-Order-No.-215.pdf

 

April 21, 2021

Governor Cooper Outlines Timeline for Lifting State’s COVID-19 Restrictions

 

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. laid out a timeline for lifting current pandemic restrictions today. With stable trends and continued vaccination success, the state expects to lift mandatory social distancing, capacity, and mass gathering restrictions by June 1. The Governor plans to issue an executive order next week outlining safety restrictions for the month of May.

“Each shot in an arm is a step closer to putting this pandemic in the rearview mirror,” said Governor Cooper. “North Carolinians have shown up for each other throughout this entire pandemic and we need to keep up that commitment by getting our vaccines.”

North Carolina continues to focus on distributing vaccines quickly and equitably. This fast and fair approach to getting shots in arms is the best way to beat this pandemic, protect one another, boost the economy and make it possible for restrictions to be lifted. 

To date, the state has administered over 6.5 million vaccines. 46.9 percent of adults are at least partially vaccinated, and 35.1 percent are fully vaccinated. More than 76 percent of people 65 and older have had at least one shot. 

With vaccine now widely available across the state – often with no wait for an appointment, all North Carolinians 16 and older can plan to take their shot. The state anticipates lifting the mask mandate and easing other public health recommendations, once two thirds of adult North Carolinians have received at least one vaccine dose and if trends remain stable.

“We are at an exciting moment. We now have enough vaccine for everyone,” said Secretary Cohen. “If you are 16 and older, it is your turn to join the more than 3.6 million North Carolinians who have already taken their first shot. It’s up to you to get us to the two thirds goal as quickly as possible so we can live with this virus and begin to put this pandemic behind us.”

Gov. Cooper and Sec. Cohen urged North Carolinians continue to get vaccinated and exercise good judgment even when restrictions are lifted. Businesses should continue to follow voluntary health recommendations and North Carolinians should continue to take safety measures in order to boost the economy, keep children in schools and protect each other.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released statistics indicating that North Carolina is among the states with the fewest deaths and fewest job losses per capita.

State health officials are continuing to monitor the presence of COVID-19 and its more contagious variants in North Carolina, which is why it is important to continue to follow the state’s mask mandate and continue to practice safety precautions, including the Three Ws—wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart, and wash hands often.

April 7, 2021

North Carolina’s COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Opens for All Adults on April 7

 

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. gave an update on the state’s current data, trends and vaccination progress as tomorrow also marks the opening of vaccine eligibility for Group 5. This means anyone 16 years and older who wants a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination is eligible to get one.

“We remain focused on getting people vaccinated as quickly and as equitably as possible and continuing to slow the spread of the virus,” said Governor Cooper. “The more people we vaccinate, the more we can safely do.”

North Carolina continues to focus on distributing vaccines quickly and equitably. To date, the state has administered over 5.2 million doses. 39 percent of those 18 and up is at least partially vaccinated, and 26 percent of those 18 and up have been fully vaccinated. 

“These tested, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines will help us get back in control of our lives and back to the people and places we love – like safely hugging a grandmother, traveling to see vaccinated family or friends, or having a potluck dinner with your vaccinated neighbors,” said Secretary Cohen.

State health officials are continuing to monitor the presence of COVID-19 and its more contagious variants in North Carolina, which is why it is important to continue to follow the state’s mask mandate and practice safety precautions, including the Three Ws—wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart, and wash hands often. 

Dr. Cohen also provided an update on North Carolina’s data and trends.

  • Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.
  • Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days
  • North Carolina’s trajectory of cases is level.
  • Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days
  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is level.
  • Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days
  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is level.

 

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread in testing, tracing and prevention.

March 23, 2021

As North Carolina’s trends continue to show improvement and vaccine distribution increases with 31.7% of North Carolinians over 18 having received at least one dose of vaccine, Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the state will continue to ease some COVID-19 restrictions. Executive Order No. 204 will take effect March 26 at 5 pm and will expire April 30 at 5 pm. The state’s general mask mandate remains in effect.

“Our fast and fair vaccine distribution and our sustained progress with the COVID-19 metrics tell us we can move forward with easing restrictions if we do it safely,” said Governor Cooper.

“We are in a promising place. With North Carolina’s COVID-19 key metrics improving and vaccinations increasing, we can responsibly use our dimmer switch approach to easing restrictions guided by science and data,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. 

Executive Order No. 204 has three general categories of occupancy restrictions: up to 100 percent capacity, 75 percent capacity, and 50 percent capacity. All businesses must continue to maintain the 6 feet of distance requirement between patrons and implement other safety protocols as they expand their capacity. 

Executive Order No. 204 will also increase mass gathering limits. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 25 to 50 and the number of people who may gather outdoors will increase from 50 to 100. This Order also fully lifts the restriction on the late-night sale and service of alcoholic beverages on bars, restaurants, and other establishments.

Indoors and Outdoors up to 100% Capacity, Subject to Masks and 6 ft. Social Distancing 

  • Museums and Aquariums
  • Retail Businesses
  • Salons, personal care and grooming businesses, tattoo parlors

 

Indoors up to 75% and Outdoors up to 100% Capacity, Subject to Masks and 6 ft. Social Distancing 

  • Restaurants 
  • Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries
  • Recreation (e.g., bowling, skating, rock climbing)
  • Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (e.g., gyms, yoga studios, fitness centers)
  • Pools
  • Amusement Parks

 

Indoors and Outdoors up to 50% Capacity, Subject to Masks and 6 ft. Social Distancing 

  • Bars
  • Movie Theaters*
  • Gaming Facilities*
  • Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces
  • Lounges (including tobacco) and Night Clubs
  • Auditoriums, Arenas, and other venues for live performances
  • Sports Arenas and Fields (includes professional, collegiate, and amateur

 

*Movie theaters and gaming facilities may operate at up to 75% capacity outdoors.

Activities and settings are lower risk when they involve interacting with fewer people, being outside, keeping masks on the entire time, keeping interactions with people short (under 15 minutes), staying physically distant, and avoiding singing, yelling, and cheering, according to public health officials.

North Carolina is continuing to see fast and fair vaccine distribution. To date, the state has administered over 4.1 million doses. Over 31.7 percent of people 18 and up have received at least one dose, and 18.8 percent are fully vaccinated. Vaccine equity efforts remain a priority, with 18 percent of first doses administered to Black North Carolinians and 8 percent to members of the LatinX community last week. 

DHHS also released updates to the K-12 guidance. Schools should return to in-person instruction to the fullest extent possible while following all public health protocols in the StrongSchoolsNC Toolkit. This update aligns with Session Law 2021-4, which Governor Cooper and bipartisan legislative leadership worked on together. Plan A has already been widely adopted across the state as districts, educators and support staff have worked hard to get students back in the classroom. The updated Toolkit no longer requires schools to do daily temperature checks and symptom screenings. Safety protocols such as masks and cleaning of high traffic areas are still required. Schools are also highly encouraged to conduct free screening testing as recommended by the CDC. (Read the updated Toolkit)

State health officials are continuing to monitor the presence of COVID-19 and its more contagious variants in North Carolina, which is why it is important to continue to have a mask mandate and continue to practice safety precautions, including the Three Ws—wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart, and wash hands often.

Read Executive Order No. 204.

Read Frequently Asked Questions

March 2, 2021

Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. announced that additional frontline essential workers in Group 3 will be eligible for vaccinations beginning tomorrow, March 3. The expedited timeline follows the approval of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine and an expected increase in vaccine supply to North Carolina.

“The state and our providers continue to work extremely hard to get people vaccinated in a way that’s fast and fair,” said Gov. Cooper. “The third vaccine and improving vaccine supply will help us get more people vaccinated more quickly. Our essential frontline workers have remained on the job throughout this pandemic and I am grateful for their work.”

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine comes as the federal government has also increased vaccine in North Carolina beyond the state’s allocation. A new federally-supported site will open in Greensboro next week, and Walgreens is providing vaccine through the federal pharmacy program. While there is still not enough vaccine for everyone, the improved supply has contributed to providers reporting readiness to expand access to additional Group 3 essential workers. Under the timeline outlined today, providers may move to vaccinating these individuals on March 3. Sec. Cohen also unveiled a Public Service Announcement encouraging vaccine use among Group 3 essential workers. (See Deeper Dive for additional detail)

State officials continue to encourage providers to exhaust each week’s vaccine shipment before the following week’s shipment arrives. Some vaccine providers may not be ready to open to frontline essential workers on March 3 if they are still experiencing high demand for vaccines in Groups 1, 2, and 3.

Gov. Cooper also outlined an expected timeline for beginning Group 4 vaccinations. Beginning on March 24, people at higher risk from COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions will become eligible to receive a vaccine, as well as people in certain congregate-living settings. (See Deeper Dive for additional detail)

“This is a really exciting moment,” said Secretary Cohen. "A third COVID-19 vaccine means North Carolina can get more people vaccinated sooner and keep people out of the hospital and prevent deaths from this pandemic.” 

NCDHHS also shared clarifications for Groups 1 and 4. The definition of long-term care in Group 1 has been updated for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Higher-risk medical conditions for Group 4 include intellectual and developmental disabilities including Down Syndrome, and neurologic conditions, such as dementia.

Gov. Cooper will continue to advocate to increase vaccine supply in North Carolina. Since January 20, the amount of vaccine received by the state has increased by 135%.

This week, the federal government authorized the distribution of Johnson & Johnson’s (Janssen) one-shot vaccine and more than 80,000 doses are expected to arrive in the state beginning on Wednesday. 

On March 10, a federally-supported community vaccination center will open in Greensboro. This site – one of just 18 sites nationally - will help the state continue its effort to reach more marginalized and underserved communities. The federal government will provide the center’s vaccine supply, which will be in addition to North Carolina’s weekly allotment from the Centers for Disease Control. It will operate seven days a week with the capacity to provide up to 3,000 vaccinations per day, with options for drive-thru service in the parking lot and walk-in service.

State officials continue to prioritize speed and equity in vaccine distribution as eligibility prioritization expands. On February 26, the Kaiser Family Foundation ranked North Carolina as first in the nation for vaccinating the largest share of its 65 and older population. 

Detailed information about each vaccine group is online at YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov (English) or vacunate.nc.gov (Spanish).

Watch the DHHS Group 3 Vaccine PSA Here

February 25, 2021

North Carolina State officials have lifted the Modified Stay At Home Order. The new Executive Order No. 195 eases certain restrictions on businesses and gatherings. A face covering is still required in all public indoor settings if there are non-household members present, regardless of the individual’s ability to social distance. Face coverings are also required outdoors if you are unable to maintain at least six feet of social distance from non-household members.

This executive order is in effect until March 26, 2021.

Read the Executive Order here – https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO195-Easing-Restrictions.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions about the new Executive Order may be found here - https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/current-restrictions/faqs-eased-restrictions-under-executive-order-195

January 27, 2021

North Carolina will remain under a modified stay at home order until 5 p.m. on February 28, 2021.

How Do I Become Vaccinated?

The state has a website to help people understand when they will be eligible to receive a vaccination. The state issued new criteria for when people are eligible to receive the vaccination and this is being done by using a grouping system. (The current grouping system replaces the initial system which was announced in December 2020).

1. Find Your Group - To find out what group you are in visit - https://findmygroup.nc.gov/

Once you know your group you can submit your contact information and the state will contact you when your group is eligible to receive vaccinations or you can watch for announcements in the media. 

2. Make An Appointment to Receive a Vaccine - You will need to make an appointment to receive the vaccine. Visit Cabarrus Health Alliance at www.cabarrushealth.org or the Rowan County Health Department at www.rowancountync.gov/covid-19 to schedule an appointment.

3. After Receiving the First Vaccine Dose Make Sure You Schedule An Appointment to Schedule the 2nd Vaccine Dose

January 6, 2021

North Carolina will remain under a modified stay at home order until 5 p.m. on January 29, 2021.

Read the full executive order here- https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO181-Modified-Stay-at-Home-Early-Closure-Order.pdf

FAQs- https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/staying-ahead-curve/modified-stay-home-order-faqs-executive-order-181

January 5, 2021

Cabarrus Health Alliance announces additional COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Rowan County Public Health Begins Phase 1b - Group 1 on January 11th, 2021

December 30, 2020- NCDHHS Shares Updated Rollout Plan for COVID-19 Vaccinations

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced it had updated its vaccination plan to align with new federal recommendations issued last week. The changes simplify the vaccine process and continue the state’s commitment to first protect health care workers caring for patients with COVID-19, people who are at the highest risk of being hospitalized or dying, and those at high risk of exposure to COVID-19.

“While there is still much to do, we head into 2021 with a powerful tool to stop this pandemic– vaccines,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “However, because supplies are very limited, it’s going to be several months before vaccines are widely available to everyone. Until most people are vaccinated, everyone needs to continue to wear a mask, wait six feet apart, and wash their hands.”

Because vaccine supplies are currently limited, states must make vaccine available in phases. On December 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices released updated interim vaccine prioritization recommendations for the next phases of vaccinations. North Carolina’s updated plan is outlined below.

Current Phase– Phase 1a: Health care workers fighting COVID-19 and long-term care staff and residents. 

  • Hospitals and local health departments are vaccinating health care workers caring for and working directly with patients with COVID-19 and those giving vaccines. In addition, the federal government is vaccinating long-term care residents and staff. 
     

Phase 1b: Adults 75 years or older and frontline essential workers.
The next phase of vaccinations will open in groups.

  • Group 1: Anyone 75 years or older regardless of medical condition or living situation. People do not have to have a chronic health condition.
  • Group 2: Health care and frontline essential workers who are 50 years of age or older.
  • Group 3: Frontline workers of any age and health care workers of any age, regardless of whether they work directly with COVID-19 patients. This phase is anticipated to begin in early January.

The CDC defines frontline essential workers as first responders (firefighters, police), education (child care, teachers, support staff), manufacturing, corrections officers, public transit, grocery store, food and agriculture, and US postal workers.

Phase 2: Adults at high risk for exposure and at increased risk of severe illness.
In this phase, vaccinations will also open in groups.

  • Group 1: Anyone ages 65-74 years regardless of medical condition or living situation.
  • Group 2: Anyone 16-64 years with a medical condition that increases risk of severe disease from COVID-19.
  • Group 3: Anyone who is incarcerated or living in other close group living settings who has not already vaccinated due to age, medical condition or job function.
  • Group 4: Essential workers as defined by the CDC who have not yet been vaccinated.

 

Phase 3: Students.

  • College, university and high school students 16 or older.
  • Younger children will only be vaccinated when the vaccine is approved for them.

 

Phase 4:  Finally, anyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine will be able to get one.

All vaccine providers are expected to ensure that vaccine is administered equitably within each group. 

NCDHHS has a specific focus on building trust with historically marginalized populations. Longstanding and continuing racial and ethnic injustices in our health care system contribute to lack of trust in vaccines. The department is partnering with trusted leaders and organizations to provide accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines to all North Carolinians and ensure equitable access to vaccines. 

More information is available at yourspotyourshot.nc.gov, including:
•    Infographic of Vaccine Phases
•    Deeper Dive: Phase 1a
•    Deeper Dive: Phase1b

December 1, 2020

NCDHHS to Provide Automatic Payment to Thousands of Seniors and People with Disabilities to Help with Winter Heating Bills

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will issue an automated payment to thousands of eligible households to help with winter heating expenses via the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. The automated payment will be issued beginning Dec. 1 and is designed to help eligible seniors and people with disabilities access winter heating assistance in a safe and socially distanced manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"More of our neighbors may be facing financial hardships because of COVID-19, and this funding can help eligible households with their heating expenses this winter," said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. "We want to ensure seniors and people with disabilities are healthy and safe during a difficult time of the year."

Eligible households may qualify to receive an automated payment for the 2020-2021 LIEAP season if a member of the household 1) is age 60 or older or a person with a disability receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services, 2) currently receives Food and Nutrition Services and 3) received LIEAP during the 2019-2020 season. These households will be notified of eligibility in November and do not need to apply for this benefit. 

Any household with a person age 60 or older or with a disability receiving DAAS services who does not receive notice of an automated payment is encouraged to practice social distancing and submit a paper application for LIEAP assistance through U.S. Mail or fax to their local department of social services. Applications may also be dropped off at the local DSS, and applicants may contact their local DSS for information on how to obtain a paper application.

Beginning Jan. 2, 2021, all other households may apply online through the ePASS portal at epass.nc.gov or submit a paper application through mail, fax or dropping it off at their local DSS, but they do not have to go into the agency to apply. Individuals may also contact their local DSS to apply. All household applications will be accepted from Jan. 2, 2020 to March 31, 2021 or until funds are exhausted.

 To be eligible for the LIEAP program, a household must:

  • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria 
  • Have income equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty limit
  • Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts and cash on hand, at or below $2,250  
  • Be responsible for their heating cost


For more information on the program and eligibility, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/low-income-energy-assistance

November 15, 2020

The State of North Caolina will remain in Phase 3 until 5 p.m. on December 11, 2020. Governor Roy Cooper has announced new guidelines for when to wear a face covering.

Read the full executive order here- https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO180-Face-Coverings-Requirements.pdf

November 10, 2020

The State of North Carolina will remain in Phase 3 until  5 p.m. on December 4, 2020.

Read the full executive order here- https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO176-Phase-3-ext.pdf

November 6, 2020

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has issued the following guidance for the Thanksgiving holiday:

 

Lower Risk Activities

  • Having a dinner with only people who live in your household
  • Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others
  • Having a virtual dinner and sharing recipes with friends and family
  • Watching sports events, parades, and movies from home

 

Moderate Risk Activities

  • Having a small outdoor dinner with family and friends who live in your community
    • Follow NCDHHS’s Guidance for Private Gatherings
  • Attending a small outdoor sports event with safety precautions in place
  • Attending a reverse parade, where spectators remain in their car and drive by floats or performers
  • Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing
    • Follow NCDHHS’s Guidance for Fall Events

 

High Risk Activities

Avoid these higher risk activities to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19:

  • Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household or with people who do not practice the 3 W’s (wear, wait, and wash)
  • Attending parades- under the current Executive Order traditional parades are prohibited mass gatherings and limited in size
  • Participating or being a spectator at a crowded race. Reminder that mass gatherings of groups
    • Remember that any gathering of more than 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors are prohibited statewide

 

Read the full interim guidance here- https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/guidance/NCDHHS-Interim-Guidance-for-Thanksgiving.pdf

October 21, 2020

The State of North Carolina will remain in Phase 3 until  5 p.m. on November 13, 2020.

Read the full the executive order here- https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO170-Phase-3-Extension.pdf

The State of North Carolina has also released new interim guidance on private social gatherings. This information can be found here

October 15, 2020

Governor Roy Cooper has announced the N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program which will assist eligible low- and- moderate-income renters experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The new program seeks to promote housing stability during the ongoing pandemic by providing rent and utility assistance to prevent evictions and utility disconnections. 

The HOPE Program will provide $117 million for rent and utility assistance for renters who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, have a current household income that is 80 percent of the area median income or lower, and are behind on their rent or utilities when they apply. 

Renters who need rent or utility assistance can apply online at nc211.org/hope. Applicants who cannot access the online application can also call 2-1-1 and speak with a program representative, who will assist the caller through the application on the phone. Callers can reach 2-1-1 Monday-Friday between 7 am and 6 pm.

The HOPE Program is funded by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant−Coronavirus funds and U.S. Department of Treasury Coronavirus Relief funds, which have been provided to North Carolina. The funds are administered by the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency, a division of the Department of Public Safety, and will be distributed through community partner agencies across the state.

Renters can apply for utility assistance, rent assistance or both programs. Rent assistance is paid to the landlord on behalf of the applicant. This includes overdue and future rent payments, for up to six months. At least one month’s rent must be overdue at the time of application.

Utility payments will be made directly to the utility provider for up to six months of past due essential utilities, such as electricity, water, sewer/wastewater, natural gas and propane. For more information about the HOPE Program, visit nc211.org/hope.

 

September 30, 2020

The State of North Carolina will transition to Phase 3 beginning at 5 p.m. on October 2, 2020.

Link to the Executive Order -https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO169-Phase-3.pdf

Phase 3 FAQs - https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO-169-FAQ_0.pdf

Link to Best Practices for Celebrating Halloween - https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/guidance/NCDHHS-Interim-Guidance-for-Halloween.pdf

 

September 1, 2020

The State of North Carolina will transition to Phase 2.5 beginning at 5 p.m. on September 4, 2020.

Read the executive order here.

August 5, 2020

The State of North Carolina will remain in Phase 2 until September 11. 

Read the executive order here. 

July 28, 2020

With actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 beginning to have impact, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 153, stopping the sale of alcoholic drinks in restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries at 11 pm. North Carolina bars that are currently closed will remain closed. This order will take effect Friday, July 31. The order will not apply to grocery stores, convenience stores or other entities permitted to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption. Local governments that have implemented orders that end alcohol sales before 11 p.m. or that apply to other entities remain in effect.

Read the Executive Order here.

Read the FAQs here.

 

July 14, 2020

North Carolina will continue to stay paused in Safer at Home Phase 2 when the governor’s current executive order expires on Friday, July 17. The order will be extended for three weeks until Aug. 7. To read the Executive Order, click here.

July 13, 2020

Anyone experiencing fever, cough, and shortness of breath should consider getting tested for COVID-19. Visit your primary care physician, or contact Cabarrus Health Alliance at 704-920-1213 about their drive-thru testing on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or visit their website at cabarrushealth.org. For Rowan County testing information, click here.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has created a web page dedicated to COVID-19 testing in North Carolina. Find a location near you here.

 

June 26, 2020

North Carolina remains under the Safer at Home Phase 2 Order. Phase 2 has been extended to July 17.

For more information on the state’s response to COVID-19, visit covid.ncdhhs.gov.

Thank you for Practicing the 3W’s:

• Wear a cloth covering over your nose and mouth.

(required in public places starting today)

• Wait 6 feet apart. Avoid close contact.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.

Click here to view the Kannapolis Phase 2 Chart.

 

June 24, 2020, 5 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina will remain in Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks. Cooper also announced that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places as officials seek to stabilize concerning trends of increasing viral spread. 

Click here for the News Release.

Click here for the Executive Order.

Click here for FAQs.

Click here for Guidance on Face Coverings.

 

June 19, 2020

There are several non-profit organizations who are stretched to the limit as they work to help people deal with the effects of COVID-19. If you would like to get involved, you can find a list of non-profits and volunteer opportunities here.

 

June 17, 2020

Anyone experiencing fever, cough, and shortness of breath should consider getting tested. Visit your primary care physician, or contact Cabarrus Health Alliance at 704-920-1213 about their drive-thru testing on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or visit their website at cabarrushealth.org. For Rowan County testing information, click here.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has created a web page dedicated to COVID-19 testing in North Carolina. Find a location near you here.

 

June 15, 2020

Cabarrus County has seen a triple-digit COVID-19 increase in one week. Cabarrus Health Alliance urges the community to continue practicing the 3 W’s – wear a mask or cloth face covering, wait six feet apart, and wash hands often. More here.

 

June 8, 2020

Cabarrus County Testing

Rowan County Testing

 

June 1, 2020

Cabarrus County Testing

Rowan County Testing

 

May 30, 2020

The Governor has issued Executive Order No.142 extending the prohibition on utility shut-offs and evictions through July 29.

Executive Order 142

FAQs for EO 142

 

May 28, 2020

Cabarrus Health Alliance offers drive thru COVID-19 Testing

Rowan County COVID-19 Testing information.

 

May 22, 2020 4:30 p.m.

North Carolina will move into Safer-at-Home Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions on Friday, May 22, at 5 p.m.

Click here for Kannapolis FAQs.

 

May 20, 2020, 5 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina will move into Safer At Home Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions on Friday, May 22, at 5 p.m.

Click here for the news release.

Click here for the State FAQs.

Click here for the Phase 2 graphs and slides.

 

May 11, 2020, 2 p.m.

Atrium Health and Cabarrus Health Alliance will have multiple community testing locations this week. Tuesday May 12, at Kannapolis YMCA, Wednesday, May 13, at Central Cabarrus High School, Thursday May 16, at A. L. Brown High School, and Friday, May 15, at Living Water Church of God.

For more information on community testing please visit their website at: atriumhealth.org/getscreened or click here.

Click here for Rowan County Testing information.

 

May 5, 2020, 6 p.m.

Governor Cooper signed an Executive Order today to move North Carolina into Phase One of state reopening, beginning 5 p.m., Friday, May 8.
Click here for the FAQs.
Click here for the FAQ Summary Chart.
Click here for the Executive Order.
Business Guidance for State Reopening - Phase 1
Click here for the Kannapolis FAQ Summary Chart.

 

April 29, 2020, 12:15 p.m.

Cabarrus, municipalities to align with State Stay-at-Home Order
Kannapolis tennis courts have reopened.

 

April 23, 2020, 4 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper today issued Executive Order No. 135  extending North Carolina’s Stay At Home order through May 8. The orders extending closure of restaurants for dine-in service and bars and closure of other close-contact businesses are also extended through May 8. Click here for more.

 

April 17, 2020, 11:30 a.m.

A wedding. An Easter family gathering. Birthday parties.  Cabarrus residents held these gatherings over the past two weeks. And now, the Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA) is investigating COVID-19 outbreaks at each event, with more than 18 people infected. Click here for more.

 

April 15, 2020, 5 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper today charted a path forward for eventually easing certain COVID-19 restrictions while still protecting North Carolinians from a dangerous second wave of the virus. Click here for more.

 

April 9, 2020, 5 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper took action to the address the spread of COVID-19 by issuing stronger social distancing requirements and speeding up the process to get benefits to people out of work through Executive Order No. 131. 

Click here for the FAQs.

 

April 8, 2020, 8 a.m.

Cabarrus officials warn residents of playground risks, encourage safe play Neighborhood associations are required to close playgrounds. Tennis courts are also closed based on recommendations from the U.S. Tennis Association.

CDC recommending wearing masks when you must leave home for essential work or errands. Mask Guidelines

March 31, 2020, 5 p.m.

Today, elected officials with Cabarrus County, the cities of Concord and Kannapolis, and the towns of Harrisburg, Midland and Mt. Pleasant announced revisions to their Stay-at-Home Proclamation. The Proclamation now aligns with the State of North Carolina’s Order and further clarifies information in the Cabarrus County Stay-at-Home Proclamation, which took effect March 26.

Click here for the news release.

Click here for the updated proclamation.

Click here for the updated FAQs.

 

March 27, 2020, 5 p.m.

N.C. Governor Roy Cooper issues a statewide Stay at Home Order beginning Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. until April 29, 2020. Click here.

Click here to read the North Carolina Stay at Home FAQ.

Click here to read Cabarrus County Stay at Home FAQ.

 

March 25, 2020, 5 p.m.

Today, Kannapolis, along with Cabarrus County, the City of Concord, and the Towns of Harrisburg, Midland, and Mt. Pleasant, announced a Stay at Home Proclamation Order for residents that will take effect March 26 at 5 p.m.

The Proclamation Order requires residents to remain in their homes and limits mass gatherings to groups of 10 or fewer. This order includes all citizens and businesses in Kannapolis (both in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties). There is no curfew associated with this proclamation.

“We do not make these decisions lightly. We know that every person and business in our City is impacted by this proclamation. However, we value the health of our citizens and it is important that we take this virus seriously. We must take every precaution and try to minimize the number of people who have the virus. Please take precautions and do whatever you can to protect yourself and your family,” commented Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the two individuals who passed away from the virus.”

The Proclamation Order coincides with Wednesday’s North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announcement that a person from Cabarrus County died on March 24 from complications associated with the virus. The patient was in their late 70s and had several underlying medical conditions. A second person in their 60s, who was traveling through North Carolina, also died from COVID-19 complications in Cabarrus County.

The Stay at Home Proclamation Order also supports local State of Emergency declarations signed by the same jurisdictions last week and ongoing decisions to limit mass gatherings.

What the Stay at Home Proclamation Order means for you

The Stay at Home Proclamation Order is designed to continue preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The Proclamation directs residents to shelter at home and limit travel outside the home beyond handling specific essential needs until April 16, 2020. County leaders will continually review the Proclamation, and it may be revised or extended based on recommendations from the Cabarrus Health Alliance and Cabarrus County Emergency Management. 

According to the Proclamation Order, Cabarrus residents should stay at their homes, but can leave to “provide or receive certain essential services or engage in certain essential activities and work for essential businesses and governmental services.”

Essential businesses or operations include healthcare and public health operations, human services operations, essential government functions and essential infrastructure. All these functions are fully outlined in the Proclamation Order. 

Read the full Proclamation here.

Here’s a breakdown:

Permissible

• Visiting a healthcare professional for medical services that cannot be provided virtually

• Caring for a friend or family member

• Walking pets; visiting veterinarian

• Assisting with getting supplies for another person

• Going to a restaurant for take-out or delivery

• Going to a pharmacy for medications and other healthcare needs

• Receiving deliveries from any delivery business

• Going to grocery, convenience or warehouse stores

• Exercising outdoors, while maintaining the recommended social distancing of a minimum of six feet. 

Prohibited

• Going to work, unless you fall under the essential services outlined in the Proclamation

• Visiting family and friends without having an urgent need to do so

• Traveling, except when for permissible activities 

• Gathering in groups 

Practicing responsible actions; maintaining Proclamation 

“The Stay at Home Proclamation Order does not keep you away from the goods and services that you rely on,” said Cabarrus County Emergency Manager Bobby Smith. “It calls attention to the seriousness of our COVID-19 recommendations. This is a time for our community to take responsibility to limit contact, practice social distancing and follow hand-washing and sanitation guidelines.”

Concord and Kannapolis police departments and Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office are tasked with enforcing the Stay at Home Proclamation Order. Their officers will manage this through voluntary compliance, education, dialogue and cooperation from the community. The departments encourage continued voluntary cooperation from the community. They will not actively identify violations, but will investigate all reported violations and exercise their authority to issue citations and/or make misdemeanor arrests if all efforts for voluntary cooperation are exhausted.

For more information on the Stay at Home Proclamation Order, including frequently asked questions and a complete list of essential services, visit cabarrushealth.org and websites for the County and municipalities.

Find local resources

Cabarrus County residents can turn to the CHA for ongoing information related to COVID-19 and other public health concerns. CHA will provide updates through its website, www.cabarrushealth.org. You can also call the Health Information Line at 704-920-1213 or email healthinfo@cabarrushealth.org. Follow Cabarrus Health Alliance on Facebook and Twitter, @CabarrusHealth. 

If you have a question about whether or not your business is essential email response@cabarrushealth.org

For a breakdown of local demographics and information, visit https://www.cabarrushealth.org/579/Cabarrus-County-COVID-19-Data.

State of North Carolina COVID-19 guidance

The NCDHHS recommends people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 stay at home to the extent possible to decrease the chance of infection. 

On March 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated who is at high risk for severe illness. That includes:

• People aged 65 years and older

• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility

• People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk

• Other high-risk conditions could include: 

• People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma

• People who have serious heart conditions

• People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment

• People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk

Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune-weakening medications.

In addition, pregnant women should be monitored closely since they are known to be at risk for severe viral illness. However, data so far on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness in pregnant women. While children are generally at lower risk for severe infection, some studies indicate a higher risk among infants. 

Governor Cooper has taken several actions to protect the health of North Carolinians, including:

• Ordering all K-12 public schools in North Carolina to close through May 15

• Limiting bars and restaurants to only take-out or delivery service

• Restricting visitors to long-term care facilities

• Promoting social distancing by closing businesses like movie theaters, gyms, nail salons, and several others.

For more information and additional guidance, please visit the NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus and CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

What the State of Emergency Declaration means to you? 

The State of Emergency announcement made on March 19 does not impact daily functions of government and private services agencies, including: 

• Private and public electric, water, gas and internet service providers will continue normal operations 

• County and city services, including garbage, recycling, stormwater, and water and sewer systems, and social and veterans services will continue normal operations. 

• Public safety departments, including police, fire and EMS, are staffed at normal levels and available when needs arise 

Last week, local agencies began implementing changes to events and operations of the public library system, and park and recreation departments to meet federal and state guidelines on mass gatherings. Other announcements about non-essential services may be forthcoming from the individual entities. 

What can you do? 

This is not a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or winter weather. Your ability to obtain food, water or other necessities is not in jeopardy. Make practical purchases for your household’s needs. A sensible way to help our most vulnerable populations is to avoid stockpiling or hoarding and leave supplies on shelves. Residents should also heed recommendations about social distancing. 

For more information, visit the following sites:  

www.cabarruscounty.us  

www.concordnc.gov  

www.kannapolisnc.gov 

www.midlandnc.us 

www.mtpleasantnc.org 

www.harrisburgnc.org

 

 

March 25, 2020

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has reported the first COVID-19 associated deaths. Click here for more information.

 

March 23, 2020, 4 p.m.

The Governor of North Carolina has issued additional restrictions - please see this executive order.

 

March 20, 4 p.m.

We have closed the playground equipment areas in our parks.  

Although, we have always practiced safe hygiene methods at our parks, we feel that it is prudent to take this action due to COVID-19.

Our parks and greenways remain open and we hope that you will practice safe distancing and enjoy this beautiful weather. 

 

March 20, 10:30 a.m.

Click here for updated guidance for restaurants and bars.

 

March 19, 4 p.m.

The City of Kannapolis continues to work closely with the Cabarrus Health Alliance and the Rowan County Health Department to respond appropriately to COVID-19. Things are changing rapidly every day and we are working with our neighboring cities, counties, businesses and other agencies to ensure we do everything we can to keep our community safe.

Today, the cities of Kannapolis, Concord, Cabarrus County and the towns of Midland, and Mt. Pleasant declared a State of Emergency. This action will help the County and municipalities seek federal funding when appropriate for administrative support and proactive resource mobilization related to COVID-19 preparation, response and recovery. The declaration also gives us the authority to act against anyone who may attempt to sell goods or services at excessive prices and to ensure that people adhere to the state and federal restrictions on public gatherings.

This is not a natural disaster, like a hurricane or winter storm. Your ability to obtain food, water or other necessities is not in jeopardy. The City urges its citizens to make practical purchases for your household’s needs. A sensible way to help our most vulnerable populations is to leave supplies on shelves. Avoid stockpiling or hoarding provisions or supplies. There will be more than enough food and supplies for everyone if we take this approach together.

“The state of emergency does not change how we are responding to this public health crisis or in our delivery of services to you. It is a formality that allows us to take measures needed to protect us and to hopefully seek federal financial aid to help our health departments respond to COVID-19 and to apply for any federal aid which may help our community recover. We hope the drastic measures we are taking today will help us flatten the curve and thus protect the health of our residents,” commented Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant.  

City Services
The City of Kannapolis is open for business. All services are being maintained 24/7. Garbage, recycling, police and fire protection, customer service, water and sewer systems are working on regular schedules. Our parks and greenways are open, although the carousel and train at Village Park will remain closed until further notice. However, our parks and recreation programming and special events have been postponed or cancelled. We are also not accepting any rentals of our city facilities or park shelters.  We will reassess these activities in the upcoming weeks and make announcements regarding these services when it is appropriate.

City Facilities
To keep you and our staff safe we will close all City buildings to the public today, March 19, at 5 p.m.  – until further notice. City staff will continue to work during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday. In order to comply with the recommendations of local, state and federal health agencies, city staff are practicing social distancing by staggering in-office schedules and telecommuting. 

City employees may be reached by phone or email using this staff directory - www.kannapolisnc.gov/Contact-Us

We want to ensure that the recruitment of new businesses and economic development projects in our City continue to progress to the greatest extent possible during this time. Our planning, development, and engineering services are also available electronically – https://www.kannapolisnc.gov/Government-Departments/Planning and staff is available by phone or email. 

Economic Development questions and needs may be sent to Irene Sacks at isacks@kannapolisnc.gov or 704.920.4326.

Utility Services/Bills
During this time customers will need to pay your utility bill online, by postal mail, drive up drop box in the parking lot at City Hall or by telephone. All the information you need to pay your bill is located here – www.kannapolisnc.gov/UtilityBilling

We will not disconnect any customer’s water service during this difficult time. We suspended all service disconnections last week when it became clear that good hygiene habits prevent COVID-19.

Downtown Revitalization Project/Atrium Health Ballpark
Our downtown revitalization projects are moving forward. Final touches are underway on the Atrium Health Ballpark and it will be ready when Minor League Baseball and state and local health agencies deem it safe to start the baseball season. 

Construction on VIDA, the mixed-use district of apartments and businesses, is still underway and it is on schedule to open in February. The townhome project is still scheduled to start construction this Fall. Housing developments throughout the City are also still progressing.

Announcements for several new businesses who have signed leases along West Avenue are expected shortly and renovation of those spaces is underway. 

Stay Informed
In the upcoming days and weeks, we will continue to work with our community partners, businesses and you as we all struggle to find our new normal. Please follow us on social media and our website for daily updates and information.

What Can You Do to Help Our Community?
We are compiling a list of what we can do to help the missions of our non-profits. If you are a non-profit that has a need please contact Sherry Gordon at sgordon@kannapolisnc.gov. As we become aware of needs in our community, we will share them on our website and social media channels. 

We hope you understand that we are taking these measures in order to prevent community spread and hopefully to flatten the curve of COVID-19. We thank you for your patience as we all work together to keep everyone healthy.

 

March 13, 4 p.m.

Following N.C. Governor Roy Cooper’s recommendations, we are emphasizing that you be cautious and use common sense in how you interact with each other to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We are hopeful that the precautions we each take will help us save lives and prevent massive outbreaks of the virus.

Handwashing is critical. Self-quarantine if you have any symptoms particularly fever, shortness of breath and cough.

If you are over the age of 65 or have an underlying condition such as heart, liver, lung disease, diabetes or auto-immune diseases you should be vigilant in protecting your health.

We strongly discourage you from coming to City Hall if you are in the vulnerable category.  Instead of paying your water and sewer bill in person you are welcome to use our automated phone system, pay online, use our drop boxes at City Hall (indoors and in the parking lot), or mail your utility bill payment.  See this link for details – www.kannapolisnc.gov/utilitybilling

Beginning Monday, March 16 – the City will postpone or cancel all activities such as programs, special events and activities until April 14.

Postponed: Open House Celebration of the Atrium Health Ballpark, Rhythm and Run 5K, Spring it On Run, and Senior Day Trips. We will announce new dates for these events as soon as possible.

Cancelled: Daddy and Daughter Dance, Open Gym, Zumba, Cheer, Self-Defense Classes, Girls Who Code, dodgeball and all youth sports such as basketball and soccer.

The March and April City Council, Planning Board and Board of Adjustment meetings will continue as planned but social distancing guidelines will be followed.

All parks are open for your general use. We encourage you to stay healthy, Loop the Loop and enjoy the parks and greenways – however all rentals of shelters, and events planned in the parks are canceled until April 14. The train and carousel in Village Park will not open until April 14.

All rental of City facilities such as the Laureate Center, Train Station and Village Park Program Room, are cancelled as of Monday, March 16. If you have rented a city facility, please contact ecox@kanapolisnc.gov to reschedule your event or activity. Deposits will be refunded upon request.

These best community health practices will remain in effect until April 14 when we will reassess.

 

 

March 12, 6 p.m.

Following N.C. Governor Roy Cooper’s mandates, we are emphasizing that you be cautious and use common sense in how you interact with each other to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We are hopeful that the precautions we each take will help us save lives and prevent massive outbreaks of the virus.

Handwashing is critical. Self- quarantine if you have any symptoms particularly fever, shortness of breath and cough.

If you are over the age of 65 or have an underlying condition such as heart, liver, lung disease, diabetes or auto-immune diseases you should be vigilant in protecting your health.

The City will continue to provide all services such as garbage, recycling, water, and emergency services.

We do encourage you to call or email us if you have questions about city services at 704.920.4300 or info@kannapolisnc.gov.

We strongly discourage you from coming to city hall if you are in the vulnerable category.  You are welcome to use our automated phone system, pay online, drop box at City Hall, or mail your utility bill payment versus paying in person.  See this link for details – www.kannapolisnc.gov/utilitybilling

Beginning on March 13 – the City will postpone or cancel all activities such as programs, special events and activities until April 14.

Postponed: Open House Celebration of the Atrium Health Ballpark), Rhythm and Run 5K. We will announce new dates for activities when appropriate.

Cancelled: Daddy and Daughter Dance, Open Gym, Zumba, Cheer, Self-Defense Classes, and all youth sports such as basketball.

All rental of city facilities such as the Laureate Center and Train Station, are cancelled. If you have rented a city facility, please contact ecox@kanapolisnc.gov to reschedule your event or activity. We will refund your deposit if you do not wish to reschedule.

These best community health practices will remain in effect until April 14 when we will reassess.