Local representatives expressed concern over economic impacts of continued economic shutdown.
All in Coronavirus
Watch Reopen NC founder chat with Neuse News
REOPEN NC Founder Ashley Smith chats with Neuse News Publisher BJ Murphy on yesterday's Coronavirus Chat. We discussed her qualifications to lead the group, their communication with Governor Cooper's office this week, what their group's goals are and more.
Governor Cooper extends Stay at Home Order until May 8th
On Thursday afternoon, Governor Cooper announced that he is extending the Stay at Home order until May 8th. Gov. Cooper also unveiled a three-phased plan to get to a new normal. A decision on schools will be announced on Friday.
Governor Cooper expected to unveil reopening NC plan this afternoon
Gov. Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will hold a briefing on COVID-19 updates at 3:00 pm today. Cooper is expected to unveil his plans to phase in reopening NC. Earlier this week he said that he would also discuss schools later in the week. At 4:00 pm today, Neuse News will interview Ashley Smith, founder of the Reopen NC Facebook Group, which held a large protest in Raleigh on Tuesday.
Called Lenoir County school board meeting Thursday
LCPS has a called meeting of the Lenoir County Board of Education at 6 p.m. tonight. The board will convene to discuss the FY 2021 planning budget in advance of its presentation to county commissioners in May. Because of restrictions related to coronavirus, the meeting will be held remotely. Link to tonight’s meeting is included here.
PruittHealth confirms death due to COVID-19 at NC State Veterans Home
The Communications Department at PruittHealth issued the following statement this afternoon, “We are saddened to share that a veteran at North Carolina State Veterans Home – Kinston passed away Tuesday, April 21 after testing presumptive positive for COVID-19. The veteran’s family has been informed, and out of respect for the situation, we will not be commenting further.” PruittHealth has also shared a public link for “Location Coronavirus Status” at their facilities.
Watch Dr. Pradeep on Coronavirus Chat with BJ Murphy
Today on Coronavirus Chat we welcomed Dr. Pradeep to discuss the latest statistics, new FDA approved home test kits, what are COVID-Toes, and we answered your questions.
Frontline heroes can enjoy free meals at local Dixon Foods McDonald’s restaurants
In appreciation for the healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics who are committed to our health and safety, McDonald’s will offer free Thank You Meals from Wednesday, April 22 through Tuesday, May 5 as a token of appreciation for their selfless service.
Michael Spears: Retirement account rule changes under the CARES Act
For many Americans, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in an immediate need for funds that can provide financial stability. In response, lawmakers have lessened financial burdens through stimulus legislation that includes several temporary rule changes to retirement account withdrawals.
The “No Empty Bowl” project of Lenoir County
Lenoir County Cooperative Extension in cooperation with the Lenoir County SPCA is setting up a pet food distribution to help lighten the load for as many Lenoir County residents as we can possibly help. Pets are too often the silent victims when tragedy strikes. No innocent, beloved family pet should have to go hungry. Please fill out the form in the included link if you do not have transportation.
Reece Gardner: China declared war
China's release of the coronavirus may have been more deliberate than accidental. Folks, at the very least we should hold China accountable for this horrendous assault, and insist that Wuhan Province be closed. What China has done is equivalent to a declaration of war, and it must not go unpunished.
Lt. Gov. Dan Forest joins our Coronavirus Chat broadcast
Today we welcomed Lt. Governor Dan Forest on Coronavirus Chat with Neuse News Publisher BJ Murphy. We discussed our healthcare system, the status of PPE's and testing, how to Reopen NC, what about going back to school, and more.
Multiple family members report a COVID-19 case at Kinston's VA home
UPDATE: North Carolina State Veterans Home family members received a message late this morning stating, “This patient is no longer located in the center. Enhanced infection control protocols are being followed, staff members are utilizing appropriate protective equipment and we have increased the frequency of our cleaning procedures.”
ORIGINAL: According to family members of three separate residents at the Kinston-based North Carolina State Veterans Home, there is at least one positive COVID-19 case there. One family reports they received a phone call from Human Resources last night as notification of the case.
Governor Cooper: We owe it to small businesses to keep them afloat
Today, Governor Cooper issued an Executive Order allowing furloughed employees who received compensation to also be eligible for unemployment compensation. He also addressed the need to make more funding available for small business owners through the Golden LEAF Foundation’s Rapid Recovery Program.
BREAKING NEWS: Lenoir County reports first COVID-19 death
Lenoir County confirmed its first COVID-19 death today. The individual, who was older than 65 and had underlying medical conditions, died earlier today.
Jones County reports second COVID-19 death
Here are the latest numbers for Jones County (4/21/20 at 11:03 am):
There are 68 total tests that have been completed:
57 are negative tests
7 active cases
- 4 Hospitalized
- 1 at home in isolation
- 2 Recovered
2 Pending Tests
2 COVID-19 Associated Deaths
LCPS wins grants to help sustain feeding program
Lenoir County Public Schools has secured two grants totaling $4,000 to help sustain a program that provides no-cost meals to youth in the county while schools are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: FDA authorizes first test for patient at-home sample collection
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the first diagnostic test with a home collection option for COVID-19. LabCorp intends to make the Pixel by LabCorp COVID-19 Test home collection kits available to consumers in most states, with a doctor’s order, in the coming weeks.
EB Frink students qualify for state National History Day competition
A three-student team from E.B. Frink Middle School has qualified for state-level National History Day competition after the team’s project won honors at the regional event at East Carolina University last week.
NCDHHS to provide additional food benefits for more than 800,000 children impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
Governor Roy Cooper announced today that North Carolina has been approved for the new Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program, to help families purchase food for children impacted by school closings due to COVID-19. NCDHHS is working to operationalize the program and families will begin to receive this benefit in coming weeks.