All in Coronavirus

Mayor Hardy: "A curfew may be necessary at some point"

With over 50,000 deaths in the United States attributed to COVID-19, the balance between public health and personal freedom has put many governing bodies at odds with business owners and community members. According to Kinston Mayor Don Hardy, Kinston does not have the personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, or testing capabilities if the trend continues in its current rate of infection.

Pizza Hut offers free pizzas and grants to local educators serving students in need across Eastern NC

In a matter of days, COVID-19 closed schools across Eastern NC, denying students access to everyday necessities - meal services, internet, books and more. To meet the urgent needs of students who rely on school for food and educational resources, Pizza Hut has announced it is bringing the Read & Feed Program, donating Personal Pan Pizza® certificates and distributing grants to local educators through its nonprofit partner, First Book.

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.

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.

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.