Read Executive Order 141: Easing Restrictions on Travel, Business Operations, and Mass Gatherings
All in Coronavirus
Chief Justice Cheri Beasley to Hold Press Conference about Court Operations
Chief Justice Cheri Beasley will hold a virtual press conference on Thursday, May 21, at 10 am to announce new directives affecting statewide court operations.
The Boiler Room closing its doors - permanently
The Boiler Room, located at 108B W North St., and owned by Vivian Howard and Ben Knight will not be reopening when the local restaurants and businesses are able to open their doors to the public.
NCDHHS Issues Interim Guidance for Restaurants Effective on Friday, May 22
NCDHHS issues interim guidance for restaurants with an effective May 22 date. See the five-page document here.
Salon owners and hairstylists face continued uncertainty
Local salon owners are still wondering when they will be able to go back to work.
Gov. Cooper to announce Phase 1 extension or Phase 2 implementation soon
Senate Leader Phil Berger recently called on Gov. Roy Cooper to grant counties local flexibility to reopen restaurants at reduced capacity, especially for outdoor seating areas. One of the core issues that small business owners have with the Stay at Home order is the inability to generate revenue while their businesses are forced to remain closed.
Lenoir County confirms sixth, seventh deaths, Greene County reports 50th case related to COVID-19
The Lenoir County Health Department is reporting the sixth and seventh deaths in the county of residents who had tested positive for COVID-19, while fifty cases of COVID-19 have now been confirmed in Greene County.
Sorority donates masks
On May 15, 2020, as an “Outreach Project” of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Delta Rho Zeta Chapter, members of the Annual Health Fair Committee presents 100 masks, made by members, to the NC VA Home, Kinston, NC.
Still unsure if NC is moving to Phase 2 on Friday
In a press conference Monday afternoon, Governor Roy Cooper addressed when to expect an announcement on Phase 2, several county requests for regional approaches to reopening, the reopening of barbershops and hair salons, and what community pools should expect in Phase 2.
School year ends, feeding program shuts down temporarily on Thursday
A school year like no other ends for students of Lenoir County Public Schools on Thursday as the district begins a period of transition to planned summer learning programs and the district’s summer feeding program.
Judge blocks Cooper's ban on indoor church services
A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order, barring enforcement of Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order barring indoor church services with more than ten people. Rep. Chris Humphrey (R-Lenoir) said he was pleased to see the temporary restraining order was granted for what he believes was a reasonable request by the plaintiffs.
Some P-EBT card contact information addressed incorrectly
Letters are being received by public school households regarding the P-EBT program providing nutritional assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some letters are incorrectly addressed to the students' Emergency Contact, instead of the parent or guardian.
NCDHHS reports Caswell Developmental Center has 26 COVID-19 cases
According to the latest “Ongoing Outbreaks in Congregate Living Settings” report, which can be downloaded in this article, NCDHHS reports the following:
Harmony Hall: 2 positive cases among staff, 0 cases in residents and 0 deaths.
NC State Veterans Home: 2 positive cases among staff, 2 residents and 1 resident death.
Caswell Developmental Center: 16 cases among staff, 10 residents and 0 deaths.
Spring Arbor of Kinston: 4 cases among staff, 12 residents and 1 resident death.
North Carolina’s Key COVID-19 indicators remain stable
Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today shared an update on North Carolina’s key COVID-19 indicators. The data and trends show that North Carolina remains stable nearly one week into Phase 1. The Phase 1 executive Order remains in effect until 5 pm on Friday, May 22. However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase 2. Phase 2 will only start if data and indicators remain stable.
Local churches unite for a gas and food giveaway
On May 15th from 8:00am -10:00am at the Marathon Gas Station, 2001 Queen Street in Kinston, three local churches gave away gas and food for those in need.