We welcome Congressman Greg Murphy, MD on this edition of Coronavirus Chat with Publisher BJ Murphy. Dr. Murphy discussed the recent CARES Act passage and its impact on small businesses, unemployed and medical supplies.
All in Politics
Individuals and families qualify for the historic $2 trillion stimulus package
On March 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion stimulus package after Congress passed it on Friday. Governor Roy Cooper has also ordered people in the state of North Carolina to stay at home for thirty days to slow the spread of COVID-19. Cooper’s Executive Order No. 121 takes effect on Monday, March 30 at 5 pm and reduces any gatherings to 10 people. (Link to IRS Coronavirus page is included.)
Governor Cooper issues "Stay at Home" order beginning Monday at 5 pm
Governor Roy Cooper stated in a press conference, “To continue our aggressive battle to slow the spread of COVID-19, today I have signed a Stay At Home order for the entire state of North Carolina. Enforcement begins at 5 p.m. Monday. It is what we have to do to save lives. It has the force of law. This order directs you to stay home unless you need to leave for essentials, such as your job, food, medicine, outdoor exercise, or to help others. It bans gatherings of more than 10 people and directs everyone to stay at least six feet away from each other.”
Governor Cooper's Office gives guidance on latest Executive Order
While Executive Order 120 DOES NOT APPLY to the following businesses, social distancing and mass gathering provisions apply:
Kinston Mayor and City Council address public
The City Council of Kinston provides information and updates to all residents regarding COVID-19 including recent executive orders, the state of emergency in Kinston, the continuation of public services, continued police and fire protection, and contact information for additional resources surrounding COVID-19.
Governor Cooper: Further action to protect our state will be necessary
“We will be issuing additional orders soon,” stated Governor Roy Cooper in a press conference this afternoon.
Here's what Cooper's Executive Order affects
Yesterday’s announcement prioritized social distancing by lowering the threshold on large gatherings to ban crowds of more than 50 people. To stay consistent with this number, it will require certain businesses to close, including:
Bingo Parlors, including Bingo sites operated by charitable organizations
Bowling Alleys
Indoor Exercise Facilities (e.g. gyms, yoga studios, martial arts facilities, indoor trampoline and rock-climbing facilities)
Health Clubs
Indoor Pools
Live Performance Venues
Movie Theaters
Skating Rinks
Spas
Sweepstakes Lounges
Video game arcades
Barber Shops
Beauty Salons (including waxing and hair removal centers)
Hair Salons
Nail Salons/Manicure/Pedicure Providers
Massage Parlors
Tattoo Parlors
Grocery stores and restaurants providing takeout and delivery will remain open.
Neuse News Facebook Live Coronavirus Chat on 3-23-20 with Senator Jim Perry
Watch NC Senator Jim Perry join Neuse News Publisher BJ Murphy for a Facebook Live Coronavirus Chat. They discussed unemployment benefits, small business assistance, the federal government’s financial response and what the State of NC is doing.
Governor Cooper orders increased access to childcare, DMV clarifications
Governor Roy Cooper has waived restrictions to increase access to caregivers to provide flexible child care and elder care during the coronavirus emergency. The Order provides flexibility to local health departments working to adapt to the increased need for their resources.
Additionally, it provides for ways for Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices to enact social distancing protections, and waives some registration requirements to ensure resources can be delivered by truck throughout the state.
Rep. Chris Humphrey named to NC House Committee on Covid-19
Representative Chris Humphrey (R-Lenoir, Pitt) has been appointed to the Economic Support Working Group of the North Carolina House Select Committee on Covid-19 by Speaker Tim Moore. The committee will meet remotely to prepare immediate and long-term legislative responses to the developing crisis.
Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) provided the following statement amid the coronavirus pandemic. “The first funding package Congress passed on March 4th enables the Small Business Administration to distribute $7 billion in low-interest loans to small businesses affected by global supply chain disruption. These loans can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t wait throughout this time of isolation. Congress is proactively working on two more packages as well to help families in need.” (read more)
Special Facebook Live with Sen. Jim Perry and LCC President Dr. Rusty Hunt
On Sunday afternoon Neuse News Publisher BJ Murphy was joined by guests Senator Jim Perry and Lenoir Community College President Dr. Rusty Hunt for a special Facebook Live segment. They discussed the latest on COVID-19 and its impact on our community. And they fielded a few questions from our Facebook Live audience.
Kinston Councilmember Suggs clarifies Mayor's State of Emergency
On Friday evening, City of Kinston Councilmember Kristal Suggs issued the following statement:
Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) provided the following statement after voting for H.R. 6074. Upon passage, the legislation would provide $7.8 billion in emergency funds to fight COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus.
General election candidates set in Tuesday primaries
In local primary races, the slate for November contests for local offices is set. Read the story to see the details of the NC Senate, NC House, Board of Education and Board of Commissioners primaries in Lenoir, Greene and Jones Counties.
Local races on the ballot in Tuesday's primary
The Republican nomination for NC Senate is one of the races to be decided on Tuesday.
Lenoir County Board of Elections: Early voting sites are open
The Lenoir County Board of Elections opened 4 early voting sites this week for the March 3, 2020 primary. Those sites are located at Teacher’s Memorial Gym, NC Cooperative Extension Office, Fairfield Rec Center and Ebenezer Church (La Grange).
John Nix: Voter ID provision diverted
Federal Judge Loretta Biggs filed a preliminary injunction halting the Voter ID law in NC on Dec. 27, 2019. What does that mean to North Carolina voters?
Election 2020: Candidate filings
Here is a compiled list of candidates in Lenoir, Jones and Greene counties for the 2020 election.