4 New NC Coronavirus Deaths, Hospitalization Rate Stable

CHARLOTTE, NC — Coronavirus deaths in North Carolina inched up Sunday as the statewide tally of deaths stands at 996, an increase of four from the previous day, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Confirmed cases increased by nearly a thousand, and the number of patients hospitalized with the respiratory disease stood at 696.

There were nine coronavirus deaths on Monday, 15 on Tuesday, 13 on Wednesday, three on Thursday and six on Friday, no deaths were listed Saturday.

NCDHHS on Friday reported the first coronavirus-associated pediatric death in North Carolina. A child in the central part of the state died June 1 from complications associated with COVID-19 infection.

State health experts are concerned the disease could spread since people gathered in racial justice protests around the state. Protesters should consider getting a novel coronavirus test, according to the state's top public health official.

As of Sunday afternoon, the total number of North Carolina coronavirus cases stood at 35,546, up from 34,625 on Saturday.

State public health officials launched an online tool last week that can be used to determine if someone should consider COVID-19 testing, and if so, where they can go for a test. The site also helps monitor symptoms for those who have tested positive or possibly been exposed to the virus.

New online tools include:

• Check My Symptoms, a public website that allows people to enter their symptoms to determine if they should consider getting tested for COVID-19. If a test is recommended, they will receive a link to a list of nearby testing sites via email or text.
• Find My Testing Place, a public website that allows people to enter their county or ZIP code and access a list of nearby testing site locations online.
• COVID-19 Community Team Outreach (CCTO) Tool, a password-protected online software that helps people track their own symptoms if they have been advised to do so by the COVID-19 Community Team. The tool is also a platform that helps streamline and integrate contact tracing work across the state.

Gov. Roy Cooper allowed North Carolina to enter Phase 2 of easing restrictions May 22. The "Safer-At-Home" Phase 2 executive order will be in place until June 26.

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The modified approach to reopening the state means that many of the capacity restrictions for retail businesses and limitations on mass gatherings will remain in effect.

Included in the Phase 2 executive order:

• Indoor restaurant areas will be limited to 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements
• Personal care businesses, such as salons and barbers, will be allowed open at 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements. Employees will be required to wear face coverings.
• Swimming pools will also be able to open at 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements
• Retail businesses will continue to operate at 50 percent capacity
• Overnight and day camps will be allowed to operate with special guidance
• Teleworking continues to be recommended when possible
• Bars, nightclubs, gyms, indoor entertainment venues such as movie theaters, museums, as well as public playgrounds will remain closed.
• Mass gathering limitations will also remain, with no more than 10 people gathered together indoors and 25 people when outdoors
• Church services will be exempt from the order, however are encouraged to adhere to mass gathering and social distancing recommendations