Community Spread Of Coronavirus ‘Likely,’ Gov. Cooper Says

NORTH CAROLINA — A Charlotte doctor has tested positive for the new coronavirus, OrthoCarolina announced Tuesday.

OrthoCarolina learned of the test result Tuesday, and said the physician is based at the Hip & Knee Center in Mercy Hospital at 2001 Vail Avenue. That facility has been closed until further notice.

“All employees who have been in close proximity to this physician are quarantining at home in accordance with public health recommendations while the clinic is sanitized and disinfected,” OrthoCarolina said.

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As of Tuesday morning, there were at least 40 reported cases of the COVID-19 virus in 16 counties in North Carolina, and thousands of testing samples awaiting in the pipeline, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Those numbers, however, continue to increase, locally and statewide. By Tuesday afternoon, for example, Mecklenburg County Public Health (MCPH) officials said there were now 11 presumptive positive COVID-19 cases in the county, up from seven cases reported Monday.

“[MCPH] considers novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to be a very serious public health threat and has declared a State of Emergency. The declaration allows the County access to state and federal funds to offset the costs of fighting the pandemic,” the agency said Tuesday.

“As of this morning, North Carolina has 40 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus COVID-19. We know there will be many more to come.” Gov. Roy Cooper said Tuesday afternoon.

“It is likely we already have community spread, which has yet to show up in testing. And we know more people will get sick and that lives are in danger,” Cooper said.

Strong action is needed to curb the spread, he said. Last week, Cooper issued restrictions of crowds larger than 100 in order to encourage social distancing.

“I commend those who took that guidance seriously,” he said. “Unfortunately, some have not. So today, we’re ordering them to close.”

Tuesday, Cooper ordered all restaurants and bars in North Carolina to close down all dine-in service as of 5 p.m. Under the executive order, restaurant customers will still be able to use takeout and delivery options, and grocery stores will also remain open.

“This will be a hardship, not only on the restaurants — many of which have voluntarily closed — but also on their customers who find comfort at their chairs and tables. It will also be a headship for employees who depend on them for their jobs.”

Cooper said that unemployment benefits would be expanded under the executive order in an effort to help mitigate financial impacts. Specifically, the order removes the one-week waiting period to apply for benefits, as well as removing the work-search requirement that would otherwise be complicated by social distancing requirements and closure of potential employers. Employees who lose their jobs or, in some cases their hours, due to the virus can apply. The in-person application requirement is also waived and the unemployment losses will not be counted against employers, he said.

“These changes are designed to lessen the hit to our economy and workers’ wallets,” Cooper said. “We know people want to work, and businesses want to stay open. The reality is that many can’t.”

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