Spreading NC coronavirus shuts businesses, stops coastal visitors, cancels Easter services
Coronavirus cases soared in North Carolina on Tuesday, with an outbreak of 15 cases in Durham connected to a Duke University trip overseas.
Efforts to control the pandemic within the state also intensified, with the governor ordering the closing of bars and restaurant dining rooms, and more retailers shutting stores and trimming hours.
The state had at least 69 cases in 17 counties Wednesday morning, including the 15 new Duke University cases. Seven new cases were reported in Mecklenburg County, bringing the total there to 14. Two new Chatham County cases and a Guilford County case also were announced Tuesday. Wake County announced two new cases Tuesday for a total of 17. Buncombe County also announced its first case Wednesday morning.
Gov. Roy Cooper announced the bar and restaurant closing Tuesday morning, saying an executive order would go into effect at 5 p.m. Restaurants can continue to operate take-out and delivery service for now.
Cooper also said unemployment benefits would be expanded under the order, providing hope for some workers whose earnings will be affected by the pandemic. On its website, the N.C. Department of Commerce said not all those who apply will qualify. The full list of what people need to apply, and how to qualify, can be found online at https://des.nc.gov/apply-unemployment/before-you-apply.
New Duke University cases
The Duke cases were members of a group that traveled overseas. Four other members of the group tested positive for the infection earlier while in another country, and have remained there while they recover.
Duke said the new patients were directed by Durham County Department of Public Health and Duke to undergo a self-quarantine at their homes off-campus once they returned to Durham. They are in good health and will remain at home until they receive medical clearance, Duke said.
Students at UNC System schools across the state will have to leave the campuses, the system announced Tuesday. Classes already were moving online, but some students had remained in their dorms. Now, they will have to return to their permanent residences unless granted exceptions by their schools, and students who had been coming onto campus to use libraries or other resources must stay away.
Dare County, faced with an unexpected influx of visitors — including some drawn by special “coronacation” deals offered by local vacation rental companies — restricted access as of 2 p.m. Tuesday. Access will be limited the way it is before and after a hurricane. Residents had been pushing for additional restrictions, The News & Observer has reported, saying visitors were increasing the risk of exposure to illness and could compete with residents for resources.
The move doesn’t include an evacuation order, but those coming into the county will have to pass through checkpoints and will need a permit to proceed. According to the announcement, visitors will not be allowed to pass through Dare County to access neighboring Currituck, Hyde or Tyrrell counties. People who live, own property or work in Corolla or Ocracoke will be allowed entry, the county said.
‘Buy what you need,’ but no more
In a press briefing Tuesday, President Donald Trump said people should not gather in groups of more than 10 people for the next two weeks. He said Congress is identifying ways to help industries and small businesses affected by the threat of the virus. He said he expects the economy to recover quickly after the threat is passed. The administration is proposing an $850 billion stimulus package to help.
“We’re giving relief to affected industries and small businesses, and we’re ensuring that we emerge from this challenge with a prosperous and growing economy, because that’s what’s going to happen,” Trump said in a briefing that was live-streamed.
As people continue to prepare for at least a couple of weeks of restricted movement and contact with others, the president encouraged them to “buy what you need,” but no more.
North Carolina’s first known case of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, was announced March 3.
Since then, county, state and federal officials have encouraged increasing levels of separation between people. When people continued to gather in groups of more than 100, Cooper signed an order banning such gatherings. Sporting events have been nixed. Schools have been closed, parks and community centers have shut down and government boards have canceled meetings or moved them online.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said there is no demographic more likely than another to contract the novel coronavirus, but the elderly and those with underlying health conditions such as heart or lung disease, diabetes and weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe symptoms with it.
After the president’s recommendation against gatherings of more than 10 people, the Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, announced that he was extending the church’s prohibition against public worship services and other gatherings through Holy Week and Easter Sunday. These are the holiest days in the life of the Christian church, when it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ as described in the Bible.
“It is important to emphasize that suspension of in-person gatherings is not a suspension of worship,” Curry wrote. “I very much encourage and support online worship.”
The N.C. Conference of the United Methodist Church, noting that children are away from Sunday School, shared links on its website, nccumc.org, for online worship and Christian-themed videos for kids.
‘Use the digital resources that are available’
Raleigh Craigslist had a half-dozen new posts Tuesday from people offering online — and some in-person — tutoring to help keep students’ skills sharp while they’re out of the classroom. Subjects included writing, math, music and coaching for the SAT and ACT.
“With the SAT/ACT being postponed, this is a great time to ensure your student’s skills are where they need to be to receive a competitive score,” one tutor wrote.
Zach Milburn of Raleigh, an N.C. State University grad who runs Nomad Digital LLC, has made a career of helping companies do business online, usually as a complement to their brick-and-mortar operations.
With the pandemic causing customers to stay out of stores and with businesses closing or cutting hours, he’s hoping to get some new clients interested in providing services online.
“I figured it might be a good time to offer some discounted e-commerce services for small businesses in the area,” Milburn said in a phone interview with The News & Observer. While he normally works in a shared space in Raleigh’s downtown warehouse, on Tuesday he had retreated to his home.
One job he hopes to get out of the crisis is helping the owner of a local gym create a “virtual studio.” There, members could follow along with a workout video and get help with exercise routines they can do at home for eight weeks or so, if the pandemic lasts that long, Milburn said.
“This is honestly a scenario that I would never have anticipated, but it’s another reason to use the digital resources that are available,” Milburn said.
Staff writers Kate Murphy and Will Doran contributed to this report.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 1:03 PM with the headline "Spreading NC coronavirus shuts businesses, stops coastal visitors, cancels Easter services."
