COVID-19 & Health News

COVID-19 Money To Improve Internet Access For NC Students

North Carolina’s state government is using federal COVID-19 relief dollars to purchase equipment so more public school students can access online classes and homework help.

NC: Trump Rally Exceeded Pandemic Limits, But Not Illegal

A crowed political rally hosted by President Donald Trump put people’s health at risk but was legal under state pandemic rules that exempt certain gatherings where people exercise free speech, a spokeswoman for North Carolina’s governor said Wednesday.

Mecklenburg Health Officials Urge People To Get Seasonal Flu Vaccine

Health officials in Mecklenburg county make a push on Wednesday for people to get their flu shot as early as possible.

38 CMPD Employees Have Tested Positive For COVID-19 Since March

Thirty-eight Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department employees have tested positive for COVID-19 since March, according to a news release.

CMPD Issues Several Citations For COVID-19 Violations

Officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's ABC Unit, Mecklenburg County ABC, and North Carolina ALE continue to conduct multiple enforcement operations to ensure compliance with North Carolina's COVID-19 related orders. To date, approximately 822 ABC locations have been inspected.

Local Artists Uniting To Save Charlotte's Neighborhood Theatre

The theatre is having a virtual auction, selling the more than 40 pieces of art, to help keep the theatre going.

CMS Leaders Discuss When & How to Re-Open for In-Person Learning

Charlotte-Mecklenburg School leaders are talking about how and when to re-open for in-person learning. It comes as a group of parents sue the school board over the decision to go all-virtual.

Medical Community Gears Up For Flu Season

Flu Shots Urged More Than Ever This Year

Doctors and nurses across the country are preparing for a fight against flu season and COVID-19 at the same time. Experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fear that fall 2020 and winter 2021 will be one of the most difficult yet and urge everyone to get a flu vaccine this year.

States Plan For Cuts As Congress Deadlocks On More Virus Aid

Spending cuts to schools, childhood vaccinations and job-training programs. New taxes on millionaires, cigarettes and legalized marijuana. Borrowing, drawing from rainy day funds and reducing government workers’ pay.

Refugee Families Face Unique Struggles With Online School

Samuel Lavi knew he’d have to find unique ways to stay connected to refugee families when the coronavirus pandemic shut down Valencia Newcomer School.

Child Care Crisis Pushes U.S. Mothers Out Of The Labor Force

Angela Wynn had just launched her own project management business, hitting a career stride after years of struggle that began with earning an undergraduate degree as a single mother.

Experts Plead For Social Distancing And Care During Holiday Weekend

Health Officials Stress Distancing And Masks Ahead of Labor Day Holiday

Thousands of people are preparing for a long holiday weekend despite COVID19 concerns. From lakes to highways and airports, crowds are expected and officials are pushing for distancing.

Dueling Versions Of Reality Define The First Week Of The Fall Campaign

On the campaign trail with President Donald Trump, the pandemic is largely over, the economy is roaring back, and murderous mobs are infiltrating America’s suburbs.

Gaston County Reopens Playgrounds, Museum, And Senior Center

Gaston County announces its reopening plans to include playgrounds, the Gaston County Museum, and their Senior Center as North Carolina moves into Phase 2.5 on September 4th.

Charlotte Bilingual Preschool Partners With Thompson Child & Family Focus To Serve Latinx Students This Fall

Charlotte Bilingual Preschool says they are partnering with Thompson Child & Family Focus to create two bilingual MECK Pre-K classrooms serving four and five-year-old children.

Coronavirus State Of Emergency Explained

N.C. Department Of Health And Human Services Launches COVID Exposure Notification App

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) says its 'SlowCOVIDNC' notification app will launch sometime in September, alerting users when they have come in contact with anyone positive for COVID.

NASCAR Drivers Cautious Of COVID-19 As Playoffs Begin

NASCAR has decided it will not grant COVID-19 relief during the playoffs, meaning a positive coronavirus test will end a driver’s championship bid.

North Carolina Developing A Plan On How To Distribute A Coronavirus Vaccine

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services received a letter from the federal government last week saying the state needs to make preparations for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Gaston County Launches "Gaston Saves" Initiative To Promote The Use Of Masks

Gaston County announces their media and marketing campaign "Gaston Saves," as an effort to get more people to wear face masks during the pandemic, according to a news release.

Jobless Claims Fall To 881,000 But Layoffs Remain Elevated

The number of laid-off Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to a still-elevated 881,000 last week, evidence that the viral pandemic keeps forcing many businesses to slash jobs.

Panthers Owner Frustrated Over Not Having Fans At NFL Opener

Panthers owner David Tepper expressed frustration with government officials over not allowing fans in the stadium for the team’s Sept. 13 home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.