COVID-19 & Health News

Surge in Campsite Traffic Nationwide As People Make Alternate Summer Vacation Plans

There is a surge of interest in the great American tradition of packing up the car or RV and heading off for a road trip.

Bank Of America Sees Recessionary Impacts 'Deep Into 2022'

Bank of America’s second-quarter profits were sawed in half and the consumer banking giant set aside billions of dollars to cover potentially bad loans caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump’s Grand GOP Convention Plans Shrink As Virus Surges

President Donald Trump’s plans for a grand convention keep shrinking, as the Republican National Committee announced Thursday it is sharply restricting attendance on three of the four nights of its convention in Jacksonville, Florida, next month.

Target Joins List Of Major Retailers Mandating Masks

Target has joined a list of the nation’s largest retailers that will require customers to wear masks as cases of COVID-19 spike.

Number Of Laid-Off U.S. Workers Seeking Jobless Aid Stuck At 1.3 Million

The number of laid-off workers seeking unemployment benefits remained stuck at 1.3 million last week, an historically high level that indicates many companies are still cutting jobs as the viral outbreak intensifies.

Gaston County Health Experts Warn Residents To Not Let Their Guard Down as COVID-19 Cases Rise

A surge in coronavirus cases in Gaston county as outbreaks in congregate care centers creates concern among local leaders and health experts.

McMaster, SC Educators At Odds Over Reopening Schools

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and fellow Republican leaders of the House and Senate put their considerable power together on Wednesday to demand that schools across the state open five days a week for face-to-face instruction, even as COVID-19 cases continue to climb.

Albemarle Correctional Institution Prisoner Dies From COVID-19

An offender housed at Albemarle Correctional Institution who tested positive for COVID-19 has died at the hospital as a result of pre-existing conditions complicated by COVID-19. This is the sixth coronavirus death of an individual in custody at a North Carolina state prison.

Coronavirus State Of Emergency Explained

Gov. Cooper Announces Back To School Plan That Requires Students And Staff To Wear Masks, Extends Phase 2 For At Least Three More Weeks

North Carolina public schools will open for in-person instruction under an updated Plan B that requires face coverings for all K-12 students, fewer children in the classroom, measures to ensure social distancing for everyone in the building, and other safety protocols.

Walmart, Sam's Club To Require Customers To Wear Masks At All Its Stores

Walmart will require customers to wear face coverings at all of its namesake and Sam’s Club stores, making it the largest retailer to introduce such a policy that has otherwise proven difficult to enforce without state and federal requirements.

Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Considers Street Closure to Allow For Outdoor Dining

Feasting in the streets. There is a new idea proposed by several groups in Plaza Midwood that would expand several restaurant dining areas into the middle of the road.

Growing Frustrations For People Who Are Still Awaiting Unemployment Benefits In North Carolina

More than 1.9 million claims have been filed in the state since mid-March. A Charlotte woman tells WCCB she's been waiting about 12 weeks for her benefits.

Governor Cooper Announces NC To Remain Under Phase 2 Of Reopening, Bars, Gyms To Remain Closed

Many bar and gym owners have been shut down for 114 days.

Bowling Ball Machine With Woman Bowling In The Background

North Carolina Supreme Court Puts Hold On Order That Resumed Bowling

North Carolina’s highest court has temporarily blocked a judge’s ruling that allowed dozens of North Carolina’s bowling alleys to reopen by overturning a portion of Gov. Roy Cooper’s COVID-19 executive order keeping them closed.

N.C. Parents, Businesses Await Cooper's COVID-19 Plans

North Carolina teachers, parents and students as well as gym and bar operators are anxious to know what Gov. Roy Cooper will say about the path ahead with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Officials In Gaston County Report Numerous Coronavirus Outbreaks At Congregate Living Facilities

Officials say multiple congregate living facilities in Gaston County are reporting coronavirus outbreaks.

Charlotte Home Inventory Hits Record Low in June

Record low inventory in the Charlotte housing market is putting a squeeze on people struggling with home security.

Mecklenburg Co. Considers Limiting Late Night Alcohol Sales

Mecklenburg County could soon join South Carolina in limiting late night alcohol sales. County manager Dena Diorio says it's something being considered amid a rising number of COVID-19 cases.

Outer Banks Island Ravaged By Storms And Virus Restrictions

When Hurricane Dorian pounded the wisp of earth that is Ocracoke Island, a wall of Atlantic seawater flooded Bob Chestnut’s home, surf shop and four vehicles.

South Carolina Reports Coronavirus Death Of Child Under 5

South Carolina officials reported the state’s first pediatric death from the coronavirus on Saturday, announcing the death of a child under the age of 5.

Political Wrap: How Soon Should Schools Reopen?

POLITICAL WRAP: How Soon Should Students Return to School?

The debate over school re-openings intensifies, amid a rise in coronavirus cases. It comes as new data shows nearly one in four American teachers are at higher risk of serious illness if they contract coronavirus.