First, an update from the National Weather Service in Wilmington about a potential tropical development that will bring our region heavy rainfall over the next few days. From the NWS:
"Low pressure across northeast SC is expected to move near or just off the NC coast through Thursday. There is a 70% chance the low may develop into a subtropical or tropical system during the next couple of days as it moves toward the Outer Banks and coastal mid-Atlantic states. Regardless of development, the low is expected to produce locally heavy rainfall that could cause isolated flooding – especially across southeast NC. Fortunately, the bulk of the heaviest rain caused by this low will remain off the coast."
Here’s today’s COVID-19 update:
The U.S. reached three million confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide earlier today. For the third day in a row, North Carolina reported a record number of hospitalizations due to the virus – 994 patients currently hospitalized, the ninth consecutive day hospitalizations were over 900. An additional 21 deaths were reported, for a total of 1,441 statewide.
The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has announced that it would postpone the reopening of Trusted Traveler Program Enrollment Centers until at least August 10, 2020. Trusted Traveler Programs applicants who scheduled interviews at enrollment centers in July and early August must reschedule their appointments on or after August 10 by logging into their Trusted Traveler Programs account and using the online scheduling tool.
Brunswick County Health Services has reported the seventh death of a county resident who tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was a resident of the Universal Health Care of Brunswick congregate living facility, the third resident of the facility to pass away after testing positive for the virus. There are currently 22 residents and 14 employees at Universal Health Care of Brunswick who have received positive test results for COVID-19. More information from Brunswick County is here.
Reports have indicated an uptick in overdose deaths since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. I wanted to make sure everyone has information for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)'s National Helpline, which can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
You or someone else in need can also contact the Hope4NC Helpline at 1-855-587-3463 to access additional mental health resources to help NC residents cope specifically with the COVID-19 outbreak.
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, support is available 24 hours a day via the NC Alcohol and Drug Council, which can be reached at 1-800-688-4232.
The New Hanover Disaster Coalition is hosting a Hurricane Preparedness Drive-Thru Expo this Saturday, July 11 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (or while supplies last). The group will be giving away 500 “hurricane buckets” that will contain useful items in the event of severe weather including flashlights, insect repellant, cleaning supplies, first aid and hygiene kits and more. Items will be distributed at two locations:
Harbor United Methodist Church, 4853 Masonboro Loop Road in Wilmington
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 514 S. College Road in Wilmington
For today’s good news story, I’m highlighting my friend Paul Butler of White Lake, who turned 80 recently and chose to celebrate his birthday in one of the most creative and charitable ways I’ve seen. He sent a letter to 80 of his closest friends, which included a dollar for each year of his life, and asked the recipients to spend the money in a way that “eases the burden, dislocation or despair of someone impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.” Paul, you are a great American!
