Yesterday, North Carolina reported that 915 individuals are hospitalized due to COVID-related causes – the highest total since the outbreak began earlier this year. There are more than 56,174 laboratory-confirmed COVID cases across the state and 1,271 deaths attributed to the virus so far. Just today, 1,721 new cases were reported statewide, the second highest total so far. These statistics are a somber reminder of the need for us to continue to take this virus seriously, practice social distancing and use caution to protect our loved ones and others as we go about our daily life despite the threat.
Here is a link to the North Carolina COVID-19 dashboard with the latest statistics.
Brunswick County has issued an update on the positive cases of coronavirus reported at the Universal Health Care of Brunswick facility in Bolivia, which I mentioned in an e-mail this past week. There are now 19 residents and 11 employees who have tested positive for COVID-19. All positive individuals are reported to be doing well at this time, with facility residents isolated in rooms in a dedicated part of the building and employees isolating at home. More information from Brunswick County available here.
The Wilmington City Council voted on Tuesday to approved closing some streets in downtown Wilmington to accommodate outdoor dining during the pandemic, starting this Thursday, June 25 and running through Labor Day. Thursdays and Fridays from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the following roads will be closed:
Front Street bounded by Market Street and Chestnut Street
Front Street bounded by Market Street and Dock Street
Princess Street bounded by Front Street and 2nd Street
Princess Street bounded by 2nd Street and 3rd Street
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced yesterday that the Farmers to Families Food Box Programhas distributed more than 20 million food boxes to support both our families in need and our producers affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services has released updated online applications for Medicaid and Food and Nutrition Services that will aid families in need and county Departments of Social Services during the pandemic. The new applications reduce paperwork and bureaucracy and will help applicants maintain social distancing. To learn more about the new features of these upgraded applications, visit the Medicaid/NC Health Choice webpage or the NCDHHS Food and Nutrition Service webpage.
For today’s good news story, I’m highlighting 76-year-old Air Force Veteran Robert Ashmore of New Hanover County, who marked his 300th time donating blood yesterday at the American Red Cross Association. “Up to three people can benefit from each donation, which means up to 900 people, and it makes me feel good. These are strangers,” Robert said. “Somebody I don’t know, but I’m able to help them through my donation.” He’s just one of many individuals in our communities doing everything they can do give back. Thank you, Robert!
