North Carolina Coronavirus Updates — July 30, 2020 | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:


    On Tuesday, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order No. 153 to stop the sale of alcohol at 11 pm at restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries. The order goes into effect Friday, July 31. The order does not apply to grocery stores, convenience stores, or other entities permitted to sell alcohol for off-site consumption, and North Carolina bars will remain closed at this time.

    "Public health experts and examples from other states show that bars and other places where people gather closely together are a high-transmission setting for this virus. We want to prevent restaurants from turning into bars after hours. We are hopeful that this new rule can help drive down cases, particularly among young people," said Governor Cooper.

    Local governments that have implemented orders that end alcohol sales before 11 pm or that apply to other entities remain in effect.

    Read the Executive Order and the FAQs

    Read the Press Release

    Information is changing rapidly, this update is current as of July 2, 2020

    It's important to rely on trusted sources of information about COVID-19. Keep up with the latest information on Coronavirus in North Carolina HERE.

    Text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19 and North Carolina's response.

    Dial 2-1-1 provides free, confidential information and is available 24 hours a day to help you find resources within your community. They can connect you with people and groups that can help with questions about access to food, shelter, health care, employment and child care.

    Families who need food assistance for their children can text FOODNC to 877-877 to find free meal sites in their communities.

    Make sure to prioritize your overall wellness and don't hesitate to seek additional help. Optum has a toll-free 24-hour Emotional Support Help Line at 866-342-6892 for people who may be experiencing anxiety or stress due to Coronavirus.

    You can track the disease in real time through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 NC Dashboard. It includes detailed information about the state's COVID-19 confirmed cases, hospital capacity and more.

    Governor Cooper urged Congress to set aside politics and work together to extend the federal assistance program that has expired for North Carolinians.

    "We know this pandemic has taken a toll on people's health, jobs, and our economy. Now, federal unemployment benefits that were helping to cover bills will be cut off abruptly due to inaction in Washington," said Governor Cooper. "I continue urging North Carolina's congressional delegation and all of Congress to put politics aside and do what is right."

    Read Governor Cooper's op-ed on the urgent need to extend this support.

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has announced community free testing events in Edgecombe, Halifax, Hertford, Johnston, Northampton, Sampson and Wake counties. For an up-to-date list of events, visit the Community Testing Events page. People who may not currently have symptoms but may have been exposed to COVID-19 should get tested, especially people from historically marginalized communities.

    If someone tests positive for COVID-19, the COVID-19 Community Team will reach out to connect them with needed resources. People should answer when the Community Team reaches out, via phone, text from 45394, or email from NC-ARIAS-NoReply@dhhs.nc.gov with further instructions.

    Find a nearby testing site Find My Testing Place.

    For more information visit the NCDHHS FAQs about Testing and FAQs about Contact Tracing.

    During this time it is imperative that everyone is informed about what is going on in our state. Governor Cooper's administration has been working to get information and resources translated for the Spanish speaking population in our state. Many of the Governor's press conferences, press releases, and executive orders are available in Spanish. Resources are also available in Spanish on the DHHS website.

Secretary Sanders brings eastern North Carolina common sense and a can-do attitude to tackling some of our state’s toughest issues. Her leadership has made North Carolina a more inclusive place, and you can always count on her to get the job done.https://t.co/iRz41UOifG

— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) July 26, 2020