Press Releases

North Carolina COVID-19 Modeling Shows Social Distancing Necessary to Slow the Spread and Preserve Hospital Capacity to Save Lives

A collection of North Carolina experts today released a composite modeling forecast looking at how COVID-19 could affect North Carolina in the coming months. The models, constructed by experts from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, RTI International, and others reinforced the need for limiting personal contact to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure that health care is there for people who need it.

Governor Cooper Signs Executive Order to Prohibit Utility Disconnections in the Wake of COVID-19

Governor Roy Cooper announced another step to help families by prohibiting utilities from disconnecting people who are unable to pay during this pandemic. Today's Order applies to electric, gas, water and wastewater services for the next 60 days.

Families to Receive Enhanced Benefits to Ensure Food Access

To help families access food during the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is temporarily increasing benefits for March 2020 and April 2020 to current Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) recipients in North Carolina.

Governor Cooper Signs Executive Order to Get Equipment to Healthcare Workers, Schools, Local Governments

Today, Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 122 to help schools and local governments access state surplus property to help bridge gaps during the response to COVID-19.

Governor Cooper Announces First COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits will be Paid This Week

Governor Roy Cooper announced that the first payments for the unemployment claims related to coronavirus will begin going out this week.

Governor Cooper Announces Texting Tool to Access Food for Children

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that parents who need food assistance for their children can text FOODNC to 877-877 to locate nearby free meal sites. The texting service is also available in Spanish by texting COMIDA to 877-877.

Governor Cooper Announces Statewide Stay at Home Order Until April 29

Governor Roy Cooper ordered the people in the state of North Carolina to stay at home for thirty days, until April 29, 2020, in another step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Governor Cooper’s Executive Order No. 121 takes effect on Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. 

People with Mild Symptoms Should Stay Home

For people who think they might have COVID-19 and have mild symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends they stay home and call their doctor for medical advice. Most people who get COVID-19 will have mild illness and recover at home.

North Carolina Receives Federal Disaster Declaration for COVID-19

The White House granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request late Wednesday for a federal disaster declaration for the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic in North Carolina.

North Carolina Reports First COVID-19 Associated Deaths

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first COVID-19 associated deaths.