As Mecklenburg coronavirus caseload nears 1,400, Cooper moves toward phased reopening

The coronavirus count in Mecklenburg County continued to rise Thursday as Gov. Roy Cooper extended a stay-at-home order that has played havoc with North Carolina’s economy.

Mecklenburg now has 1,377 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the county reported, and two additional deaths for a total of 37. The 46 new cases Thursday came a day after the county added 76 Wednesday, the second-biggest daily jump of the outbreak.

Statewide cases increased by 388, to more than 7,600, the Department of Health and Human Services said. DHHS reported 11 additional deaths, for a total of 242. Hospitalizations also rose to 486 from 434 on Wednesday.

Reversing those rising trends, Cooper said, combined with expanded testing and tracing of COVID-19 infections and securing more protective gear for medical personnel, will be needed before North Carolina begins to relax restrictions that have cost more than 600,000 workers their jobs.

The governor extended the statewide stay-at-home order, due to expire April 29, until May 8. At that point, if health data is positive, he would begin a three-phase process of reopening the state’s economy over a period of weeks.

“It’s clear that we are flattening the curve, but our state is not ready to lift restrictions yet,” he said. “We need more time to slow the spread of virus before we can begin.”

Mecklenburg County has averaged 36 new coronavirus cases a day since hitting a peak of 86 cases on April 6, according to state data. Daily additions have fluctuated widely.

Preliminary state data show 240 new cases a day were added statewide in the first three weeks of April. Total cases tripled in that time.

DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen still found encouraging signs in the data. New cases appear to be rising more slowly, she said. The percentage of positive results for virus tests partly reflects a recent increase in the number of tests given. Hospitalizations, while not declining, may be approaching a “sustained leveling” that state officials say would be positive.

The first phase of relaxed restrictions would allow people to leave home for commercial purposes. Retailers such as clothing, sporting goods and book stores could reopen with social-distancing limitations. Gatherings of more than 10 people would continue to be banned, but parks could reopen. Face masks in public places would still be encouraged.

A second phase, two to three weeks later if health trends are still positive, would lift the stay-at-home order and allow bars, restaurants and churches that are now closed to reopen with capacity limitations. Restrictions could be further relaxed four to six weeks later.

Cooper said he would announce decisions on reopening the state’s schools, which are closed through May 15, on Friday afternoon.

Cooper’s announcement offered some relief to Mecklenburg County, which has a similar stay-at-home order expiring April 29 but can’t extend it without the consent of Charlotte and it’s six towns. Some of those towns favored relaxing the restrictions.

County officials said Cooper’s announcement also extends the county order until May 8 as well.

County manager Dena Diorio tweeted her pleasure at Cooper’s decision to extend the statewide ban, saying it “ensures countywide consistency, keeps the curve flattening and makes our communities safer.”

Mecklenburg public health director Gibbie Harris had told county commissioners Wednesday night that a two-week extension of the Mecklenburg order would allow more flexibility to expand coronavirus testing and contact tracing.

The peak number of coronavirus cases, and stresses on health care providers, is now expected in mid- to late June.

A new Business Leaders Roundtable, including representatives of the financial services, healthcare, retail, hospitality and sports industries, will hold its first meeting Friday. Diorio said the group will assess what a “soft opening” of the local economy might look like.

County commissioner Mark Jerrell, who will serve on the panel, said he’s not sure local businesses have the resources to launch new health protocols for customers, such as temperature screenings before they enter restaurants or breweries.

“To a certain extent, we’re going to have to get people to self-monitor, as well,” Jerrell said. “People are going to have to be very intentional around not only taking caring care of themselves but also the broader community.”

Commissioner Susan Harden said decision-making could morph into a patchwork of approaches across Mecklenburg, especially as the county’s stay-at-home order expires next week.

“I could see Charlotte having a different set of restrictions than Huntersville and Pineville,” Harden said. “They have different mayors and leaders, and that’s where the ultimate authority lies. We’re in uncharted territory.”

This story was originally published April 23, 2020 at 11:40 AM.