Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on May 31
We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date news about the coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
Reported cases and deaths
At least 28,784 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 937 have died as of Sunday afternoon, according to state and county health departments.
On Sunday, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported an additional 916 cases of the virus, down from the all-time high daily total of 1,185 reported on Saturday.
The state is averaging 767 daily cases over the last seven days as of Sunday.
Officials have said an increase in COVID-19 testing could help explain recent case surges. The state as of Sunday is averaging about 11,400 tests over the past seven days. A total of 416,289 tests have been completed, about 10% of which have come back positive.
The record number of cases reported Saturday came as people in cities across the state gathered to protest the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after being pinned by a Minneapolis police officer. Protesters clashed with police in Raleigh, Charlotte and Fayetteville on Saturday night.
At least 649 North Carolinians were hospitalized with COVID-19 on Sunday, up from 638 reported the day before. The state is averaging 661 daily hospitalizations over the last seven days.
Health officials estimate 14,954 people in the state have recovered from the virus. Data on recoveries is released once a week, on Mondays.
Wake drive-thru testing
A drive-thru testing center will open Monday in Wake County for those at risk
It will be located at the Wake County Commons Building in Raleigh and testing will be free. However, patients will need to sign up for a time slot and register to be tested.
Those with symptoms, who have been in close contact with someone who tested positive, healthcare workers and first responders, those in congregate living, those 65 years of age and older, those with underlying health conditions and members of a historically marginalized or vulnerable population are eligible for a test.
Cooper issues eviction ban
Gov. Roy Cooper extended a statewide order to protect people statewide from evictions and utility shut-offs, The Charlotte Observer reported.
The order went into effect Saturday and includes a three-week moratorium on evictions, the governor’s office said.
The utility protections last for 60 days.
“North Carolinians need relief to help make ends meet during the pandemic,” Cooper said in a statement. “Extending housing and utility protections will mean more people can stay in their homes and stay safe as we all work to slow the spread of this virus.”
Republicans plan full convention in Charlotte
The Republican National Convention is moving forward with plans for full attendance of 19,000 people, GOP leaders told Gov. Roy Cooper on Saturday.
Cooper received a letter about the plans from Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and Republican National Convention President and CEO Marcia Kelly, The Charlotte Observer reported.
President Donald Trump called Cooper on Friday and asked for no social distancing or face mask requirements at the convention planned for August in Charlotte.
Under current coronavirus restrictions in North Carolina, indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people.
This story was originally published May 31, 2020 at 8:15 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on May 31."
