Просмотр кода страницы Английская Википедия:COVID-19 pandemic in North Carolina

{{Английская Википедия/Панель перехода}}
{{short description|Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in North Carolina, United States}}
{{Infobox pandemic
| name            = COVID-19 pandemic in North Carolina
| width           = 
| image           = Kelly Road Park playground, Apex, NC, shuttered for Covid-19.jpg
| image_size      = 
| image_upright   = 
| alt             = 
| caption         = A closed playground in [[Apex, North Carolina]]
<!--| map1            = COVID-19 rolling 14day Prevalence in North Carolina by county.svg
| legend1         = {{COVID-19 pandemic in the United States new cases prevalence legend|state=North Carolina}}
| map2            = COVID-19 Prevalence in North Carolina by county.svg
| legend2         = {{COVID-19 pandemic in the United States prevalence legend|state=North Carolina}}-->
| map3            = 
| legend3         = 
| map4            = 
| legend4         = 
| map5            = 
| legend5         = 
| disease         = [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]]
| virus_strain    = [[SARS-CoV-2]]
| location        = [[North Carolina]], U.S.
| first_case      = [[Wake County, North Carolina|Wake County]]
| arrival_date    = <!-- or | dates = -->
| date            = 
| origin          = 
| type            = 
| confirmed_cases = 423,623
| active_cases    = 26,228
| suspected_cases = 
| severe_cases    = 2,541
| recovery_cases  = 341,041
| deaths          = 5,752
| territories     = 
| total_ili       = 
| website         = [https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina NC Department of Health and Human Services]
| hospitalized_cases = 921 (current)
}}

The [[COVID-19 pandemic]] was confirmed to have reached the [[U.S. state]] of [[North Carolina]] on March 3, 2020.<ref name="NCDHHS-first-case">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/north-carolina-identifies-first-case-covid-19 |title=NCDHHS: North Carolina Identifies First Case of COVID-19 |website=www.ncdhhs.gov |access-date=April 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407230739/https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/north-carolina-identifies-first-case-covid-19 |archive-date=April 7, 2020 }}</ref>

As of May 2021, North Carolina has the 10th highest number of confirmed cases in the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|United States]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/covid-cases.html|url-status=live|access-date=|website=The New York Times|date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421005421/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/covid-cases.html |archive-date=2021-04-21 }}</ref>

{{as of|2021|10|6|df=US}}, 69% of the adult population in North Carolina has been at least partially vaccinated, while 65% of the adult population has been fully vaccinated.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fowler|first=Hayley|title=COVID vaccine live updates: Here's what to know in North Carolina on Oct. 5|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article254760137.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006105546/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article254760137.html |archive-date=2021-10-06 }}</ref>

==Preparations==
On February 11, Governor [[Roy Cooper]] announced the creation of a Novel Coronavirus Task Force for North Carolina and a state health department hotline. Co-chairs of the task force were Dr. [[Mandy Cohen]], Secretary of the [[North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services]], Dr. [[Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson]], North Carolina State Health Director and the Chief Medical Officer for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and [[Mike Sprayberry]], Director of North Carolina Emergency Management, for the [[North Carolina Department of Public Safety|Department of Public Safety]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Coleman|first=Dashiell|date=February 11, 2020|title=North Carolina Now Has A Coronavirus Task Force|work=WFAE 90.7 Charlotte's NPR News Source|url=https://www.wfae.org/post/north-carolina-now-has-coronavirus-task-force|url-status=live|access-date=May 21, 2020|archive-date=February 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212124723/https://www.wfae.org/post/north-carolina-now-has-coronavirus-task-force}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Governor Cooper Directs Creation of Novel Coronavirus Task Force to Continue Protective Efforts|url=https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/governor-cooper-directs-creation-novel-coronavirus-task-force-continue|last=|first=|date=February 11, 2020|website=North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309200302/https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/governor-cooper-directs-creation-novel-coronavirus-task-force-continue |archive-date=2020-03-09 |access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>

==Timeline of outbreak==

=== 2020 ===

====March====
On March 4, Governor [[Roy Cooper]] identified the first case of COVID-19 as a person who had traveled to [[Washington (state)|Washington state]] and was exposed at a long-term care facility.<ref name="NCDHHS-first-case" /> On March 6, the second case was announced in a man in [[Chatham County, North Carolina|Chatham County]] who had traveled to [[Italy]] in late February.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NC's second coronavirus case originated in Italy; Chatham man now isolated at home|url=https://www.wral.com/nc-s-second-coronavirus-case-originated-in-italy-chatham-man-now-isolated-at-home/18996626/|last=|date=2020-03-06|website=WRAL.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-04|archive-date=2020-03-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329154926/https://www.wral.com/nc-s-second-coronavirus-case-originated-in-italy-chatham-man-now-isolated-at-home/18996626/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 7, North Carolina had five new positive cases reported in [[Wake County, North Carolina|Wake County]] — all five had traveled to [[Boston]] in late February to attend a conference by the pharmaceutical company [[Biogen]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Five coronavirus cases in Wake County linked to Biogen meeting in Boston|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2020/03/09/five-coronavirus-cases-in-wake-county-linked-to.html|last=|first=|date=|website=www.bizjournals.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623221628/https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2020/03/09/five-coronavirus-cases-in-wake-county-linked-to.html |archive-date=2020-06-23 |access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref>[[File:COVID-19 NC highway notice.jpg|thumb|A sign in North Carolina reporting the website for information on COVID-19.]]
[[File:Coronavirus Starbucks notice.jpg|thumb|A sign at a [[Starbucks]] that has become [[to-go]] only as a result of Roy Cooper's executive order.]]
[[File:UNC campus during COVID-19.jpg|thumb|Campus of the [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]] on a Monday morning, nearly deserted due to COVID-19]]
After five more presumptive confirmed positive cases were reported on March 9, North Carolina governor [[Roy Cooper]] issued an executive order declaring a [[state of emergency]] on March 10.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wlos.com/news/local/gov-cooper-members-of-coronavirus-task-force-to-hold-a-media-briefing-on-covid-19|title=Gov. Cooper declares State of Emergency; new COVID-19 cases confirmed in NC |last1=Kepley-Steward |first1=Kristy |date=March 10, 2020 |publisher=[[WLOS]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323171412/https://wlos.com/news/local/gov-cooper-members-of-coronavirus-task-force-to-hold-a-media-briefing-on-covid-19 |archive-date= March 23, 2020 |access-date=March 11, 2020 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Executive Order No. 116|url=https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO116-SOE-COVID-19.pdf|last=Cooper|first=Roy|date=March 10, 2020|website=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311163457/https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO116-SOE-COVID-19.pdf |archive-date=2020-03-11 |access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref> Erik A. Hooks, Secretary of Public Safety, was charged with seeking federal aid and implementing the order, which protected consumers from price gouging, suspended some transportation regulations and healthcare licensing restrictions, and authorized temporary hiring and expansion of testing capacity, among other provisions.<ref name=":1" /> On March 11, the [[University of North Carolina]] announced suspension of in-person classes at all UNC system schools starting March 20.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wect.com/2020/03/11/all-unc-system-schools-end-in-person-classes-by-march/|title=All UNC System schools to end in-person classes by March 20|date=n.d.|publisher=WECT|url-status=live|access-date=March 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315053407/https://www.wect.com/2020/03/11/all-unc-system-schools-end-in-person-classes-by-march/ |archive-date=2020-03-15 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=UNC System Issues Update on Coronavirus Preparations {{!}} UNC System Office|url=https://www.northcarolina.edu/news/2020/03/UNC-System-Issues-Update-Coronavirus-Preparations|website=www.northcarolina.edu|access-date=2020-05-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525172810/https://www.northcarolina.edu/news/2020/03/UNC-System-Issues-Update-Coronavirus-Preparations|archive-date=2020-05-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Duke University]] also cancelled all on-campus classes the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbtv.com/2020/03/11/duke-university-suspends-all-on-campus-classes-amid-coronavirus/|title=Duke University suspends all on-campus classes amid coronavirus concerns|date=n.d.|publisher=WBTV|url-status=live|access-date=March 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312175520/https://www.wbtv.com/2020/03/11/duke-university-suspends-all-on-campus-classes-amid-coronavirus/ |archive-date=2020-03-12 }}</ref> On March&nbsp;12, hours after Cooper requested that large events be postponed or cancelled, organizers canceled the 73rd annual [[North Carolina Azalea Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wect.com/2020/03/13/wilmingtons-azalea-festival-cancelled/|title=Organizers cancel 73rd annual Azalea Festival|date=March 12, 2020|publisher=WECT News|access-date=March 12, 2020|archive-date=April 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404034411/https://www.wect.com/2020/03/13/wilmingtons-azalea-festival-cancelled/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 14, Cooper issued an executive order that prohibited gatherings of 100 or more people, closed public schools for two weeks, and encouraged the practice of social distancing.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sherman|first1=Lucille|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article241199286.html#storylink=trendingstories|title=NC Gov. Cooper issues executive order: No mass gatherings, no school due to coronavirus threat|date=March 14, 2020|publisher=[[The News & Observer]]|author2=T. Keung Hui|access-date=March 16, 2020|archive-date=May 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518153731/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article241199286.html#storylink=trendingstories|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Executive Order No. 117|url=https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO117-COVID-19-Prohibiting-Mass-Gathering-and-K12-School-Closure.pdf|last=Cooper|first=Roy|date=March 12, 2020|website=NC Governor Roy Cooper|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315053353/https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO117-COVID-19-Prohibiting-Mass-Gathering-and-K12-School-Closure.pdf |archive-date=2020-03-15 |access-date=May 25, 2020}}</ref>

On March 15, [[Mecklenburg County, North Carolina|Charlotte and Mecklenburg County]] jointly declared a state of emergency, restricting non-essential travel and gatherings.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mecklenburg County and City of Charlotte Joint Declaration of a State of Emergency|url=https://www.mecknc.gov/news/Documents/Signed%20Emergency%20Declaration.pdf|last=Dunlap|first=George|date=March 10, 2020|website=Mecklenburg County Government|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329052042/https://www.mecknc.gov/news/Documents/Signed%20Emergency%20Declaration.pdf |archive-date=2020-03-29 |access-date=May 28, 2020}}</ref> On March 16, [[Buncombe County Schools]] (BCS) began serving "drive-thru" breakfast and lunch every weekday and delivering meals to population centers throughout the district.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Meals Available During School Closures|url=http://www.buncombeschools.org/departments/communications/news_feeds_and_stories/top_stories/meals_available_during_school_closures|access-date=2021-03-16|website=www.buncombeschools.org|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304101928/https://www.buncombeschools.org/departments/communications/news_feeds_and_stories/top_stories/meals_available_during_school_closures|url-status=live}}</ref> As of March 1, 2021, the BCS School Nutrition Department had served more than 2.6 million meals.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Boyle|first=John|title=Answer Man: During COVID, where is school funding going? Has it decreased?|url=https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2021/03/08/answer-man-during-covid-where-nc-school-funding-going/4593106001/|access-date=2021-03-16|website=The Asheville Citizen Times|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-05-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516094944/https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2021/03/08/answer-man-during-covid-where-nc-school-funding-going/4593106001/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 17, Cooper ordered all of the state's bars and restaurants to suspend dine-in service.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jackson |first1=Drew |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241245211.html |title=Gov. Roy Cooper orders NC bars and restaurants closed, new help for unemployed |date=March 17, 2020 |publisher=[[The News & Observer]] |last2=Sherman |first2=Lucille |last3=Wiseman |first3=Steve |access-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-date=June 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601022828/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241245211.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 19, the state confirmed its first community spread of the coronavirus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wbtv.com/2020/03/19/first-case-community-spread-covid-confirmed-north-carolina/ |title=First case of community spread COVID-19 confirmed in North Carolina |author=WBTV Web Staff |website=wbtv.com |date=19 March 2020 |language=en-US |access-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-date=June 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617231105/https://www.wbtv.com/2020/03/19/first-case-community-spread-covid-confirmed-north-carolina/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In order to address the economic damage due to the pandemic, the North Carolina government extended the deadline for paying taxes to July 15, the same extension that the [[Internal Revenue Service|IRS]] made for federal taxes.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.heraldsun.com/news/coronavirus/article241317336.html|title=North Carolinians can pay their taxes later. Other economic relief could be on way.|date=March 20, 2020|work=The Herald-Sun|access-date=March 20, 2020|archive-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320163152/https://www.heraldsun.com/news/coronavirus/article241317336.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbs17.com/news/north-carolina-news/nc-extends-tax-filing-deadline-until-july-15/|title=NC extends tax filing deadline until July 15|date=20 March 2020|work=CBS17.com|access-date=22 March 2020|archive-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324194912/https://www.cbs17.com/news/north-carolina-news/nc-extends-tax-filing-deadline-until-july-15/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 20, the [[United States National Guard|National Guard]] was called in to assist with [[logistics]] and transportation of medical supplies. On March 21, Cooper waived restrictions to increase access to caregivers, to provide child care and elder care during the coronavirus pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://governor.nc.gov/news/governor-cooper-orders-increased-access-childcare-dmv-clarifications|title=NC Gov. Cooper: Governor Cooper Orders Increased Access to Childcare, DMV Clarifications|website=governor.nc.gov|access-date=2020-04-29|archive-date=2020-06-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619163405/https://governor.nc.gov/news/governor-cooper-orders-increased-access-childcare-dmv-clarifications|url-status=live}}</ref>


On March 22, Mecklenburg County announced a partnership with local charities to cover one week cost of people staying in hotels and motels to keep the tenants from being evicted.<ref name="Staff">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/coronavirus-local-updates-positive-cases-nc-continue-rise-total-sits-273/W6AJY5MAWFDL7GCCIEBN7MDQYQ/|title=Coronavirus local updates: Health officials report 80 cases in Mecklenburg Co.|author=WSOCTV com News Staff|website=WSOC|date=23 March 2020 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-23|archive-date=2020-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612035029/https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/coronavirus-local-updates-positive-cases-nc-continue-rise-total-sits-273/W6AJY5MAWFDL7GCCIEBN7MDQYQ/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 23, Governor Cooper closed all K-12 public schools statewide through May 15, banned mass gatherings of over 50 people, and closed some businesses, including gyms, movie theaters, sweepstakes parlors, health clubs, and other similar facilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO120.pdf|title=Executive Order No. 120|last=|first=|date=|website=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324020009/https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO120.pdf |archive-date=2020-03-24 |access-date=}}</ref> Madison County, Pitt County, and the Town of [[Beaufort, North Carolina|Beaufort]] all issued shelter-in-place orders.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241449231.html|title=Three communities in NC have issued shelter-in-place orders as coronavirus spreads|last=Hayley|first=Fowler|date=March 23, 2020|website=The News & Observer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324233643/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241449231.html |archive-date=2020-03-24 |access-date=}}</ref> On March 24, Mecklenburg County announced a [[stay-at-home order]] that came into effect on March 26.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241464251.html|title=Stay at home' order issued, groups of 10+ banned in Mecklenburg County|last1=Kuznitz|first1=Alison|last2=Clasen-Kelly|first2=Fred|date=March 24, 2020|website=Charlotte Observer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324213812/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241464251.html |archive-date=2020-03-24 |access-date=March 24, 2020}}</ref> On March 25, state officials confirmed the first coronavirus death. The death was a patient in their 70s with underlying medical conditions, who was residing in Cabarrus County.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241492001.html|title=Elderly Cabarrus County resident becomes NC's first coronavirus death |last=Henderson|first=Bruce|date=March 25, 2020|website=Charlotte Observer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325232619/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241492001.html |archive-date=2020-03-25 |access-date=March 25, 2020}}</ref> Guilford County issued a stay-at-home order to curb the coronavirus spread. The order remained in effect until April 16.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://myfox8.com/news/coronavirus/guilford-county-greensboro-high-point-issues-stay-at-home-order/|title=Guilford County, Greensboro, High Point issues 'stay at home' order|date=2020-03-25|website=myfox8.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-27|archive-date=2020-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326161220/https://myfox8.com/news/coronavirus/guilford-county-greensboro-high-point-issues-stay-at-home-order/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 26, [[Cabarrus County, North Carolina|Cabarrus County]], [[Durham County, North Carolina|Durham County]], [[Orange County, North Carolina|Orange County]], and [[Wake County, North Carolina|Wake County]] all issued stay-at-home orders.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abc11.com/6049563/|title=Durham mayor issues stay-at-home order beginning Thursday to deal with coronavirus, here's what that means|date=2020-03-25|website=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham|language=en|access-date=2020-03-27|archive-date=2020-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327065802/https://abc11.com/6049563/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abc11.com/6052286/|title=Orange County issues stay-at-home order beginning Friday to deal with coronavirus, here's what that means|date=2020-03-26|website=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham|language=en|access-date=2020-03-27|archive-date=2020-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611235512/https://abc11.com/6052286/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wbtv.com/2020/03/26/cabarrus-county-set-stay-home/|title=Cabarrus County set to "stay at home"|last=|first=|date=27 March 2020|website=WBTV|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327014402/https://www.wbtv.com/2020/03/26/cabarrus-county-set-stay-home/ |archive-date=2020-03-27 |access-date=2020-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc11.com/6052617/|title=Wake County issues stay-at-home order beginning Friday to deal with coronavirus, here's what that means|date=March 26, 2020|website=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham|access-date=27 March 2020|archive-date=21 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621172957/https://abc11.com/6052617/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 27, Cooper issued a statewide stay-at-home order scheduled to go into effect on March 30 and to last for at least one month. The order also banned gatherings of 10 or more people, with the governor calling it "truly a matter of life or death."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241469211.html|title=Stay-at-home order issued for North Carolina|date=2020-03-27|website=newsobserver.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-27|archive-date=2020-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611040246/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241469211.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 30, Governor Cooper's statewide stay-at-home order went into effect at 5 p.m.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://governor.nc.gov/news/governor-cooper-announces-statewide-stay-home-order-until-april-29|title=NC Gov. Cooper: Governor Cooper Announces Statewide Stay at Home Order Until April 29|website=governor.nc.gov|access-date=2020-04-29|archive-date=2020-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622011230/https://governor.nc.gov/news/governor-cooper-announces-statewide-stay-home-order-until-april-29|url-status=live}}</ref>

====April====
[[File:Mandy Cohen, 2015.png|thumb|180px|[[Mandy Cohen]]]]
On April 9, Governor Cooper issued a new executive order that restricted the number of customers inside grocery and retail stores, increased hygiene requirements of [[food service]], and implemented stricter guidelines for long-term care facilities. There have been outbreaks of COVID-19 at several such facilities across the state.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|last1=Alexander|first1=Jonathan|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241996291.html|title=There are 39 coronavirus outbreaks at NC nursing homes, residential care facilities|date=April 14, 2020|work=The News & Observer|access-date=April 14, 2020|url-status=live|last2=Wiseman|first2=Steve|archive-date=June 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607042747/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241996291.html}}</ref>

Effective April 20, [[Durham County, North Carolina|Durham County]] began requiring residents to wear face masks in public places.<ref>{{cite news |title=Durham County requiring residents to wear face masks in public |url=https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/durham-county-news/durham-county-requiring-residents-to-wear-face-masks-in-public/ |access-date=22 June 2020 |work=CBS17.com |date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=22 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622031626/https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/durham-county-news/durham-county-requiring-residents-to-wear-face-masks-in-public/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 23, Cooper extended the stay-at-home order to last until May 8. At the same time, he announced plans for a three-phase process to reopen the state based on the state meeting certain benchmarks for "testing, tracing and trends." While the federal guidelines called for a decrease in confirmed cases, percentage of positive tests, and hospitalizations, Cooper and state health secretary [[Mandy Cohen]] said they would be content with "sustained leveling" of hospitalizations and confirmed cases. Cooper also pressed for significantly ramping up testing, as well as the ability to perform [[contact tracing]]. He also wanted to supply more [[Personal protective equipment|PPE]] to the state's hospitals. Under this plan, the stay-at-home order would be significantly eased on May 8, and rescinded altogether as early as May 22.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://governor.nc.gov/news/governor-extends-stay-home-order-through-may-8-plans-three-phase-lifting-restrictions-based|title=NC Gov. Cooper: Governor Extends Stay At Home Order Through May 8, Plans Three Phase Lifting of Restrictions Based on Virus Trends|website=governor.nc.gov|access-date=2020-04-29|archive-date=2020-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622204457/https://governor.nc.gov/news/governor-extends-stay-home-order-through-may-8-plans-three-phase-lifting-restrictions-based|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article242225991.html|title=Gov. Cooper extends NC stay-at-home order into May amid ongoing coronavirus threat|author1=Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan|author2=Steve Wiseman|author3=Jonathan M. Alexander|author4=Will Doran|publisher=[[The Charlotte Observer]]|date=April 24, 2020|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-date=May 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518084050/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article242225991.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====May====
On May 5, Cooper announced that the stay-at-home order would be significantly eased on May 8, beginning "Phase 1" of the reopening process. Retail stores will be allowed to reopen, provided they can maintain social distancing. People will also be allowed to socialize with friends outside, though gatherings will still be limited to ten people. If current trends continue, the stay-at-home order would be rescinded altogether as early as May 22, allowing the state to begin "Phase 2" of reopening.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wbtv.com/2020/05/05/north-carolina-enter-phase-reopening-easing-restrictions-may/|title=North Carolina to enter Phase 1 of reopening, easing restrictions on May 8|publisher=[[WBTV]]|date=May 5, 2020|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-date=June 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623221637/https://www.wbtv.com/2020/05/08/governor-nc-is-making-prudent-careful-cautious-steps-reopening-process//|url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 12, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported 23 meat processing plants were infected.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbc12.com/2020/05/12/nc-has-meat-processing-plants-with-covid-outbreaks-more-than-cases/|title=N.C. has 23 meat processing plants with COVID-19 outbreaks, more than 1,300 cases|date=May 12, 2020|first1=|last1=|work=[[WBTV]]|access-date=May 14, 2020|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729024431/https://www.nbc12.com/2020/05/12/nc-has-meat-processing-plants-with-covid-outbreaks-more-than-cases/|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 20, it was reported that 570 people at a Tyson Foods plant in [[Wilkesboro, North Carolina|Wilkesboro]] had tested positive for the virus.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wbtv.com/2020/05/20/people-test-positive-covid-wilkesboro-tyson-plant/|title=570 people test positive for COVID-19 at Wilkesboro Tyson plant|publisher=[[WBTV]]|date=May 20, 2020|access-date=May 21, 2020|archive-date=June 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603140830/https://www.wbtv.com/2020/05/20/people-test-positive-covid-wilkesboro-tyson-plant/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 20, NCDHHS announced that its [https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard COVID-19 North Carolina Dashboard] had been enhanced to include death counts by county or zip code, cases by date reported, and daily numbers.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=May 20, 2020|title=Interactive COVID-19 dashboard launched by NCDHHS|work=|url=https://www.wect.com/2020/05/20/interactive-covid-dashboard-launched-by-ncdhhs/|url-status=live|access-date=May 25, 2020|archive-date=June 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601200458/https://www.wect.com/2020/05/20/interactive-covid-dashboard-launched-by-ncdhhs/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=NCDHHS: NCDHHS Launches Interactive COVID-19 Dashboard|url=https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/ncdhhs-launches-interactive-covid-19-dashboard|website=www.ncdhhs.gov|access-date=2020-05-25|archive-date=2020-06-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619163423/https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/ncdhhs-launches-interactive-covid-19-dashboard|url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 22, Gov Cooper through Executive Order moved the state into Phase 2 "Safer at Home" of the reopening of state operations.

==== June ====
On June 2, Cooper informed [[Republican National Committee]] (RNC) officials that face coverings and social distancing would be required at the [[2020 Republican National Convention]] planned for August 24–27 in Charlotte, prompting Trump and the RNC to announce their plans to move the convention out of North Carolina.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Murphy|first1=Brian|last2=Morrill|first2=Jim|date=June 2, 2020|title=Cooper insists on smaller Republican convention. RNC looks to leave Charlotte|work=The Charlotte Observer|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/rnc-2020/article243198906.html|url-status=live|access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604232428/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/rnc-2020/article243198906.html}}</ref><ref>Cooper, Roy. June 2, 2020. [https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/2020_06_02_RNC-Response-Letter.pdf Letter to Ronna McDaniel and Marcia Lee Kelley] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603175946/https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/2020_06_02_RNC-Response-Letter.pdf |date=2020-06-03 }}.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Murphy|first=Brian|date=June 2, 2020|title=Trump, Republicans say they're moving national convention from Charlotte|work=The Charlotte Observer|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/rnc-2020/article243221171.html|url-status=live|access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-date=June 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603015114/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/rnc-2020/article243221171.html}}</ref>

In June, some local governments, such as those in [[Raleigh]], [[Boone, North Carolina|Boone]], and [[Orange County, North Carolina|Orange County]], began requiring face masks.<ref>{{cite news |title=North Carolina town will require face masks starting Saturday, misdemeanor charges possible for non-compliance |url=https://www.wxii12.com/article/boone-north-carolina-face-masks-required-crime-coronavirus/32919230 |access-date=22 June 2020 |work=WXII |date=21 June 2020 |language=en |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009093238/https://www.wxii12.com/article/boone-north-carolina-face-masks-required-crime-coronavirus/32919230 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=52,801 COVID-19 cases in North Carolina as hospitalizations decrease for first time in 6 days |url=https://abc11.com/health/latest-nc-covid-19-hospitalizations-reach-new-high-for-5th-straight-day/6258436/ |access-date=22 June 2020 |work=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham |date=21 June 2020 |language=en |archive-date=22 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622023600/https://abc11.com/health/latest-nc-covid-19-hospitalizations-reach-new-high-for-5th-straight-day/6258436/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On June 24, Cooper announced that face masks would be required in public places statewide starting June 26. In light of increasing case numbers and hospitalizations as well as high positive test rates, he also announced that the state would "pause" reopening.<ref>{{cite news |title=North Carolina requires face masks, continues Phase 2 |url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/north-carolina-governor-roy-cooper-coronavirus-phase-mask/275-5403927e-871d-4fd8-94c9-6805a2a3a9da |access-date=25 June 2020 |work=wcnc.com |archive-date=24 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624235107/https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/north-carolina-governor-roy-cooper-coronavirus-phase-mask/275-5403927e-871d-4fd8-94c9-6805a2a3a9da |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions for Executive Order No. 147 |url=https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO-147-FAQ.pdf |access-date=25 June 2020 |archive-date=24 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624215314/https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO-147-FAQ.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=North Carolina governor requires face masks in public amid coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.wbtv.com/2020/06/24/face-masks-required-public-places-north-carolina-covid-cases-rise-alarming-rate/ |access-date=25 June 2020 |archive-date=24 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624235351/https://www.wbtv.com/2020/06/24/face-masks-required-public-places-north-carolina-covid-cases-rise-alarming-rate/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== July ====

On July 16, Governor Cooper signed executive order 151 keeping in place the Phase 2 of reopening until August 7.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO151-Phase-2-Extension-1.pdf |title= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717225035/https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO151-Phase-2-Extension-1.pdf |archive-date=2020-07-17}}</ref>

On July 17, The Jackson nursing facility in [[Sylva, North Carolina|Sylva]] reported an outbreak of the virus with an unknown number of cases.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smokymountainnews.com/news/item/29483-covid-19-outbreak-at-jackson-nursing-facility|title=COVID-19 outbreak at Jackson nursing facility|date=July 17, 2020|first1=|last1=|work=[[Smoky Mountain News]]|access-date=July 23, 2020|archive-date=July 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718135308/https://www.smokymountainnews.com/news/item/29483-covid-19-outbreak-at-jackson-nursing-facility|url-status=live}}</ref>

For two weeks during the month, 5 employees working at [[Harrah's Cherokee|Harrah's Cherokee Casino]] in [[Cherokee, North Carolina|Cherokee]] were found infected with the virus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc11.com/harrahs-cherokee-casino-resort-coronavirus-nc/6329998/|title=Cluster of COVID-19 cases identified at North Carolina casino|date=July 22, 2020|first1=Trisha|last1=Powell|work=[[WTVD]]|access-date=July 24, 2020|archive-date=July 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724125256/https://abc11.com/harrahs-cherokee-casino-resort-coronavirus-nc/6329998/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====August====
[[File:Did you remember your mask?.jpg|thumb|A sign reminding UNC students to wear a mask]]
On August 10, the [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]] controversially started the semester with some classes conducted in person, but an outbreak after the first week of class led administrators to move all undergraduate classes online.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fausset |first1=Richard |title=Outbreaks Drive U.N.C. Chapel Hill Online After a Week of Classes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/17/us/unc-chapel-hill-covid.html |access-date=21 August 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=17 August 2020 |archive-date=20 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820225848/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/17/us/unc-chapel-hill-covid.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A few days later, [[North Carolina State University]] moved all undergraduate classes online too.<ref>{{cite news |title=N. Carolina State University moving undergrad classes online |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/article245116355.html |access-date=21 August 2020 |archive-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516094953/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/article245116355.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On August 13, students at [[Elon University]] held a [[die-in]] to protest the university's reopening plans.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Quinn|first=Julianne|date=August 15, 2020|title=Students stage die-in to protest Elon University's reopening|url=https://www.thetimesnews.com/story/news/2020/08/15/students-stage-die-protest-elon-universitys-reopening/3374084001/|url-status=live|access-date=September 21, 2020|website=[[Times-News (Burlington, North Carolina)|Times-News]]|publisher=[[Gannett]]|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924204406/https://www.thetimesnews.com/story/news/2020/08/15/students-stage-die-protest-elon-universitys-reopening/3374084001/ |archive-date=2020-09-24 }}</ref>

On August 17, 177 UNC at Chapel Hill students had tested positive, and 350 students were quarantined in dorms and off-campus housing.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-08-17|title=University of North Carolina Cancels In-Person Classes After COVID Outbreak|url=https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/university-north-carolina-cancels-person-classes-after-covid-outbreak|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021195426/https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/university-north-carolina-cancels-person-classes-after-covid-outbreak |archive-date=2020-10-21 |access-date=2020-09-06|website=Voice of America - English|language=en}}</ref>

On August 18, 112 workers tested positive at a tree farm in Alleghany County.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sanchez-Guerra|first=Aaron|date=2020-08-18|title=112 workers test positive for coronavirus at Alleghany County Christmas tree farm|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article245019545.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819083403/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article245019545.html |archive-date=2020-08-19 |access-date=|website=The News & Observer}}</ref>

On August 21, eight employees and 31 residents tested positive at a nursing home in Charlotte.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Morabito|first=Nate|date=2020-08-21|title=Nursing homes continue to fight COVID-19 outbreaks despite safeguards|url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/nursing-homes-continue-to-fight-covid-19-outbreaks-despite-safeguards/275-eb9bf4fb-56ac-44ae-9385-9a50dbb9369c|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823103847/https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/nursing-homes-continue-to-fight-covid-19-outbreaks-despite-safeguards/275-eb9bf4fb-56ac-44ae-9385-9a50dbb9369c |archive-date=2020-08-23 |access-date=2020-09-06|website=wcnc.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

On August 28, 267 inmates and 51 staff members at the [[North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women]] had tested positive, and one woman had died.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wilkie|first=Jordan|date=2020-08-26|title=Outbreak rages at NC women's prison ahead of new court hearing|url=https://carolinapublicpress.org/37400/covid-outbreak-nc-women-prison-raeligh/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826140348/https://carolinapublicpress.org/37400/covid-outbreak-nc-women-prison-raeligh/ |archive-date=2020-08-26 |access-date=2020-09-05|website=Carolina Public Press|language=en-US}}</ref> The Republican National Convention meeting in Charlotte had two cases among attendees, and two cases among staff.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Durkee|first=Alison|date=2020-08-28|title=First RNC-Related Covid-19 Cases Reported In Charlotte|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2020/08/28/first-rnc-related-covid-19-cases-reported-in-charlotte/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828182552/https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2020/08/28/first-rnc-related-covid-19-cases-reported-in-charlotte/ |archive-date=2020-08-28 |access-date=2020-09-06|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=O'Connor|first=Kristi|date=2020-09-03|title=Approximately 14 people potentially exposed after two RNC Charlotte attendees tested positive for COVID-19|url=https://www.wbtv.com/2020/08/28/two-rnc-charlotte-attendees-tested-positive-covid-approximately-people-potentially-exposed-virus/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829020924/https://www.wbtv.com/2020/08/28/two-rnc-charlotte-attendees-tested-positive-covid-approximately-people-potentially-exposed-virus/ |archive-date=2020-08-29 |access-date=2020-09-06|website=WBTV 3|language=en-US}}</ref>

On August 31, nearly 800 students at North Carolina State University had tested positive.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hirt|first=Suzanne|date=2020-08-31|title='Shame and blame': Are college COVID-19 cases the fault of campuses full of reckless partiers? Experts, students say no|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2020/08/31/covid-cases-college-fall-semester-nc-state-syracuse/5659611002/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901025836/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2020/08/31/covid-cases-college-fall-semester-nc-state-syracuse/5659611002/ |archive-date=2020-09-01 |access-date=2020-09-06|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US}}</ref>

==== September ====
On September 1, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 163 moving the state into Phase 2.5 of the reopening of state operations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Still|first=Johanna F.|date=2020-09-01|title=N.C. will move into Phase 2.5 Friday, bars ordered to stay closed [Free]|url=https://portcitydaily.com/local-news/2020/09/01/n-c-will-move-into-phase-2-5-friday-bars-orders-to-stay-closed-free/|access-date=2020-12-09|website=Port City Daily|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901230135/https://portcitydaily.com/local-news/2020/09/01/n-c-will-move-into-phase-2-5-friday-bars-orders-to-stay-closed-free/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 9, a cluster of cases had been identified at the [[Caldwell County, North Carolina|Caldwell County]] courthouse.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ohnesorge|first=Steve|date=2020-09-09|title=COVID-19 cluster identified at Caldwell County courthouse|url=https://www.wbtv.com/2020/09/09/covid-cluster-identified-caldwell-county-courthouse/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926130852/https://www.wbtv.com/2020/09/09/covid-cluster-identified-caldwell-county-courthouse/ |archive-date=2020-09-26 |access-date=2020-10-25|website=WBTV|language=en-US}}</ref>

On September 4, numerous nursing homes, and congregate living facilities had experienced outbreaks, with at least 13 facilities reporting 100 cases or more.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-09-04|title=COVID-19 Ongoing Outbreaks in Congregate Living Settings|url=https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/dashboard/Weekly-COVID19-Ongoing-Outbreaks.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614002701/https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/dashboard/Weekly-COVID19-Ongoing-Outbreaks.pdf |archive-date=2020-06-14 |access-date=2020-09-06|website=NC Department of Health and Human Services}}</ref>

On September 23, Governor Cooper announced that large venues would be allowed to hold events with a 7% occupancy.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Baumgartner Vaughan|first=Dawn|date=2020-09-22|title=Cooper: NC will allow large outdoor venues, stadiums to open at limited capacity|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article245919980.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925090752/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article245919980.html |archive-date=2020-09-25 }}</ref>

On September 24, at least 18 cases were linked to a hair salon in Haywood County.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jasper|first=Simone|date=2020-09-24|title=18 coronavirus cases linked to hair salon in North Carolina, officials say|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article245948865.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030114159/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article245948865.html |archive-date=2020-10-30 |access-date=2020-10-25|website=[[Charlotte Observer]]}}</ref>

==== October ====
On October 12, the [[Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians]] (EBCI) Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) reported a cluster of eight cases at the Cherokee Boys Club.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-12|title=COVID-19 cluster identified at Cherokee Boys Club|url=https://www.theonefeather.com/2020/10/covid-19-cluster-identified-at-cherokee-boys-club/|access-date=2020-10-25|website=The Cherokee One Feather|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023081610/https://www.theonefeather.com/2020/10/covid-19-cluster-identified-at-cherokee-boys-club/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 13, three churches in Caldwell County had reported clusters, for a total of at least 39 cases.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Annable|first=Virginia|date=2020-10-13|title=3 Caldwell County churches report COVID-19 clusters; Catawba County sees 50 new cases|url=https://hickoryrecord.com/news/local/3-caldwell-county-churches-report-covid-19-clusters-catawba-county-sees-50-new-cases/article_f7c6301e-0d80-11eb-b030-a7dc86b32e64.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017010432/https://hickoryrecord.com/news/local/3-caldwell-county-churches-report-covid-19-clusters-catawba-county-sees-50-new-cases/article_f7c6301e-0d80-11eb-b030-a7dc86b32e64.html |archive-date=2020-10-17 |access-date=2020-10-25|website=HDR {{!}} Hickory Daily Record|language=en}}</ref>

On October 21, [[Donald Trump|President Trump]] held a campaign rally at [[Gastonia Municipal Airport]], with attendance estimated at 15,000- 23,000 people. Lieutenant Governor [[Dan Forest]] spoke, and said he would repeal the mask mandate if elected. The [[Joe Biden|Biden]] campaign responded with "a mobile billboard around Gaston County with the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in North Carolina," and an ad in Charlotte which said Trump was "holding potential super-spreader events in state after state."<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 October 2020|title=President Trump speaks to crowd of 23,000+ at Gastonia, N.C. rally|url=https://www.wistv.com/2020/10/21/expected-president-trumps-gastonia-nc-rally-today/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022114223/https://www.wistv.com/2020/10/21/expected-president-trumps-gastonia-nc-rally-today/ |archive-date=2020-10-22 |access-date=2020-10-25|website=WIS News 10|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-22|title=Thousands Pack President Trump Campaign Rally In Gastonia|url=https://www.wccbcharlotte.com/2020/10/22/president-trump-speaks-at-maga-event-in-north-carolina/|access-date=2020-10-25|website=WCCB Charlotte's CW|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-10-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028214439/https://www.wccbcharlotte.com/2020/10/22/president-trump-speaks-at-maga-event-in-north-carolina/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Weinstein|first1=Austin|last2=Morrill|first2=Jim|date=2020-10-22|title=President Trump warns against a Biden victory during rally in North Carolina|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article246576603.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022161341/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article246576603.html |archive-date=2020-10-22 |access-date=2020-10-25|website=[[Charlotte Observer]]}}</ref>

Also on October 21, more detailed reporting released by the state attributed more than 10,000 cases and 63 deaths to clusters, with a large proportion of cases and deaths in meat processing plants.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Retana|first=Judith|date=2020-10-21|title=NC meat processing plants make up large portion of COVID-19 cluster associated cases|url=https://www.cbs17.com/digital-stories/nc-meat-processing-plants-make-up-large-portion-of-covid-19-cluster-associated-cases/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101190413/https://www.cbs17.com/digital-stories/nc-meat-processing-plants-make-up-large-portion-of-covid-19-cluster-associated-cases/ |archive-date=2020-11-01 |access-date=2020-10-25|website=CBS17.com|language=en-US}}</ref> 231 cases and two deaths were attributed to 23 clusters related to social gatherings.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-21|title=New COVID-19 cluster report shows cases tied to weddings, parties, family gatherings|url=https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/new-covid-19-cluster-report-shows-cases-tied-weddings-parties-family-gatherings/NGXYOZOUO5EVVIBFRNAJTZPP6Q/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028212600/https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/new-covid-19-cluster-report-shows-cases-tied-weddings-parties-family-gatherings/NGXYOZOUO5EVVIBFRNAJTZPP6Q/ |archive-date=2020-10-28 |access-date=2020-10-25|website=WSOC|language=en-US}}</ref>

On October 24, the United House of Prayer for All People buildings in Mecklenburg County, including those located in the major North Carolina city Charlotte, was ordered closed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://greensboro.com/news/state-and-regional/church-buildings-ordered-closed-in-charlotte-over-grave-covid-19-concerns-3-deaths-and-121/article_51777d10-1700-11eb-8d4b-475387874e3c.html|title=Church buildings ordered closed in Charlotte over 'grave' COVID-19 concerns; 3 deaths and 121 cases of coronavirus linked to facilities|author=Joe Marusak, The Charlotte Observer|publisher=Greensboro News and Record|date=October 25, 2020|access-date=October 26, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026140139/https://greensboro.com/news/state-and-regional/church-buildings-ordered-closed-in-charlotte-over-grave-covid-19-concerns-3-deaths-and-121/article_51777d10-1700-11eb-8d4b-475387874e3c.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Mecklenburg County Health director said the church had not cooperated with efforts to prevent the spread of the virus, and that many attendees had traveled from out of state. At least three deaths and over 121 confirmed cases had been linked to the church, which had held a weeklong event earlier in the month.<ref>{{cite news |last=Burke |first=Minyvonne |date=October 23, 2020 |title=More than 100 coronavirus cases and 3 deaths linked to North Carolina church event |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/more-100-coronavirus-cases-3-deaths-linked-north-carolina-church-n1244574 |url-status=dead |work=[[NBC News]] |location= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024201534/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/more-100-coronavirus-cases-3-deaths-linked-north-carolina-church-n1244574 |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |access-date=October 25, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hein |first=Alexandria |date=2020-10-22 |title=Nearly 70 coronavirus cases tied to North Carolina church event |url=https://www.foxnews.com/health/coronavirus-cases-north-carolina-church-event |access-date=2020-10-25 |website=[[Fox News]] |language=en-US |archive-date=2020-10-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025104508/https://www.foxnews.com/health/coronavirus-cases-north-carolina-church-event |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 29, two attendees at the October 21 Trump rally in Gastonia tested positive. The Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services "recommends anyone who attended the president's Oct. 21 rally to assess their own risk, monitor for symptoms and get tested if necessary."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Bryan|date=2020-10-09|title=Two Attendees at Trump North Carolina Rally Get COVID-19|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/north-carolina/articles/2020-10-29/two-attendees-at-trump-north-carolina-rally-get-covid-19|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105043139/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/north-carolina/articles/2020-10-29/two-attendees-at-trump-north-carolina-rally-get-covid-19 |archive-date=2020-11-05 |access-date=2020-10-29|website=[[U.S. News & World Report]]}}</ref>

==== November ====
On November 19, the number of infected people that are linked to United House of Prayer for All People meeting in October increased to 213 cases with 12 deaths. The majority of the case are people who did not visit the church. An outbreak at a nearby nursing home, Madison Saints Paradise South Senior Living, has been traced back to the church.<ref>{{Cite web|title=COVID Outbreak at North Carolina Church Linked to 12 Deaths and More Than 200 Cases|url=https://people.com/health/covid-outbreak-north-carolina-church-linked-12-deaths-200-cases/|access-date=2020-12-08|website=PEOPLE.com|language=EN|archive-date=2020-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208151111/https://people.com/health/covid-outbreak-north-carolina-church-linked-12-deaths-200-cases/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== December ====
On December 7, some hospitals in North Carolina will begin to receive shipments of COVID-19 vaccine.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stradling|first=Richard|date=|title=Not all NC hospitals will get the COVID vaccine at first. Here's who is on the list.|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article247671980.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211062436/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article247671980.html |archive-date=2020-12-11 |access-date=|website=The News & Observer}}</ref> The vaccine would be prioritized for healthcare staffs and staff at long-term care facilities. North Carolina DDHS has stated that it could take until spring for the vaccine to be widely available. The vaccine would be free of charge in North Carolina.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coronavirus Vaccine: 11 Questions About Distribution in North Carolina|url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/coronavirus/2020/12/10/coronavirus-vaccine--11-questions-about-distribution-in-north-carolina|access-date=2020-12-11|website=spectrumlocalnews.com|language=en|archive-date=2020-12-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211160443/https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/coronavirus/2020/12/10/coronavirus-vaccine--11-questions-about-distribution-in-north-carolina|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 8, Governor Cooper announced a new curfew as COVID-19 cases surge in some counties. Individuals should stay at home between 10 PM to 5 AM, unless an exception applies. The curfew is in effect until January 8, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Vaughan|first=Dawn Baumgartner|date=|title=Governor announces new NC curfew as nearly half of counties have high COVID-19 spread|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article247695390.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208214504/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article247695390.html |archive-date=2020-12-08 |access-date=|website=Charlotte Observer}}</ref>

As of December 22, seventy-seven cases of COVID-19 were linked to a holiday celebration the weekend of December 5–6 at First Baptist Church in [[Hendersonville, North Carolina|Hendersonville]]. No deaths have been reported but there have been several hospitalizations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Holiday church gathering in North Carolina leads to 97 Covid cases and counting |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/holiday-church-gathering-north-carolina-leads-97-covid-cases-counting-n1252137 |access-date=December 22, 2020 |work=NBC News |date=December 22, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516094945/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/holiday-church-gathering-north-carolina-leads-97-covid-cases-counting-n1252137?cid=sm_npd_nn_fb_ma |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2021 ===

==== January ====
On January 14, the state changed its vaccine eligibility criteria for Group 1, expanding it to include anyone 65 years or older. Previously, only those that are 75 years old are included in the first group to be vaccinated.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hicks|first=WBTV Web Staff, Caroline|title=North Carolina to offer COVID-19 vaccine to people 65 and older, despite demand outweighing supply|url=https://www.wbtv.com/2021/01/14/north-carolina-offer-covid-vaccine-people/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-08|website=WBTV.com|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114164015/https://www.wbtv.com/2021/01/14/north-carolina-offer-covid-vaccine-people/ |archive-date=2021-01-14 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=North Carolina to vaccinate anyone 65 years and older|url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/north-carolina-new-coronavirus-covid-vaccine-phases-group-people-population/275-e95fdd9c-b775-44cd-949f-e970f5f72a6e|access-date=2021-03-08|website=wcnc.com|date=14 January 2021 |language=en-US|archive-date=2021-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128214846/https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/north-carolina-new-coronavirus-covid-vaccine-phases-group-people-population/275-e95fdd9c-b775-44cd-949f-e970f5f72a6e|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 23, the first case of COVID-19 with B.1.1.7 variant, also known as UK variant, is detected in North Carolina. The case is found in Mecklenburg County.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New strain of coronavirus confirmed in Mecklenburg County|url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/new-strain-of-covid-19-found-in-north-carolina/275-02ae9394-55c8-41fe-b9bd-9594e10729cf|access-date=2021-03-08|website=wcnc.com|date=23 January 2021 |language=en-US|archive-date=2021-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304091407/https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/new-strain-of-covid-19-found-in-north-carolina/275-02ae9394-55c8-41fe-b9bd-9594e10729cf|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== February ====
On February 11, the first case of South African COVID-19 variant found in North Carolina.<ref>{{Cite web|last=WRAL|date=2021-02-11|title=First case of South African coronavirus variant found in North Carolina|url=https://www.wral.com/coronavirus/first-case-of-south-african-coronavirus-variant-found-in-north-carolina/19522467/|access-date=2021-03-05|website=WRAL.com|language=en|archive-date=2021-03-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307052551/https://www.wral.com/coronavirus/first-case-of-south-african-coronavirus-variant-found-in-north-carolina/19522467/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On February 25, the governor announced significant rollbacks of restrictions on businesses and other venues, allowing non-essential business can stay open late, and allow alcohol to be sold until 11 PM.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kaplan|first=Jonah|date=2021-02-24|title=Gov. Cooper eases restrictions on bars, lifts Stay-At-Home orders for gyms and other businesses|url=https://abc11.com/10367345/|access-date=2021-03-08|website=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham|language=en|archive-date=2021-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226202749/https://abc11.com/10367345/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== March ====
On March 1, North Carolina received the third vaccine as Johnson & Johnson's  vaccine is now available on the state.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NCDHHS: NC to Receive Authorized Johnson & Johnson's One-Shot COVID-19 Vaccine Wednesday|url=https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/nc-receive-authorized-johnson-johnson%E2%80%99s-one-shot-covid-19-vaccine-wednesday|access-date=2021-03-08|website=www.ncdhhs.gov|archive-date=2021-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308015729/https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/nc-receive-authorized-johnson-johnson%E2%80%99s-one-shot-covid-19-vaccine-wednesday|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 3, frontline essential workers, classified as Group 3 in the state, are eligible to be vaccinated.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NC Gov. Cooper: Gov. Cooper Announces Frontline Essential Workers Eligible for Vaccination Beginning March 3|url=https://governor.nc.gov/news/gov-cooper-announces-frontline-essential-workers-eligible-vaccination-beginning-march-3|access-date=2021-03-08|website=governor.nc.gov|archive-date=2021-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308220417/https://governor.nc.gov/news/gov-cooper-announces-frontline-essential-workers-eligible-vaccination-beginning-march-3|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 13, Duke University ordered a temporary 'stay-in-place' restrictions on campus, due to increase of COVID-19 cases related to fraternity rush events.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jackson|first=Drew|date=2021-03-13|title=Duke orders temporary 'stay-in-place' restrictions on campus to stop spread of COVID|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article249925583.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-15|website=The News & Observer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314165057/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article249925583.html |archive-date=2021-03-14 }}</ref> This restriction is lifted a week later.<ref>{{Cite web|last=WTVD|date=2021-03-21|title=Duke University lifts 'most' of stay-in-place order Sunday after fewer undergraduates test positive for COVID-19|url=https://abc11.com/10437743/|access-date=2021-03-24|website=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham|language=en|archive-date=2021-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321114540/https://abc11.com/10437743/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 17, North Carolinians that are under Group 4, which includes people with underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure and obesity, became eligible to be vaccinated in the state.<ref>{{Cite web|last=WRAL|date=2021-03-17|title=NC opens COVID-19 vaccinations to people with health conditions in Group 4|url=https://www.wral.com/nc-opens-covid-19-vaccinations-to-people-with-health-conditions-in-group-4/19579683/|access-date=2021-03-24|website=WRAL.com|language=en|archive-date=2021-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323232440/https://www.wral.com/nc-opens-covid-19-vaccinations-to-people-with-health-conditions-in-group-4/19579683/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 23, further rollbacks to restrictions are made by Governor Cooper. Museums, aquariums, retail businesses and shops, barbers/salons/personal care shops can open at 100% capacity, while restaurants, breweries and wineries, amusement parks, gyms, and pools can open at 75% capacity. Mandatory masks and social distancing would still be in effect on all of these establishments. On-site alcohol consumption curfew will be lifted, and mass gathering limit would be increased to 50 person indoor and 100 person outdoor.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-23|title=N.C. Gov. Cooper signs executive order increasing occupancy capacity at businesses, entertainment venues|url=https://www.wavy.com/news/north-carolina/nc-covid-19-march-23-update-over-1k-new-cases-positivity-rate-rises-to-6-3-gov-cooper-to-give-tuesday-briefing/|access-date=2021-03-24|website=WAVY.com|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-05-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516094946/https://www.wavy.com/news/north-carolina/nc-covid-19-march-23-update-over-1k-new-cases-positivity-rate-rises-to-6-3-gov-cooper-to-give-tuesday-briefing/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 26, Governor Cooper announced that all adults in North Carolina are eligible to be to sign up for vaccine appointments starting on April 7.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kaplan|first=Jonah|date=2021-03-25|title=COVID-19 vaccine appointments will open to everybody in North Carolina starting April 7, Gov. Roy Cooper says|url=https://abc11.com/10447608/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham|language=en|archive-date=2021-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326061906/https://abc11.com/10447608/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Gorman|first=Steve|date=2021-03-25|title=California, Florida, North Carolina announce expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-idUSKBN2BH3DH|access-date=2021-03-26|archive-date=2021-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325221733/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-idUSKBN2BH3DH|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== April ====
On April 7, all North Carolina residents age 16 and older are eligible for vaccine appointments.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NC opens coronavirus vaccines to all. Here's how to get your shot.|url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/coronavirus/2021/04/06/north-carolina-opens-coronavirus-vaccines-to-all|access-date=2021-04-17|website=spectrumlocalnews.com|language=en|archive-date=2021-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417163533/https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/coronavirus/2021/04/06/north-carolina-opens-coronavirus-vaccines-to-all|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=WBTV Web|title=COVID-19 vaccine eligibility opens for everyone age 16+ in North Carolina|url=https://www.wbtv.com/2021/04/06/covid-vaccine-eligibility-open-wednesday-those-age-north-carolina/|access-date=2021-04-17|website=WBTV|date=7 April 2021 |language=en-US|archive-date=2021-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417105809/https://www.wbtv.com/2021/04/06/covid-vaccine-eligibility-open-wednesday-those-age-north-carolina/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 17, a Walgreens pharmacy in [[Monroe, North Carolina|Monroe]] accidentally gave some people injections of saline instead of COVID-19 vaccine.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schladebeck|first=Jessica|title=Vaccine mix-up at North Carolina Walgreens results in saline injections instead of COVID treatment|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-covid-vaccine-mixup-caolina-walgreens-20210417-miz5ssyo5feqpdcc3bhcbxsbma-story.html|access-date=2021-04-17|website=nydailynews.com|date=17 April 2021 |archive-date=2021-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417164015/https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-covid-vaccine-mixup-caolina-walgreens-20210417-miz5ssyo5feqpdcc3bhcbxsbma-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== September ====
On September 9, Governor Cooper announced that North Carolina will not be following President Biden's mandated COVID-19 vaccination for federal employees and giving disciplinary measures for employees that are not complying with the mandate. Governor Cooper announced that there will be no change for state workers. Employees must still show proof of vaccination, but have an option to getting tested regularly and wearing a mask.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-09|title=Gov. Cooper not planning to change vaccination requirements for state employees after Biden's mandate|url=https://www.cbs17.com/news/north-carolina-news/gov-cooper-not-planning-to-change-vaccination-requirements-for-state-employees-after-bidens-mandate/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=CBS17.com|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006183841/https://www.cbs17.com/news/north-carolina-news/gov-cooper-not-planning-to-change-vaccination-requirements-for-state-employees-after-bidens-mandate/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 16, Fayetteville Veteran Affairs accidentally administered expired COVID-19 vaccines to 281 of its patients.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-16|title=Fayetteville VA says it administered expired COVID-19 vaccines|url=https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/cumberland-county-news/fayetteville-va-says-it-administered-expired-covid-19-vaccines/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=CBS17.com|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006184131/https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/cumberland-county-news/fayetteville-va-says-it-administered-expired-covid-19-vaccines/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 28, North Carolina hospital system [[Novant Health]] fire 175 employees, around 1% of their total workforce, for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wallace|first=Danielle|date=2021-09-28|title=North Carolina hospital system Novant Health to fire 175 employees who refused COVID vaccine mandate|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/north-carolina-hospital-system-novant-health-fires-175-employees-covid-vaccine-mandate|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Fox News|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006004321/https://www.foxnews.com/us/north-carolina-hospital-system-novant-health-fires-175-employees-covid-vaccine-mandate|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== October ====
On October 6, North Carolina State Fair has announced that masks and vaccinations are not required to attend [[North Carolina State Fair]] in October 14.<ref>{{Cite web|title=HealthSafetyGuidance|url=http://www.ncstatefair.org/2021/Visitor/HealthSafetyGuidance.htm|access-date=2021-10-06|website=www.ncstatefair.org|archive-date=2021-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006140233/http://www.ncstatefair.org/2021/Visitor/HealthSafetyGuidance.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-06|title=NC State Fair announces COVID-19 safety guidelines — vaccination, masks not required|url=https://www.cbs17.com/news/north-carolina-news/nc-state-fair-announces-covid-19-safety-guidelines-vaccination-masks-not-required/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=CBS17.com|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006145210/https://www.cbs17.com/news/north-carolina-news/nc-state-fair-announces-covid-19-safety-guidelines-vaccination-masks-not-required/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Impact==
[[File:Public handwashing station in Chapel Hill.jpg|thumb|A public handwashing station in [[Chapel Hill, North Carolina|Chapel Hill]]]]

===Sports===
{{Further|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports}}
Most of North Carolina's sports teams were affected. Several leagues began postponing or suspending their seasons, beginning this process on March 12. On that date, the [[National Basketball Association|National Basketball Association (NBA)]] announced the season would be suspended for 30 days, affecting the [[2019–20 Charlotte Hornets season|Charlotte Hornets]].<ref name="nba">{{cite web|date=March 12, 2020|title=Silver: NBA hiatus likely to last 'at least' 30 days|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28893331/nba-owners-seeking-30-day-reevaluation-suspension-games|access-date=March 13, 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en|archive-date=June 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616080717/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28893331/nba-owners-seeking-30-day-reevaluation-suspension-games|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[National Hockey League|National Hockey League (NHL)]], the season was suspended for an indefinite amount of time, affecting the [[2019–20 Carolina Hurricanes season|Carolina Hurricanes]].<ref name="nhl">[https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-coronavirus-status/c-316155530 NHL statement on coronavirus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314025848/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-coronavirus-status/c-316155530 |date=2020-03-14 }} NHL, March 12, 2020</ref> On March 14, the [[Hickory Motor Speedway]] was forced to cancel all racing events, due to an executive order issued that banned gatherings of 100 or more.<ref>{{cite web|date=March 15, 2020|title=Executive Order Stops Racing at Hickory In Its Tracks|url=https://speedsport.com/racing-nation/southeast/executive-order-stops-racing-at-hickory-in-its-tracks/|access-date=29 March 2020|website=Speed Sport|archive-date=4 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404143831/https://speedsport.com/racing-nation/southeast/executive-order-stops-racing-at-hickory-in-its-tracks/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men's Basketball Tournament, held in Greensboro, NC, announced March 12 that it would cancel its final three games after Duke University informed tournament officials that the team would not play the quarterfinal game scheduled against NC State.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Carter|first=Andrew|date=March 12, 2020|title=The ACC basketball tournament has been canceled due to concerns of coronavirus outbreak|work=The News & Observer|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/article241118991.html|url-status=live|access-date=May 16, 2020|archive-date=May 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505051903/https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/article241118991.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=March 12, 2020|title=Statement from ACC on men's basketball tournament|url=https://theacc.com/news/2020/3/12/statement-from-acc-on-mens-basketball-tournament.aspx|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316130011/https://theacc.com/news/2020/3/12/statement-from-acc-on-mens-basketball-tournament.aspx |archive-date=2020-03-16 |access-date=May 16, 2020|website=The ACC}}</ref>

=== Economic ===
{{Further|Financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic}}
Governor Cooper required non-essential businesses to close, in an effort to decrease the spread of coronavirus in. Restaurants are only allowed to provide drive-in or carryout services. As a result, many businesses have laid off workers. In April 2020, the state unemployment system reports over 500,000 unemployment claims, a rate of 13.5%.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Doran|first=Will|date=April 10, 2020|title=A tenth of the workforce has filed for unemployment. How NC is trying to fix delays.|work=The News & Observer|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article241916341.html|url-status=live|access-date=April 14, 2020|archive-date=May 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518153742/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article241916341.html}}</ref> As of April 2021, the unemployment rate in the state has reduced to 5.2%.<ref>{{Cite web|agency=Associated Press|date=2021-04-16|title=North Carolina's unemployment rate falls to 5.2% in March|url=https://wlos.com/news/local/north-carolina-unemployment-rate-falls-march|access-date=2021-04-17|website=WLOS|archive-date=2021-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417164503/https://wlos.com/news/local/north-carolina-unemployment-rate-falls-march|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Long-term care facilities ===
{{Further|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on long-term care facilities}}
COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported in multiple long-term care facilities and nursing homes across North Carolina,<ref name=":2" /> prompting Governor Cooper and the [[National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention|National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCDHHS)]] to issue further restrictions in these settings, such as stopping group meals and conducting routine temperature checks for employees and residents. The highest coronavirus counts have occurred at two facilities in Orange County: Pruitt-Health Carolina Point, and Signature Health, where 110 people (staff and residents) have tested positive for COVID-19.<ref name=":2" /> In Rowan County, as of July 8, 168 people had tested positive at The Citadel, and 21 of them had died.<ref>{{cite news|last=Anderson|first=Natalie|date=August 27, 2020|title=Another death confirmed at Citadel nursing home as case numbers in Rowan continue to grow|work=[[Salisbury Post]]|url=https://www.salisburypost.com/2020/08/27/once-states-largest-citadel-nursing-home-sees-second-covid-19-outbreak/|access-date=August 28, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828115527/https://www.salisburypost.com/2020/08/27/once-states-largest-citadel-nursing-home-sees-second-covid-19-outbreak/|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[Cabarrus County, North Carolina|Cabarrus County]], the county health authority reported 74 people tested positive at Five Oaks Rehabilitation, and five of them died.<ref name="Five Oaks">{{cite news|date=April 20, 2020|title=Five people with COVID-19 have died at Five Oaks|work=[[Independent Tribune]]|url=https://www.independenttribune.com/news/five-people-with-covid-19-have-died-at-five-oaks/article_c32de374-8347-11ea-8083-8f156733d207.html|access-date=April 22, 2020|archive-date=May 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501104813/https://www.independenttribune.com/news/five-people-with-covid-19-have-died-at-five-oaks/article_c32de374-8347-11ea-8083-8f156733d207.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of May 16, nursing homes and residential care facilities accounted for 2,950 cases and 391 deaths.

As of October 3, nursing homes and residential care facilities accounted for 16,569 cases and 1847 deaths.

=== Prisons ===
{{Further|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prisons}}
The [[Wayne County, North Carolina|Wayne County]] Health Department reported their first recorded death on April 23 after testing positive on April 18, and that as of April 20, [[Neuse Correctional Institution]] had approximately 450 of its 700 inmates test positive, and all inmates were to be tested; few reported symptoms. All of the staff could be tested as well. As of April 24, positive cases had risen to 465.<ref name="Prison">{{cite news|last=Alexander|first=Ames|date=April 20, 2020|title=As massive COVID-19 outbreak hammers prison, NC sends reinforcements|work=[[The Charlotte Observer]]|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article242133306.html|access-date=April 22, 2020|archive-date=May 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518084034/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article242133306.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Pender Correctional Institution, in eastern North Carolina reported the state's first death in a prison.<ref name="CarolinaPublicPress">{{cite news|last=Wilkie|first=Jordan|date=April 23, 2020|title=First NC inmate dies from COVID-19, prison outbreaks grow|work=[[Carolina Public Press]]|url=https://carolinapublicpress.org/30343/first-nc-inmate-dies-from-covid-19-prison-outbreaks-grow/|access-date=April 23, 2020|archive-date=May 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517022000/https://carolinapublicpress.org/30343/first-nc-inmate-dies-from-covid-19-prison-outbreaks-grow/|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of May 16, prisons accounted for 1112 cases and 14 deaths.

As of October 3, prisons accounted for 4,802 cases and 43 deaths.

As of December 13, 6,059 cases, more than 1 in 6 people in custody in North Carolina has tested positive for COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fowler|first=Hayley|date=|title=Coronavirus live updates: Here's what to know in North Carolina on Dec. 10|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article247739245.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223044713/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article247739245.html |archive-date=2020-12-23 |access-date=|website=Charlotte Observer}}</ref>

=== Insider trading ===

{{Further|2020 Congressional insider trading scandal}}

On March 19, [[ProPublica]] revealed that Senator [[Richard Burr]] allegedly used his position as chairman of the [[United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence|Senate Intelligence Committee]] to mislead the public about COVID-19. He sold $628,000 and $1.72 million of stock on February 13, days before the market crashed.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Faturechi|first1=Robert|last2=Willis|first2=Derek|title=Senator Dumped Up to $1.7 Million of Stock After Reassuring Public About Coronavirus Preparedness|url=https://www.propublica.org/article/senator-dumped-up-to-1-7-million-of-stock-after-reassuring-public-about-coronavirus-preparedness|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429033815/https://www.propublica.org/article/senator-dumped-up-to-1-7-million-of-stock-after-reassuring-public-about-coronavirus-preparedness|archive-date=April 29, 2020|access-date=May 1, 2020|website=ProPublica|date=19 March 2020 |quote=Soon after he offered public assurances that the government was ready to battle the coronavirus, the powerful chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Richard Burr, sold off a significant percentage of his stocks, unloading between $628,000 and $1.72 million of his holdings on Feb. 13 in 33 separate transactions.}}</ref> On February 27, Burr attended a luncheon held at a social club called the Capitol Hill Club, where he privately told members that COVID-19 "is much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history," and "probably more akin to [[Spanish flu|The 1918 pandemic]]."<ref>{{cite news|last=Mak|first=Tim|date=March 19, 2020|title=Weeks Before Virus Panic, Intelligence Chairman Privately Raised Alarm, Sold Stocks|work=National Public Radio|location=|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/03/19/818192535/burr-recording-sparks-questions-about-private-comments-on-covid-19|url-status=live|access-date=May 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429050408/https://www.npr.org/2020/03/19/818192535/burr-recording-sparks-questions-about-private-comments-on-covid-19|archive-date=April 29, 2020}}</ref>

On March 30, the [[Department of Justice]], in coordination with the [[Securities and Exchange Commission]], reported that a formal probe would be launched into the stock sales made by several legislators, including Burr, during the early days of the coronavirus epidemic.<ref>{{Cite web|author1=David Shortell|author2=Evan Perez|author3=Jeremy Herb|author4=Kara Scannell|title=Exclusive: Justice Department reviews stock trades by lawmakers after coronavirus briefings|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/29/politics/justice-stock-trades-lawmakers-coronavirus/index.html|access-date=2020-05-14|website=CNN|date=30 March 2020 |archive-date=2020-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331222559/https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/29/politics/justice-stock-trades-lawmakers-coronavirus/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 14, Senator Burr said he would step aside from his role as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee until the FBI completed its investigation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wilkie|first=Christina|date=2020-05-14|title=Sen. Richard Burr steps down as Senate intel chair during coronavirus stock sale probe|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/14/sen-richard-burr-steps-down-as-senate-intel-chair-during-coronavirus-stock-sale-probe.html|access-date=2020-05-14|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=2021-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214231207/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/14/sen-richard-burr-steps-down-as-senate-intel-chair-during-coronavirus-stock-sale-probe.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 13, the FBI served a search warrant on Burr at his Washington residence, and seized his cell phone.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-14|title=FBI serves warrant on senator in investigation of stock sales linked to coronavirus|url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-05-13/fbi-serves-warrant-on-senator-stock-investigation|access-date=2020-05-14|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514200121/https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-05-13/fbi-serves-warrant-on-senator-stock-investigation|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 19, 2021, the Justice Department closed their probe into allegation of Burr's insider trading.<ref>{{Cite web|agency=Associated Press|title=Feds won't charge Sen. Richard Burr with insider trading|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/feds-wont-charge-sen-richard-burr-with-insider-trading-01611104898|access-date=2021-03-05|website=MarketWatch|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206174357/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/feds-wont-charge-sen-richard-burr-with-insider-trading-01611104898|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Reopening protest ===
A ReOpenNC [[Facebook]] group was started on Tuesday April 7, and by Sunday April 12 it had accrued 15,000 followers.<ref name="NAO-April12-Grassroots">{{cite news|last1=Wiseman|first1=Steve|date=12 April 2020|title=Grassroots effort demands that NC relax coronavirus rules. But state says they're working.|work=The News & Observer|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article241953556.html|access-date=13 May 2020|archive-date=18 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518094000/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article241953556.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]], about 100 people protested outside the capitol building on April 14. One woman was arrested for violating the governor's order and refusing to leave the parking lot.<ref name="Shaffer">{{cite news|last1=Shaffer|first1=Josh|last2=Hajela|first2=Ashad|date=April 15, 2020|title=Protesters rally for NC to reopen. One woman arrested for violating governor's order.|work=The News & Observer|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article241999131.html|url-status=live|access-date=April 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423005650/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article241999131.html|archive-date=April 23, 2020}}</ref> A second "ReOpen NC" protest of about 300 people was held on April 21—a day on which the state's coronavirus death toll increased by 34 to a total of 213.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kaplan|first=Jonah|date=April 21, 2020|title=Second ReOpen NC protest again calls on Gov. Cooper to roll back COVID-19 safety measures|work=ABC-11|url=https://abc11.com/nc-coronavirus-reopen-raleigh-protest-north-carolina/6119599/|url-status=live|access-date=April 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424034902/https://abc11.com/nc-coronavirus-reopen-raleigh-protest-north-carolina/6119599/|archive-date=April 24, 2020}}</ref>  A leader of the ReOpen NC group revealed in a Facebook post that she tested positive for COVID-19.  She described herself as an "asymptomatic COVID19 positive patient." After her antibody test came back negative but her COVID-19 test result was positive,<ref name="ReOpen-NC-positive-COVID-19">{{cite news|last1=Reeves|first1=Jeff|last2=Quigley|first2=Colleen|date=April 27, 2020|title=ReOpen NC leader says she tested positive for COVID-19|work=CBS17.com|location=Raleigh, North Carolina|url=https://www.cbs17.com/community/health/coronavirus/reopen-nc-leader-says-she-tested-positive-for-covid-19/|url-status=live|access-date=April 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429013205/https://www.cbs17.com/community/health/coronavirus/reopen-nc-leader-says-she-tested-positive-for-covid-19/|archive-date=April 29, 2020}}</ref> she was given a quarantine order. She has alleged that this violated her civil rights.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Owen|first1=Tess|date=2020-04-28|title=An Anti-Lockdown Protest Leader Has Now Tested Positive for COVID-19|work=Vice|url=https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/m7q8my/an-anti-lockdown-protest-leader-has-now-tested-positive-for-covid-19|url-status=live|access-date=2020-05-10|archive-date=2020-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510112950/https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/m7q8my/an-anti-lockdown-protest-leader-has-now-tested-positive-for-covid-19}}</ref> On May 12, a protest organized by Ashley and Adam Smith started in Raleigh with around 100 people and grew to around 400 as it neared downtown. Todd Stiefel, a Raleigh philanthropist who is immuno-compromised, paid for a small plane to fly a sign that read "Fewer graves if we reopen in waves" in a counter-protest. Though Smith had previously announced via Facebook that ReOpenNC would relaunch as a legal nonprofit to oppose Governor Cooper's administration in the courts, Smith around the May 12 protest announced that "roadblock after roadblock" prevented this re-arrangement.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shaffer|first1=Josh|date=12 May 2020|title=ReOpenNC protesters converge on Raleigh for a fifth week. Counterprotesters take to sky.|work=The Charlotte Observer|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article242668401.html|access-date=13 May 2020|archive-date=15 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515231337/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article242668401.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Statistics ==
{{COVID-19 pandemic data/United States/North Carolina medical cases chart}}
{{clear}}

==See also==
* [[Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States]]
* [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States]] – for impact on the country
* [[COVID-19 pandemic]] – for impact on other countries

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/county-health-departments County Health Departments in North Carolina]

{{COVID-19 pandemic}}
{{COVID-19 pandemic in the United States}}
{{Portal bar|COVID-19|Medicine|United States|Viruses}}

[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic in the United States by state|North Carolina]]
[[Category:2020 in North Carolina|Coronavirus pandemic]]
[[Category:2021 in North Carolina|coronavirus pandemic]]
[[Category:Disasters in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Health in North Carolina]]
{{Навигационная таблица/Портал/Английская Википедия}}
[[Категория:Английская Википедия]]
[[Категория:Википедия]]
[[Категория:Статья из Википедии]]
[[Категория:Статья из Английской Википедии]]