By the Numbers:
• 15,950 known cases in NC (as of 5:32 p.m.)
• 15,816 positive cases confirmed by NCDHHS
• 1,385,639 cases in the U.S. (as of 5:32 p.m.)
• 210,457 completed tests in North Carolina
• 9,947,322 completed tests in the U.S.
• 521 people currently hospitalized due to COVID-19
• 617 deaths in North Carolina
• 83,715 deaths in the U.S. (as of 5:32 p.m.)
• 99 counties in NC with cases (Avery County remains the one county without a case)
Latest Developments
• The CEO of Burlington-based LabCorp said today the current capacity for COVID-19 testing would support reopening the nation’s economy. Adam Schechter told CNBC, “I’m not convinced that we need to have 2 to 3 million tests per day. I believe that we are ready to start to open up states with the testing that’s available today and that’s only going to increase over the coming weeks.”
• The NCDHHS reported 90 congregate living facilities with COVID-19 outbreaks in its most recent report (released Tuesday). The latest report also notes seven congregate living facilities are no longer considered to have outbreaks.
• Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell said his office will not enforce restrictions on indoor church services under Governor Cooper’s executive order.
• Atrium Health announced it lost nearly $30 million in the first quarter of 2020.
• ICYMI: Senator Berger called on Gov. Cooper to allow counties to reopen salons and barber shops with common-sense safety precautions in place.
• The NCDOT announced the Piedmont train service between Raleigh and Charlotte would be suspended beginning in May because of the impact of COVID-19 on its revenues.
• Some of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s most popular attractions – Linn Cove Viaduct, Linville Falls and Crabtree Falls – will open Friday. Parkway access to Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell will also be restored.
Quick Hits
• Nonessential construction in New Jersey and the northernmost counties of New York is resuming.
o From The Wall Street Journal: “The economic shutdown is already having a deep impact on New Jersey’s finances. Total state tax revenue fell 60% in April, a $3.5 billion decline from the year-earlier month, Mr. Murphy said. Next month’s figures will likely be worse because April’s revenue collections largely reflect economic activity from March, including the period prior to many restrictions going into effect, he said.”
• Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell the nation’s economic recovery could need further stimulus. After his comments, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped more than 500 points
o From The Wall Street Journal: “There is a growing sense that the recovery may come more slowly than we would like…and that may mean that it’s necessary for us to do more,” he said, while urging the White House and Congress to spend more money to ensure the economy’s rebound.
