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Agriculture
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: NC agriculture officials: No meat shortages for now, plant worker safety is priority
With coronavirus outbreaks in at least 13 North Carolina meat-processing plants, worker advocates this week said President Donald Trump must do more to protect workers if he wants to keep plants open.
WBTV: Charlotte grocery store update: Customers must wear masks, express deliver, bonuses
As non-essential retailers prepare to reopen next week in North Carolina amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, grocers in the Charlotte area are continuing to make safety changes.
Economic Development
WLOS: Smaller businesses have better chance with new PPP money, NC SBA director says
Applications are back open for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) after the first round of funds ran out in just two weeks.
WFMY NEWS: Stuck on hold? NC unemployment call center extends weekday hours, adds weekends
Hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians painstakingly trying to file for unemployment amid the COVID-19 pandemic might now have an easier time contacting the state unemployment office.
Education
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: NC Senate passes COVID-19 bill. What it could mean for school calendar, virtual learning
With schools out for the rest of the academic year, except for online learning, the House and Senate are ironing out how to spend COVID-19 response money and waive requirements when so much is still uncertain amid the coronavirus pandemic.
WSOTV: NC Superintendent creates task force to figure out what fall will look like
North Carolina students aren’t returning to school this academic year — but what about next fall?
Healthcare
WNCT: NCDHHS adds ZIP code coronavirus tracking
Health officials in North Carolina are now uploading COVID-19 case count data by ZIP code on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website.
WLOS: NC COVID-19 Sunday update: One county left in the state to have reported zero cases
As of Sunday, May 3, 2020, North Carolina health officials say there have been a total of 11,664 lab-confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state, and 422 virus-related deaths.
TRIANGLE BUSINESS JOURNAL: NC hospitals, health care providers to see nearly $400 million in federal aid tied to coronavirus
North Carolina hospitals and health care providers will receive nearly $400 million in federal relief aimed to help limit the financial impact from the coronavirus pandemic.
Government
MY FOX 8: NC General Assembly unanimously passes $1.5 billion COVID-19 relief package
The General Assembly unanimously passed a $1.5 billion COVID-19 relief package Saturday in what’s being described as the “initial response” to the crisis.
WCTI 12: Governor expected to sign coronavirus bill; will hold Monday morning briefing
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is expected to sign a $1.5 billion package to address the coronavirus pandemic, providing funds for research, testing and tracing of the virus, as well programs for schools and purchases of personal protective equipment.
WSOTV: Here are Gov. Cooper’s 3 phases of lifting stay-at-home restrictions
North Carolina’s stay-at-home order is set to expire on May 8 and Gov. Roy Cooper has released his plan to lift restrictions after that in three phases.
ABC 11: Here’s what the North Carolina coronavirus relief package means for you
The General Assembly on Saturday finalized a relief package to address the new coronavirus pandemic in North Carolina, agreeing to send money to schools, hospitals, local governments and researchers.
Transportation
SPECTRUM NEWS: N.C. Transportation Services Adapt to Changing Coronavirus Concerns
Across the state, transit agencies across North Carolina are staying flexible as restrictions and orders change.
NORTH STATE JOURNAL: NC DOT announces drone programs to combat COVID-19
On Friday, April 24, 2020, the North Carolina Department of Transportation held a webinar announcing plans for a public-private partnership around drones to deliver “critical medical supplies and food” during the COVID-19 outbreak.