RALEIGH – NC Governor Roy Cooper said today long-term care facilities across the state will be required to make changes to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Nursing homes employees will now be required to wear masks, workers must be screened daily for symptoms of the coronavirus, and facilities must immediately report any suspected cases to the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
The new requirements are being put into place in response to 18 outbreaks of COVID-19 at long-term care facilities across the state, including the Springbrook Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Clayton. According to the News & Observer, at least 60 people at an Orange County nursing home have tested positive for coronavirus. Seven of the patients have been hospitalized and two others have died.
According to the NCDHHS website, as of 2:55pm today there are 3,426 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 53 deaths across North Carolina. 386 people remain hospitalized. Cases have now been reported in 90 of the state’s 100 counties. The website says 51 cases have been confirmed in Johnston County with 3 deaths.
Gov. Cooper says he will sign a new executive order this week increasing social distancing requirements on retailers. The exact details of what will be required has not yet been released.
