Virus Case Count at 8 in Buncombe, Virtual School Extended Until May 15th

School Closures Extended Into May

(Raleigh, NC) -- Public school students in North Carolina will be out of the classroom for a lot longer. Governor Cooper extended closures yesterday until the middle of May. Instruction has already essentially moved online. While the closures are extremely close to the end of the school year, Cooper isn't ruling out the re-opening of schools before then.

Coronavirus Cases Increase, Gatherings Limited

(Raleigh, NC) -- More restrictions are in place as the number of coronavirus cases rises in North Carolina. The News and Observer is reporting more than 400 cases in the state as of Monday night. There are eight cases in Buncombe County. Governor Cooper is ordering a ban on any gatherings of over 50 people. Businesses like movie theaters and gyms will be forced to temporarily close by tomorrow.

Mission Health Refunding Some Customers

(Asheville, NC) -- Mission Health is attempting to fix an error in billing. Area residents have listed billing as one of several complaints against the hospital, which is now being investigated by attorney general Josh Stein. The hospital told WLOS-TV that some patients had been double-billed since last August for seeing a particular doctor. HCA Healthcare is now expected to start issuing refunds.

Madison County Issues Shelter-In-Place

(Madison County, NC) -- Madison County residents are being asked to stay at home unless it's essential to leave. A shelter-in-place was issued through the county's emergency alert system yesterday. The board of commissioner's chairman says going to the grocery store or work is okay. County officials were close to calling for a shelter-in-place on Friday, but decided to wait after hearing from state officials.

State Parks Restrict Camping

(Undated) -- Some changes are underway at North Carolina's state parks. All bathrooms, visitor centers and camping are shut down due to coronavirus concerns. Most parks are still open, but close everyday at sunset.

Parking Lot Opens To Asheville Food Trucks

(Asheville, NC) -- A dining alternative is popping up in Asheville. WLOS-TV says the Masonic Temple on Broadway is leaving its parking lot open for food trucks while the restaurant ban is in effect. Two trucks parked there yesterday.

Mecklenburg Coronavirus Cases Hit Triple Digits

(Charlotte, NC) -- The number of coronavirus cases in Mecklenburg County is now over 100. They make up about a quarter of more than 400 cases now identified in North Carolina. Governor Cooper is ordering a ban on any gatherings of over 50 people. Businesses like movie theaters and gyms will be forced to temporarily close by tomorrow.

Suspect Arrested For SW Charlotte Homicide

(Charlotte, NC) -- A suspect is in jail for a southwest Charlotte homicide. One man was shot to death in a parking lot on West Arrowood Road last Wednesday. The suspect in the shooting was arrested by the CMPD yesterday. He was charged with murder and attempted murder.

Free Fares On CATS Buses

(Charlotte, NC) -- Public transit in the Queen City is free as the coronavirus drives passenger numbers down. CATS is eliminating fare on its buses so customers don't have to use ticket machines or fare boxes. Light rail will operate on a Sunday schedule, while most buses are moving to a Saturday schedule for the time being.

Schools Closed Until Mid-May

(Raleigh, NC) -- Public school students in North Carolina will be out of the classroom for a lot longer. Governor Cooper extended closures yesterday until the middle of May. Instruction has essentially moved online. While the closures are extremely close to the end of the school year, Cooper isn't ruling out the re-opening of schools before then.

Another Mall To Temporarily Close

(Charlotte, NC) -- Another Charlotte mall is shutting down over the coronavirus. Northlake Mall closed its doors last night until April 6th. The Dillard's store has decided to remain open. It joins other malls in the Charlotte area owned by Simon Property Group, which have closed during the outbreak of the virus.

Panthers' Trade QB Allen

(Charlotte, NC) -- The changes at quarterback are continuing for the Carolina Panthers. The NFL Network reported yesterday that Kyle Allen has been traded to the Washington Redskins. Allen started every game for Carolina last year after Cam Newton went down with an injury. He'll join ex-Panthers' head coach Ron Rivera, who now leads the Redskins.

Teen Girl Dies Of Stray Bullet Wound While Asleep

(Harnett County, NC) -- Harnett County authorities are investigating an early Monday morning shooting in which a teen aged girl was killed by a stray bullet while she slept in her bed. It happened around 12:30 a.m. in the town of Erwin. Police say someone fired several shots into the home on Bunnlevel Erwin Road, striking 18-year old Iyania Rhone once in the pelvic area. Rhone was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center where she later died. So far there've been no suspects in this case.

National Store Chains Operating In State Need To Hire Thousands

(Raleigh, NC) -- Several national store chains have put out a call for more workers. Dollar General, Walgreens, Walmart and CVS all say they are looking to hire thousands of people to help keep up with demand amid the coronavirus pandemic. 7-Eleven is hiring over 20-thousand new employees and Papa John's has announced it also needs to fill over 20-thousand positions nationwide.

Cone Health Prepping For Increase In Patients

(Greensboro, NC) - Cone Health's emergency department is making preparations just in case it gets an influx in coronavirus patients. Physicians say they're preparing areas for patients who may need special services, like respiratory isolation. The hospital has set up a triage center in the parking lot outside of the ER, but so far, it has not been needed.

Amtrak Cancels Acela Express Trains In Northeast

(Undated) - Amtrak is canceling its Acela Express trains in the Northeast as the coronavirus sharply cuts down demand for inter-city travel. Amtrak is also reducing service on the Piedmont corridor from Raleigh, North Carolina to Charlotte. Regional trains are running only 40-percent of their usual weekday schedule.

Man Shot In Greensboro

(Greensboro, NC) - A man is recovering after he was shot in the parking lot of a shopping center in Greensboro. It happened around 4:30 yesterday afternoon in the Pyramids Village Shopping Plaza. Officers say the victim was shot during an aggravated assault. He was rushed to a local hospital in unknown condition. So far, officers have not announced any arrests.


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