○ In the span of 24 hours, N.C. saw an increase of 183 more cases of COVID-19. There was also an increase of seven deaths as of April 5. This brings the totals for the state up to 2,870 positive cases + 33 deaths. There have been 40,726 tests with 89 counties being affected by the virus. (WLOS)



○ As of April 3, the Centers for Disease Control has recommended that those who leave home wear a cloth mask to further prevent the spread of COVID-19, which can be transmitted between folks in close proximity through sneezing, coughing, or speaking. This is particularly useful in places where social distancing is hard to maintain, such as pharmacies, grocery stores + workplaces. See the CDC’s guide to DIY face masks here. (Asheville Citizen-Times)



○ Many workers around the world are having to work from home due to the coronavirus. Asheville Water Resource employees are an exception, as many must visit labs + plants to make sure the water is safe to drink. Plants have implemented more physical space so workers can practice social distancing when they come in. Asheville Water Resources has also suspended all water account disconnections as of Mar. 13 + late fees due to non-payment of City of Asheville combined-utility bills are waived.



○ Another Cherokee County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The resident is currently in isolation. They are a household contact of a case that is believed to have come from the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino. You can follow the Cherokee County Health Department’s Facebook page to stay up to date on the county’s COVID-19 information. (WLOS)



○ Twenty three cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at Cherry Springs Village, an assisted living community in Hendersonville. Henderson County now has 50 cases. On April 1, Cherry Springs had one confirmed case which then led to a comprehensive public health investigation. (Asheville Citizen-Times)



○ Haywood County has reported its third case of COVID-19. The individual is in isolation in their home, and the case was reported on April 5. The resident had not traveled out-of-state + their close contacts are being contacted. (WLOS)

○ As of April 6, Rutherford County has 21 cases of COVID-19. One of the positive cases is hospitalized at the Rutherford Regional Medical Center. Twenty one tests are still pending. You can find video updates on Rutherford County N.C. Emergency Management's Facebook page. (WLOS)



○ There are now 10 cases of COVID-19 in McDowell County. The individual is in isolation, and it is believed they contracted the virus through community spread since they had no contact with another confirmed case. Of the 148 tests administered as of April 5, 10 were positive and 103 were negative. Thirty five test results are still pending. (WLOS)



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