Gov. Cooper: Let’s not let our guard down

Governor Cooper’s statement at today’s press conference:

“As of today, we have 25,412 confirmed cases, 708 people in the hospital and 827 people who have died. Today is one of our state’s highest days of reported deaths and hospitalizations since this crisis began.

“Nationwide, we have passed a grim benchmark with more than 100,000 lost to COVID-19. We continue to pray for the families left behind in the wake of this cruel virus. And we remind ourselves that these aren’t just numbers, they are people who have died. In North Carolina, our case count has continued to go up. We know that one reason for this is increased testing, which is critical to reigniting our economy and keeping people safe. We’ve increased our testing significantly. The NCDHHS COVID-19 website now has an interactive tool to find a testing site in your area. It includes more than 300 places where you can go and get tested.

“And we have more than 30 private companies and hospitals doing the lab work on the samples to get COVID-19 results. Today, another private partner, CVS, has announced 55 new drive through testing locations all across North Carolina. We’re glad to have another retail store that offers testing, especially as we work to make testing available to historically underserved communities. COVID-19 is shining a bright light on longstanding inequalities in health care. Yesterday, our Department of Health and Human Services launched a radio and video campaign to share important messages about COVID-19 to historically marginalized populations.

“African American and Hispanic communities make up a disproportionate number of our state’s lab-confirmed cases and deaths compared with their percentage of the population. And we must focus on how we can identify these disparities, and most importantly, work to fix them. It’s important to keep this gap in mind both for the location of testing sites but also in contact tracing. Community Cares of North Carolina now has hired almost all of the 250 staff members that we need to get more contact tracing help in our local health departments.

“Contact tracing is more effective when that workforce is diverse and representative of the people they serve, and these new hirings show that. This is critical work that’ll help people know if they’ve been exposed to the virus and whether to monitor for symptoms or quarantine. Across the globe, our country and our state, we know that this virus has hurt the economy. Today, I’m pleased to announce that North Carolina has received a federal grant from the US Department of Labor to support job training and temporary employment opportunities.

“Our Commerce Department’s Division of Workforce Solutions requested the funds and they will partner with local workforce development boards throughout North Carolina. People are eligible to participate if they have been laid off due to COVID-19. The funds can help pay for on-the-job training, temporary positions focused on COVID-19, or short-term training for workers to learn new skills that are now in demand. This $6 million grant will help our Commerce Department set up these programs and the state of North Carolina will continue to carry the torch forward as we focus on helping people get back on their feet.

“As we are now six days into Safer At Home Phase 2, please continue to look out for each other. Show respect for those workers still trying to navigate this pandemic to keep their customers safe and keep their businesses open. Be courteous to one another when you're out and about. Remember the 3 Ws – wear a face covering, wash your hands, wait 6 feet apart. Yes, you’ve heard these basic safety steps a lot, but they are mighty tools that each of us has to fight this virus. Never underestimate their importance. And let’s not let our guard down.”