North Carolina State Resources & Information in Response to COVID-19 

Last Update: 6/7/21

The state's clearinghouse of information is through the Department of Health & Human Services. Click here for the for the latest updates on COVID-19 in North Carolina.   

North Carolina COVID-19 Dashboard Updated daily at 12:00 p.m. 

View all COVID-19 Executive Orders.                                                                               Watch COVID-19 Videos from Governor Cooper and NCDHHS

  • June 7: To learn about the latest easing of restrictions by the state, please refer to the Staying Ahead of the Curve Update page.

  • May 27: A new tool created by the NC Department of Health and Human Services that maps social vulnerability and vaccination rates by census tract has helped North Carolina vaccine providers increase vaccinations by 50 percent in 89 underserved communities. 

  • May 25: As part of its ongoing effort to get more North Carolinians vaccinated and safely bring summer back, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is offering $25 Summer Cash Cards at select vaccine sites to offset the time and transportation costs of getting vaccinated.

  • May 21: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today expanded its NC COVID-19 Dashboard to include a new metric – wastewater monitoring. Since January 2021, NCDHHS has been testing wastewater samples to look for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as part of the CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System. This new statewide program, known as the North Carolina Wastewater Monitoring Network, is a collaboration between 11 wastewater utilities, 8 local public health departments and researchers at the University of North Carolina.

  • May 17: Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that fully vaccinated individuals can safely do most activities without wearing a mask or the need to social distance from others, Gov. Cooper and Secretary Cohen announced that North Carolina will remove its indoor mask mandate for most settings. Additionally, the state will lift all mass gathering limits and social distancing requirements. These changes took effect on May 14, 2021.

    Masks will still be required in child care, schools and camps as most children are either not yet vaccinated or are not yet eligible to be vaccinated. Everyone, including people who are fully vaccinated, will still be required to wear a mask in certain settings such as public transportation, health care settings like hospitals, doctor’s offices and long-term care settings like nursing homes, and certain congregate settings like correctional facilities and homeless shelters. NCDHHS will continue to have strong public health recommendations for individuals to continue to protect one another until more people are vaccinated. People who are not vaccinated should wear a mask and maintain distance in all indoor public settings and in outdoor settings when they can't maintain six feet of distance. Read the frequently asked questions for more information.

  • May 12: With the CDC recommendation, North Carolina teens ages 12 and older can now get vaccinated with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves from COVID-19, including preventing virus-related hospitalizations and deaths. The NC Department of Health and Human Services' State Health Director has amended the Standing Order authorizing health care providers to administer COVID-19 vaccines through an Emergency Use Authorization to include the use of the Pfizer vaccine for adolescents ages 12 through 15. To find providers with the Pfizer vaccine, go to MySpot.nc.gov and filter for Pfizer. 

  • May 10: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services kicked off the Bringing Summer Back campaign on May 9 with more than 140 partner organizations across the state registered to rally together to promote COVID-19 vaccination in their communities. The new summer get-out-the-vaccine campaign offers a fun, flexible and community-centered approach that creates a space for every organization and individual to roll up their sleeves and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. The campaign will run during two weeks in May (May 9–15 and May 16–21) and two weeks in June (June 6–12 and June 20–26). The more than 140 organizations registered vary and include the business sector, medical organizations, health departments, faith-based organizations, community-based groups and various charitable organizations. Partner activities will vary and are set by participating groups. Groups plan to host vaccine clinics, distribute information about COVID-19 vaccines, offer incentives to those who get vaccinated and participate in other ways that will resonate with their communities.

  • May 7: NCDHHS announced more than 50% of adults 18 and older in the state have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. More than 43% of the adult population is fully vaccinated against the virus. To date, the state has administered more than 7.4 million vaccines. More than 74% of the population over 65 years of age is fully vaccinated, and nearly 40% of the total population of the state, regardless of age, has received at least one dose.The department is working to ensure receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is easy and convenient for anyone 16 and older. The vaccine is widely available through a variety of providers, often with no wait time and without the need for an appointment. To find a vaccine in your area, use the Find a Vaccine Location tool or call 888-675-4567.

  • May 3: The federally supported COVID-19 Community Vaccination Center in Greensboro at Four Seasons Town Centre began offering the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is available in addition to the two-dose Pfizer vaccine already offered. The vaccination site is offering the Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer vaccines on a walk-in and drive-up basis, without appointment.
     
  • April 29: Governor Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen gave an update on the state’s current data, trends and vaccination progress. As the state’s metrics and key indicators remain stable, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 209 outlining safety measures for the month of May. Executive Order 209 will take effect April 30 and is set to expire June 1. As more North Carolinians get vaccinated and adhere to safety protocols over the course of the next month, the state anticipates lifting more restrictions on June 1.

  • April 29: Under the new Executive Order, masks will still be required indoors but are no longer mandated outdoors. Masks are still strongly recommended outdoors by NCDHHS in crowded areas and higher risk settings where social distancing is difficult. The Order will also increase mass gathering capacity limits. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 50 to 100 and the number of people who may gather outdoors will increase from 100 to 200. Occupancy limits currently in place will remain the same.

  • April 28: Following a thorough safety review, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have confidence that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 and recommend its continued use to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is recommending that providers in the state resume administration of the vaccine now that the CDC and FDA have reaffirmed its safety. Read more.

  • April 27: NCDHHS announced the Bringing Summer Back get-out-the-vaccine campaign that will engage community organizations across the state to fully vaccinate as many people as possible by summer. The campaign will run during two weeks in May (May 9–15 and May 16–21) and two weeks in June (June 6–12 and June 20–26), during which organizations across the state will rally together to promote vaccination.

  • April 26: Governor Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Cohen laid out a timeline for lifting current pandemic restrictions. With stable trends and continued vaccination success, the state expects to lift mandatory social distancing, capacity and mass gathering restrictions by June 1. The Governor plans to issue an executive order next week outlining safety restrictions for the month of May. Read the press release.
     
  • April 19: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services updated the COVID-19 County Alert System, which shows one red county — an increase from zero on the previous April 1 County Alert System. Today’s update also lists 20 orange counties (previously 21 counties in the April 1 report), 48 yellow counties (previously 47), 30 light yellow counties (previously 31) and one green county (previously one). These updates account for 18 counties having moved up a tier (toward red) since the last report, 19 counties having moved down a tier (toward green) and 63 counties remaining in the same tier.

  • April 15: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services updated its vaccine data dashboard to align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and provide additional information on people who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

  • April 13: NCDHHS has released the following statement regarding the CDC and FDA's joint statement on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine: "Our primary concern is the health and safety of all North Carolinians. Out of an abundance of caution, we are following the recommendations of the FDA and CDC and have paused the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine until we learn more. The safety system in place is working as it should. If you have an appointment for Pfizer or Moderna, please go to your appointment as planned. If you have an appointment for Johnson & Johnson, your appointment will be re-scheduled."

  • April 5: Governor Roy Cooper signed three Executive Orders, including: 
    • Executive Order 206 extends North Carolina’s statewide residential eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021 in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s recent extension of the nationwide moratorium through the same date.
    • Executive Order 207 expedites the processing of unemployment insurance claims and is also effective through June 30, 2021.
    • Executive Order 205 extends the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC Commission)’s authorization to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to on-site consumption through April 30, 2021.

  • March 30: Through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ COVID-19 Support Services Program, more than 35,000 households received relief payments, food, transportation to and from testing sites or additional supports to help them isolate or quarantine during the pandemic. The program — which was set to end when all available funds were spent — is winding down this month, which means no new services can be requested. As the program ends, NCDHHS is celebrating its partners and the results of this innovative initiative. Read more.
     
  • March 22: Governor Roy Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen gave an update on the state’s current data, trends and vaccination progress. Today marked the opening of vaccine eligibility for people who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk for severe illness or who live in certain congregate settings.

  • March 22: In a new PSA released by NCDHHS, North Carolina NCAA men’s and women’s basketball coaches have come together to urge everyone to take their shot against COVID-19. They talk about why they personally chose to get vaccinated and how that helps to protect others.

  • March 22: North Carolina native and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty recently received a COVID-19 vaccine. In a public service announcement released by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Petty, 83, shares his reasons for getting vaccinated and urges others to find their spot and take their shot.

  • March 18: NCDHHS is updating its visitation guidance for long-term care facilities to allow for in-person, indoor or outdoor, visitation in most circumstances. The change aligns with new guidance released this week from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and reflects rapidly improving trends in long-term care facilities.In addition to updating its guidance, the department is rescinding Secretarial Order 6: Visitation for Long-term Care Facilities. Read more.

  • March 11: Governor Roy Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen announced beginning on March 17, people in Group 4 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk of serious illness and people who live in certain congregate settings will be eligible for vaccination. The rest of Group 4, which includes other essential workers will become eligible April 7.

  • March 9: NCDHHS expanded its vaccine data dashboard to provide more demographic data on people who are partially or fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Users will be able to see vaccinations by race, ethnicity, gender and age group by county, by week and since vaccinations began.

  • March 2: Kaiser Family Foundation ranks North Carolina as first in the nation for vaccinating the largest share of its 65 and older population at 49%. This rate does not include those in long-term care facilities. The state has also been recognized for the quality of its data. Bloomberg News scored North Carolina as best in the nation on vaccine race and ethnicity data quality, reporting the data for nearly 100% of people vaccinated in the state. Read more.

  • March 2: Governor Roy Cooper announced the establishment of a COVID-19 vaccination center in North Carolina, in partnership with the federal government. The FEMA-supported COVID-19 Community Vaccination Center will open at Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro on March 10 and will remain open for eight weeks. It will operate seven days a week with the capacity to provide up to 3,000 vaccinations per day, with options for drive-thru service in the parking lot and walk-in service in the space formerly occupied by Dillard’s department store.

  • February 26: As North Carolina’s numbers continue to show improvement and vaccine distribution increases, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the state will carefully ease some of its COVID-19 restrictions. Executive Order 195 will take effect Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. and will expire March 26 at 5 p.m. Executive Order 195 lifts the Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to stay at home and businesses to close to the public between 10 pm and 5 am. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 10 to 25, while 50 remains the limit for outdoors. The curfew on the sale of alcohol for onsite consumption will be moved from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. A face covering is still required. For more information, read the frequently asked questions.

  • February 24: NCDHHS updated the COVID-19 County Alert System, which shows 27 red counties — a decrease from 61 red counties on the previous Feb. 4 County Alert System — and the fewest red counties in the state since the start of the County Alert System. Today’s update also lists 40 orange counties and 33 yellow counties — both changes from 33 orange counties and 6 yellow counties on Feb 4. Although North Carolina’s key metrics remain high, they are moving in a positive direction with decreasing trends in numbers of COVID-19 cases reported each day, people being hospitalized with COVID-19, people in the intensive care unit and the percent of tests that are positive.

  • February 10: Governor Roy Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen outlined a timeline for Group 3 frontline workers becoming eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, beginning with anyone working in child care or in PreK – 12 schools on February 24. Under the timeline outlined today, the state plans to move to additional frontline workers on March 10.

  • February 9: Governor Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Cohen outlined how North Carolina is working to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. They were joined by Charles Evans, president of the North Carolina Association of Black County Officials and Chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. Among the strategies that the state is implementing are requiring all vaccine providers to collect race and ethnicity data. The state is also prioritizing a portion of its weekly vaccines to events that focus on underserved communities and allocating a baseline weekly amount of vaccine based on county population to ensure geographic equity with vaccine available in all 100 counties. 

  • February 9: NCDHHS reported that North Carolina has reached a sobering milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic — more than 10,000 North Carolinians have died from the virus. The state also surpassed 800,000 total cases today. "Together we grieve with the family and friends of the North Carolinians who have lost their lives to this terrible pandemic," said NCDHHS Secretary Cohen. "Each one of these numbers represents a daughter or son, a parent or grandparent, a neighbor or friend — people who are deeply loved and who were part of the fabric of our community" 

  • February 5: NCDHHS released new tools to help North Carolinians get their COVID-19 vaccine questions answered and to find vaccine locations in the state. The newly expanded COVID-19 vaccine help center can be reached at 888-675-4567 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Find a Vaccine Location search tool lets North Carolinians enter their ZIP code or current location to find nearby vaccine providers. The Find a Vaccine Location tool will be updated regularly with the latest available data. Users should contact vaccine providers directly to confirm availability and schedule appointments. Vaccine supplies remain very low, and people eligible to be vaccinated may have to wait for an appointment. North Carolina is currently vaccinating health care workers, long-term care staff and residents, and people 65 and older (Groups 1 and 2). Not all vaccine providers may be ready to vaccinate all eligible groups yet. Find My Vaccine Group, launched last week, walks users through a series of questions to determine which vaccine group they are in. People can then sign up to be notified when their group can get vaccinated.

  • February 2: Governor Roy Cooper joined NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt and State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis to thank educators for their extraordinary work during an unprecedented time, to highlight ongoing research that shows that with proper mitigation measures, in-person learning is safe, and to emphasize the critical importance of ensuring all students have an opportunity to learn in a classroom. For more information, read the updated StrongSchools NC Public Health Toolkit and what we are learning about school children and COVID-19.

  • January 15: NCDHHS announced that vaccine providers that are ready to expand may vaccinate all health care workers and anyone 65 years and older. Because vaccine supplies are currently limited, states must make vaccine available in phases. To save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19, independent state and federal public health advisory committees recommend first protecting health care workers, people who are at the highest risk of being hospitalized or dying, and those at high risk of exposure to COVID-19. North Carolina moves through vaccination phases by aligning to federal priorities while giving local health departments and hospitals the flexibility to move to the next priority group as they complete the previous one and have vaccines available. With today’s announcement, vaccine providers who are ready may vaccinate adults 65 years and older and health care workers, which will be followed by frontline essential workers, then adults with high risk of exposure and increased risk of serious illness, then everyone.

  • January 14: NCDHHS is partnering with health systems, local health departments and community health centers across the state to host large community vaccine events for people currently eligible to be vaccinated. More than 45,000 vaccines are expected to be given through these events. Read more.

  • January 7: Governor Cooper extended North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order that requires people to be at home from 10 p.m.-5 a.m. to last through at least Friday, January 29.

  • January 7: NCDHHS issued a Secretarial Directive telling North Carolinians to stay home except for essential activities and avoid gathering, especially indoors, with people who do not live with you. The directive comes as the state reports 84 counties as red in the COVID-19 County Alert System released today, meaning most of the state has critical levels of viral spread. North Carolina also has experienced record high numbers on key metrics in recent weeks, including its highest number since the start of the pandemic of cases reported each day, the percent of tests that are positive and people hospitalized with COVID-19.

  • January 4: NCDHHS reported new records for COVID-19 key metrics for Jan. 1 and Jan. 2, 2021. On Jan. 1, 2021, North Carolina reported its highest one-day number of COVID-19 cases with 9,527 new cases reported, exceeding the state’s previous highest day set on Dec. 18, 2020 by more than 1,000. Cases remained high today, Jan. 2, with 9,365 new cases reported. Read more.

  • December 31: NCDHHS announced it updated its vaccination plan to align with new federal recommendations issued last week. The changes simplify the vaccine process and continue the state’s commitment to first protect health care workers caring for patients with COVID-19, people who are at the highest risk of being hospitalized or dying, and those at high risk of exposure to COVID-19. North Carolina is currently in Phase 1a, which includes health care workers fighting COVID-19 and long-term care staff and residents. Download the infographic in English and Spanish to learn more about the phases. Read more information at yourspotyourshot.nc.gov.

  • December 30: NCDHHS is partnering with the North Carolina Central University’s Advanced Center for COVID-19 Related Disparities (NCCU ACCORD) to ensure comprehensive COVID-19 information is effective in reaching underserved communities in North Carolina. The partnership aims to help everyone make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccines. Read more.

  • December 23:  Governor Cooper shared that Santa Claus is exempt from the Modified Stay at Home Order and will be able to carry out his delivery duties on Christmas Eve: “It’s important that we all follow the Modified Stay At Home order this year to be home between 10 pm and 5 am, but after being assured of his safety measures, Santa will receive a special exemption to carry out his job on Christmas Eve,” said Governor Cooper. “Santa will wear a mask to protect the families in our state, so make sure you do your part and wear a mask, too.” Watch Governor Cooper's video message. 

  • December 22: NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen shared updates on the COVID-19 County Alert System, warning that more than 90 percent of North Carolina counties are now designated as red or orange. The County Alert System uses COVID-19 case rates, the percent of tests that are positive and hospital impact within the county to categorize counties into the following tiers: yellow (significant community spread), orange (substantial community spread) and red (critical community spread).

  • December 22: NCDHHS added data on people vaccinated to the NC COVID-19 Dashboard. Data will be provided for the total number of people statewide and by county of residence who have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Data for people who have received the second dose of the vaccine will be added in January. Today’s dashboard reflects data through Tuesday, December 22 at 8 a.m. It shows less than a week of data for the state. Most hospitals in North Carolina did not receive their first shipment from Pfizer until Thursday, December 17 and continued ramping up vaccine administration through the weekend. There can be a 72-hour lag in data reported to state. Additional data reported after 8:00 a.m. December 22 will be reflected in the next dashboard update on December 29. NC is currently providing vaccinations to individuals in Phase 1a: Health care workers fighting COVID-19 & Long-Term Care staff and residents.

  • December 18: NCDHHS reported the state’s highest one-day number of COVID-19 cases with 8,444 new cases reported Friday, doubling a record day reported just one month ago on Nov. 19 when the state reported 4,296 new cases. People who have been recently diagnosed with COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around a person with COVID-19, should not host or participate in any in-person gatherings until they complete their isolation or quarantine period. For a full list of guidance about traveling and gathering during the holidays, along with a chart outlining low, medium and high-risk activities, see the NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Winter Holidays and the Guidelines for Get-Togethers.

  • December 17: NCDHHS has selected 17 school districts and 11 charter schools to participate in a pilot program to deploy COVID-19 rapid testing in K-12 public schools where any in-person instruction is happening. Read more.

  • December 16: NCDHHS will offer more than 300 no-cost, walk-up or drive through COVID-19 testing events over the next two weeks to help North Carolinians protect themselves and their loved ones during the holidays. This includes testing in partnership with new retailers in seven counties across the state. In addition to existing testing events throughout North Carolina, retailers in Buncombe, Durham, Harnett, Iredell, Lee, Mecklenburg and Wake counties are offering testing Dec. 18-20 and Dec. 26-27 in the parking lots of select Agri Supply, Carlie C’s IGA, Home Depot, Piggly Wiggly and Wegman’s stores.

  • December 16: Starting December 15, North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services participants will be able to purchase groceries online using their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards at an additional authorized online EBT retailer, ALDI. This flexibility will allow participants to buy food while promoting social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and will help families with transportation and mobility barriers.

  • December 8: Governor Roy Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen announced that North Carolina will begin a Modified Stay at Home Order after a rapid increase in North Carolina’s key COVID-19 trends. Executive Order 181, which requires people to stay at home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., takes effect Friday, December 11 and will be in place until at least January 8, 2021.

    • The Order requires restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care businesses and more to close at 10 pm. Travel to and from work; to obtain food, medical care, fuel or social services; or to take care of a family member is exempted. Read more in the Frequently Asked Questions.

    • Secretary Cohen also provided an update on North Carolina’s COVID-19 County Alert System map. The number of red counties (critical community spread) has more than doubled since November 23, up to 48 red counties from 20 red counties. There are now 34 orange counties (substantial community spread), as compared to 42 orange counties from the previous report. With today’s report, more than 80 percent of the state’s counties fall into the red or orange tier.

  • December 2: Governor Roy Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen provided an update on COVID-19, including the news that safe, effective vaccines should be available soon. The state is working hard to hit the ground running when these vaccines are approved and shipped. The COVID-19 vaccine will be free regardless of whether someone has health insurance.

    Health care providers are being enrolled in the vaccination program based on the ability to reach priority populations. Trusted providers like hospitals will be among the first to vaccinate people. Initially, this very limited supply of vaccines will go to a small number of hospitals to vaccinate health care workers at high risk of exposure to COVID-19 – those who are caring for or cleaning areas used by patients with COVID-19. As more vaccine becomes available, the state will be able to have vaccine distributed to more of the state’s hospitals and to our local health departments to focus on vaccinating our high-risk health care workers.

    Additionally, long-term care staff and residents are prioritized to receive vaccines. Vaccinations at our nursing homes, adult care homes and other long-term care settings are being managed by the federal government. However, the vaccines used in long-term care will come from our state’s allotment. We hope by January that health departments and community health centers will start vaccinating other high-risk adults who are high risk for complications, meaning they have two or more chronic conditions, and who are at higher risk for exposure. 

    Having a safe vaccine within reach is an extraordinary achievement, but it is not a quick fix. It will take several months to have enough supplies that anyone can readily get a vaccine. Until most people are vaccinated, it is imperative to keep practicing the 3Ws.

  • November 30: Governor Roy Cooper issued additional COVID-19 safety measures to tighten mask requirements and enforcement as cases continue to rise rapidly in North Carolina and across the country. Executive Order 180 went into effect on Wednesday, November 25 and runs through Friday, December 11.
    • The order tightens the existing statewide mask requirement – making it clear that everyone needs to wear a mask whenever they are with someone who is not from the same household. The Order also adds the mask requirement to several additional settings including any public indoor space even when maintaining 6 feet of distance; gyms even when exercising; all schools public and private; and all public or private transportation when travelling with people outside of the household.
    • The Order also requires large retail businesses with more than 15,000 square feet to have an employee stationed near entrances ensuring mask wearing and implementing occupancy limits for patrons who enter.
    • Read the FAQs.
       
  • November 19: Governor Roy Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen announced a new COVID-19 County Alert System report to pinpoint counties with the highest levels of viral spread and offer specific recommendations to bring numbers down. This system will help give local leaders another tool to understand how their county is faring and to make decisions about actions to slow viral spread. The map will be updated every four weeks. Read more.

  • November 19: North Carolina communities hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic will have access to $5 million in grants to help address food insecurity needs, Governor Roy Cooper announced. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities is partnering with Livingstone College to execute a community-based program to provide critical resources to vulnerable populations impacted by the pandemic. 

  • November 12: Indoor Gathering Limit Lowered to 10 to Slow COVID-19 Spread

  • November 12: Full-Service Restaurants Can Apply for Mortgage, Rent Relief

  • November 10: NCDHHS Releases Guidance for Thanksgiving, Black Friday Shopping

  • November 9: N.C. Now Awarding $335 Extra Credit Grants to Families with Qualifying Children

  • November 2: As North Carolinians look towards the holidays and begin to plan celebratory gatherings, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services launches a new advertisement as part of the statewide "Whatever Your Reason" campaign. This newest television commercial reminds everyone the decision to wear a mask is not about “who you know, or how well you know them.”

  • October 30: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today launched an online portal for primary care providers to request reimbursement for COVID-19 related costs for individuals without insurance. Read the press release.

  • October 28: Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 171 to strengthen eviction protections to help North Carolina renters stay in their homes. With COVID-19 case counts increasing and many people continuing to work and learn remotely, preventing evictions is critical to the state’s fight against this virus. This order supplements the existing NC HOPE initiative started two weeks ago that pays landlords and utilities directly to keep people in their homes with the lights on. Read the FAQs for Executive Order 171.

  • October 26: Following the Data, N.C Will Remain Paused in Phase 3

  • October 26: NCDHHS Adds Clusters Report to COVID-19 Dashboard; Releases Guidance for Private Gatherings

  • October 26: Local Leaders Asked to Take Action to Slow COVID-19 Spread 

  • October 21: Growing evidence shows that cloth face coverings or masks, when worn consistently, can decrease the spread of COVID-19, especially among people who are not yet showing symptoms of the virus. Wearing a cloth mask in public settings is a simple but powerful action to slow the spread of this virus. Learn more about the effectiveness of face coverings.

  • October 21: Applications are now being accepted for the N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program, which will assist eligible low- and- moderate-income renters experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. 

  • October 20: The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has provided guidelines for voters and local polling locations during the voting process. (View guidelines.)

  • October 20: The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Oct. 16, reported 2,684 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases, the state’s highest one-day increase to date. The department also reported 1,148 hospitalizations, the second highest number to date.

  • October 20: North Carolina has submitted its COVID-19 vaccination plan to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The plan reflects five principles to guide the planning for and distribution of one or more COVID-19 vaccines in the state.

  • October 7: Licensed facilities providing in-person child care from August to October are eligible for $35 million in grants to help offset the financial strains placed on child care to meet health and safety guidelines while serving fewer children.

  • October 7: Most North Carolina families with children are eligible for a $335 coronavirus relief payment under the Extra Credit Grant Program. Those who filed a 2019 state tax return reporting a qualifying child will get the payment automatically. Those who did not file a state return might qualify if they apply before Oct. 15. Learn more.

  • October 5: Under Executive Order 169, North Carolina is currently in Phase 3 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions. View Executive Order 169; View frequently asked questions.

  • Beginning October 5: North Carolina public school districts and charter schools can choose to implement Plan A for elementary schools (grades K-5), which continues important safety measures, such as face coverings social distancing and symptom screening but does not require schools to reduce the number of children in the classroom. 
    Summary: In-Person Learning in Public Schools
    Fact Sheet: School Children and COVID-19
    StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Guidance
    N.C. Department of Public Instruction Guidance
  • July 31: North Carolina counties this week received an additional $150 million in COVID-19 relief to help pay for medical and public health needs as well as payroll expenses for public safety and health care employees and expenses to help protect public health. 

  • July 31: The N.C. Department of Public Instruction has been awarded a $17.6 million federal grant to develop innovative instructional approaches to better meet student needs during disruptions to schooling, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
  • June 19: Yesterday, June 18, marked another high day of new confirmed COVID-19 cases with more than 1,300 reported. The percent of positive tests remains elevated at 9% and statewide hospitalizations increased to a new high of 857.

  • June 19: Face coverings while in public, social distancing and washing hands for at least 20 seconds remain strong proven methods to help slow the spread of the virus, and they are low-cost, low-tech ways to protect each other and communities without hurting the economy. “Until we have a vaccine for COVID-19, we need to learn to live with this virus and we need to rely on the tools we have right now to slow the spread of the virus,” Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said. “That starts with the 3Ws: wear, wait and wash.”

  • June 19: COVID-19 testing is underway on all offenders in North Carolina’s prison system, according to Commissioner of Prisons Todd Ishee.

  • June 16: The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is increasing testing and tracing in nine counties with some of the highest rates of new COVID-19 cases: Alamance, Duplin, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Johnston, Lee, Mecklenburg and Wake.

  • June 16: The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced the state’s Community Action Agencies have started to receive flexible funds that can be used to help low-income individuals and families meet a variety of needs caused by the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • June 13: June 12 marked North Carolina’s highest day of new COVID-19 cases, indicating the virus is still spreading, that more people need hospital care and that the everyone needs to continue taking it seriously. “Everyone should remember that North Carolina is still under a “Safer At Home” recommendation,” Gov. Roy Cooper said. “Just because we can leave home doesn’t mean we always should.”
  • May 10: Remember the three Ws if you must leave home: wear a face covering; wait 6 feet apart from others; and wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds.

  • May 9: Beginning Saturday, May 9, 29 state parks will begin a phased reopening that includes most roads, trails, boat ramps and restrooms. Campgrounds, picnic shelters, swim areas, playgrounds, visitor centers and other common gathering areas, however, will remain closed.

  • May 9: Joined by leaders of the N.C. General Assembly, Gov. Cooper, on May 4, signed two COVID-19 relief bills providing more than $1.5 billion in in emergency funding. View Senate Bill 704 and House Bill 1043.

  • May 6: Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 138 to modify North Carolina’s Stay At Home order and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions effective Friday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. (FAQs | Guidance). 
  • April 28: The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative is hiring and training staff to support contact tracing efforts as part of Governor Cooper’s initiative to stay ahead of the curve. Learn more. 

  • April 25: Governor Cooper and state education leaders announced that remote learning will continue through end of the 2019-20 school year.

  • April 25: Governor Cooper shared a three-phased approach, based on data, to lift restrictions. View the plan.

  • April 24: Governor Cooper has also released North Carolina’s plan to lift restrictions based on virus trends.  

  • April 23: The statewide Stay at Home Order has been extended through May 8. Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned and everyone should stay at least six feet apart. Stay at Home press release (English, Spanish), FAQs (English, Spanish)

  • April 17: In sharing a path for easing certain COVID-19 restrictions, Governor Cooper says more progress is needed in testing, tracing and trends.

  • April 13: Executive Order 131 sets policies for retail stores, enforces mandatory rules at nursing homes and expedites issuing unemployment benefits. (FAQs).

  • April 3: Utilities prohibited from disconnecting people who are unable to pay during the pandemic. (FAQs).

  • April 3: A statewide Stay at Home Order is in effect and directs people to stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors or to help a family member or friend. Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned and everyone should stay at least six feet apart from others. Press release (English, Spanish), FAQs (English, Spanish).

  • April 3: K-12 public schools statewide closed until May 15. (Guidance).

  • April 1: Governor Cooper signs Executive Order 124 on March 31 prohibiting utilities, including electric, gas, water and wastewater services - from disconnecting people who are unable to pay during this pandemic. To learn more, read the FAQs.

  • March 31: Governor Cooper signs Executive Order 122 on March 30 to get equipment to health care workers, schools and local governments.

  • March 27: Governor Roy Cooper issues Executive Order 121, a statewide Stay at Home Order beginning Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. until April 29, 2020. The Executive Order directs people to stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors or to help a family member. Specifically, the order bans gatherings of more than 10 people and directs everyone to physically stay at least six feet apart from others. Read the press release and the FAQs.

  • March 25: Governor Roy Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen urge North Carolinians to stay at home if they can and maximize social distancing. People who feel sick and have mild symptoms, should stay home and call their doctor. Businesses are encouraged to get social distancing, telework plans in place immediately. Read more. 

  • March 25: NC reports first COVID-19 deaths.

  • March 23: Executive Order 120 closes K-12 public school statewide through May 15, bans mass gatherings over 50 people, closes some businesses.

  • March 23: NCDHHS asks for health care volunteers to assist with COVID-19. 
  • March 21: Executive Order 119 waives restrictions on child care and elder care, provides DMV flexibilities.

  • March 19: U.S. Small Business Administration granted request for a disaster declaration for small businesses suffering economic losses due to COVID-19.

  • March 17: Executive Order closes restaurants and bars for dine-in service, makes unemployment benefits more widely available. More.

  • March 16: NCDHHS recommends no mass gatherings for more than 50 people.

  • March 14: Executive Order closes K-12 public school statewide. Read the FAQs.

North Carolina FAQs Regarding COVID-19

All North Carolinians can prepare for COVID-19 by getting the latest information directly from reliable sources. 

If you have specific questions or concerns related to coronavirus, call 866-462-3821 for more information. 

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