As it turns out, this *directly* impacts COVID testing. You can't do a COIVD test without this protective equipment because we cannot risk our medical personnel getting sick and in North Carolina - as in other states - we're running low on the equipment they need to stay safe.
The shortage is so severe that it may result in a modification of the eligibility criteria for who qualifies for a COVID test in order to ensure that there's enough testing capacity for higher-risk populations. DHHS is currently reviewing guidance.
ALSO
The Mecklenburg county health director has stated that it's possible that our county will soon be told to shelter in place. There was no timeline or probability offered - just a caution to our folks so that they can take that possibility seriously starting now.
The Mecklenburg county health director has stated that it's possible that our county will soon be told to shelter in place. There was no timeline or probability offered - just a caution to our folks so that they can take that possibility seriously starting now.
Mecklenburg's public health director does have the independent legal authority to call for our county to shelter in place. The state's approval would not be necessary.
Mecklenburg is now contracting directly with LabCorp because we were only getting a few test kits per day from the state (which, in turn, is very few from the CDC). We asked the state for more, they told us to try and buy some directly from LabCorp, so that's what we're doing.
NC COVID stats as of 3/18 at 10:00 a.m.
66 known cases - up from 40 yesterday, largely because of 15 Duke students who had just returned from Europe.
66 known cases - up from 40 yesterday, largely because of 15 Duke students who had just returned from Europe.
Counties: Wake: 17, Durham: 12, Mecklenburg: 14, Harnett: 4, Chatham: 3, Forsyth: 2, Johnston: 2, Brunswick: 1, Cabarrus: 1, Craven: 1, Guilford: 1, Iredell: 1, Lincoln: 1, Sampson: 1, Wayne: 1, Wilson: 1, Onslow: 1, Watauga: 1
430 tests have been completed at state lab, which currently has capacity for another 1,250 tests.
At least 1,420 tests have been completed by non-state labs (hospitals and commercial labs). Total capacity there is unknown, but reported to be much higher than state capacity.
At least 1,420 tests have been completed by non-state labs (hospitals and commercial labs). Total capacity there is unknown, but reported to be much higher than state capacity.
