COVID-19 deaths in western counties continue to rise
Although the seven-day rolling average of positive COVID-19 tests continues to trend downwards across the state of North Carolina, western counties are beginning to see huge upticks in both cases and deaths.
University employees sue UNC System, Gov. Cooper
Seventeen employees at University of North Carolina System schools — including two from Western Carolina University — are suing the university system and Gov. Roy Cooper in a class-action lawsuit demanding a halt to plans to resume residential instruction until such instruction can take place safely.
In narrow vote, WCU Faculty Senate opposes reopening
In a nearly split vote held during a special-called meeting Aug. 10, the Western Carolina University Faculty Senate passed a resolution opposing a residential opening for fall 2020 and calling on the state to guarantee funding for the university system should future outbreaks force its institutions to return to online-only instruction.
COVID-19 cluster identified at Haywood Regional
The Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency has identified a COVID-19 cluster connected to Haywood Regional Hospital. Currently, fewer than 20 of more than 800 current employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
Haywood reports 6 more COVID-related deaths
Haywood County Health and Human Services are reporting six additional COVID-19 associated deaths. The individuals died within the last week, at two separate facilities.
Fifth COVID-19 death announced in Jackson
A fifth COVID-19 death has been confirmed in Jackson County.
More COVID-19 outbreaks reported in WNC
According to the Haywood County Health Department, a significant number of the close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases recently identified by contact tracers have refused to participate in contact tracing, testing, and/or quarantine.
New COVID-19 outbreak identified in Macon
Macon County Public Health has identified a COVID-19 outbreak in staff and residents at Drake Cottage, a congregate living facility. Four individuals have tested positive for COVID-19.
COVID-19 death reported in Jackson
A new COVID-19 death has been confirmed in Jackson County, bringing the county’s total death toll to four.
Haywood has 74 new COVID-19 cases
Haywood County Public Health received notice of 74 new cases of COVID-19 since the last press release on July 24. As of this release, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has recorded 268 cases in Haywood County.
