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.
Third COVID-19 related death in Macon County
A Macon County resident diagnosed with COVID-19 has died. The person was over the age of 65 and had underlying health conditions. To protect the family´s privacy, no further information will be released about this patient.