The Coronavirus Pandemic is the conversation topic of everyone regardless of age, race or sex. People cannot get information quick enough and are often left with more questions after viewing press conferences, misleading information via social media, etc. More and more people are searching for information about the outbreak, easily encountering overwhelmingly misleading and harmful information. After losing a family friend and learning of four others infected with the virus, Edgy Design Group decided to figure out a way to be a resource to others.

Edgy Design Group, located in Pineville NC has created an innovative app called Coronavirus Updates App that captures and disseminates up to the minute information around the Coronavirus Pandemic to include updates on the pandemic, symptoms, prevention tips and live outbreak updates in any state or nation. The app is free and available for Android systems at this time. For more information visit www.CaronavirusAndroid.com or to download the app, click https://bit.ly/3bcopLU.

The new app was initially developed at the onset of the virus as a way to provide a resource for Android users, right in the palm of their hands. But, after losing a family friend and learning of four others that are sick with the virus in her hometown of Indiana, the team knew it was imperative to launch the app as soon as possible. When asked why the app is significant to app users all over the world, App Developer Lesley Wilson states “The Coronavirus Updates App is significant because in this time of uncertainty society needs an innovative resource of credible and up to date facts. I want users to gain empowerment and peace of mind by knowing how to protect themselves against the impact of Covid-19.”

Through a partnership, updates are received from Johns Hopkins University and The CDC. Each of the sources are notated on each screen of the app. Above, check out a couple screenshots of from the app that launched on March 19, 2020:*Pictures Courtesy of Edge Design Group

According to this morning’s press release from the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department, there are currently 80 known cases of novel coronavirus COVID-19 in our county.

The department also provided detail information about the location and demographics of all 80 cases in our county, showing at least half of cases were between 20-39 and almost every zip code in the county currently have a case.

“I want to continue to encourage our community to follow the Public Health Orders that have been issued to help stop the spread of this disease in our community,” said Gibbie Harris, Mecklenburg County Public Health Director. “As the situation evolves, we will continue to provide more data and make decisions to protect the health of our residents.”

Here is the demographic breakdown of all current COVID-19 cases in Mecklenburg County:

Here is the breakdown of where all of the cases are located by zip code:

According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, there are now 297 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across our state (as of 8:35a.m., March 23, 2020), with 12 cases in Union County, 4 cases in Gaston County, 6 cases in Iredell County, and 6 cases in Cabarrus County:

According to the CDC, patients with confirmed CoVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

CDC believes at this time that symptoms of CoVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS viruses.

Some of the best ways to stay healthy include;

• Wash your hands often with antiviral soap, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are are coughing or sneezing.
• Using NAC (N-acetyl L-cysteine)
• Using probiotics (especially those containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium)
• Immunity boosting vitamins, including; zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D3

If you have any questions about CoVID-19 you can call 866-462-3821 or submit questions online at ncpoisoncontrol.org.

Charlotte was ranked on yet another ‘top list’.

Livability.com published their “Top 100 Best Places To Live” report and ranked us #21 in the nation. We came in just behind Omaha (#20) and just ahead of Laramie, WY (#22) and Durham (#23).

Here’s how Livability described the Queen City:

The North Carolina city is one of the country’s fastest-growing cities, home to nine Fortune 500 companies, and is the nation’s second-largest banking center, behind New York City.

Charlotte is home to the world’s sixth-busiest international airport, Charlotte Douglas International, boasts a high-speed light rail known as the LYNX and is in close proximity to several major interstates, all of which helped the city score high in the infrastructure category.

Additionally, Charlotte scored high in amenities thanks to its more than 60 parks, 20 golf courses and seven farmers markets. 

While the #21 spot out of thousands of towns and cities across America is certainly impressive, the list also ranked our sister city Raleigh as the #2 destination in America, citing its top-ranked universities, stellar job market, and recreation.

What do you think about the list? 

Should Charlotte be higher? 

Mecklenburg County health officials have just announced there are now 77 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our county.

They announced the new number this morning along with additional closure instructions for all gyms and fitness centers “regardless of the # of occupants”.

This morning there are 77 positive COVID-19 cases in Mecklenburg County.

Gyms & fitness centers were required to close this week. The order applies to all facilities in the County regardless of the # of occupants. This is critical to the health & safety of our residents. pic.twitter.com/rVxWhm09KB

— Mecklenburg County (@MeckCounty) March 21, 2020

The fact that the number of cases has nearly doubled from yesterday’s total of 43 sets a dangerous growth curve for potential future numbers.

While additional closures of restaurants, gyms, and public events will hopefully flatten the curve, there is still the potential that we could be seeing drastically higher numbers in the coming weeks.

We applied a simple growth curve formula to the number of COVID-19 cases from this past week in Mecklenburg County, and what the computer spit out was a staggering figure of over 8,000 potential cases by the end of the month.

The projected numbers in the above chart are not very far off from the numbers we have been seeing in New York.

A similar growth curve can be seen when comparing the reported number of COVID-19 cases in New York between March 2nd – March 21st to the reported number (and our projected number) of cases in Mecklenburg County between March 12th – March 31st.

While there is absolutely no way to predict the future, most experts do agree that the number of COVID-19 cases here in Mecklenburg County and around the country will continue to increase for at least the next few weeks.

It’s now more important than ever to follow the recommended guidelines by our health department, including:

• Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Get a flu shot, it’s not too late. During this time of year, respiratory illnesses in North Carolina are often caused by infection with influenza or viruses that cause the common cold.

Also remember that Mecklenburg County has approved an Order Prohibiting Mass Gatherings (effective March 16, 2020) and they have developed teleworking plans (effective March 18, 2020) to empower employees to continue to perform essential functions and business operations while ensuring the health and safety of employees, meaning that some facilities and services will be operating on reduced schedules.

In addition to actions taken by Mecklenburg County, the state of North Carolina has now closed all Restaurants and Bars for Dine-in Service and they’ve also closed all Public Schools K-12, beginning March 16 for at least two weeks.

ApartmentList.com released their March rent report, showing that Charlotte rents have continued to rise, in spite of the historic growth of new apartment complexes.

According to the report, “Charlotte rents have remained flat over the past month, however, they are up moderately by 2.5% year-over-year. Currently, median rents in Charlotte stand at $991 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,156 for a two-bedroom. Charlotte’s year-over-year rent growth is on par with the state average of 2.5%, but exceeds the national average of 1.7%.”

Over the past year, rent increases have been occurring not just in the city of Charlotte, but across the entire state – of the largest 10 cities that we have data for in North Carolina, 9 of them have seen prices rise.

Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas today announced a comprehensive set of steps to help customers, communities and employees manage the economic hardship caused by COVID-19.

“This is an unprecedented crisis that requires an unprecedented response,” said Lynn Good, Duke Energy’s chairman, president and CEO. “We hope the customers and communities we are privileged to serve – and the outstanding Duke Energy employees who serve them – will take some comfort from these actions.”

More Help for Customers

The company will waive late payment fees and fees for returned payments for its millions of electric and natural gas customers across its service territories beginning Saturday March 21 until the national state of emergency is lifted. For residential customers, the company will also waive fees for credit and debit card payments.

Last week, Duke Energy said it would discontinue service disconnections for unpaid bills. That covers 7.8 million electric customers; plus, 1.8 million natural gas customers, many of whom are served by Piedmont Natural Gas.

“Our goal is to continue providing reliable service while helping our most vulnerable customers during this extraordinary time,” Good said.

Community Assistance

The company also announced $1.3 million in donations by The Duke Energy Foundation to support hunger relief and help local health and human services nonprofits across its service territories, including those providing meals to children and families impacted by school closures. Given the unprecedented nature of the situation, Duke Energy is giving nonprofits the flexibility to use the funds where most needed.

Relief for Employees

To aid in providing continued service to our customers through this event, Duke Energy will also expand assistance to employees, in order to maintain the highest level of service to customers. This is part of the company’s larger donation.

The company is providing five additional personal days off to employees who experience a disruption in dependent care due to school, daycare or other child-related care – as most all schools are not in session. Duke Energy will also provide a $1,500 stipend to assist with unplanned expenses resulting from costs related to COVID-19 issue.

As part of the company’s larger donation, for Duke Energy employees, the company is donating $100,000 to the Relief4Employees program, which is a fund that employees can draw on for short term financial help during times of personal need.

Continued service to customers

The company will continue to read meters in most areas and send bills. Customers should pay what they can to avoid building up large balances that will be more difficult to pay off later.

Duke Energy power plants, electricity and natural gas delivery facilities and call centers, are staffed, ensuring dependable service to customers. The company will continue to respond to power outages and other emergencies.

Customers should download the company’s mobile app or visit duke-energy.com or piedmontng.com for information and most service transactions.