The White House has granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic in North Carolina.
The declaration provides public assistance to all 100 North Carolina counties, allowing local governments, state agencies and eligible non-profits to be reimbursed for costs involved in responding to the outbreak of the Coronavirus.
“This is good news for cities, towns and counties that are incurring expenses as their public health providers, first responders and emergency managers work to protect communities from COVID-19,” said Governor Cooper. “We know this response will be costly and this federal assistance will help cover them.”
“We will continue working with FEMA as they review our request for more benefits for people impacted by this pandemic,” added Cooper.
The state has taken several actions to protect the health of North Carolinians, including ordering all K-12 public schools in North Carolina to close through May 15th, banning gatherings of more than 50 people, limiting bars and restaurants to only take-out or delivery service, restricting visitors to long-term care facilities, and promoting social distancing by closing businesses like movie theaters, gyms, nail salons, and several others.
For more information and additional guidance, please visit the NCDHHS website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus and CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.