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Gathered at the bottom of this page is WHQR's ongoing reporting and coverage on COVID-19. In addition, below is a list of other resources pertaining to the virus.For questions/concerns about COVID-19, call the NC Coronavirus Helpline at 1-866-462-3821. To find out about the availability of community resources, call 211 or visit nc211.orgFor Brunswick County, the COVID-19 Helpline is 910-253-2339. The email is coronavirus@brunswickcountync.gov. New Hanover County's Helpline is 910-798-6800. National Resources Basic Protective Measures from the Coronavirus Coronavirus Myth Busters Coronavirus FAQs and Answers National Coronavirus Case Tracker Protecting Yourself and Your Family Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities International Travel Advisories Local ResourcesTesting in North Carolina State Case Count New Hanover County Updates and Info Brunswick County Updates and Info Pender County Updates and Info New Hanover Regional Medical Center Updates New Hanover Disaster Coalition Novant HealthDosher Memorial HospitalWAVE TransitWilmington HealthUNCWWHQR's Community Resources

Governor Roy Cooper Creates Task Force To Address Racial Inequities Highlighted By Covid-19

NC DOA
Machelle Sanders, Secretary of the NC Dept. of Administration, will lead the new task force created to address racial inequities.

Minorities in North Carolina are severely and disproportionately affected by Covid-19.  At his press conference Thursday, Governor Roy Cooper issued an Executive Order designed to address these inequities. 

"In North Carolina, African Americans make up only 22% of the population, but as of June 1st they account for 30% of the confirmed Covid-19 cases and 34% of Covid-19 deaths.  LatinX people are just 10% of the population and yet they make up 39% of Covid-19 confirmed cases.  These statistics are alarming and they are not acceptable."

It’s nothing inherent in black or brown people, says Governor Roy Cooper, that makes them more susceptible to Covid-19.  It’s the racial inequity built into North Carolina’s health care system, housing, and access to economic opportunities. 

 

Executive Order 143 creates a task force -- to be led by Machelle Sanders, Secretary of the state Department of Administration.  

"Health inequities are the result of more than individual choice or random occurrence.  They are the result of ongoing interplay of inequitable structures, policies, and norms… such as segregation, red-lining, and foreclosure."

The Executive Order also directs the Pandemic Recovery Office to ensure the fair distribution of relief funds and it tasks the state’s Historically Underutilized Business Office to provide more resources for businesses run by people of color.  Other directives include expanding Covid-19 testing information for people of color and putting a focus on environmental justice. 

 

Rachel hosts and produces CoastLine, an award-winning hourlong conversation featuring artists, humanitarians, scholars, and innovators in North Carolina. The show airs Wednesdays at noon and Sundays at 4 pm on 91.3 FM WHQR Public Media. It's also available as a podcast; just search CoastLine WHQR. You can reach her at rachellh@whqr.org.