Major Local Announcements
○ Governor Roy Cooper has extended COVID-19 rules + regulations and implemented a state-wide curfew. The mandate requires everyone to stay at home between the hours of 10 p.m.–5 a.m., plus on-premise alcohol sales are prohibited after 9 p.m. The executive order is currently in effect through Feb. 28. (The News & Observer)
○ Thanks to a recent executive order from Gov. Roy Cooper, restaurants are now permitted to sell to-go cocktails. You can learn more about local participating restaurants here.
○ NC remains in Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan. Bars with outdoor seating, outdoor entertainment venues, movie theaters, and amusement parks are permitted to be open at 30% capacity or for 100 guests, whichever is fewer. (The News & Observer)
○ The City Council announced that all city-sponsored events will be canceled through March 31. This includes the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and other seasonal events. (WRAL)
○ Still in effect: As of 4 p.m. on June 19, the City of Raleigh is now requiring face coverings to be worn in public. Click here to see exceptions + find out what determines an acceptable mask.
○ On Feb. 11 + 13, PNC Arena will be used as a COVID-19 mass-vaccination site with walk-up and drive-thru options by appointment only. Up to 2,100 vaccines will be distributed to eligible people on the Wake County COVID-19 vaccine waitlist over those two days. 💉 (The News & Observer)
○ Gov. Roy Cooper and the NCDHHS announced a timeline for essential workers — which includes first responders, restaurant employees + grocery store workers — to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Teachers + school employees (pre-K–12) are eligible to receive the vaccine on February 24 and other essential workers are eligible beginning March 10. (The News & Observer)
Numbers from NCDHHS
○ 72,213 (4,738 active) cases of COVID-19 in Wake County as of February 18 at 12:45 p.m.
○ 20,991 (1,154 active) cases in Durham County
○ 829,000+ cases in North Carolina; 10,670 deaths
Schedule Changes
○ College and professional sporting events (CBS Sports)
○ North Carolina schools K-12, colleges + universities (NCDHHS)
○ Local events — updates on cancelled events from Triangle on the Cheap
○ Wake County School District alerts
○ City of Raleigh daily alerts
○ Modified bus routes and service alerts
Community Resources
○ Latest updates for NC (The News & Observer)
○ Running list of closings (WRAL)
○ Podcast — NC coronavirus news (WRAL)
○ Ways to help those in need across the Triangle (News & Observer)
○ 50 activities for cooped-up kids that don’t involve a screen (Triangle on the Cheap)
○ Help with utilities payments
○ Food resource map to help families identify locations nearest them
○ Meals on Wheels for local seniors
○ Resources for homelessness + housing crisis
○ Pet food for families with financial trouble
○ NC Artist Relief Fund
○ Small business rapid recovery loans
○ List of Durham delivery + take-out options
○ List of Raleigh delivery + take-out options
○ List of educational websites, apps + free subscriptions
○ How to help local women-owned businesses
○ Free assessment, screening + counseling to discuss symptoms and help determine if testing for COVID-19 is recommended.
○ Mission Triangle has compiled a list of current (and verified) nonprofits in our area that need support during this time — and at all times.
Health Care Resources
○ Clinics and community health centers in Wake County *Please contact the location before going if you think you have contracted COVID-19.
○ CDC Resources
○ World Health Organization Resources
Community Conversations
○ How can RALtoday best support our community right now?
○ Stay-at-home orders around the Triangle (explained)
○ Donate supplies to help our local hospitals
○ Supporting local restaurants on #carryoutWednesday (and every day)
○ Stick to your routine with local, online workout classes
○ Here’s how one local startup is helping to support the service industry
○ Notes from a local wellness instructor
○ Date night ideas with social distancing in mind
○ Quarantine food photo challenge
○ Share your stories with us
○ Where to find toilet paper in Raleigh
○ 10 local startups for consumers in Raleigh
○ Resources for frontline workers
○ Notes from a local lifestyle coach
○ Local fundraisers
○ Local shops selling face masks in and around Raleigh
○ Assistance loans for small businesses in Raleigh
○ Where to buy local produce in Raleigh
○ Job opportunities during COVID-19
○ New local initiative addresses supply chain concerns
○ Notes from a local real estate professional
○ How to help your dog transition out of quarantine
○ Governor Roy Cooper’s reopening NC plan
○ Poll results: What our readers said about getting back to normal post-quarantine
○ Inspections, renewals, and vehicle registration during COVID-19
○ Paycheck protection program loans
○ Raleigh’s mask mandate
○ Mental health resources
○ NC’s plan for schools
○ Perspective: Wake County school teacher weighs in
○ WakeHELPS utility bill assistance
○ Join our Pen Pal Program, Raleigh
○ Preserve your 2020 story for posterity
○ Tracking your non-commute in the Triangle
○ Notes from a local bankruptcy attorney
○ NC’s statewide curfew explained
○ Heated porches and patios for dining out
○ Your guide for to-go cocktails in Raleigh