370,000 restaurant and hotel workers out of jobs in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina's restaurant and hotel operators are pleading for state financial aid and tax deadline relief as closings and minimal travel from the new coronavirus have thrown over 370,000 employees out of work.

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Hospitality industry leaders told state House members on Tuesday that while assistance from Washington will ultimately help, it won't come quickly enough. North Carolina health officials reported about 1,500 positive COVID-19 cases in the state, for an increase of 190 compared to Monday.

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Eight state residents have now died and over 150 are hospitalized. A statewide prohibition on dine-in services at restaurants and bars began two weeks ago. 

CORONAVIRUS NEWS 

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FACTS NOT FEAR

Remember facts, not fear when talking about the coronavirus. You should take the same measures recommended by health leaders to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses. That means washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and covering coughs and sneezes.

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WHERE YOU GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS IS IMPORTANT

It is important to make sure the information you are getting about the coronavirus is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS. Be careful not to spread misinformation about coronavirus on social media.

For more information visit the CDC OR NCDHHS

NC CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE 

The state also has a special hotline set up where you can call 2-1-1 or 866-462-3821 for more information on the coronavirus. You can also submit questions online at ncpoisoncontrol.org or select chat to talk with someone about the virus.

You can also text keyword VIRUS to WFMY News 2 at 336-379-5775 to find out more information.

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