Storm update
Prison visiting, community volunteer passes, home leaves and work release employment activities that were paused for the winter storm are scheduled to resume Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Press Releases
The State of North Carolina and FEMA are announcing more than $3.6 million to reimburse Hurricane Florence-related expenses to the City of Wilmington. The funds reimburse repairs to various flood control systems including culverts, drainage channels and retention basins across Wilmington.
The State of North Carolina and FEMA have approved more than $7.5 million to reimburse the City of New Bern to replace a recreational facility damaged during Hurricane Florence.
New Bern plans to rebuild the Stanley White Recreation Center after the 2018 hurricane destroyed it. The original facility included an indoor basketball court, fitness facilities and a kitchen.
The majority of offenders in the state prison system who tested positive for COVID-19 are now presumed to have recovered pursuant to guidance issued yesterday by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Of the 642 individuals testing positive among eleven prison facilities, more than 500 have now met the DHHS and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria to be released from medical isolation.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol held its annual memorial ceremony today in Raleigh in remembrance of 67 fallen members. Remarks were delivered by Colonel Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. Colonel McNeill’s remarks exhibited a continued support for the families, friends and coworkers of our fallen members to include our recent loss of Trooper Nolan Sanders in March.
An offender housed at Neuse Correctional Institution who tested positive for COVID-19 has died at the hospital as a result of pre-existing conditions complicated by COVID-19. This is the fifth coronavirus death of an individual in custody at a North Carolina state prison.
“Any death is a tragedy, and we are working hard to handle the impact of COVID-19 in our prisons,” said Todd Ishee, Commissioner of Prisons. “The health and safety of the staff and the offenders in our custody remains our top priority.”
An offender housed at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women who tested positive for COVID-19 has died at the hospital as a result of pre-existing conditions complicated by COVID-19. This is the fourth coronavirus death of an individual in custody at a North Carolina state prison.
“Any death is a deeply saddening, and we continue to work hard to deal with COVID-19 in our prisons,” said Todd Ishee, Commissioner of Prisons. “The safety and health of the staff and the offenders in our custody remain our top priority.”
Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed May 4-10 as Correctional Officers and Correctional Employees Week in North Carolina, to recognize the important public service provided by employees in the state’s prison system.
“Correctional officers, medical staff, programs staff, case managers and maintenance crews work tirelessly in our prisons, in challenging and often dangerous situations,” said Gov. Cooper. “To protect our communities, these state employees provide security, programs and care, while preparing people to reenter their communities.”
New order takes effect Friday, May 8 at 5 pm
Governor Roy Cooper today signed Executive Order No. 138 to modify North Carolina’s Stay At Home order and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions effective Friday, May 8 at 5 pm. Certain businesses remain closed as the state continues battling COVID-19.
Governor Roy Cooper today signed the following COVID-19 relief bills into law:
• Senate Bill 704
• House Bill 1043
Governor Roy Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today shared an update on where North Carolina stands in the fight against COVID-19 and urged North Carolinians not to let their guard down.
“North Carolinians have made tremendous sacrifices and it is making a difference,” said Governor Cooper. “We remain hopeful that the trends will be stable enough to move into Phase 1 next week.”