A note to our readers
In response to Coronavirus, QCity Metro will publish this Morning Brew newsletter more frequently to share the latest news and information.
Keeping you informed is our #1 job.
Visit our website around the clock for updates.
Stay safe.
Signed: The QCity Metro Team
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The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will close its branches, effective 5 p.m. today, until further notice. All programs, services, outreach activities, and meeting room reservations have been cancelled.
"This is not a decision we made lightly," library officials said in a statement. "This pandemic calls for drastic measures in order to slow the spread of the virus."
To facilitate users:
• The library will extend checkout and return dates of all materials until it reopens.
• Wi-Fi signals will be extended at each branch to reach the perimeter of each facility, and online chat will be available between the hours of 9 a.m-6 p.m.
• E-books and e-audiobooks; streaming TV, movies, and music; online classes; and digital subscriptions to newspapers and magazines will be available to those with a library card and PIN.
Digital resources, library card sign-up and more are all available at cmlibrary.org.
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Starting today, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will begin distributing “grab & go” meals to assist families with school-age children during the Coronavirus shutdown.
The district has identified 70 CMS schools where parents can pick up free meals if they are accompanied by a child age 18 or under. The meal packages will be distributed in the schools’ parking lots, Ernest Winston, the CMS superintendent, said on Monday.
No ID is required, but children must be present for adults to receive meals. School officials will review plans each week and make changes as needed.
Click here to see the full list of participating schools.
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Mecklenburg County Health Director Gibbie Harris yesterday announced three new likely cases of Coronavirus, bringing the county’s total COVID-19 caseload to seven.
The state reported 33 cases, not including the three new cases in Mecklenburg.
Harris signed an order restricting gatherings of 50 or more people in the county. She said the order would not apply to restaurants, churches, airports, office buildings, gymnasiums and many other commercial locations where people routinely congregate. A spokesman with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said the officers, for now, would seek voluntary compliance.
“This could change at any point in time,” Harris said. “This is an incredibly fluid situation and we are hoping the community will work with us cooperatively to prevent the spread of this infection in our community.”
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Charlotte-based LendingTree announced Monday that it is donating $1 million to a community-wide fund to assist those affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Foundation For The Carolinas and United Way of Central Carolinas are launching the COVID-19 Response Fund to support a range of organizations assisting members of the community, particularly those most in need.
As of this morning, the fund had raised more than $2 million. To contribute to the COVID-19 Response Fund, visit HelpCLT.org.
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While most of us are asleep, grocery stores are busy restocking. So if you've had trouble finding bread or toilet paper (big eye roll here), try shopping first thing in the morning. Not only will you find a greater selection, you'll also encounter fewer people.
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Special thanks to the Morning Brew readers who joined our Press Club yesterday.
The money we collect from memberships -- $50 for one year or $80 for two years -- all goes to compensate the growing team of reporters and writers who devote their time and energy to keep you informed. Here’s a link to our membership page.
If you have questions, concerns or news tips, especially during this Coronavirus outbreak, email us at editor@qcitymetro.com. We love hearing from you.
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