RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is reporting the state’s highest one-day number of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases with 1,107 cases reported. 

By Sally Kestin

AVL Watchdog

It began with one employee falling ill from the coronavirus. By Friday morning, just 11 days later, 55 elderly and infirmed residents at the Aston Park Health Care Center in southwest Asheville and at least 30 of its staff had tested positive. Four residents had died, and one was hospitalized.

Macon County Public Health has identified three additional positive cases of COVID-19. All three are unrelated to the positive essential workers at an area business.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting its first case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19.

Haywood County Public Health received notice May 21, that seven more Haywood County residents have tested positive for COVID-19.  These are the 33rd - 39th cases in the county. All are in isolation at home.

Haywood County Public Health received notice May 20 that four more Haywood County residents have tested positive for COVID-19. These are the 29th – 32nd cases in the county. All are in isolation at home.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced moments ago that he believes the state is ready to begin phase 2 of his three-phase reopening plan, although the increasing number of coronavirus cases warrants a more modest reopening than originally planned.

“Today we’re announcing another cautious and gradual step,” Cooper said during a 5 p.m. press conference.

This year, Tammy Ensley celebrated 15 years as coach of Pisgah’s varsity cheerleading team and her first year coaching the girls’ track team.

Haywood County Public Health received notice May 18 that two more Haywood County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, marking the 27 and 28 cases in the county. The individuals are in isolation at home.

Macon County Public Health received a positive test result on Friday, May 15. A fourth Macon County resident has tested positive for COVID–19. The individual is between the ages of 25-49.