Local

A Macon County resident diagnosed with COVID-19 has died, according to Macon County Public Health.

The Franklin Town Council meetings originally scheduled for Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 14 will be combined into a special called meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 13 at town hall.

The coronavirus and efforts to slow its spread changed life in Macon County on March 26 when the Macon County Board of Commissioners issued a stay-at-home order. 

The impact of the coronavirus and measures to combat it have already taken a heavy toll on some Macon County businesses, with many retail shops and hospitality operations shut down. 

The first wave of coronavirus relief enacted on March 18 offers immediate help for working families impacted by the pandemic through emergency paid sick leave and expanded jobless benefits.

Western North Carolina has been spared the worst impacts of the coronavirus pandemic so far, but that’s about to change, according to the CEO of Dogwood Health Trust.

The N.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association Foundation has set up a relief fund to provide financial assistance to laid-off employees in the hospitality industry, including restaurants.

Gov. Roy Cooper has issued a 30-day “stay at home” order for all of North Carolina, effective at 5 p.m. Monday, March 31.

Hunger can’t take a sick day, and neither can many Macon County residents who depend on food supplements.