Keeping You Updated On The COVID-19 Response Effort
April 9th, 2020
As we continue to confront the COVID-19 outbreak, I understand that my job is not only to fight for policy outcomes that protect the physical and economic health of North Carolinians and the nation, but it’s also to keep you informed on the progress of our response effort. To accomplish the second goal, I am doing everything I can to be accessible. I’m holding telephone town halls and doing interviews with members of the media from all across the state daily in order to get the word out about the initiatives the federal government is undertaking .
In the over 30 interviews I’ve participated in since mid-March, I’ve answered many critical questions about COVID-19. I wanted to share with you some highlights from these conversations.
PERSONAL TO ME
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WATCH a segment from my interview with WRAL’s David Crabtree where I discussed how proud I am of my daughter, who is a nurse, for being one of the many brave people all across our nation answering the call to serve others in this difficult time. I’m thankful for her, for her coworkers, and all of those putting themselves on the frontlines of this fight to protect our communities.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
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WATCH as I also told David Crabtree that I am now following the CDC’s guidance and wearing a mask when I leave our house because it’s important that I do what I’m asking of everyone else when it comes to safety and social distancing.
WE CAN ALL DO OUR PART TO GET OUR ECONOMY OPEN AGAIN
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WATCH my interview with WGHP’s Bob Buckley where I stressed that we are all in this together, and that the amount of time it will take to defeat this virus will depend on everyone keeping their foot on the accelerator when it comes to practicing social distancing. I also pointed out that the fundamentals of the economy were strong before this crisis and that I am confident that our economy will come back strong after we flatten the COVID-19 case curve.
CHINA MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE
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WATCH me explain to Nexstar’s Kyle Midura how China’s lack of transparency cost us valuable time in preparing for COVID-19. They must be held accountable.
HELP IS ON THE WAY
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WATCH my interview with WXII’s Kenny Beck where I reiterated that help is on the way to North Carolinians in the form of direct payments. I also made clear that seniors who are on social security will also be able to receive these relief checks.
THE DETAILS OF THE CARES ACT
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WATCH me give Spectrum News’ Loretta Boniti an overview of the many provisions in the $2 trillion CARES Act and how North Carolinians will benefit from them.
TOWN HALL COVERAGE
- Salisbury Post: Tillis fields COVID-19 questions in telephone town hall
- WFMY: “You will qualify for unemployment,” said Senator Thom Tillis
- WRAL: Tillis: Expect $1,200 stimulus payments next week
- WLOS: North Carolina Senator Tillis holds live telephone town hall in response to COVID-19
- WLOS: Sen. Tillis discusses small business loans, stimulus checks during telephone town hall
- Fox46: Sen. Tillis speaks about coronavirus in telephone town hall
- Fayetteville Observer: Tillis defends North Carolina and US response to coronavirus
ADDITIONAL GOOD NEWS
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WLOS: Sen. Thom Tillis announces $34 million in grants to assist NC health care centers
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Daily Tar Heel: CDC awards North Carolina $13.8 million to fight COVID-19
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Fox News: North Carolina coffee shop receives business-saving loan through stimulus program
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WWAY: Couple Returns Home After Being Stuck On Cruise For A Month
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Fox46: Getting results for Air Force veteran almost kicked out of rehab center
Remember – we are all in this together. The more you follow the social distancing guidelines that President Trump and Governor Cooper are issuing, the sooner we will beat this virus and begin our economic recovery. Thank you for allowing me to share these updates, and God bless you!