News About Town: Let’s look at COVID-19 numbers. We last Reported numbers on June 12. As of 4:30 pm on July 2, Mecklenburg County has had 11,803 cases and 150 deaths. (Wake County has the second most number of cases at 5,453 and 49 deaths.) Within the 28105 zip code 311 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 17 have died. Two congregate living facilities have had outbreaks. Carrington Place is now stable, while Royal Park Rehabilitation and Health Center has an ongoing outbreak with 16 staff positives, and 70 resident positives and 10 deaths. NC has had 68,142 cases, 912 current hospitalizations, and 1,373 deaths. Not all cases of COVID-19 are tested, so this does not represent the total number of people in North Carolina who have or had COVID-19. (Data source: NC Department of Health and Human Services.)

News Around Town: COS Kids (226 W. John St.) suffered destruction on their playground from the tornado earlier this year. Since then, the preschool has used the opportunity to renovate portions of the space. Most recently, Kiwanis Club of Matthews and Matthews United Methodist Global Impact and Handyman Ministry worked together to create a substantial post and beam outdoor learning facility.

One Good Thing: If you’re staying home this July 4, check out the start of the penumbral lunar eclipse around 8:23 pm. Despite sounding like riveting Mel Gibson/Tina Turner film, the Thunder Moon Eclipse in full effect is fairly subtle. A discerning eye may see it in full around 12:29 am.