RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s restaurant and hotel operators are pleading for state financial aid and tax deadline relief as closings and minimal travel from the new coronavirus have thrown over 370,000 employees out of work. Hospitality industry leaders told state House members on Tuesday that while assistance from Washington will ultimately help, it won’t come quickly enough. North Carolina health officials reported about 1,500 positive COVID-19 cases in the state, for an increase of 190 compared to Monday. Eight state residents have now died and over 150 are hospitalized. A statewide prohibition on dine-in services at restaurant and bars began two weeks ago.

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