GREENSBORO, N.C. — WFMY News 2 is providing daily coronavirus updates with the latest information from emergency leaders, the state's task force, health departments, universities, school districts, and a lot more.
SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020
10:45 p.m. - WFMY's Ben Smart reports on a Memorial Day 'Freedom Rally' scheduled to happen in Greensboro, where organizers are demanding North Carolina reopen fully.
The rally is set to take place amid phase 2 of North Carolina's reopening plan.
7:00 p.m. - WFMY's Ben Smart reports on how gyms and other fitness centers across North Carolina continue banding together to fight for legal permission to reopen at this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Memorial day, several gym owners plan to speak at a Reopen NC rally in Raleigh to voice their concerns. Then on Tuesday, gym owners say their attorney will file a legal complaint pushing for a restraining order to allow facilities to temporarily reopen.
RELATED: 'We want permission to reopen': NC gym owner says attorney is set to file legal complaint on Tuesday
5:07 p.m. - Three musicians from North Carolina perform (virtually) Sunday night in a benefit concert supporting Greensboro Urban Ministry.
Performers Mason, Casey, and Lyn were musical acts for Sunday’s Live streaming concert.
12:01 p.m. - Day-to-day coronavirus-related hospitalizations in North Carolina decrease for the first time in 10 days. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported there are currently 587 people hospitalized in North Carolina due to the coronavirus, two less than Saturday. It's the first decrease in hospitalizations state-wide since May 14.
Reported COVID-19 test results and lab-confirmed cases also dipped on Sunday.
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020
4:00 p.m. - NCDHHS reports highest one-day increase of positive COVID-19 tests
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.
“This is a notable and concerning increase. As we head into a holiday weekend, please practice the three Ws – wear a face covering, wait six feet apart, and wash your hands frequently. When it comes to our health, we need to work together to protect our families, friends and neighbors,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen.
NCDHHS said in addition, 10% of total tests were positive among labs that report both negative and positive tests into the state electronic reporting system.
The department said NCDHHS epidemiologists are analyzing the data to determine if there were any significant contributing factors.
12:30 p.m. - A gym owner out of Burlington held an outdoor group workout in hopes of sending the message that fitness facilities should be allowed to reopen safely during this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
WFMY's Ben Smart reported about 20 to 30 people gathered in the parking lot outside Results Driven Fitness in Burlington for the fitness class, which lasted about two hours.
11:33 a.m. - NCDHHS reports 1,107 new cases of coronavirus in North Carolina. It's the largest single-day increase so far. There are currently 589 people hospitalized due to COVID-19. 11,637 people have recovered from coronavirus in North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports.
10:23 a.m. - Greensboro is offering businesses without outdoor seating permits. The city hopes outdoor seating will allow for more customers, aiding restaurants as they reopen in Phase 2.
FACTS NOT FEAR
Remember facts, not fear when talking about the coronavirus. You should take the same measures recommended by health leaders to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses. That means washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and covering coughs and sneezes.
WHERE YOU GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS IS IMPORTANT
It is important to make sure the information you are getting about the coronavirus is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS. Be careful not to spread misinformation about coronavirus on social media.
NC CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE
The state also has a special hotline set up where you can call 866-462-3821 for more information on the coronavirus. You can also submit questions online at ncpoisoncontrol.org or select chat to talk with someone about the virus.
You can also text keyword VIRUS to WFMY News 2 at 336-379-5775 to find out more information.
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