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, JUNE 7, 2020
2:25 p.m. - Novant Health to lift some visitor restrictions.
The new visitation policies detailed below will go into effect Monday, June 8.
In acute care facilities, patients can have one visitor accompany them. For visitors of patients in critical care, obstetrics and inpatient surgery, there is no end time for visiting hours. Emergency department and same-day surgery visitors are encouraged to stay in their vehicle unless needed by the patient or until patient is in an assigned room. Exceptions may be granted in special circumstances, such as end-of-life care. Visitor restrictions remain in place for patients undergoing active treatment for COVID-19.
In clinics, one visitor will be allowed to accompany patients if the patient is age 65 or over or is the parent or guardian for patients under 18. Patients are encouraged to contact their clinic provider for specific guidance on visitors if they are between the ages of 18 and 64. Exceptions may be granted for patients who require special assistance to access care.
All visitors, who must be 18 or older, will complete a routine screening questionnaire with temperature assessment. Visitors must also wear a mask for the duration of the visit as is standard practice for all patients and team members at our facilities. Novant Health will continue to limit entrances and exits to centralize foot traffic.
Visitors of patients should still consider using phone calls or video chats on mobile devices to communicate.
For more information about added measures Novant Health is taking to ensure the safety of its patients, visitors and team members, please visit: NovantHealth.org/safeforyou.
11 a.m. - Coronavirus case numbers continue to climb in North Carolina as more and more tests are completed. Currently, there are 696 people hospitalized due to the coronavirus in the state. It marks three consecutive days of hospitalizations decreasing in number across North Carolina.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2020
6 p.m. - Ace Speedway in Alamance County is holding a race Saturday night despite a request from Gov. Cooper to obey the Phase 2 executive order which does not allow mass gatherings of more than 25 people. Ace Speedway's opening night had more than 2,500 in attendance. Ace Speedway is calling Saturday's gathering a "peaceful protest of injustice and inequality everywhere."
Noon - NCDHHS released the latest COVID-19 numbers for Saturday.
- Total cases: 34,625 (Up 1,370)
- Deaths: 992 (Up 26)
- Total tests: 497,350 (Up 15,203)
- Hospitalizations: 708 (Down 9)
- Guilford: 1,573 cases (up 65), 78 deaths (up 8)
- Forsyth: 1,721 cases (up 61), 17 deaths (no new deaths)
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020
12:30 p.m. - NCDHHS has updated COVID-19 numbers for the state.
- Total cases: 33,255 (Up 1,289) (second-highest daily spike)
- Deaths: 966 (Up 6)
- Total tests: 482,147 (Up 13,845) (fourth-highest testing day)
- Hospitalizations: 717 (Up 58)
- Guilford: 1,508 cases (Up 63); 70 deaths (0 new deaths)
- Forsyth: 1,660 cases (Up 100); 17 deaths (0 new deaths)
- 6.8% of total tests are positive – flat curve
9:30 a.m. - Gov. Cooper sent an email to Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson asking for him to enforce the mass gathering order following recent race events at ACE Speedway. Under Phase 2, mass gatherings are limited to 25 people. Previously, Johnson has stated that he won't enforce the order for the racetrack because of the constitutional right to assemble. According to Cooper's office, Johnson has not responded to the letter. WFMY News 2 has received a copy of Cooper's email to Johnson and will have updates on this story shortly.
FACTS NOT FEAR | Coronavirus Headlines
Previous Blog: Coronavirus in North Carolina: Gov. Roy Cooper announces executive order to address disparities in communities of color
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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