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.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
10:00 p.m. - Gov. Roy Cooper's phase one plan allows for worship services outdoors with social distancing, come this weekend.
While some pastors are looking forward to seeing church members in person again, others are holding off on outdoor services for now.
9:15 p.m. - Many companies are thanking nurses and others with discounts, freebies, and specials. Here are a few.
RELATED: Where nurses and other healthcare workers can get discounts and freebies for National Nurses Day
7:25 p.m. - Are you wearing your face mask the wrong way?
The blue or colored side is supposed to be worn on the outside. The white side is to be worn inside.
6:30 p.m. - Cone Health sent home its 100th coronavirus patient with a celebration.
Luis Teodoro was greeted by cheering medical staff at Cone Health's Green Valley campus when he walked through the building's front doors.
RELATED: 'I've got a long road,' Triad coronavirus patients head home from the hospital to finish recovery
5:15 p.m. - KFC, the Chris Paul Family Foundation, and Beyond Meat are coming together to provide "Beyond Fried" chicken meals for Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center workers.
They will provide meals this month.
RELATED: Chris Paul, KFC, and others donate beyond fried chicken meals to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
4:30 p.m. - Many Triad strawberry farms have made some changes so you're safe when you visit.
At some, members of the public are no longer allowed to pick their own strawberries.
Most have also implemented contactless drive-through sales and said it's nonetheless been a successful format despite the restrictions.
3:31 p.m. - Piedmont Natural Gas is donating $50,000 to aid those struggling with utility bills during COVID-19 in its NC, SC and TN markets.
The grant will be directed to its Share the Warmth program, which is a roundup donation fund dedicated to helping neighbors in need pay their energy bills. Despite its name, this program is available year-round, in any season. Piedmont’s $50,000 contribution is in addition to its annual donation of $100,000 to boost the program.
You don’t have to be a Piedmont Natural Gas customer to receive Share the Warmth funds and it doesn’t matter what kind of energy you use to heat or cool your home. The funds are distributed by public and private partner agencies throughout Piedmont’s service territory, including the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for Triad residents. People who need can learn more at www.piedmontng.com/Sharethewarmth
3:00 p.m. - Governor Roy Cooper issued a proclamation honoring North Carolina Nurses with a week dedicated to their important work.
Cooper declared the week of May 6 – 12, 2020 as North Carolina Nurses Week.
2:40 p.m. - The Greensboro Sports Council donated $100,000, including a bonus related to the Coronavirus Pandemic, to the eight schools that participated in the 44th annual HAECO Invitational last December, the Council announced today.
In addition, the Sports Council donated $10,500 in scholarships and charitable contributions from tournament proceeds. The 45th annual HAECO Invitational is set for Dec. 26, 28 and 29, 2020 at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center.
The $100,000 donation total averages $12,500 for each of the eight participating schools.
2:09 p.m. - Randolph County Public Health is reporting the fifth COVID-19 associated death in Randolph County. The individual died from complications associated with the novel strain of coronavirus.
2 p.m. - The North Carolina coronavirus task force members NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen and Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry gave an update on the pandemic.
- In Phase 1, businesses that are allowed to reopen will need to operate at 50-percent capacity.
- Cohen addressed why certain businesses aren't included in Phase 1. She said they wanted to start with the lower risk businesses reopening in Phase 1 where social distancing is easier to maintain.
- Cohen said they are still working on a plan for overnight camps and determining when they will be able to reopen.
- Wear, wait, wash: Cohen said these three "Ws" can help us slow the spread of the virus when we have to go out in public. Wear a face mask, wait six feet apart from other customers, and wash your hands.
- Before sporting events can return, Cohen said we need to modify how we think about enjoying sports. Sports where there is more physical distance, like tennis and NASCAR, may be able to roll out faster with modifications.
- Cohen advised anyone with symptoms should call their doctor to be tested. If you've been around someone who has been exposed, get tested.
- Wearing face coverings is highly encouraged but not required as there are people with breathing and other issues. Those who can, are strongly recommended to wear face coverings, Cohen said.
11 a.m. - North Carolina now has a total of 12,758 confirmed cases of coronavirus - an increase of around 500 cases since Tuesday, according to the NCDHHS. Twenty-five more people died statewide, bringing the death total to 477 statewide.
Guilford County added 43 more positive COVID-19 cases to its total and two more people died. You can see more Triad county totals here.
9 a.m. - The North Carolina Air National Guard announced on Facebook it will take to the skies on Thursday to salute healthcare workers statewide. The 145th Airlift Wing will perform flyovers all over the state, including the Piedmont Triad. Check out the route times here.
News to note:
- Gov. Cooper announced Tuesday the state would enter Phase 1 of the reopening plan on Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m. Under this phase, businesses like clothing stores, sporting goods stores, book shops, and houseware stores will be allowed to reopen. Phase 1 does not change the state's stay-at-home order and people are still encouraged to work from home if possible.
- A woman accused of stealing from the Home Depot on Wendover Avenue threatened an employee with coronavirus when she was confronted. Greensboro police are looking for her.
- Did you get a stimulus check for a dead relative? Don't spend it! If you do, you could be hit with penalties later on from the IRS. Read more here.
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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