GREENSBORO, N.C. — WFMY News 2 is providing coronavirus updates with the latest information from emergency leaders, the state's task force, health departments, universities, school districts and a lot more. Click here to see the latest cases being reported in North Carolina.
CLOSINGS/DELAYS
Businesses and organizations announcing closings. Get the latest list of closings and delays, right here.
You can also text keyword CLOSINGS to 336-379-5775 to get it even faster to your phone.
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
8:15 p.m. - Business owners are being hit hard by the impact of the coronavirus.
Owner of Undercurrent Wes Wheeler says everything from changing business models to laying off employees has been a business owner's reality recently, but they’re trying to do what’s best for the community.
8:00 p.m. - We have had so many questions about unemployment that we put this list together of the top questions and answers that you should know when it comes to unemployment and filing for benefits.
7:16 p.m. - Rowan County Department of Parks and Recreation suspend organized baseball and softball at County Parks and closes campground
To help promote social distancing effective immediately all organized baseball and softball play at county parks will be suspended until further notice. Additionally, The Dan Nicholas Park Campground will be closed.
7:00 p.m. - Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper says he's donating to the coronavirus response fund.
He and Bank of America Stadium pledged $1 million today. He said in a statement, "This fund will give our nonprofits the resources to provide relief to those most needed. I'm confident we will emerge from this crisis as an even stronger community."
6:45 p.m. - First case of COVID-19 community spread identified in Wilson County, N.C.
6:30 p.m. - Online schooling starts in four short days for Guilford County Schools.
The district is utilizing a program called Canvas, where students will be able to access lessons and ask their teachers questions.
6:00 p.m. - Novant Health is further limiting visitation in all acute care facilities in North Carolina.
As of Friday, March 20, at noon, no visitors will be permitted in our acute care facilities except for laboring mothers and patients who are minors (under age 18). Laboring mothers may have one partner and one birth support person accompany them. Minors under 18 may have one visitor, parent or guardian. As a reminder, visitors who meet these exceptions must be healthy (no cough, fever or flu-like symptoms) and at least 13 or older unless seeking medical care. Additional exceptions may be granted in special circumstances, such as end-of-life care.
The restrictions apply to the following hospitals throughout the Novant Health system, including:
- Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
- Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital
- Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center
- Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
- Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital
- Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center
- Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center
- Novant Health Matthews Medical Center
- Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
- Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center
- Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
- Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
- Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
5:18 p.m. - A Wake County resident who recently attended the 'Millennium Tour 2020' featuring performing artists Omarion, Bow Wow, Ashanti and others, have tested positive for COVID-19.
5:03 p.m. - Guilford County Division of Public Health says it has received confirmation of a third case of the coronavirus in the county.
The patient traveled to New York with family in March. Health leaders said the patient's symptoms shortly appeared after they returned home.
4:18 - In lieu of the coronavirus outbreak, the NC Education Lottery is taking steps to help ensure both player and staff safety by encouraging winners to take advantage of the option to mail in claims to collect prizes.
4:00 p.m. - The owner of the Fainting Goat Spirits said they will begin making hand sanitizer starting on Friday since supplies are low.
3:00 p.m. - Broad Branch Distillery in Winston-Salem is lending a clean hand in a time of crisis. They're making hand sanitizer and giving it away for free.
RELATED: Whiskey Wash: Winston-Salem distillery makes hand sanitizer for health workers, first responders
2:00 p.m. - Forsyth County Health Director confirms three presumptive cases of coronavirus.
That brings the total to five in Forsyth County. Health leaders said one person's symptoms have already resolved and they have since recovered. The other four are isolated in their homes. If you have questions you can contact the Forsyth County Department of Public Health's COVID-19 helpline at 336-582-0880.
1:40 p.m. - Guilford County Deputies say a tractor-trailer carrying 18,000 pounds of toilet paper was recovered after reportedly being stolen from a local facility.
1:00 p.m. - NC Governor Roy Cooper gives daily coronavirus update. Governor Cooper confirms the first case of community spread COVID-19 in North Carolina.
10:30 a.m. - Christopher Ohl, M.D., infectious disease expert with Wake Forest Baptist Health, provides an important update on COVID-19 in our region and describes how social distancing works and why we’re doing it.
10:00 a.m. - Guilford County Health Officials confirmed a second case of coronavirus in the county, and Davidson County Health Officials confirmed its first case of coronavirus in the county.
9:44 a.m. - North Carolina coronavirus cases jumps to 97. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported Thursday that there are 97 confirmed positive across the state. That's an increase of 34 cases.
8:30 a.m. - The U.S. Small Business Administration granted Governor Cooper's request for a disaster declaration to support small businesses. This means small business owners will be able to apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans.
7:00 a.m. - Major retailers like Walmart, Target, Safeway, Dollar General, and Fresh Market are reserving certain shopping hours to older or more vulnerable customers.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
11:23 p.m. - Funeral directors in North Carolina are struggling to find a happy medium between families that want more than 100 people at the service with a concerned staff and an Executive Order from Governor Roy Cooper. Executive Order 117 prohibits mass gatherings of more than 100 people.
10:05 p.m. - Chick-fil-A in Kernersville to temporarily close
The franchise operator said the restaurant is being disinfected and deep cleaned and will reopen at a later date.
9:45 p.m. - First responders are taking lots of steps to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus.
Police officers are wearing gloves more often on calls and wiping down squad cars every time someone sits in their back seat. Officers and or firemen will also wear protective gear when needed on service and emergency calls.
9:00 p.m. - Mike Sprayberry, NC Director of Emergency Management said 2-1-1 can help get citizens information on food assistance, support for families, and other basic needs.
8:49 p.m. - President Trump signs 2nd coronavirus aid bill including sick leave, free tests.
The bill's also aimed at making diagnostic tests for the virus-free. President Trump has also announced that he'll invoke emergency powers to marshal critical medical supplies against a pandemic threatening to overwhelm hospitals and other treatment centers.
8:35 p.m. - Here are the top 10 things to do at home if you think you could have coronavirus.
8:08 p.m. - Duke University postpones graduation.
"In light of the rapid spread of COVID-19 and the latest public health advisories on travel and large gatherings, we have made the very difficult but necessary decision to postpone commencement for the Class of 2020, including departmental ceremonies and other associated events."
8:00 p.m. - Some members of the High Point City Council and senior staff have implemented a voluntary self-isolation as a precaution due to possible exposure to the coronavirus.
7:50 p.m. - Daycare centers say they'll remain open until told to close, for the families that need to work.
7:45 - This is a very difficult time right now for all of us. Remember to check in on your loved ones as we get through this together one day at a time.
5:30 p.m. - City leader and others answer viewer questions about the coronavirus and its impact in the Triad.
Greensboro City manager David Parrish talks about how the City is helping to make sure you have water service and what cleaning measures workers are taken with the coronavirus.
Tyra Clymer from Greensboro Urban Ministry talks about what bills you need to focus on and what assistance is available.
Benjamin Dempsey from Manpower group talks about the businesses that could use employees.
Find out more: Duke University
4:30 p.m. - Some members of the High Point City Council and senior staff have implemented a voluntary self-isolation as a precaution due to possible exposure to the coronavirus.
The members decided the self-isolation was needed after finding out that two people tested positive for COVID-19 at a National League of Cities event in which they attended in Washington earlier in the month.
3:00 p.m. - Winston-Salem Mayor, Allen Joines, said it's a locally controlled community fund that will provide direct assistance to those that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus.
2:30 p.m. - Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines announces relief efforts for people affected by coronavirus.
2 p.m. - North Carolina officials give updates and answer questions about coronavirus across the state. State officials warned again phishing scams, charity scams and confirmed there are 63 positive cases of coronavirus across 18 counties across the state.
Officials said there are no plans to close grocery stores. They advised people to avoid buying in bulk.
11:00 a.m. - Restaurants might have their dining rooms closed, but many are still offering takeout and delivery services. Click here to see a list of Greensboro restaurants you can still support by ordering to-go or delivery.
10:44 a.m. - North Carolina coronavirus cases jumps to 63. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported Wednesday that there are 63 confirmed positive across the state. That's an increase of 22 cases.
9:00 a.m. - High Point Market Authority announced the 2020 Spring Market will be postponed until June 12-14. Market officials say they will continue to monitor the situation, and if dates need to be pushed back again, they will make a decision by May 15.
8:00 a.m. - Has your job been affected by coronavirus? State leaders made it easier for people to file for unemployment during this time. Click here for more information.
6:00 a.m. - List of school districts with coronavirus hotlines
5:00 a.m. - Need something fun to do today with the kids? We've got you covered!
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.