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, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020
6 p.m. Reidsville Middle School will temporarily close due to COVID-19
"We have received information today that there has been a COVID-19 exposure to 7th-grade classes in our school," Principal Erica Blackwell said.
5:50 p.m. Holmes Middle School in Rockingham County announces it will temporarily close due to exposure to the coronavirus
In-person learning at the school is scheduled to continue Oct. 12, but all learning will continue to take place through virtual/remote learning during the in-person learning closure for now.
Noon – NCDHHS releases Sunday’s coronavirus numbers
State health officials report 207,380 cases, 2,974,052 completed tests, and 917 people currently hospitalized.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020
2:10 p.m. According to the NCDHHS Guilford County has a total of 8,541 lab-confirmed cases and 180 deaths.
2:08 p.m. Currently there are 914 hospitalizations due to COVID-19 as of Saturday at noon according to the NCDHHS.
2:00 p.m. NCDHHS reports a total of 206,090 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina as of Saturday at 12 p.m.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
According to the city of High Point, the Northpoint Customer Service branch office is closed to the public due to employee exposure to COVID-19.
As a result, the drive-thru payment location at 309 E Green Drive is also closed due to staffing shortages.
The Northpoint office is being sanitized for the protection of employees as well as the public, and the exposed employees have self-isolated.
Residents are encouraged to pay online using the City’s website, according to the release.
Both locations are reopening Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020. The Northpoint Office’s hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the drive-thru will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Noon - NCDHHS releases Friday’s latest coronavirus numbers
STATE
- 204,331 LAB-CONFIRMED COVID CASES (1,168 NEW CASES)
- 903 CURRENTLY HOSPITALIZED
- 2,903,054 COMPLETED TESTS
COUNTIES
- ALAMANCE – 3,881 CASES, 54 DEATHS
- CASWELL – 349 CASES, 4 DEATHS
- DAVIDSON – 2,714 CASES, 34 DEATHS
- DAVIE – 553 CASES, 6 DEATHS
- FORSYTH – 6,956 CASES, 98 DEATHS
- GUILFORD – 8,437 CASES, 180 DEATHS
- RANDOLPH – 2,809 CASES, 52 DEATHS
- ROCKINGHAM – 1,207 CASES, 14 DEATHS
- SURRY – 1,313 CASES, 23 DEATHS
- WILKES – 1,201 CASES, 33 DEATHS
- YADKIN – 713 CASES, 7 DEATHS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
4:03 p.m. - Free Insured & uninsured COVID-19 testing in Greensboro.
A COVID-19 testing clinic will be held for both free insured and uninsured in Greensboro. The clinic is at 5 Centerview Drive Suite 110 Greensboro in the Lenoir Building. You’ll receive your test results within in 24 hours. Call for an appointment at 336-887-0708. It’s open Monday – Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
2:19 p.m. Griffin Recreation Center closed, staff member exposed to COVID-19
The Griffin Recreation Center in Greensboro is closed for deep cleaning. A staff member was exposed to COVID-19. According to a press release from the city, it’ll be closed through the weekend. The person last came to work Thursday. Anyone concerned about being potentially exposed is asked to contact their doctor or the Guilford County Department of Public Health at 336-641-7777.
2:23 p.m. Alamance County Detention Center outbreak appears to be over
Alamance County Detention Center’s coronavirus outbreak appears to be over. According to a press release, as of Thursday, there were no new positive COVID-19 cases. Inmates and staff tested on Monday also tested negative.
The outbreak was identified back on Aug. 24. According to a release, the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office has worked closely with the Health Department to create additional safety measures.
Sheriff Terry Johnson said "We are grateful for the Health Department's support and guidance and feel that our aggressive response has helped to reduce the spread of the virus in our facility. We will continue to do all we can to protect those in our care."
Noon -- NCDHHS released the latest COVID-19 numbers for the state.
- NEW CASES: 1,688 (BIG JUMP FROM WEDNESDAY AND THE MOST NEW CASES SINCE SEPT. 4)
- TOTAL CASES: 198,189
- NEW TESTS: 27,501
- TOTAL TESTS: 2,870,191
- HOSPITALIZATIONS: 902 WITH 97% OF HOSPITALS REPORTING
- STATEWIDE PERCENT POSITIVE: 4.8%
10:43 a.m. - Testing at Fairchild Community Center
The Fairchild Community Center in Burlington will host coronavirus testing this weekend. The Alamance County Health Department and Cone Health partnered to create the event. The testing will happen from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday. The testing is free and does not require a doctor’s order or appointment. People with insurance should bring their card, although insurance is not required.
If you want to get tested head to the 827 South Graham Hopedale Road location. Organizers ask that everyone wear a mask and remain in their car. The results should be available in about two to three business days.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
6:40 p.m. - The North Carolina Department of Health Human Services releases the latest coronavirus numbers.
STATE
- NEW CASES: 952
- TOTAL CASES: 196,501
- TOTAL DEATHS: 3,316
- NEW TESTS: 12,371
- TOTAL TESTS: 2,842,427
- PERCENT POSITIVE: 5.3%
COUNTIES
- ALAMANCE – 3,797 CASES, 54 DEATHS
- DAVIDSON – 2,651 CASES, 34 DEATHS
- DAVIE – 537 CASES, 6 DEATHS
- FORSYTH – 6,886 CASES, 96 DEATHS
- GUILFORD – 8,244 CASES, 179 DEATHS
- RANDOLPH – 2,696 CASES, 51 DEATHS
- ROCKINGHAM – 1,170 CASES, 14 DEATHS
- SURRY – 1,279 CASES, 21 DEATHS
- WILKES – 1,175 CASES, 33 DEATHS
PERCENT POSITIVE BY COUNTY
GUILFORD: 5.0%
FORSYTH: 2.8%
ALAMANCE: 5.5%
RANDOLPH: 5.2%
DAVIDSON: 5.6%
ROCKINGHAM: 6.4%
HOSPITALIZATIONS: 912 WITH 97% HOSPITALS REPORTING DATA
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020
4:57 p.m. - One outbreak begins, two outbreaks end.
The Citadel at Winston-Salem is dealing with a new second outbreak. The first one saw 69 cases and four deaths. This new outbreak has three total cases so far and they're all staff members, there are no deaths.
Westwood Hills Nursing Center in Wilkes County saw a spike in cases. The center has five new cases among residents and six new cases staff members. That brings their total to 128 cases and 12 deaths That's the largest in the Piedmont Triad area.
On the other hand, Silas Creek Rehabilitation Center and Piney Grove Nursing Home and Rehab in Forsyth County both saw outbreaks end without any deaths.
Silas Creek saw 8 total cases. Piney Grove saw 5 cases.
4:40 p.m. - The NCDHHS has removed the following from their COVID-19 outbreak lists. That means there's no longer an outbreak at the following list of locations.
- The Growing Years Learning Center in Alamance County
- Lexington Day Care in Davidson County
2 p.m. -- Gov. Roy Cooper and the North Carolina coronavirus task force will give an update on COVID-19 in the state. Watch live in this story or on our YouTube channel.
- Gov. Roy Cooper said the state's COVID-19 trends are encouraging, and we're on track to entering Phase 3 by the time Phase 2.5 expires on Friday, Oct. 2.
- Cooper said on Oct. 2, larger outdoor event venues that hold more than 10,000 people will be able to open at 7% capacity. He said the announcement on Tuesday will give larger venues time to plan for upcoming events.
- Cooper said these large outdoor venues can allow for more social distancing with just 7% capacity.
- Cooper said as long as COVID-19 trends continue to decrease, he's encouraged that we could be in Phase 3 once Phase 2.5 expires.
- Cooper announced $40 million will be allocated to help small businesses.
- NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen announced a new Slow COVID NC app. It uses Bluetooth technology to let users know if they have been exposed to coronavirus. The app is free in your smartphone app store.
- Cohen said the app does not collect, use or share personal information. It does not use GPS. It uses Bluetooth instead.
- Cohen said the more people use the app, the more effective it is.
- Cohen also encouraged North Carolinians to get their flu shots.
Noon - NCDHHS releases Tuesday’s latest coronavirus numbers
STATE
- 195,549 LAB-CONFIRMED COVID CASES (1,168 NEW CASES)
- 176,422 PRESUMED RECOVERIES as of TUESDAY
- 905 CURRENTLY HOSPITALIZED with 96% REPORTING
- 2,824,929 COMPLETED TESTS (5.4% POSITIVE STATEWIDE)
COUNTIES
- ALAMANCE – 3,771 CASES, 54 DEATHS
- CASWELL – 324 CASES, 3 DEATHS
- DAVIDSON – 2,638 CASES, 34 DEATHS
- DAVIE – 534 CASES, 6 DEATHS
- FORSYTH – 6,850 CASES, 95 DEATHS
- GUILFORD – 8,209 CASES, 176 DEATHS
- RANDOLPH – 2,687 CASES, 51 DEATHS
- ROCKINGHAM – 1,168 CASES, 14 DEATHS
- SURRY – 1,277 CASES, 21 DEATHS
- WILKES – 1,172 CASES, 32 DEATHS
- YADKIN – 713 CASES, 7 DEATHS
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020
6:30 p.m. - Randolph County Schools Board of Education meeting following Gov. Cooper's recent school announcement.
5 p.m. - Alamance-Burlington School System launched its very first food deliveries to students with a food truck purchased by community donations Tuesday morning.
According a spokesperson for the school system, the food truck arrived Monday and Alamance-Burlington Schools executive director for Child Nutrition Pam Bailey will take it out on its “maiden voyage” Tuesday by delivering to two local communities during students' lunch break.
Officials said if you are interested in following along Tuesday, the food truck will pick up food prepared at Eastlawn Elementary at 10:30 am and will then visit two Burlington neighborhoods nearby.
“The second neighborhood has approximately 20 students in residence and the food truck will deliver during their lunch break from remote learning classes so the children can come out and pick up their free breakfast and lunch,” the spokesperson said.
Noon - NCDHHS releases Monday’s latest coronavirus numbers
North Carolina sees end to three-day consecutive streak below 5% goal
STATE
- 194,381 LAB-CONFIRMED COVID CASES (800 NEW CASES)
- 885 CURRENTLY HOSPITALIZED
- 2,817,539 COMPLETED TESTS (5.4% POSITIVE STATEWIDE, ENDING 3-DAY CONSECUTIVE STREAK)
COUNTIES
- ALAMANCE – 3,749 CASES, 54 DEATHS
- DAVIDSON – 2,613 CASES, 34 DEATHS
- DAVIE – 533 CASES, 6 DEATHS
- FORSYTH – 6,833 CASES, 94 DEATHS
- GUILFORD – 8,157 CASES, 176 DEATHS
- RANDOLPH – 2,672 CASES, 51 DEATHS
- ROCKINGHAM – 1,158 CASES, 13 DEATHS
- SURRY – 1,275 CASES, 21 DEATHS
- WILKES – 1,160 CASES, 32 DEATHS
11:45 a.m. – Mobile FNP JrJohnson, PLLC announces free COVID testing for North Carolina residents who do not have health insurance this Saturday.
The event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Collins Grove United Methodist Church in Greensboro. The church is located at 5210 Collins Grove Church Road.
Event organizers ask insured and out-of-state residents please bring an ID and insurance cars. Organizers ask uninsured residents to bring an ID.
11:30 a.m. – Sistas 4 Change Food Community Eatz will have a pop-up shop Mondays and Thursdays in Winston-Salem, where they’re serving free meals.
The group will serve chicken, vegetables, cheerwine, slaw, queso, tacos, burritos and more.
It will be on Mondays in the parking lot at 1522 North Liberty Street across from Citgo and Thursdays off Patterson Street across from Churches Chicken.
The group said meals are first come, first serve.
9:30 p.m. - Guilford Technical Community College resumes classes. After a cyberincident forced all GTCC's campuses to close, the school announced in-person classes have resumed Monday, Sept. 21.
6:30 a.m. - On Saturday, Sept. 26 there will be a free COVID-19 testing event at Collins Grove United Methodist Church in Greensboro. It is free for North Carolina residents who do not have insurance. Just be sure to bring a form of identification.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26
- Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: 5210 Collins Grove Church Road, Greensboro, NC 27410
What's happening in North Carolina?
- North Carolina remains in Phase 2.5 until Friday, Oct. 2. Bars and movie theaters are some of the businesses that must remain closed under this phase.
- The state health department's latest COVID-19 data report shows that the percentage of total positive tests is decreasing, but the number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 is increasing.
- Beginning Oct. 5, Gov. Roy Cooper announced that elementary students K-5 can return to in-person learning under Plan A.
FACTS NOT FEAR
Remember facts, not fear when talking about the coronavirus. You should take the safety measures recommended by health leaders to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Abide by the three W's. That means wearing a mask, washing your hands, and waiting at least six feet from another person. You also want to avoid touching your face and make sure to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw it away.
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.
For more information visit the CDC OR NCDHHS
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 for the latest.
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