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.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
7:30 p.m. - The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office has reported cases of COVID-19 among staff members at the Hall of Justice (HOJ).
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said every sheriff court staff member will be tested for COVID-19.
“We remain committed to protecting our team members. We will work closely with the Forsyth County Department of Public Health who will be assisting us with contact tracing and we will continue to follow the CDC guidelines. This process will ensure that everyone remains safe and healthy to the best of our ability."
10 a.m. -- Christopher Ohl, M.D., an infectious disease expert with Wake Forest Baptist Health, will provide an update on COVID-19 in our region and will discuss President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2020
12:30 p.m. -- The state health department released the latest COVID-19 numbers for North Carolina.
- NEW CASES: 1,711
- TOTAL CASES: 222,969
- NEW TESTS: 16,437 molecular, 591 antigen (rapid tests)
- TOTAL TESTS: 3,229,247
- PERCENTAGE OF POSITIVE TESTS (from Oct. 5): 6.4%
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020
3 p.m. - Montlieu Academy of Technology in High Point closed Monday after a school employee tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Guilford County Schools.
School officials say all district protocols have been followed when it comes to cleaning and sanitation regarding COVID-19.
Visit the school's website for more information.
2 p.m. - Gov. Roy Cooper and the state coronavirus task force will give an update on COVID-19 in North Carolina. You can watch the live briefing in this story or on our YouTube channel.
- Gov. Cooper said $35 million is available in grants to help child care facilities.
- Cooper said North Carolinians need to keep their guard up when it comes COVID-19 as health officials watch rising cases across the country.
- NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen said 200,000 rapid antigen tests have been ordered. The tests will be distributed to 52 high priority counties.
- These tests deliver quick results for people with COVID symptoms.
- The rapid tests will be free to patients and deployed by local health departments to schools and other facilities experiencing outbreaks.
- Cooper spoke about App State student Chad Dorrill's death during the press conference. "Chad's death was tragic and it shows us the serious nature of this virus," Cooper said. He said Dorrill's death should lead us all to redouble our efforts to wear a mask, social distance, and wash our hands to prevent the spread of the virus. Dr. Cohen said higher education institutions have been given guidance about how to put measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Dorrill was 19 and from Davidson County.
- Cohen said we've seen a slight increase in COVID-19 cases and the percent of positive tests as of recent, but it's too soon to say if the data is connected to the Phase 3 reopening.
Noon – NCDHHS releases Tuesday’s latest coronavirus numbers
STATE
- 221,258 CASES
- 3,210,905 COMPLETED TESTS
- 1,013 PEOPLE CURRENTLY HOSPITALIZED
Visit NCDHHS’ website for more information on new statistics and data.
7 a.m. -- Free drive-thru COVID-19 testing in Randolph County
Randolph County Public Health will sponsor a FREE COVID-19 drive-through testing clinic. The clinic will be held Tuesday from 7-9 a.m. Randolph County Public Health will also offer a FREE flu shot clinic as well from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Go to Randolph County Public Health located at 2222-B S. Fayetteville Street in Asheboro.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020
- President Trump left Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday to wave to a crowd of supporters. Doctors have not discharged him from the hospital. The president said he contracted coronavirus on Friday.
- North Carolina is currently in Phase 3 of reopening. Bars, movie theaters, and smaller indoor venues are the latest businesses to open with capacity limits.
- The state's key metrics remain stable. Health leaders want to see the percentage of positive tests go below 5% for a steady two weeks before easing more restrictions. North Carolina has risen slightly above 5% positive tests for the last few days, but overall, remains steady in this key data point.
12:27 p.m. - Latest NCDHHS numbers
It's too early to see what impact Phase 3 has had on the state's coronavirus numbers. It can take up to 14 days after exposure for symptoms to pop up. It takes two days for test results to come back.
New cases statewide: 2,258
Total cases statewide: 219,754
Guilford: 9,153
Forsyth: 7,363
Alamance: 4,155
Randolph: 3,011
Davidson: 2,998
Rockingham: 1,429
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.
Stay connected to local, national, and breaking news: Download the WFMY News 2 app.
►Text the word APP to 336-379-5775
