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.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2020
2:27p.m. To date, 2,160 people have died in North Carolina due to COVID-19 according to the NCDHHS.
2:14 p.m. The NCDHHS reports 1,129 people currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in North Carolina as of Saturday at 12:10 p.m.
2:09 p.m. According to the NCDHHS, there are 134,766 cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina as of Saturday at 12:10 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020
4:03 p.m. - Alamance County Government and the Alamance County Court System will implement basic COVID-19 health screenings for all visitors entering any Alamance courthouse facility beginning Monday, August 10 at 8:00 a.m.
Along with answering basic health screening questions, visitors will have their temperatures taken and will be given a mask (if needed) upon entering the Historic Courthouse (1 SE Court Square, Graham, NC), Alamance Civil Courts (124 W Elm St, Graham, NC), and the J.B. Allen Courthouse (212 W Elm St, Graham, NC).
All visitors are also asked to observe social distancing by keeping at least six feet between themselves and others.
Noon - North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen gave an update on nursing homes and how they're doing with slowing the spread of COVID-19. Watch the full briefing on our YouTube page.
Notes from the press briefing:
NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen announced a new order that will require all nursing home staff to get tested for COVID-19 every other week. It was only a recommendation up until this point. In order to do this, Cohen said the state is paying for the staff testing through November.
Cohen said North Carolina is seeing progress for slowing the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes, but more work needs to be done.
The state implemented a five-point strategy to combat COVID-19 in nursing homes: Prevention, staffing, testing, outbreak management and oversight
As a result of this strategy, Cohen said they are seeing two positive trends. 1) Fewer people are getting sick when there's an outbreak in a nursing home. 2) Outbreaks are shorter.
Here's a look at the five-point strategy:
Prevention: North Carolina sent every nursing home a two-week supply of PPE
- Increased trainings
- Employee screenings
- Mask requirement for staff
- No visitors or group activities
Staffing: Help fill staffing shortages
- Funding to keep and train staff
- Reciprocity for out-of-state nurse aides
Testing: Testing all nursing home residents and staff. (More than 49,000)
- Test all staff and residents when one person tests positive
- Staff testing every other week, weekly if a case is detected
Outbreak Management: Required weekly testing of all staff and residents if there's an outbreak
- Required to report local health department within 24 hours
Oversight: Inspected all 428 CMS certified nursing homes (Completed one-month ahead of schedule)
- Follow up on infection control if a nursing home has a first resident case
Noon - NCDHHS gives update on the latest coronavirus numbers
STATE
- 132,812 CASES (UP 1,545)
- 2,134 DEATHS (UP 42)
- 1,939,812 TESTS (UP 25,212 so far) 8% of tests yesterday returned positive
- 1,123 HOSPITALIZED with 90% reporting
COUNTIES
- ALAMANCE – 2,365 CASES, 41 DEATHS
- CASWELL – 191 CASES, 2 DEATHS
- CHATHAM – 1,290 CASES, 52 DEATHS
- DAVIDSON – 1,730 CASES, 18 DEATHS
- DAVIE – 407 CASES, 5 DEATHS
- FORSYTH – 5,148 CASES, 52 DEATHS
- GUILFORD – 5,498 CASES, 154 DEATHS
- MONTGOMERY – 626 CASES, 13 DEATHS
- RANDOLPH – 2,149 CASES, 37 DEATHS
- ROCKINGHAM – 528 CASES, 3 DEATHS
- STOKES – 284 CASES, 3 DEATHS
- SURRY – 916 CASES, 9 DEATHS
- WILKES – 780 CASES, 11 DEATHS
- YADKIN – 524 CASES, 6 DEATHS
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020
12:30 p.m. - NCDHHS released the latest COVID-19 numbers on Thursday. Key metrics, including daily cases, percentage of positive tests and hospitalizations are stable, but Thursday marked the largest daily case increase since last Friday.
STATEWIDE
- 131,267 total cases (up 1,979) (largest case increase since last Friday)
- 2,092 deaths (up 42)
- 1,904,75 tests (up 29,418 as of noon Thursday)
- 1,147 hospitalized (down three from Wednesday's adjusted number with 90% of hospitals reporting data)
10:30 a.m. - Dr. Christopher Ohl, an infectious disease expert with Wake Forest Baptist Health, will provide an update on COVID-19 in our region and the status of vaccine trials. He will also address the recent news concerning hydroxychloroquine and will answer some questions from those in our community.
Key notes:
- Numbers are declining, modest declines but consistent. The last three days seem exceptionally good, Ohl said.
- There was a peak in numbers in July that came after 4th of July, as expected.
- Midwest states are starting to see problems, as well as cities that had high cases in April.
- Ohl warns about vacation season. He said to be careful about friend and extended family vacations. He believes clusters are linked to vacations.
- According to Ohl, 20- to 30-year-old age group is a hot spot. He said colleges are "something to watch."
- Schools: More cases linked to staff members, not students in what they’ve seen so far, such as day cares, non-traditional, private schools, etc.
- Summer camps are not much trouble, Ohl said. No cases in the Triad are linked to day camps
- In regards to heading back to school, Ohl said, "I think schools are going to be OK."
- It will be tough to pull off a football season this fall, Ohl said. “If public schools aren’t open, seems odd to have sports.”
- Ohl compared Hydroxychloroquine to cousin Eddie who parks his RV outside your house and doesn’t leave. He said he can’t believe we’re still talking about it, it doesn’t work for COVID-19.
- Studies show transmission in kids is lower, especially for younger kids. Ohl speculates it may be because kids move less air (breathe less/smaller lungs) they leave households less often than adults. “Something about kids we’re still figuring out that makes their risk lower. Probably about 50% lower," he said.
- Family clusters make up 85% of cases in households, Ohl said.
- Masking, personal distancing and hand hygiene are important for teacher and student safety. Ohl recommends washing in and washing out (hand sanitize/wash before and after an activity/moving into rooms)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020
4:45 p.m. - Gov. Roy Cooper extends phase 2 reopening for five more weeks.
Gov. Cooper said "stable is good but decreasing is better," adding while numbers are stabilizing it doesn't mean the state can let up on COVID-19 response.
Cooper said since the last COVID-19 update, North Carolina has passed the "solemn benchmark" of 2,000 people who have died due to the coronavirus.
"Every single one of them represents a family in mourning and a community grieving their loss," Gov. Cooper said. "They are more than numbers on a chart — they are North Carolinians who are missed dearly."
4:00 p.m. - Gov. Cooper to announce either Phase 2 extension or Phase 3 reopening plan at upcoming news conference.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020
6:45 p.m. - NCDHHS releases COVID-19 numbers for nursing homes, rehab facilities.
MAJOR TAKEAWAYS:
- 4 new cases, 3 new deaths at Camden in Guilford County
- 4 new deaths at Abbotswood in Forsyth County
- 91 cases at Bottomley Evergreens and Farms in Sparta
- There are 4 new outbreaks (including Bottomley)
- Two outbreaks are over
From NCDHHS:
Guilford County:
Camden Health & Rehab
- 83 total cases
- 63 residents
- 20 staff
- 15 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 79 total cases, 59 residents, 20 staff, 12 deaths
- Takeaway: 4 new cases, 3 new deaths (all residents)
Clapps Nursing Home
- Outbreak over (94 total cases - 65 residents, 29 staff, 24 deaths)
Piedmont Christian Home
- Outbreak over (66 total cases - 48 residents, 18 staff, 14 deaths (1 staff member)
Maple Grove Health and Rehabilitation Center
- 124 total cases
- 96 residents
- 28 staff
- 22 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 112 total cases, 84 residents, 28 staff, 21 deaths
- Takeaway: 12 new cases, 1 new death (all residents)
Adams Farm Living and Rehabilitation
- 29 total cases
- 25 residents
- 4 staff
- 3 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 26 total cases, 24 residents, 2 staff, 2 deaths
- Takeaway: 3 new cases (1 resident, 2 staff)
Friends Home West
- 3 total cases
- 2 staff
- 1 resident
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 3 total cases, 2 staff, 1 resident, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Guilford House
- 23 total cases
- 19 residents
- 4 staff
- 4 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 21 total cases, 17 residents, 4 staff, 4 deaths
- Takeaway: 2 new cases (both residents)
Blumenthal's Nursing and Rehabilitation
- 3 total cases
- 1 resident
- 2 staff
- 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Friends Home at Guilford
- 3 total cases
- 1 resident
- 2 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 9 total cases, 1 resident, 8 staff, 0 deaths
St. Gales Estates
- 3 total cases
- 3 residents
- 0 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 2 total cases, 2 residents, 0 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: 1 new case (resident)
Abbotswood at Irving Park Assisted Living
- 22 total cases
- 19 residents
- 3 staff
- 4 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 19 total cases, 17 residents, 2 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: 3 new cases (2 residents, 1 staff), 4 new deaths (all residents)
Forsyth County:
The Citadel at Winston Salem
- 54 total cases
- 40 residents
- 14 staff
- 3 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 54 total cases, 40 residents, 14 staff, 3 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
The Oaks
- 29 total cases
- 22 residents
- 7 staff
- 1 death
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 29 total cases, 22 residents, 7 staff, 1 death
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Trinity Elms
- 6 total cases
- 5 residents
- 1 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 6 total cases, 5 residents, 1 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Trinity Glen
- 5 total cases
- 1 resident
- 4 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 5 total cases, 1 resident, 4 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Summerstone Health and Rehab Center
- 3 total cases
- 1 resident
- 2 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 3 total cases, 1 resident, 2 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Danby Assisted Living Facility
- 14 total cases
- 10 residents
- 4 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 14 total cases, 10 residents, 4 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Brookridge Retirement Community
- 3 total cases
- 0 residents
- 3 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 3 total cases, 0 residents, 3 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Oak Forest Health and Rehab
- 28 total cases
- 14 residents
- 14 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 2 total cases, 2 staff, 0 residents, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
- Their original outbreak ended, apparently there is a new one (had 13 total cases, 1 resident, 12 staff, 0 deaths)
Silas Creek Rehabilitation Center
- 2 total cases
- 1 resident
- 1 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 2 total cases, 1 resident, 1 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
- Their original outbreak ended, apparently there is a new one (had 22 cases, 12 residents, 10 staff, 1 death)
Piney Grove Nursing and Rehab
- 2 total cases
- 1 resident
- 1 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 2 total cases, 1 resident, 1 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Homestead Hills Assisted Living
- 2 total cases
- 0 residents
- 2 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 2 total cases, 2 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
The Atrium/The Respite Center
- 2 total cases
- 0 residents
- 2 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 2 total cases, 2 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement Community Inc (THIS IS NEW)
- 2 total cases
- 0 residents
- 2 staff
- 0 deaths
Forsyth County Detention Center (THIS IS NEW!!)
- 11 total cases (all staff)
Davidson County:
Spring Arbor of Thomasville
- 3 total cases
- 1 resident
- 2 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 3 total cases, 1 resident, 2 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Alston Brook
- 2 total cases
- 0 residents
- 2 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 2 total cases, 0 residents, 2 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
- PREVIOUS OUTBREAK (ended June 12): 63 total cases, 46 residents, 17 staff, 8 deaths
Pine Ridge Health and Rehab
- 31 total cases
- 24 residents
- 7 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 7 total cases, 7 residents, 0 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Randolph County:
Clapp's Convalescent Nursing Home
- 6 total cases
- 2 residents
- 5 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 6 total cases, 2 residents, 4 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: 1 new case (staff member)
Woodland Hill Center
- 57 total cases
- 40 residents
- 17 staff
- 6 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 56 total cases, 40 residents, 16 staff, 6 deaths
- Takeaway: 1 new case (staff member)
Alpine Health and Rehab of Asheboro
- 10 total cases
- 2 residents
- 8 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 10 total cases, 2 residents, 8 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Randolph County Detention Center
- 4 total cases (all residents)
- Takeaway: 1 new case
Stokes County
Stokes County Jail
- 7 total cases (all residents)
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
Alleghany County
Bottomley Evergreens and Farms in Sparta – THIS IS NEW!!
- 91 total cases (although the hospital there says there are 102 cases)
Surry County
Pruitt Health-Elkin
- 27 total cases
- 15 residents
- 12 staff
- 3 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 25 total cases, 14 residents, 11 staff, 2 deaths
- Takeaway: 2 new cases (1 resident, 1 staff)
(something on Grover Simmons Church Rd in Dobson) – THIS IS NEW!!
- 7 total cases
Wilkes County
Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- 18 total cases
- 13 residents
- 5 staff
- 0 deaths
- FRIDAY NUMBERS: 18 total cases, 13 residents, 5 staff, 0 deaths
- Takeaway: nothing new here today
- 7 total cases
5:45 p.m. - Nonprofit organization Kaleideum announces remote learning support and enrichment opportunities for Fall 2020
Efforts are to help working families.
The programs will take place at Kaleideum North at 400 West Hanes Mill Road.
“To support families who need help during this school year, Kaleideum has created three different learning opportunities this fall: Full-day Remote Learning Support for K-8, Morning Preschool Enrichment Camp for 3 to 5-year-olds, and Afternoon Enrichment Camp for K-5,” said Executive Director Elizabeth Dampier. “While we are closed to the public, these small groups of children will have full advantage of Kaleideum’s staff and our North campus facilities, which include plenty of outdoor space and walking trails.”
5 p.m. - Davidson County Central Permitting/Inspections Department employee tests positive for COVID-19
Davidson County Government released a statement that an employee for the Davidson County Central Permitting/Inspections Department tested positive for COVID-19.
The organization said the person has been isolated and will not return to duty until medically cleared.
Davidson County said all affected surfaces have been appropriately cleaned and disinfected in accordance with CDC recommendations.
The organization said in addition to following all CDC recommendations, the county is working closely with the Davidson County Health Department.
Noon - NCDHHS gives update on the latest coronavirus numbers
STATE
- 128,161 CASES (UP 1,629)
- 1,854,026 TOTAL TESTS
- 1,166 HOSPITALIZED
COUNTIES
- ALAMANCE – 2,280 CASES, 41 DEATHS
- CASWELL – 189 CASES, 2 DEATHS
- CHATHAM – 1,255 CASES, 50 DEATHS
- DAVIDSON – 1,675 CASES, 18 DEATHS
- DAVIE – 387 CASES, 3 DEATHS
- FORSYTH – 5,007 CASES, 49 DEATHS (ONE MORE DEATH)
- GUILFORD – 5,310 CASES, 150 DEATHS (3 MORE DEATHS)
- MONTGOMERY – 601 CASES, 13 DEATHS
- RANDOLPH – 2,075 CASES, 36 DEATHS
- ROCKINGHAM – 486 CASES, 3 DEATHS
- STOKES – 270 CASES, 3 DEATHS
- SURRY – 877 CASES, 9 DEATHS
- WILKES – 741 CASES, 10 DEATHS
- YADKIN – 505 CASES, 6 DEATHS
MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020
5:00 p.m. - President Trump holds news conference discussing the response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Noon - NCDHHS gives update on the latest coronavirus numbers
STATE
- 126,532 CASES (UP 1,313)
- 1,982 DEATHS (UP 13)
- 1,837,410 TESTS (UP 20,378) 7% OF TESTS YESTERDAY RETURNED POSITIVE
- 1,057 HOSPITALIZED
COUNTIES
- ALAMANCE – 2,248 CASES, 41 DEATHS
- CASWELL – 186 CASES, 2 DEATHS
- CHATHAM – 1,245 CASES, 50 DEATHS
- DAVIDSON – 1,653 CASES, 18 DEATHS
- DAVIE – 376 CASES, 3 DEATHS
- FORSYTH – 4,955 CASES, 48 DEATHS
- GUILFORD – 5,254 CASES, 147 DEATHS
- MONTGOMERY – 594 CASES, 13 DEATHS
- RANDOLPH – 2,065 CASES, 36 DEATHS
- ROCKINGHAM – 480 CASES, 3 DEATHS
- STOKES – 266 CASES, 3 DEATHS
- SURRY – 872 CASES, 8 DEATHS
- WILKES – 736 CASES, 10 DEATHS
- YADKIN – 496 CASES, 6 DEATHS
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.
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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