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. Click here to see the latest cases being reported in North Carolina.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31
9:00 p.m. - White House projects 100K to 240K coronavirus deaths if social distancing is maintained.
Dr. Birx added that the modeling shows that without mitigation, the death toll in the U.S. could skyrocket to somewhere between 1.5 million to 2.2 million dead.
8:00 p.m. - More than 300,000 people have filed unemployment benefit claims in just two weeks.
Governor Cooper says, normally, the Division of Employment Security gets 3,000 claims in a week.
7:00 p.m. - UNC Greensboro (UNCG) received notice of a positive test for COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus) in a non-residential student.
The individual was tested, received appropriate medical care, and, after consultation with health authorities, was discharged directly to self-isolate at their off-campus residence.
Find out more: UNCG COVID-19 case
6:40 p.m. - Visitors prohibited from critical care units at Wake Forest Baptist Health except for end-of-life care.
“To protect patients, visitors and staff from the spread of COVID-19, no visitors are permitted to enter the critical care units at Wake Forest Baptist Health except for end-of-life care. We understand this is a very challenging time and appreciate the cooperation of everyone to help keep our patients and staff safe, which is our top priority. Most hospitals across the U.S. are following these guidelines as well to help prevent the spread of this virus.”
5:00 p.m. - President Trump and the coronavirus task force will give an update from the White House.
4:30 p.m. - Guilford County Public Health is reporting the first coronavirus-related death in the county. According to a release from county officials, the patient died on Tuesday, March 31 and was 78 years old. The patient had additional underlying medical conditions.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and their loved ones,” said Guilford County Interim Health Director, Dr. Iulia Vann. “This death is a tragic occurrence in our efforts to combat COVID-19. It underscores the urgent need for us to take extra steps to protect residents who are particularly vulnerable to developing more serious illness, including elderly persons and those with underlying health conditions."
4:00 p.m. - Governor Cooper will give an update on the state's response to coronavirus. About 1,500 cases have been reported in North Carolina. Eight people have died, including one person from Forsyth County. Here are a few notes from state officials:
- 1,498 cases, 8 deaths
- Cases being reported in 77 of North Carolina's 100 counties
- The median age for those testing positive is 47
- More than 23,000 tests have been completed across the state
- 8,000 tests are pending
- Our weapon against the virus is social distancing
- Gov. Cooper to sign executive order that prohibits utilities from shutting off services for people who are unable to pay for the next 60 days
- Food supplies remain strong, but please only buy what you need
- Today, NC received its third allocation of federal resources including masks, gloves, gowns, and shields
- Supplies are being distributed to healthcare providers across the state, but Emergency Services Director Mike Sprayberry says we still need more
- More National Guardsmen are being activated to help distribute the resources
- Employment Security Commission has put in a new server to help with the speed of unemployment claims
- Over 300,000 layoffs in North Carolina because of the pandemic
- NC has also contracted a call center to help with unemployment calls
- Unemployment checks are going out this week
- Do not call 911 to report social distancing violators
- NC 211 is helping hundreds of people each day with coronavirus-related questions
- Attorney General Josh Stein says the state has received 755 price-gouging complaints
2:30 p.m. - Two Rockingham County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a release from Rockingham County government. These are the first reported cases in Rockingham County. The individuals who tested positive are in the hospital and receiving care. Both individuals have underlying health issues. Health officials did not say if the cases were related to travel or community spread.
2:00 p.m. - Greensboro's new Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts announced new dates for several upcoming shows due to the coronavirus outbreak. Some shows have been pushed back as far as 2021, and a couple of shows have been canceled.
10:45 a.m. - Food Lion announced today a $3.1 million donation to help with research, feeding families, and helping its associates during the (COVID-19) pandemic. Here's what the donation will fund:
- $500,000 donation to fund medical research at UNC Health: Scientists at UNC Health are working to develop promising treatments, protective vaccines and public health practices for COVID-19.
- An additional $1 million donation, which is equivalent to 10 million meals, to nourish and care for local communities through Food Lion’s hunger-relief platform, Food Lion Feeds.
- $1 million will go toward the Lion's Pride Foundation, which helps Food Lion associates whose families may be impacted by the crisis.
9:30 a.m. - Forsyth County is reporting its first death from coronavirus. Eight people have died from the virus statewide, according to NCDHHS. Nearly 1,500 people have tested positive for the virus as of Tuesday morning.
What you need to know for Tuesday:
- Guilford County and statewide stay-at-home orders are officially in effect, but you should follow the Guilford County order (if you live there) because it's the stricter order of the two.
- Coronavirus pranks, like yelling that you have the virus in a crowd, could get you in serious trouble. A Triad lawyer says you could face felony charges.
- Governor Cooper will give an update on the state's response to COVID-19 at 4 p.m. We will live stream the press briefing in this story.
- As of late Monday night, there are over 1,300 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina. Six people have died, according to NCDHHS.
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.