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.
APRIL 30, 2020
3 p.m. - Gov. Roy Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force hold a news conference on COVID-19 updates.
Key points:
- Cooper said he is hopeful that trends will stay stable enough to move into phase one of removing restrictions across North Carolina next week. He said it’s imperative that people stay home and follow instructions.
“Even as we ease restrictions, if you don’t feel safe, it won’t work. That’s why we’re looking at the facts and science,” Cooper said. “That’s our goal—to move forward.”
- North Carolina has flattened the curve. Fewer people are getting sick at the same time. Our state is doing better than other parts of the country.
- Taskforce is focused on four main trends based on WH guidance:
- COVID-like syndromic cases over 14 days
- Lab confirmed cases over 14 days
- Positive test over 14 days
- Hospitalizations over 14 days
- We are testing more so we are seeing more cases but the percentage of positive cases is lower
- There is a plan to jump-start our economy safely
11 a.m. - North Carolina passed 10,000 coronavirus cases with a total of 10,509, according to the NCDHHS. The state has now recorded 378 deaths from the virus - an increase of 24 since yesterday. Triad counties saw dozens of new cases. Guilford County added 24 cases, bringing its total to 381, and five more deaths in just a day.
10:30 a.m. - UNC Greensboro is offering a special graduation gift to its seniors. The athletics department is giving the Class of 2020 free season basketball tickets.
7:45 a.m. - Join our live conversation on After GMS! You might want to skip that puppy playdate. We'll explain why. Plus, what items are you still having trouble finding at the grocery store?
News to note on Thursday:
- A High Point pastor is home after recovering from coronavirus. Jeff Harmon spent 11 days on a ventilator. He said he didn't know how serious the virus could be until he had it himself.
- North Carolina lawmakers have to figure out how to spend $3.5 billion in federal coronavirus relief money. Here's how they're thinking of divvying it up.
- Greensboro Transit Authority has reinstated some bus routes after a temporary suspension of services on Wednesday. Services were initially halted after city officials said a GTA employee tested positive for coronavirus.
- Gov. Cooper will hold a press briefing at 3 p.m. with other members of the state's coronavirus task force. Yesterday, NCDHHS Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said she would also update North Carolinian's on recent coronavirus data during this briefing.
- There were 9,948 cases of coronavirus and 354 deaths in North Carolina as of Wednesday, according to the NCDHHS. Guilford County saw a jump of 39 new cases in one day.
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.
RELATED: Downtown Greensboro Incorporated helps provide free meals to health care workers through GoFundMe
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