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 29, 2020:
7:00 p.m. Two employees at HAECO Americas in Greensboro have tested positive for COVID-19. HAECO says the individuals did not exhibit any symptoms at work and have not returned to HAECO facilities since becoming ill.
5:50 p.m. According to a release from the City of Winston-Salem, Mayor Allen Joines has rescinded the city’s stay at home order.
The move aligns the City of Winston-Salem with the rest of Forsyth County in following Governor Cooper’s statewide order which is scheduled to end on May 8th.
2:00 p.m. - Members of the North Carolina coronavirus task force will hold a press briefing today at 2 p.m. You can watch it live on our Facebook page.
- NCDHHS Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said a Duke University study shows that North Carolina is flattening the curve. However, the study also warned if we become too complacent, we could see a surge in cases.
- Legislators are working on a package to get federal funding to communities in need because of the pandemic.
- 211 is still available for people who need resources on rent, food, etc.
- Secretary Cohen said she will go over recent data and detail how North Carolina is doing during a press conference with Gov. Cooper on Thursday.
12:55 p.m. - Greensboro started giving out free masks today, but they've already run out of masks at one of the locations. Michael Cottingham, President of United Way, said they've run out of masks at their building on Yanceyville Street and won't replenish the supply until next Wednesday. You can still get a mask at the municipal building at 300 W. Washington St. if you need one.
11:00 a.m. - North Carolina is nearing 10,000 coronavirus cases in the state. NCDHHS reported Wednesday morning that we have 9,948 COVID-19 cases and 354 total deaths. That's an increase of nearly 400 cases and 12 deaths since yesterday. Guilford County added 39 new cases to its total in one day.
11:00 a.m. - Greensboro Transit Authority has corrected an earlier statement regarding bus routes. GTA said bus routes will be suspended until further notice, except for SCAT services. SCAT buses are used to help transport those with physical challenges.
9:30 a.m. - Ebenezer Lutheran Church wants your help collecting can food items for people in need during the pandemic. The church is holding a drive-by food drive on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The church is located at 310 S. Tremont Drive in Greensboro. All donations will go to Urban Ministries and local food pantries. You can call the church office with any questions at 336-272-5321.
8:45 a.m. - All Greensboro Transit Authority and SCAT bus routes have been suspended, according to a Wednesday morning tweet from GTA. The city's bus system said, "Due to recent COVID-19 developments, all GTS and SCAT services are temporarily halted. As the city continues to follow the Governor's stay-at-home order, residents must consider alternative options for necessary travel until further notice."
WFMY News 2 is reaching out to city officials to learn more. Stay with us for updates.
7:45 a.m. - Join the live conversation on AFTER GMS. Should next school year be extended so students can catch up on curriculum? Plus, we'll take a look at the severe weather threat tonight into early Thursday morning.
Wednesday news to note:
- A Greensboro woman awaits her mother's coronavirus test results after six cases were identified in her nursing home. "Honestly, I was afraid that I may never see her again," said Marty Richardson.
- Gov. Cooper said Tuesday that NASCAR can go forward with the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway without fans in attendance at the end of May unless health conditions deteriorate in the state.
- The North Carolina unemployment call center has extended its weekday hours and added new weekend hours. The center has gotten a surge of calls since the pandemic hit.
- The NC Department of Health and Human Services reported a total of 9,568 coronavirus cases and 342 deaths statewide as of Tuesday. It was the deadliest day of the pandemic with 36 new deaths.
- The North Carolina General Assembly began its annual session by turning immediately to legislation to distribute COVID-19 federal relief funds amid unprecedented operating rules with social distancing in mind. House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger gaveled in their floor sessions on Tuesday with only a few dozen legislators in attendance. The chambers hope to pass legislation addressing the coronavirus by the end of the week.
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.
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