GREENSBORO, N.C. — Get the latest COVID-19 updates from Gov. Roy Cooper and the state task force, health departments, universities, school districts, and more in this story.
We'll put North Carolina's COVID-19 numbers in context for you, and explain what it could mean for the reopening process. Call the North Carolina Coronavirus Hotline at 866-462-3821 or 2-1-1 for immediate questions.
Monday, January 11, 2021
12 p.m. -- New COVID-19 cases dipped below 6,000 on Monday after the state recorded a record of over 11,000 cases in a single day over the weekend. Cases are typically lower on Mondays due to lower testing numbers over the weekend. Cone Health in Greensboro is experiencing its highest COVID patient total so far at 267. The hospital projects to be consistently over capacity by next Tuesday, January 19 - two days earlier than initially thought by analysts. NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen said Friday this is the 'most worried' she's been since the pandemic started. She issued a secretarial order last week for everyone to stay home unless doing essential business.
STATEWIDE DATA:
- Newly-confirmed cases: 5,936 (Mondays are typically the lowest day of the week due to lower testing on weekends)
- Total cases (including presumed recoveries): 629,124
- Total deaths: 7,578
- Current hospitalizations: 3,843 (fourth-highest)
- Testing turnaround: 2.3 days
10 a.m. - Randolph County COVID-19 phone line goes live. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services identified Phase 1a and Phase 1b, Group 1 as those currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. Randolph County Public Health is vaccinating those in each of those groups. The county said it is experiencing a tremendously high call volume in scheduling appointments. To address this issue, a new appointment line has been installed to improve the appointment process. If you are part of Phase 1a or Phase 1b, Group 1 and need to schedule an appointment for the vaccine, call 336-365-6110. If you experience trouble reaching someone at this number call 336-318-6223.
9 a.m. - Swepsonville Fire Department said one of their longtime volunteer firefighters died Saturday after a two-week battle with COVID-19 at UNC Hospital. Officials said Larry Lasley served his community for 44 years.
8 a.m. - COVID-19 vaccine available to Guilford County adults 75 years and older beginning Monday. The Guilford County Division of Public Health announced that COVID-19 vaccinations will be available to Phase 1B adults who are 75 years or older regardless of health status or living situation. Those in this group can make a vaccination appointment by calling 336-641-7944 and selecting Option 2. Appointments are required.
Who qualifies for Phase 1A?
Phase 1B, Group 2: Health care workers and frontline essential workers 50 years or older. The CDC defines frontline essential workers as first responders (e.g., firefighters and police officers), corrections officers, food and agricultural workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, and those who work in the education sector (teachers and support staff members) as well as child care workers.
• Phase 1B, Group 3: Health care workers and frontline essential workers of any age
The locations are as follows:
• Greensboro Coliseum Complex, 1921 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403
• Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1301 Alamance Church Road, Greensboro, NC 27406
• High Point University Community Center at Oak Hollow Mall, 921 Eastchester Drive, Suite 1230, High Point, NC 27262
Walk-ins will not be accepted, the county said.
For additional information on vaccine phases, please visit www.healthyguilford.com and click on the "COVID-19 Vaccine Info" rectangle.
Vaccinations for Group 2 and Group 3 have not started. Information on when these groups can be vaccinated will be released by late January or when permission is granted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
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 website.
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.
