Live Updates: Coronavirus In North Carolina (January - May 2021)

May 28, 2021

3:40 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 51 new COVID-19 cases, and 28 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 710 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 46,923.

3:35 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 68 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 36,483. There have been a total of 382 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

May 27, 2021

4:45 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 39 new COVID-19 cases, and 28 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 710 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 46,872.

4:40 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 43 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 36,415. There have been a total of 380 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

1:18 p.m.

The federally supported Greensboro COVID-19 mass vaccination center is set to close today at 7 p.m. 

The site at Four Seasons Town Center has provided more than 140,000 vaccines since it opened in early March.

State officials say the center operated at its capacity of 3,000 appointments per day for the first six weeks. Demand has since steadily dropped off though, with vaccinations more recently averaging about 200-600 per day. 

The site was initially scheduled to close May 4. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's decision to pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prompted officials to extend operations until May 27.
 

May 26, 2021

5:54 p.m.

The 2021 North Carolina Folk Festival will return to downtown Greensboro this fall on September 10-12. “After a successful pivot to a virtual event in 2020 due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to be able to return to hosting an in-person festival in downtown Greensboro that will provide a welcoming, celebratory environment for all members of our Greensboro and North Carolina community to enjoy,” said Amy Grossmann, President and CEO of the North Carolina Folk Festival in a press release.

4:55 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 76 new COVID-19 cases, and 30 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 710 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 46,833.

4:00 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 74 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 36,372. There have been a total of 380 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

3:04 p.m.

Wake Forest University is sharing its COVID-19 vaccination policy for the 2021-2022 school year. All students are required to be fully vaccinated. 

Updates on the #WFU COVID-19 policy, vaccination and related information. https://t.co/nMyDPoCu6X

— Wake Forest University (@WakeForest) May 26, 2021

May 25, 2021

4:39 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 33 new COVID-19 cases, and 21 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 710 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 46,757.

3:57 p.m. 

Forsyth County is reporting 24 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 36,298. There have been a total of 379 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

2:58 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper has announced a $51.4 million investment toward education grants and student financial aid. 

The funding is meant to help boost college accessibility as the state emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. The bulk of the money will be directed toward programs that assist low and middle-income families in paying for a college education.

$5 million will support mental health programs in state schools, while over $2 million will be invested in developing equity initiatives for both K-12 and postsecondary students.

The money is part of the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund, a federal program aimed at helping schools address the impact of the pandemic.

11:05 a.m.

A new tool created by the NC Department of Health and Human Services maps social vulnerability and vaccination rates by census tract. According to NCDHHS, it has helped state vaccine providers increase vaccinations by 50 percent in 89 underserved communities. 

The department has focused on 90 census tracts identified as having high social vulnerability, low vaccination rates and no COVID-19 vaccine providers as of April 24. In the identified census tracts, NCDHHS has enrolled new vaccine providers in 19 tracts that previously had none and deployed community health workers to 11 additional census tracts.

Social vulnerability is measured by the Social Vulnerability Index, a database that helps public health officials identify communities at the highest risk for disaster-related suffering and financial loss due to issues such as poverty, lack of access to transportation, crowded housing and other economic and social factors. 

May 24, 2021

3:50 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 136 new COVID-19 cases, and 21 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 710 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 46,724.

3:10 pm.

Forsyth County is reporting 22 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 36,274. There have been a total of 379 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

10:54 a.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is offering $25 Summer Cash Cards at select vaccine sites to offset the time and transportation costs of getting vaccinated.

From May 26 through June 8, select vaccine sites will offer Summer Cash Cards in Mecklenburg, Guilford, Rowan and Rockingham counties. Anyone 18 and older who gets their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination — or drives someone to their vaccination — will receive a $25 cash card after vaccination at a participating location while supplies last. Cards are for the first dose only for both the person being vaccinated and the driver. Those interested in the program can visit YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov or call 888-675-4567 to find a participating location.

May 22, 2021

9:30 a.m.

Forsyth County Government has updated its mask policy and will no longer require masks for those who are vaccinated — except for certain county facilities and activities— beginning Monday, May 24. Visitors who are not vaccinated will be required to wear a face mask at all times at county facilities. Exceptions where masks will be required include:

• Department of Public Health  
• Hall of Justice
• Law Enforcement Detention Center  
• Smith Reynolds Airport 

Signs will be posted at entrances to county facilities informing the public they must wear a face covering if they're not vaccinated. County facilities will continue to offer masks to each visitor who wants one or is required to wear one. There may be special circumstances when the county implements stricter requirements for large crowded indoor events or when serving vulnerable populations.  

Everyone will be required to wear a mask when receiving patient care through Emergency Services and when participating in indoor youth programs at places like N.C. Cooperative Extension or a library. 

Forsyth County Government has updated its mask policy following new CDC guidance and will no longer require masks for those who are vaccinated— except for certain county facilities and activities— beginning Monday, May 24.https://t.co/xCYFQ5NrWU

— Forsyth County North Carolina (@ForsythCountyNC) May 22, 2021

May 21, 2021

3:40 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 55 new COVID-19 cases, and 38 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 711 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 46,588.

2:50 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 85 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 36,156. There have been a total of 378 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

2:10 p.m.

Temple Emanuel of Greensboro in partnership with Definition Church en Español, Cone Health, and FaithAction International House will hold a Spanish-language Town Hall meeting to share information with the public about the COVID-19 vaccines and answer any questions.  

The event will be online on Thursday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m. To access the event go to www.conehealth.com/vaccinetownhalls or call 301-715-8592.

1:06 p.m.

App State will host a community COVID-19 vaccine clinic Thursday, May 27, from 9 a.m.– noon in Plemmons Student Union (PSU), Blue Ridge Ballroom.

The clinic will administer the Moderna vaccine, which is approved for adults ages 18 and older. First and second dose appointments are available.

Register for an appointment at appstate.edu/go/coronavirus/vaccine.
Call 828-262-6578 or email safety@appstate.edu with questions or for assistance with appointments. 

12:52 p.m.

Community partners continue to offer mobile clinics at area schools. Designed to offer easy access for families, these clinics are open to all community members 12 years and older.

On Saturday, June 5, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., there will be clinics at Bessemer Elementary and Hunter Elementary in Greensboro. These two clinics are hosted by the Guilford County Division of Public Health. Spanish and Swahili interpreters will be on-site to provide families with assistance as needed. 

On Wednesday, June 16, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. there will be a clinic at Dudley High, hosted by Cone Health and North Carolina A&T State University.

Appointments are strongly encouraged at all clinics, but walk-ins are available while supplies last.

To register for the June 5 clinics and find others, go to www.GuilfordVaccination.com or call 336-641-7944. To register for the clinic on June 16, call 336-890-1188.

12:41 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today expanded its NC COVID-19 Dashboard to include a new metric – wastewater monitoring. Since January 2021, NCDHHS has been testing wastewater samples to look for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as part of the CDC's National Wastewater Surveillance System. This new statewide program, known as the North Carolina Wastewater Monitoring Network, is a collaboration between 11 wastewater utilities, 8 local public health departments and researchers at the University of North Carolina.

May 20, 2021

5:45 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 41 new COVID-19 cases, and 39 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 710 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 46,533.

3:05 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 48 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 36,071. There have been a total of 377 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

1:50 p.m.

Guilford County will continue to require masks to be worn inside county facilities and inside county leased properties. County Manager Michael Halford noted that the decision was not made lightly, and that county leadership will reassess the decision in two weeks. 

In other facilities, Guilford County plans to follow North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services guidance on mask mandates and social distancing requirements. These recommendations are a result of the updated mask and distancing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• All capacity and gathering limits have been removed.
• All mandatory social distancing requirements have been removed.
• All indoor mask mandate requirements, in most settings, have been removed - excluding:
  • Public Health settings
  • Childcare settings
  • School settings
  • Prisons and Homeless Shelter settings
  • Public Transportation settings

May 19, 2021

5:00 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 58 new COVID-19 cases, and 41 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 710 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 46,492.

3:56 p.m.

Broadband, education, local infrastructure, and targeted businesses would be among the greatest beneficiaries should Gov. Roy Cooper's proposals to spend $5.7 billion in federal coronavirus relief become law. Cooper on Wednesday unveiled his ideas to spend the latest tranche of aid coming from Washington. Cooper proposed to state legislators that $1.2 billion go toward fiber installation grants and other broadband projects. A higher education package of $850 million would create new or expanded scholarships. And "Extra Credit Grants" implemented last year would be retooled to target lower-income families. The legislature will now consider his ideas.

- The Associated Press

3:09 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 20 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 36,023. There have been a total of 377 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

1:20 p.m.

The City of Greensboro will receive $59.4 million in COVID-19 relief and economic recovery funds as part of the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP). The City is asking residents for their input on how the money should be spent. Residents can suggest how to divvy up the funds by using the Greensboro ARP Spending Simulator, available at www.greensboro-nc.gov/ARP. City Council is expected to decide how to spend the first portion of the funds over the next several months.

10:06 a.m.

North Carolina's emergency rental assistance program has opened a second application period for very low-income renters that are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program promotes housing stability during the ongoing pandemic by providing rent and utility bill assistance to prevent evictions and utility disconnections. To date, the program has awarded over $133 million in assistance to help more than 36,000 families statewide.

The HOPE Program will serve very low-income renters in 88 North Carolina counties. Very low-income is defined as earning less than or equal to 50 percent of the area median income for the county where the renter lives. Find more information here. 

May 18, 2021

4:27 p.m.

The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County has put out a new call for Arts Recovery Grant applications.

The grants are aimed at artists and arts organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19. The Artist Impact Relief Fund grants were established early last year.

Arts Council Senior Vice President Dara Silver says in a news release the Council can provide flexible funding to arts and cultural organizations of all sizes within Forsyth County to help in reopening and stabilization efforts.

Applications for Recovery Grants are available now and due by June 4th. 

3:34 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 34 new COVID-19 cases, and 34 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 710 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 46,434.

3:24 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 22 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 36,003. There have been a total of 377 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

12:08 p.m.

The North Carolina Departments of Health and Human Services and Natural and Cultural Resources are partnering with StarMed Healthcare and the Randolph County Health Department to host a vaccine clinic for anyone 12 and older at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro on May 20 through May 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A second clinic will be offered June 10-12. Each participant who receives a vaccination during the Zoo's free vaccine clinics will receive one free ticket for a future visit to the North Carolina Zoo. The event is open to the public. Appointments are available at StarMed.care and walk-ins are welcome. Visit nczoo.org/vaccine to learn more.

10:44 a.m.

Cone Health is hosting a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine clinic Wednesday, May 26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center. Due to uncertainty around demand for this vaccine, people will need to register by phone. That can be done by calling 336-890-1188 Monday-Friday between 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

May 17, 2021

5:19 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 37 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,981. There have been a total of 378 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

3:39 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 123 new COVID-19 cases, and 30 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 710 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 46,400.

May 14, 2021

5:25 p.m.

Wake Forest University says based on guidance from public health experts, it will not make immediate changes to campus protocols. However, masks will be encouraged but optional at the outdoor undergraduate commencement celebration at Truist Field on Sunday night.

4:59 p.m.

Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan has officially rescinded the city's mask ordinance in the wake of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper lifting many COVID-19 restrictions.

Greensboro now falls under Cooper's Executive Order No. 215. Questions about today's Order? View its FAQs.

The city will continue to require everyone to wear masks and face coverings inside all city-owned facilities. Executive Order No. 215 still requires masks to be worn in child care facilities, schools, camps, public transit, health care settings and homeless shelters. Private businesses may also continue to require customers to wear masks.

4:22 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 235 new COVID-19 cases, and 35 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 710 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 46,277.

3:47 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 37 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,861. There have been a total of 378 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

1:38 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper has announced that all mandatory capacity and gathering limits, social distancing requirements and most mandatory mask requirements are being lifted immediately. There will continue to be a mandatory indoor mask requirement on public transportation, in child care, in schools, in prisons and in certain public health settings.

Effective immediately, we are lifting all mandatory capacity & gathering limits & social distancing requirements and most mandatory mask requirements. That means in most settings indoors or outdoors the state will no longer require you to wear a mask or be socially distant.

— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) May 14, 2021

12:50 p.m.

Governor Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force are holding a media briefing at 1:30 p.m. to announce changes to COVID-19 executive orders. Listen on 88.5 WFDD or watch live on our blog.

May 13, 2021

4:32 p.m. 

A new North Carolina state audit says Gov. Roy Cooper's administration failed to thoroughly monitor how $3.1 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds were being used. Thursday's report from State Auditor Beth Wood's office focuses on federal funds that the state received toward COVID-19 aid in the spring of 2020. The legislature then appropriated those funds. The performance audit's authors wrote a new Pandemic Recovery Office failed to design procedures to ensure the money was being spent the way the legislature required, thus increasing the risk for misuse. The office executive director and the state budget director say changes are already being made.

- The Associated Press

3:44 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 58 new COVID-19 cases, and 37 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 709 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 46,042.

3:42 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 41 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,824. There have been 3 more deaths reported in the county since Wednesday's update, totaling 378. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

11:46 a.m.

The Guilford County Division of Public Health (GCDPH) will now administer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to those aged 12-15 beginning Friday, May 14, 2021.

Guilford County COVID-19 vaccine appointments opened yesterday, May 12, and are available:

• Online at www.healthyguilford.com
• By phone at (336) 641-7944, Option 2
• Walk-In appointments are also available.

Appointment dates are currently available through May 31, 2021, at the Greensboro Coliseum (1921 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403).

For a full list of appointment dates and times, please visit www.healthyguilford.com.

The GCDPH does not require parental or guardian consent for COVID-19 vaccinations given to those aged 12-17, as per the North Carolina General Statute 90-21.5.

9:39 a.m.

Cone Health will begin vaccinating 12- to 15-year-olds against COVID-19 Friday, May 14. Children's vaccinations are only available at sites using the Pfizer vaccine.

Free appointments can be made starting Thursday at 4 p.m. at conehealth.com/vaccine or by calling 336-890-1188 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Appointments are preferred, but not required. Walk-ins are welcome.

Vaccinations for 12- to 15-year-olds will be available at these main Cone Health vaccination sites:

• Burlington - Behind JR Cigar Outlet, 2401 Eric Lane
• Greensboro - Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center, 1921 W. Gate City Blvd.

Cone Health is also hosting vaccine clinics at area high schools. These clinics are also open to the public and are listed here. Pediatric clinicians will be at sites where Cone Health offers vaccination for those ages 12 to 15.

Following state law and guidance, Cone Health will not require parental or guardian consent for vaccination of those 12 to 15 years old at its vaccine clinics although the presence of a parent or guardian is encouraged. Cone Health will honor school system policies requiring parental/guardian consent for vaccination of school students at high school sites.

May 12, 2021

4:48 p.m.

Brenner Children's Hospital is holding two first-dose COVID-19 vaccination events for adolescents ages 12 to 15. The Pfizer vaccine will be administered. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 336-70-COVID (336-702-6843). A parent, guardian, or another adult must be present. 

• Saturday, May 15, at Winston-Salem State University's Anderson Center, located at 1545 Reynolds Park Rd. in Winston-Salem.
• Saturday, May 22, at Providence Place, located at 1701 Westchester Dr., Suite 850 in High Point.

Both events will feature stickers, social media selfie frames, giveaways, decorations and appearances from the Brenner Children's pup mascots.

Wake Forest Baptist also plans to begin offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to all eligible individuals at certain pediatric and adult primary care locations across the region.

The Phase 3 clinical trial to study this vaccine showed 100% effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 and robust antibody responses in 12 to 15-year-olds. A total of 2,260 participants in this age group were enrolled – 1,131 received the vaccine and 1,129 received a placebo. Nobody in the vaccinated group developed COVID-19, compared to 18 in the unvaccinated group. No safety events were noted, and post-vaccination symptoms were similar to those of adults.

4:30 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 37 new COVID-19 cases, and 40 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 709 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 45,984.

2:55 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 45 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,783. There have been a total of 375 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

May 11, 2021

4:10 p.m. 

Health care organizations across the Triad are gearing up to provide the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to 12 to 15-year-olds following an announcement from the Food and Drug Administration's announcement this week that it's been approved for the age group.

Novant Health and the Forsyth County Department of Public Health say the earliest they could begin administering the vaccine to those 12-15 is Thursday. They are waiting for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's federal vaccine committee to issue its final recommendation.

Once that happens, Forsyth County Public Health Director Joshua Swift says providers will be able to move forward. The county is scheduling appointments and will accept walk-ins for clinics on Thursday and Saturday.

According to Novant Health, a minor will not need to be accompanied by an adult at their vaccination as state law allows minors to give consent for medical services for prevention or treatment of communicable diseases.  

3:46 p.m. 

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 83 new COVID-19 cases, and 41 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 707 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 45,947.

3:41 p.m. 

Forsyth County is reporting 38 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,738. There have been a total of 375 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

1:00 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging young adults 18-21 who left the extended foster care program during the pandemic due to their age to apply for re-entry.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act provides emergency relief to young people in or transitioning from foster care who are struggling because of the pandemic.

Services provided by the Foster Care 18 to 21 and the NC LINKS programs include funding to assist with transportation, rent, supplemental income, food and household needs.

For more information about how to access the Foster Care 18 to 21 and NC LINKS programs, contact a local department of social services, State LINKS Program Coordinator Erin Conner or  Foster Care 18 to 21 Program Coordinator LeAnn McKoy.

May 10, 2021

4:15 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 149 new COVID-19 cases, and 40 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 707 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 45,864.

2:34 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 26 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,700. There have been a total of 375 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

12:55 p.m.

The Guilford County Division of Public Health says community members may now schedule appointments for themselves and their family members or friends to be vaccinated on the same date, time, and location.

Group appointments can be scheduled by calling 336-641-7944 and selecting option 2. 

The call center will operate this week on the following schedule:

• Monday, 5/10: 12 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
• Tuesday, 5/11: 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
• Wednesday, 5/12: 12 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
• Thursday, 5/13: 12 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
• Friday, 5/14: 12 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Appointments may also be scheduled online here. 

May 7, 2021

4:25 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 208 new COVID-19 cases, and 47 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 707 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 45,715.

GCDPH says, "Death numbers have gone up due to internal refinement of data processes which enable the Guilford County Division of Public Health to mirror the Guilford County deaths listed by NCDHHS."

3:34 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 53 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,599. There have been a total of 375 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

11:49 a.m.

The North Carolina Department Of Health and Human Services is partnering with over 140 organizations to hold a summer community get-out-the-vaccine campaign beginning May 9. According to a NCDHSS press release, it will run during two weeks in May (May 9–15 and May 16–21) and two weeks in June (June 6–12 and June 20–26). The organizations vary and include the business sector, medical organizations, health departments, faith-based organizations, community-based groups, and various charitable organizations. The activities will span COVID-19 vaccination clinics, vaccine information distribution, and other community-oriented vaccine events. 

Medical professionals who wish to participate can register by using this form, where they can also download a toolkit specifically designed for communicating with patients about COVID-19 vaccinations.

Organizations that want to get involved can register, download the partner toolkit and access ideas for how to participate at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/BringSummerBack (Spanish: covid19.ncdhhs.gov/DevueltaAlVerano) or by emailing SocialMedia@dhhs.nc.gov. 

May 6, 2021

5:20 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 77 new COVID-19 cases, and 45 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 640 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 45,507.

3:10 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 52 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,546. There have been a total of 374 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

1:30 p.m.

Most North Carolina adults have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot. The state Department of Health and Human Services revealed the updated figures on Thursday.

Elderly residents have overwhelmingly gotten the vaccine, with nearly three in four adults 65 years or older now fully vaccinated.

Participation among younger residents, especially those between the ages of 18 and 24, is lagging behind. Those under 50 are also underrepresented in vaccine adoption rates.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and state health officials hope a message of a return to summer and easing of mask mandates as more people get vaccinated will provide a strong incentive for residents to come in for their shot.

-The Associated Press

May 5, 2021

4:13 p.m. 

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 82 new COVID-19 cases, and 51 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 640 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 45,430.

3:40 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 44 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,494. There have been a total of 374 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

3:26 p.m. 

North Carolina lawmakers on Wednesday advanced a bill through a committee that would prevent state and local governments from punishing workers who choose not to get a COVID-19 vaccine. State Rep. Jake Johnson says his proposal is necessary to protect state and local workers from being fired or retaliated against for their health choices. State health officials worry the proposal would conflict with federal rules and create staffing shortfalls if outbreaks occur at state-operated health facilities. House Bill 686 will need approval in two additional committees before it can go to a full House vote.

- The Associated Press

9:56 a.m.

Novant Health is gearing up to give Pfizer COVID-19 shots to 12 to 15-year-olds amid reports that federal officials will authorize it for use in that age group soon. 

The Food and Drug Administration is expected to clear the vaccine for use in adolescents as early as next week after high efficacy rates were shown in clinical trials. 

Novant Senior Vice President Dr. David Priest says the expansion will bring the U.S. one step closer to achieving herd immunity. And, he says, it won't be hard for Novant to transition to the new age group. 

May 4, 2021

4:56 p.m.

Guilford County Schools has partnered with Cone Health to bring COVID-19 vaccines to the eastern part of the county. On Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern High will host a mobile vaccination clinic in the school gym that is open to community members, employees and students over the age of 16.

Click here to register for the clinic, or call 336-890-1188. Students under the age of 18 will need a signed permission slip, available from their schools.

4:30 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 54 new COVID-19 cases, and 48 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 640 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 45,348.

4:11 p.m.

North Carolina House members no longer have the option to cast floor votes remotely — a result of improving conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The House returned this week to operating rules in which members must be present in the chamber to cast “ayes" and “noes.”

Indoor mask-wearing has been encouraged but never required in the legislative complex. Legislative building security stopped taking visitors' temperatures last month.

- The Associated Press

1:20 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 27 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,450. There have been a total of 374 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

May 3, 2021

2:20 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 53 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,423. There have been a total of 374 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

1:20 p.m.

Wake Forest Baptist Health is taking part in a study to develop better-fitting reusable face coverings for health care workers.

Wake Forest School of Medicine researchers are part of a team effort to design improved personal protective equipment (PPE) products for workers in the healthcare industry.

The hope is that better-designed masks will help protect workers from COVID-19 variants that have already begun to spread in the United States.

April 30, 2021

4:20 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 91 new COVID-19 cases, and 43 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 630 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 45,064.

3:10 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 64 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,263. There have been a total of 374 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

12:41 p.m.

The Guilford County Division of Public Health (GCDPH) is encouraging community members to schedule group appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Members of the public may now schedule appointments for themselves and their family members or friends to be vaccinated on the same date and time.

To schedule group appointments:

• Call 336-641-7944, Option 2
• Visit www.healthyguilford.com

Walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinics are also available on the following dates:

• The Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27403

             o May 3-5: Administering Pfizer and Janssen from 9 AM – 5:30 PM
             o May 7: Administering Pfizer and Janssen from 9 AM – 5:30 PM
             o May 10-11: Administering Pfizer and Janssen from 9 AM – 5:00 PM

The Mount Zion Baptist Church clinic will only offer second-dose appointments this week. To reschedule your second dose appointment, please call 336-641-7944, Option 2.

The High Point University Community Center clinic is still operational but is now managed by StarMed as of May 1, 2021. To schedule an appointment at this clinic, visit www.starmed.care.

10:57 a.m.

The federally supported COVID-19 Community Vaccination Center in Greensboro at Four Seasons Town Centre began offering the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine Thursday, which is available in addition to the two-dose Pfizer vaccine already offered.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have reaffirmed that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 and recommend its continued use to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from the disease. To date, more than 250,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered in North Carolina.

April 29, 2021

4:35 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 73 new COVID-19 cases, and 40 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 630 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 44,973.

4:12 p.m.

May 4 will be the last day first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are given at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. Starting May 6, first dose appointments will take place at the Forsyth County Department of Public Health Anyone who received their first dose at the fairgrounds will receive their second dose there. 

The move from the mass vaccination site to a smaller location at the health department is the result of a drop in vaccine demand locally and throughout the country. Forsyth Public Health will continue to offer regular vaccination appointments and will also focus more on its community vaccination events. 

Less than 30 percent of Forsyth County residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

2:44 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 76 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,199. There have been a total of 373 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

9:27 a.m.

Forsyth County Department of Public Health has released COVID-19 data as of April 24. To see the report, click here.  

This is the weekly COVID-19 Surveillance Report for Forsyth County as of April 24, 2021. For daily COVID-19 numbers, visit: https://t.co/bJoNQ5DRkT pic.twitter.com/tZ5HDXPRVx

— Forsyth County Dept of Public Health (@fcpublichealth) April 28, 2021

9:19 a.m.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has decided to lift the state's outdoor mask mandate. He is also increasing indoor and outdoor gathering limits. Starting Friday, 100 people can assemble indoors and 200 people may gather outdoors. The Democratic governor has said he hopes to further ease restrictions and possibly eliminate the mask mandate altogether if at least two-thirds of North Carolina adults are at least partially vaccinated. Nearly half of adults have gotten at least one COVID-19 shot. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says vaccinated Americans don't need to cover their faces outside anymore unless they are in a big crowd of strangers.

- The Associated Press 

April 28, 2021

4:47 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 75 new COVID-19 cases, and 41 current hospitalizations. GCDPH announced 8 new deaths since the last report and verified a total of 629 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 44,900.

4:34 p.m.

Novant Health has released the following information on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine:

On April 23, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine resume in the United States after a temporary pause. A review of all available data at this time shows that the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine's known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks.

Novant Health agreed with the decision by the FDA and CDC to pause administration while they worked to confirm the vaccine's safety. After carefully reviewing their report, we will resume administering the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine starting Thursday, April 29. Resuming use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine will ensure flexibility, choice and improved access.

For more information, click here.

4:04 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 67 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,123. There have been a total of 372 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

1:21 p.m.

Governor Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will share an update on COVID-19 at 2 p.m. Watch here or listen live to 88.5 WFDD F.M. 

8:57 a.m.

Novant Health is launching mobile COVID-19 vaccination units to vulnerable communities to provide access and increase acceptance. The events will be held at high-traffic places, like grocery stores, homeless shelters, and public housing communities. 250 doses will be offered at each event. Appointments are available but not required. All events will be staffed with a diverse crew of team members and Spanish-speaking interpreters. 

Tomorrow, April 29, the Winston-Salem State University Rams Cruiser will begin popping up at locations across the area. The first event will take place at the Community Care Center located at 2136 New Walkertown Road between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

April 27, 2021

4:35 p.m. 

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 66 new COVID-19 cases, and 48 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 621 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 44,825.

3:33 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 34 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,056. There have been a total of 372 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

11:00 a.m.

Appalachian State University is holding a community COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Thursday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

They will be administering the Moderna vaccine, which is approved for adults ages 18 and older. App State's community vaccine clinics are held at the Holmes Convocation Center 

Walk-ins are welcome, although appointments are recommended for shorter wait times. Appointment registration is available at appstate.edu/coronavirus/vaccine/.

10:25 a.m.

North Carolina health care providers are making plans to resume the administration of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine.  One health care system says it's seen steep declines in appointments since the pause was announced. 

DeAnne Brooks, Cone Health's Chief Pharmacy Officer, says demand for vaccinations has been steadily dropping since the beginning of the month. Things got even worse when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told providers to stop using the Johnson & Johnson shot after six patients experienced rare blood clots after being vaccinated. 

Brooks says last week more than half of their appointments went unfilled. But she's not sure if the decline was related to the pause, or if other factors were at play.

Cone Health has now opened all of its vaccination clinics to walk-ins and launched an education initiative to reduce hesitancy.

Brooks says the health system has a supply of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on hand and will soon begin offering it again, though the timing has not yet been determined. 

April 26, 2021

5:04 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 320 new COVID-19 cases, and 50 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 618 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 44,759.

3:51 p.m.

The Guilford County Division of Public Health has a COVID-19 vaccine appointment call center open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 27. Community members can schedule appointments by calling 336-641-7944, then pressing option two.

Walk-in vaccination appointments will also be available at the following locations:

High Point University Community Center at Oak Hollow Mall, 921 Eastchester Dr. (Suite 1230), High Point, NC

• April 27: Administering Pfizer from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• April 29: Administering Pfizer from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC

• April 30: Administering Pfizer from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• May 1: Administering Pfizer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2:38 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 66 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 35,022. There have been a total of 371 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

April 22, 2021

3:06 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 160 new COVID-19 cases, and 40 current hospitalizations. GCDPH announced 0 new deaths since the last report and verified a total of 618 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 44,439.

1:23 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 102 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 34,753. There have been a total of 370 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

April 21, 2021

3:45 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 120 new COVID-19 cases, and 43 current hospitalizations. GCDPH announced 19 new deaths since the last report and verified a total of 618 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 44,137.

2:52 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 69 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 34,651. There have been a total of 369 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

2:28 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen have announced a timeline for lifting current pandemic restrictions. If COVID-19 infection rates and vaccine trends continue positively, the state expects to lift mandatory social distancing, capacity, and mass gathering restrictions by June 1.

Governor Cooper plans to issue an executive order next week outlining safety restrictions for the month of May.

The state has administered over 6.5 million vaccines. NCDHHS says that 46.9 percent of adults are at least partially vaccinated, and 35.1 percent are fully vaccinated. More than 76 percent of people 65 and older have had at least one shot.

Gov. Cooper and Secretary Cohen are urging North Carolinians to continue to get vaccinated and exercise good judgment even when restrictions are lifted. They also are encouraging businesses to continue following voluntary health recommendations.

Updates from Gov. Cooper's COVID-19 briefing: https://t.co/8u0zq7Lh3O

— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) April 21, 2021

1:12 p.m. 

Governor Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will share an update on COVID-19 at 2 p.m. Watch live or tune in to 88.5 WFDD F.M. 

10:17 a.m.

Guilford County will host walk-in COVID-19 vaccination appointments Thursday, April 22 - Saturday, April 24. No appointments are necessary to receive the shot. These are first doses only. Those seeking a second shot should return to their designated location. 

The walk-in clinics will be held at the following locations:

• The Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27403

o April 22: Administering Pfizer BioNTech from 12 PM – 7 PM

o April 24: Administering Pfizer BioNTech from 10 AM – 2 PM

• High Point University Community Center at Oak Hollow Mall, 921 Eastchester Dr. (Suite 1230), High Point, NC 27262 from

o April 23: Administering Pfizer BioNTech from  9 AM – 5 PM

o April 24: Administering Pfizer BioNTech from 10 AM – 2 PM

Community members may still choose to pre-register for vaccine appointments (but it is not required):

• Online: www.healthyguilford.com

• By Phone: 336-641-7944, Option 2

April 20, 2021

6:15 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 79 new COVID-19 cases, and 49 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 599 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 44,017.

3:33 p.m.

Wake Forest University will require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students enrolling in the Fall 2021 semester. In an email, the university said this goes for all programs on all campuses, subject to medical and religious exemptions in certain circumstances. 

As of now, vaccines will not be mandatory for faculty and staff, but Wake Forest is strongly encouraging all members of the community to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.

The university also pointed out that vaccine opportunities vary widely from country to country, and the school's International Students and Scholars team is communicating directly with international students to provide updates and offer support.

2:25 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 29 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 34,582. There have been a total of 369 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

9:50 a.m.

All Novant Health vaccination sites are now open to walk-in appointments, as supply allows.

• Novant Health Medical Group - Hanes (196 Hanes Mall Circle, Winston-Salem, NC 27103) is open Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Novant Health Medical Group - East Mecklenburg (6070 East Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28212) is open Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Novant Health Medical Group - Freedom Drive (3149 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208) is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Novant Health Medical Group - Huntersville (17220 Northcross Drive, Suite 110, Huntersville, NC 28078) is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Novant Health Medical Group – Salisbury (J.F. Hurley YMCA 828 Jake Alexander Blvd. W Salisbury, NC 28147) is open from Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You do not have to be a Novant Health patient to make an appointment.

If you already have a vaccine appointment, you are able to walk-in or reschedule for earlier vaccination

Pfizer appointments are available for everyone who is 16 years and older. Moderna appointments are available for everyone who is 18 years and older. For more information, click here.

April 19, 2021

4:16 p.m. 

A Walgreens pharmacy in a North Carolina town gave a small number of people an injection of saline instead of a COVID-19 vaccine last month. Spokesperson Erin Loverher says 22 people were affected by the mix-up at the pharmacy in Monroe. She noted pharmacists sometimes use saline during training and that there is no reason to believe anyone injected was harmed. All impacted patients were contacted and then given the vaccine once they returned to the pharmacy. Walgreens is investigating what happened says it's working to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Monroe is 26 miles southeast of Charlotte.

- The Associated Press

3:41 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 299 new COVID-19 cases, and 57 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 599 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 43,938.

3:35 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 53 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 34,553. There have been a total of 369 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

April 16, 2021

3:40 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 155 new COVID-19 cases, and 51 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 599 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 43,639.

3:37 p.m. 

Forsyth County is reporting 67 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 34,363. There have been a total of 368 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

2:00 p.m.

The Guilford County Division of Public Health is advising that registration for approximately 4,500 new COVID-19 vaccine appointments will open:

• Online: Today, April 16, until filled.
• By Phone: Tuesday, April 20 from 8 AM – 5 PM, until filled. (336) 641-7944, Option 2

The department will release the following appointments:

The Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27403

• April 22: Administering Pfizer BioNTech
• April 24: Administering Pfizer BioNTech
• April 26: Administering Pfizer BioNTech

High Point University Community Center at Oak Hollow Mall, 921 Eastchester Dr. (Suite 1230), High Point, NC 27262

• April 23-24: Administering Pfizer BioNTech
• April 26: Administering Pfizer BioNTech

April 15, 2021

4:56 p.m. 

The state House is backing legislation that would give additional state tax breaks to businesses that took federal loans to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. But the Senate isn't yet fully on board with the idea, which comes with a hefty price tag. The House gave initial approval to the measure on Thursday by an overwhelming margin. It allows businesses that spent Payroll Protection Program loan proceeds to deduct the expenses from their income for state tax purposes. The PPP money was designed to keep workers at shuttered firms employed. The proposal could mean $400 million less revenue for the state. 

- The Associated Press

3:38 p.m. 

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 139 new COVID-19 cases, and 52 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 599 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 43,345.

3:32 p.m. 

Forsyth County is reporting 95 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 34,296. There have been a total of 367 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

1:45 p.m.

Walk-ups are now accepted at all Cone Health COVID-19 vaccination sites and community clinics. Those without appointments can visit the following clinics to get vaccinated:

• Burlington - 2401 Eric Lane. Pfizer vaccines available Thursday - Saturday 8 a.m. -12 p.m.
• Greensboro - Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W. Gate City Blvd. Pfizer vaccines available Thursday - Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. 
• Greensboro - NC A&T University, 200 N Benbow Rd. Moderna vaccines available Thursday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
• Reidsville - Rockingham Community College, 558 County Home Rd. Moderna vaccines available Thursday - Friday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The health system says that while walk-ins are encouraged, vaccination appointments are still preferred. They can be made here. People without internet access or email accounts can call 336-890-1188 for personal assistance.

9:45 a.m.

Walk-up appointments for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are available at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds – Education Building for the following dates: 

• Thursday, April 15, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saturday, April 17, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Monday, April 19, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Appointments can also be made online or by phone at 336-360-5260. Spanish speaking phone operators are available. 

April 14, 2021 

4:05 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 126 new COVID-19 cases, and 53 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 592 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 43,345.

2:45 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 76 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 34,201. There have been a total of 367 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

April 13, 2021

5:19 p.m.

North Carolina has 85,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines it will offer to people who had been scheduled to receive a single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Those people can either reschedule their appointment if they want a J&J vaccine or elect to receive either of the other two vaccines. State health officials got word earlier in the day from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that they should stop administering J&J doses over concerns of six rare cases of serious blood clots. 

4:25 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 100 new COVID-19 cases, and 53 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 584 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 43,219.

4:21 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 58 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 34,125. There have been a total of 367 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

4:05 p.m.

There's been a change in the demographics of people hospitalized because of COVID-19 with hospitals now seeing more younger patients. As of January 1 of this year, people seventy and older made up half of all COVID hospitalizations in North Carolina.

By last week, the number was down to about 25%. That's now a smaller percentage than the group of patients in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

One explanation is that older people were the first to be vaccinated. 

Dr. David Priest is an infectious disease specialist with Novant Health. He says a loosening of rules and the fact that younger people are more likely to socialize has aided in the spread.

"And you couple that with the B.1.1.7 variants in our communities, it's more contagious and potentially more serious for people," says Priest. "It's not surprising that the disease burden has shifted to younger and younger folks."

Priest says most, but not all of the younger patients will survive. But many will have serious COVID-related complications. He says everyone should continue to use social distancing precautions and get vaccinated if they haven't been already.

3:57 p.m.

Forsyth County, Novant Health, and Wake Forest Baptist Health are all pausing the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after rare blood clots were reported in six patients. 

About 1,600 appointments at Forsyth County's vaccination event at the fairgrounds were canceled over the weekend. That's a no-show rate of about 25%. Public Health Director Joshua Swift says that's more than double the rate they saw at their last event. 

“So some of that is becoming more common. But I believe also the increased media attention around the Johnson and Johnson vaccine accelerated the no show rate,” says Swift. 

Swift emphasized that adverse reactions to the vaccine are extremely rare and that none were reported in Forsyth County. 

1:15 p.m.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D., and NCDHHS Pharmacist Amanda Fuller Moore, Pharm.D, are holding a press conference today at 2 p.m. on COVID-19. The topic is expected to be the CDC and FDA's joint statement on pausing administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Watch live on our blog.

12:37 p.m.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Novant Health, and Wake Forest Baptist Health are all pausing the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine following guidance from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. 

All three organizations will continue to administer the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for current appointments. Anyone scheduled to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be offered Pfizer or Moderna, or rescheduled, depending on availability and patient preference.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are recommending a pause in the use of the vaccine out of an abundance of caution. Six cases in the U.S. where recipients developed a rare disorder involving blood clots within two weeks of receiving the vaccine are currently being reviewed. 

More than 6.8 million people in the United States have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.   

12:10 p.m.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday they are recommending a "pause" in the use of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine out of an "abundance of caution" while an investigation is conducted into reports of apparently rare, potentially dangerous blood clots.

Regarding the CDC and FDA's joint statement on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has released the following statement:

"Our primary concern is the health and safety of all North Carolinians. Out of an abundance of caution, we are following the recommendations of the FDA and CDC and have paused the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine until we learn more. The safety system in place is working as it should. If you have an appointment for Pfizer or Moderna, please go to your appointment as planned. If you have an appointment for Johnson & Johnson, your appointment will be rescheduled."

April 12, 2021

5:35 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 381 new COVID-19 cases, and 60 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 584 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 43,119.

2:05 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 58 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 34,066. There have been a total of 366 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

April 9, 2021

2:32 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 82 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 33,805. There have been a total of 364 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

10:45 a.m.

The Guilford County Division of Public Health is announcing the opening of around 8,000 new COVID-19 vaccine appointments. They can be made today, April 9, at 12:00 p.m., online. Appointments can also be made on April 13 by calling (336) 641-7944, then selecting option 2

The appointments will be for the following locations and dates:

The Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27403

• April 13: Administering Pfizer BioNTech
• April 15–17: Administering Pfizer BioNTech
• April 19: Administering Moderna

Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1301 Alamance Church Rd., Greensboro, NC 27406

•  April 15–16: Administering Pfizer BioNTech

High Point University Community Center at Oak Hollow Mall, 921 Eastchester Dr. (Suite 1230), High Point, NC 27262

• April 15–17: Administering Pfizer BioNTech

GCDPH says that these appointments are for first doses only, and reminds people that the only authorized vaccine for those aged 16 and 17 is the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

9:40 a.m.

Three vaccine clinics in North Carolina have suspended administering the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after some people had adverse reactions, including fainting.

Four people were taken to hospitals for further examination, and state and federal health officials are reviewing the matter. All four are expected to recover.

One of the vaccination sites was at PNC Arena in Raleigh and two others were at clinics run by UNC Health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is examining reports of adverse reactions in multiple states, but says fainting is not uncommon. Colorado recently saw two people go to the hospital after receiving the single-dose shot. 

April 8, 2021

5:30 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 131 new COVID-19 cases, and 45 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 579 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 42,462.

2:15 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 78 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 33,723. There have been a total of 363 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

1:24 p.m.

The majority of North Carolinians want to get vaccinated and attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine are showing improvement, according to a survey from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Compared to a similar survey last fall, risk perceptions of the vaccine have dropped sharply while perceived rewards have risen. The number of people who would recommend getting a vaccine to family and friends nearly doubled from 30% in November to 59% in March. Most say the desire to get back to normal life and protecting others is their main motivation. Nearly 7 in 10 state residents say they've either gotten the vaccine, have an appointment, or intend to get a vaccine, which is higher than the previous fall survey where 6 in 10 North Carolinians said they would. 

More information on COVID-19 vaccines and appointments is at www.yourspotyourshot.nc.gov or by phone at 1-888-675-4567.

April 7, 2021

6:25 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper says the state is working on ways to make it easier for North Carolinians to get their COVID-19 vaccination records. But at a press conference Tuesday, he stopped short of committing to creating a vaccine passport system.

Several states have already created such systems, which provide electronic vaccine records people could use to prove their status if prompted.  

When asked, Cooper shied away from using the term “vaccine passport” but said the state is trying to make those records more accessible. 

Health Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said the state is exploring “IT solutions” and will be contacting potential vendors in the next several weeks. 

4:31 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 135 new COVID-19 cases, and 56 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 578 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 42,331.

4:30 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 34 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 33,645. There have been a total of 363 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

11:56 a.m.

A Guilford County COVID-19 testing site at 501 East Green Drive in High Point is closing Saturday, April 10. Testing at this location was conducted by ETruenorth and under contract by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which elected not to extend the contract.

Testing in High Point is still available at the following sites: 

Free Testing:

• Express Test NC: 2025 College Rd A, High Point, NC 27260

• AFC Urgent Care, High Point: 1231 Eastchester Dr, STE 120, High Point, NC 27265

• Bethany Medical at High Point: 302 Lindsay Street, High Point, NC 27262

• CVS COVID-19 Test Site: 124 Montlieu Avenue, High Point, NC 27262

• Piedmont Hall: 2409 West Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27403

Clinic Testing:

• FastMed Urgent Care, North Main: 2101 N Main St, High Point, NC 27262

• FastMed Urgent Care, Skeet Club: 1589 Skeet Club Rd, Suite 155, High Point, NC 27265

Drive-Thru Testing:

• Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market: 4102 Precision Way, High Point NC 27265

April 6, 2021

5:35 p.m.

COVID-19 numbers are decreasing or stable across much of North Carolina, according to a new report from the state health department.

The latest county-level alert system map shows no red counties. Falling numbers in some areas prompted the state to introduce two new lower-tier color categories to denote decreased risk level. Light-yellow indicates moderate community spread, and green means low spread. 

State Health Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen says this is the first map showing no red counties. 

Forsyth and Watauga Counties are both light yellow. Guilford is yellow, indicating significant community spread. 

4:55 p.m.

April 7 marks the opening of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for Group 5. This means anyone 16 years and older who wants a vaccination is eligible to get one.

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy K. Cohen gave an update on the state's current COVID-19 data, trends, and vaccination progress at a press conference today. 

To date, the state has administered over 5.2 million doses. Thirty-nine percent of those 18 and up are at least partially vaccinated, and 26 percent of adults have been fully vaccinated.

State health officials are continuing to monitor the presence of COVID-19 and its more contagious variants in North Carolina. NCDHHS urges North Carolinians to continue to follow the state's mask mandate and practice safety precautions, including the Three Ws —wear a mask, wait six feet apart, and wash hands often.

3:25 p.m.

Appalachian State University is hosting a community COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Thursday, April 8 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The clinic will be held at the Holmes Convocation Center on the campus in Boone.

App State's community vaccine clinic will be administering the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) one-shot vaccine, which is approved for adults ages 18 and older.

Individuals can register for an appointment time at appstate.edu/coronavirus/vaccine/.

Appointments can also be made by calling 828-262-6578.

3:05 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 13 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 33,611. There have been a total of 363 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

1:10 p.m.

Gov. Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will share updates on COVID-19 at 1:30 p.m. today. Watch live here or listen on 88.5 WFDD.

10:34 a.m. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded North Carolina nearly $95 million to support local efforts to expand COVID-19 vaccine programs and increase equity and access. In order to do so: 

• 75% of the total funding must focus on specific programs and initiatives intended to increase vaccine access, acceptance, and uptake among racial and ethnic minority communities; and,
• 60% must go to support local health departments, community-based organizations, and community health centers. 

The CDC states some examples of these efforts include door-to-door outreach to help people sign up for an appointment, or hiring health workers who are culturally competent and/or bilingual to provide information. The funding is part of a $3 billion award to 64 jurisdictions to boost vaccine distribution, access, and administration. More information on fund distribution can be found here. 

April 5, 2021

3:36 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 365 new COVID-19 cases, and 57 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 570 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 42,196.

3:32 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 47 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 33,598. There have been a total of 363 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

April 1, 2021

5:32 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 118 new COVID-19 cases, and 55 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 570 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 41,831.

4:48 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 50 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 33,408. There have been a total of 361 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

12:45 p.m.

The Yadkin County Public Health Department is now accepting walk-in patients for first-dose COVID-19 vaccinations today from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The clinic will be held at 624 West Main Street in Yadkinville. Vaccinations will be given on a first come, first served basis.

Those with questions can call 336-849-7950 to speak with a health department employee. 

10:15 a.m.

The Guilford County Division of Public Health is advising that registration for new Guilford County COVID-19 vaccination appointments will open today at 2:00 p.m. Appointments will be available online ONLY at www.healthyguilford.com.
Approximately 8,000 new spots will open for appointments on the following dates: 

• Thursday, April 8 
• Friday, April 9 - Saturday, April 10 
• Monday, April 12 

Guilford County vaccination appointments will be available at the following locations:

• 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
• Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27403

Only those who have scheduled an appointment and received a confirmation should visit the vaccine sites. Walk-ins are not accepted.

March 31, 2021

5:02 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 116 new COVID-19 cases, and 50 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 570 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 41,713.

3:59 p.m.

Everyone 16 and older who wants a COVID-19 vaccine can get one through Cone Health. Cone Health urges everyone to register for a vaccination at conehealth.com/vaccine. People without internet access or email accounts can call 336-890-1188, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for personal assistance.

Cone Health offers vaccinations at:

• Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center, Greensboro
• 2401 Eric Lane, Burlington
• CityGate Dream Center,1423 N. Church St., Burlington
• Robert C. Keys Gymnasium, 558 County Home Rd, Reidsville
• Area churches, rec centers and other places in partnership with area organizations

3:42 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 39 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 33,358. There have been a total of 361 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

1:30 p.m.

Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday evening announced a three-month extension of the statewide eviction moratorium that had been set to expire at the end of March.

The updated executive order comes a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention directed states to extend protections through June 30.

The CDC order applies to all standard rental housing but doesn't cover those living in hotels, motels or other temporary guest home rentals or individuals making over $99,000 a year.

Cooper signed two other orders on Tuesday. One directive extends to-go alcohol sales by a month until 5 p.m. April 30, while the other expedites unemployment insurance claim processing.

-The Associated Press

11:52 a.m.

The Guilford County Division of Public Health is now opening COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone aged 16 and older, regardless of health or employment status.

County officials say the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services allowed them to move into the next phase of eligibility. 

Starting today, a limited number of Guilford County COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available for April 1, April 5, and April 6 for anyone ages 16 and up. 

Appointments can be made online only and walk-ins will not be accepted. More appointments will become available next week. 

County officials note that next week's appointment allocations, and those moving forward, will continue be open to everyone. 

9:40 a.m.

The Yadkin County Public Health Department is now accepting online appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Appointments can be made here. Those who are unable to book online can call 336-849-7950 to speak with a health department staff member. The telephone lines will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.

First dose vaccination clinics will be held by appointment only on the following dates:

• Thursday, April 1, 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
• Monday, April 5, 8:30 a.m.  -3:30 p.m. 

The clinics will be located at 624 West Main Street in Yadkinville.
 

March 30, 2021

5:39 p.m.

Starting Monday, April 5, all locations of the Greensboro Public Library will return to pre-pandemic operating hours. 

Customers are welcome for Browse, Grab & Go Service allowing for a 1-hour visit to view and select materials. In order to ensure customer and staff safety, there will be no in-house events and no public meeting room use at this time.

One-hour computer appointments are also available at all locations. Customers can make an appointment with their neighborhood branch.

Curbside service will continue for customers who wish to pick up materials without entering the building. Customers can call their closest branch to make an appointment for pick-up.

4:13 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 61 new COVID-19 cases, and 47 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 570 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 41,597.

3:46 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 26 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 33,319. There have been a total of 360 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

March 29, 2021

4:25 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 288 new COVID-19 cases, and 45 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 570 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 41,536.

2:30 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 37 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 33,293. There have been a total of 360 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

10:53 a.m.

Wake Forest Baptist Health has COVID-19 vaccination appointments available to anyone who is currently eligible under the state's guidelines. People do not need to be patients of Wake Forest Baptist to make an appointment.

Those who wish to make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination should call 336-70-COVID or schedule through myWakeHealth.

In addition, Wake Forest Baptist patients who would like to move existing first-dose vaccination appointments up to an earlier date should call 336-70-COVID.

Wake Forest Baptist has a number of vaccination events scheduled in the coming weeks at various locations throughout the Triad.

10:02 a.m.

Through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 Support Services Program, more than 35,000 households received relief payments, food, transportation to and from testing sites or additional supports to help them isolate or quarantine during the pandemic.

The program — which was set to end when all available funds were spent — is winding down this month, which means no new services can be requested.

March 26, 2021

4:27 p.m.

To help reach those who are in need of testing, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with Labcorp, is piloting a program to provide 35,000 no-cost, home test collection kits to North Carolinians receiving Food and Nutrition Services and/or are disabled and experiencing barriers to getting tested.

Starting Friday, eligible North Carolina residents can request a Pixel by Labcorp™ COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit be shipped overnight directly to their homes. Visit www.pixel.labcorp.com/nc to learn more about eligibility, see frequently asked questions, and request and receive a test kit through the pilot program.

NCDHHS pilots home testing program with @Labcorp to help reach those who are in need of COVID-19 testing. This program will provide 35,000 no-cost home testing kits to North Carolinians receiving FNS and/or are experiencing barriers to getting tested.https://t.co/ObwbCUaHKw pic.twitter.com/EhJw0kIQ5x

— NCDHHS (@ncdhhs) March 26, 2021

3:50 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 183 new COVID-19 cases, and 42 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 558 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 41,248.

3:13 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 63 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 33,163. There have been a total of 359 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

11:15 a.m.

Guilford County will open more vaccine appointments on Monday, March 29. Appointments are currently available for anyone in groups 1-4. 

Appointments will be available:

• From 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, by phone at 336- 641-7944 (Option 2)

• From 6:00 pm until filled, online at www.healthyguilford.com.

Only those with scheduled appointments with confirmation should visit the sites. Walk-ins are not accepted. 

Guilford County vaccination appointments are available at the following locations:

• 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

• Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27403

March 25, 2021

6:00 p.m

Forsyth County is reporting 62 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 33,100. There have been a total of 359 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

4:35 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 135 new COVID-19 cases, and 46 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 558 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 41,065.

4:20 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen have announced an accelerated timeline for moving to Groups 4 and 5 for COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. The rest of Group 4 is eligible starting March 31. All adults will be allowed to receive their vaccine beginning April 7. 

The reason given for the new timing is to continue getting vaccines into arms quickly while reaching underserved and historically marginalized populations. A new public-private partnership, Healthier Together: Health Equity Action Network, was also announced. It is designed to enhance the state's work to deliver equitable access to vaccines. That system also aims to provide a foundation for longer-term health equity.

1:51 p.m.

Gov. Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will share updates on COVID-19 at 2 p.m. today. Watch live here or listen on 88.5 WFDD.

9:25 a.m.

Many school districts in North Carolina are bringing back more students for daily in-person classes. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education will meet Thursday evening to decide if it's ready to do the same for middle and high school students. 

If the district moves to Plan A, sixth through 12th graders could attend in-person classes four days a week with no cohorts — like elementary schools are already doing.

All students in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools would return full-time in-person shortly after spring break (the week of April 19) if the school board approves the change.

Other large districts including Wake County and Charlotte-Mecklenburg recently approved returning middle and high school students to classrooms.

March 24, 2021

5:28 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 51 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 33,038. There have been a total of 357 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

5:19 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 114 new COVID-19 cases, and 47 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 558 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 40,930.

3:28 p.m.

Qualified households renting within Greensboro city limits may now apply for up to 12 months combined (past due plus currently due plus future) emergency rent and/or utility payment assistance per household. Assistance goes directly to landlords and utility companies, and does not have to be repaid. Funding comes from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program established by Congress in December.

Tenants/renters may apply for assistance or landlords may apply on their behalf. US citizenship is not required for applying.

Applications are being taken online through this application portal: https://bit.ly/3lt6sie. Applications may also be printed out from the portal in 60 different languages.

3:05 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has expanded its vaccine data dashboard to provide information on people who have been partially or fully vaccinated through the federal long-term care and retail pharmacy programs. Users will be able to view information about who has been vaccinated through these federal pharmacy programs by county, race, ethnicity, gender, and age group, and by week.

As of today, the data show that 32.3% of adult North Carolinians have been at least partially vaccinated and 19.1% of adult North Carolinians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

10:33 a.m.

Updated guidance from North Carolina state health officials now allows middle and high school students to return to daily, in-person instruction without having to be separated by 6 feet while seated inside a classroom. The change comes in response to federal guidance that recommends all K-12 students be kept at least 3 feet apart. School can still operate under a different plan that requires six feet of separation. Meanwhile, state lawmakers advanced a pair of bills that would include charter schools in the K-12 reopening plan and allow the state's public college and university system to make pay cuts.

-The Associated Press

March 23, 2021

4:45 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 95 new COVID-19 cases, and 49 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 558 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 40,816.

4:40 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 30 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 32,987. There have been a total of 357 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

3:24 p.m. 

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is easing some COVID-19 restrictions in several areas. At a briefing today, Cooper cited positive signs in the fight against the disease as justifications for the move but urged caution. 

The number of North Carolinians entering emergency rooms with COVID-like symptoms, new cases, percent of tests that are positive, and hospitalizations is all trending downward or plateauing in the state. Nearly one-third of all adults are at least partially vaccinated, and most schools have returned to in-person instruction. Governor Cooper's executive order will increase maximum occupancy limits in several areas while still requiring masking and social distancing measures.

The new order will allow for up to 100% occupancy in museums and retail shops, 75% for indoor restaurants, breweries, gyms, and pools, and 50% for bars, sports arenas, and live performance venues. The executive order takes effect on Friday, March 26 at 5 p.m.  

3:15 p.m.

A top budget writer in the North Carolina state Senate has tested positive for COVID-19. A spokesman for Senate Republicans said on Tuesday that Sen. Ralph Hise of Mitchell County tested positive on Sunday and is now in isolation. The 44-year-old Hise is in his sixth term. He serves as deputy president pro tempore and is a co-chairman of both the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate Redistricting and Elections Committee. At least six North Carolina General Assembly members have acknowledged publicly since last year that they tested positive for the coronavirus.

- The Associated Press

1:27 p.m.

Gov. Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will share updates on COVID-19 at 2 p.m. today. Watch live here or listen on 88.5 WFDD.

11:25 a.m.

Guilford County Schools will continue feeding families during spring break. GCS will open its grab-and-go meal distribution sites Monday, March 29, through Thursday, April 1. Meals will not be served on Friday, April 2, which is a district holiday, but Thursday's meal distribution will include a meal for Friday.

Meals will be available from 11 a.m. to noon at the district's grab-and-go sites, which are located throughout the county. Children ages 0-18 are eligible to receive the meal packs, which include one breakfast and one lunch.

“Making sure children don't go hungry has been a priority for Guilford County Schools since the start of the pandemic,” says Nicole Portee, senior executive director of operations systems. “We know families are still struggling, and we welcome their participation at our grab-and-go sites, during spring break and throughout the year.”

March 22, 2021

5:20 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health has announced that registration for new COVID-19 vaccination appointments will open on Tuesday, March 23, at 8:00 a.m. for community members in Groups 1-4.

Members of Group 4 who are currently eligible for a vaccination appointment include anyone aged 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions, people living in close group settings,  and those experiencing homelessness. 

Group 4 essential workers will become eligible for vaccination tentatively beginning April 7.

Guilford County COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available online and by phone at (336) 641-7944 (Option 2) from 8:00 am-5:00 p.m. until filled.

4:50 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 254 new COVID-19 cases, and 52 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 543 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 40,721.

2:45 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 29 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 32,957. There have been a total of 357 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

12:22 p.m.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health is opening up another set of COVID-19 vaccination appointments for Thursday and Saturday at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Education Building for seniors, healthcare workers, essential workers, and people with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of serious illness.

appointments will be available online at Bit.Ly/FCNCCovidVaccine for Thursday, March 25, and Saturday, March 27.

Appointments will also be available by calling 336-360-5260 on Monday, March 22,  starting at 8 a.m. The two-dose Pfizer vaccine will be administered at the appointments. Second dose appointments will be scheduled onsite after vaccination.     

March 19, 2021

6:05 p.m.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health is opening up another set of COVID-19 vaccination appointments for Monday, March 22 at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Education Building. The vaccine is available for seniors, health care workers, essential workers, and people with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of serious illness. 

On Saturday, March 20, starting at approximately 2 p.m., 230 appointments will become available online at Bit.Ly/FCNCCovidVaccine for March 22. 

The website will send an email confirmation that will allow users to cancel the appointment. It's important to either attend the appointment or cancel at least two hours ahead of time so staff can schedule someone else. 

The two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be administered at the appointments. Second dose appointments will be scheduled onsite after vaccination.  

5:20 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 115 new COVID-19 cases, and 48 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 543 COVID-19 deaths, including 10 new deaths reported since the last update.

The total case count for the county is 40,467.

2:15 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 60 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 32,827. There have been a total of 357 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

10:49 a.m.

The Yadkin County Public Health Department has COVID‐19 vaccines available.

First dose vaccination clinics will be held by appointment only on the following dates:
* Thursday, March 25, 8:30am‐3:30pm
* Saturday, March 27, 10am‐4:30pm

Vaccination clinics will be held at 624 West Main Street, Yadkinville, NC 27055 (formerly the “Hoots Memorial Hospital” location).

Call 336‐849‐7950 to schedule your appointment today. The telephone lines will be
open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.

9:41 a.m.

Cone Health has updated its visitation policies. Cone Health is expanding the hours people can visit and increasing the number of people who can visit or accompany patients under certain circumstances. Full details are available at conehealth.com/visitation.

Visitor Policy Update | Cone Health is expanding the hours people can visit and increasing the number of people who can visit or accompany patients under certain circumstances. Details available below. https://t.co/iG5OevrKhf

— ConeHealth (@ConeHealth) March 19, 2021

March 18, 2021

4:58 p.m.

North Carolina counties will have money to provide emergency rental assistance under a COVID-relief measure signed by Governor Roy Cooper last week, and some housing advocates are concerned the money won't reach renters quickly enough.

This state relief bill is different from the national stimulus package recently signed by President Joe Biden.

The $1.7 billion legislative measure designates how federal funds previously earmarked for states will be spent in North Carolina. 

Among the largest allocations is more than half a billion dollars from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance program.

The measure allots about $16 million to eligible residents of Forsyth County, $20 million to Guilford, and $4 million for Watauga.

4:09 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 120 new COVID-19 cases, and 52 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 533 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 40,352.

11:46 a.m. 

Cone Health is holding a series of virtual town halls to dispel myths about COVID-19 vaccines and give more information to prompt more people to get them. Many of these events are geared towards specifics groups — Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, students, and the business community. Some are only for those who register, while others will be on Facebook. 

More information on the town halls and how to register can be found here. 

9:39 a.m. 

Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Novant Health, and Wake Forest Baptist Health will receive FEMA vaccination support in Winston-Salem over the next eight weeks. The organizations will get an additional allotment of 3,510 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine per week. This is part of the extension of the current FEMA site in Greensboro that's intended to extend vaccine access to other communities in the Triad area. The allotment will be divided between the three organizations. Forsyth County Department of Public Health's vaccine will be used to support community events. Novant Health and Wake Forest Baptist Health will host weekly events at Winston-Salem State University, as well as targeted communities in Winston-Salem and High Point. 

March 17, 2021

4:48 p.m. 

Due to the potential for severe weather, the Greensboro Community Vaccination Center at Four Seasons will pause drive-through vaccination operations at 11 a.m. Thursday, and resume drive-through vaccinations on Friday morning at 8 a.m. Indoor vaccination operations will continue as scheduled. Those with drive-thru appointments 11 or later will have the option to get vaccinated indoors, or to reschedule the drive-thru appointment at a later date. 

Appointments can be rescheduled by calling the state's COVID-19 Help Center at 888-675-4567.

4:25 p.m. 

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 88 new COVID-19 cases, and 60 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 533 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 40,232.

4:14 p.m. 

Governor Roy Cooper says the state is on track to meet President Biden's challenge to have all adults vaccinated by May. Cooper made the remarks at a press conference Wednesday, the same day the state opened up the next phase of vaccine eligibility to include those with certain medical conditions. He also said the state's case numbers have remained relatively low and stable in recent weeks.

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen says the state is expected to get more vaccine supply from the federal government in the coming weeks. She says that includes Johnson and Johnson's one-shot vaccine.

"So I think that will take us from about 240,000 into the 350, 000 range every week so, as the Governor said, we hope to be able to continue to work through our eligibility groups and stay on track for President Biden's goal of having all adults eligible by May 1," says Cohen. 

Health officials say they will keep a close eye on COVID variants. The state has administered 3.4 million doses of the vaccine as of today. Cooper added that the state is also seeing significant growth in its efforts on equity and vaccine distribution with an increase in the percentage of vaccines going to people who are Black and Hispanic.

3:27 p.m.

A large share of North Carolina college students will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine starting April 7. State health officials say those living in fraternity or sorority houses, dorms, or apartments will qualify for a shot because they live in a congregate setting. The state Department of Health and Human Services earlier this year removed college students as a priority group. Education leaders are now working to communicate the latest guidance to colleges to let them know many students will soon qualify for a vaccine.

- The Associated Press

1:30 p.m.

Governor Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force are holding a media briefing at 2 p.m. regarding COVID-19. Watch live or listen to 88.5 WFDD. 

12:30 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 45 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 32,728. There have been a total of 357 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

11:10 a.m.

Tanger Center's inaugural Broadway season has been rescheduled for this fall. 

It had been set to open in May 2020, but was delayed by the pandemic. The newly built 3,000 seat venue has yet to host any kind of live entertainment. 

Six Broadway shows are now on the schedule, beginning with Wicked on October 6.

In a news release, the center said a “state-of-the-art GPS air filtration system” has been installed and staff will follow Guilford County Health Department approved reopening plans. 

March 16, 2021

5:35 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 82 new COVID-19 cases, and 56 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 533 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 40,144.

3:05 p.m.

Cone Health is urging people to schedule their COVID-19 vaccination as more people become eligible under state guidelines. The health care provider says appointments are available this week in Burlington, Greensboro, and Reidsville.

Starting Thursday, those who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 can be vaccinated. This can be done through Cone Health at conehealth.com/vaccine. People without internet access can call 336-890-1188, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

Those newly eligible in Group 4 include people with the following:

·        Asthma (moderate to severe)

·        Cancer

·        Cerebrovascular disease or history of stroke

·        Chronic kidney disease

·        Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

·        Cystic fibrosis

·        Diabetes type 1 or 2

·        A heart condition such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy

·        Hypertension or high blood pressure  

·        Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from: immune deficiencies, HIV, taking chronic steroids or other immune weakening medicines, history of solid organ blood or bone marrow transplant

·        Intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down Syndrome

·        Liver disease, including hepatitis

·        Neurologic conditions, such as dementia and schizophrenia

·        Pulmonary fibrosis

·        Overweight or obesity 

·        Pregnancy

·        Sickle cell disease (not including sickle cell trait) or thalassemia

·        Smoking (current or former, defined as having smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime)

·        Those working in child care centers and pre-k to 12 schools

Cone Health is still offering vaccination appointments to the following eligible groups: health care workers, long-term care staff and residents, anyone 65 years of age, and frontline essential workers.

2:40 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 32 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 32,683. There have been a total of 357 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

11:32 a.m.

Cone Health, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are opening a vaccination clinic Friday, March 19 at the CityGate Dream Center at 1423 N. Church St., Burlington. In addition, Cone Health will add Spanish-speaking staff and evening hours to its clinic on Eric Lane in Burlington, administering additional vaccine doses there provided by FEMA. The goal is to increase vaccination of Hispanics. 

COVID-19 vaccines protect against virus-related hospitalization and death. There are possible temporary reactions, such as a sore arm, fever, headache, or feeling tired and achy for a day or two. The hours of the clinic should help those who don't feel well the next day avoid lost time at work. The clinic will be open:

• Friday, Noon-6 pm
• Saturdays, 8 am-4 pm
• Sundays, 9 am-2:45 pm
• Mondays, 9 am-2:45 pm

Spanish-speaking staff will schedule appointments through the Hispanic Federation. The phone number that Spanish speakers can call to register for an appointment is 336-890-3792. Spanish-speaking staff will be on-site during the clinics.

March 15, 2021

3:40 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 199 new COVID-19 cases, and 60 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 525 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 40,062.

1:49 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 52 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 32,651. There have been a total of 357 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

March 12, 2021

5:15 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 103 new COVID-19 cases, and 57 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 525 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 39,863.

2:10 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 70 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 32,495. There have been a total of 357 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information and FAQs.

1:47 p.m.

N.C. State University is the latest school to plan outdoor in-person graduation ceremonies this spring. It joins Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill in announcing in-person commencement events.  

N.C. State will host two outdoor graduation ceremonies in May at Carter-Finley Stadium, open to family and friends.

The News & Observer reports the Raleigh school also told students and faculty they can expect “normal” campus operations in the fall, which will include full dorm occupancy and in-person classes.

School officials have not yet finalized guidelines for the fall semester but say they will follow state and local recommendations. 

11:10 a.m.

The Guilford County Division of Public Health (GCDPH) is advising that registration for new Guilford County COVID-19 vaccination appointments will open on Monday, March 15, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. until filled. Registration is available to community members in Groups 1-4.

Members of the vaccine Group 4 (anyone 16-64 years old with one or more high-risk medical conditions for severe disease from COVID-19, people living in close group settings, and essential workers) become eligible for a vaccination beginning Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

Guilford County COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available:
• Online at www.healthyguilford.com
• By phone at 336-641-7944 (Option 2) from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, until filled.

March 11, 2021

4:10 p.m. 

Gov. Roy Cooper announced Thursday that the state is moving up the COVID-19 vaccination start date for the next eligible group one week ahead of schedule.  Some who fall under the Group 4 criteria can begin getting vaccinated on March 17. They had been scheduled to begin on March 24.

Group 4 includes people with underlying medical conditions that could make them more vulnerable, such as asthma, cancer, and diabetes. That doesn't include everyone in Group 4. Those who do not meet the medical condition or congregant housing criteria will now be eligible for the vaccine on April 7. Also included in the next round are those in congregant settings, such as homeless shelters, and incarcerated people not already vaccinated.

Cooper says that about two-thirds of North Carolinians 65 and older, and 11 percent of all adults statewide, have been vaccinated. NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen says those getting vaccinated because of underlying medical vulnerabilities will not have to show proof of their condition.

4:02 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 89 new COVID-19 cases, and 59 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 525 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 39,760.

2:19 p.m.

Governor Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will share an update on COVID-19 at 3 p.m. Watch live or listen to 88.5 WFDD. 

12:52 p.m. 

Forsyth County is reporting 34 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 32,425. There have been a total of 352 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

The percent-positive for the period of 2/21 - 3/6 is 7.4 percent.

Click here for more information and FAQs.

March 10, 2021

5:55 p.m.

Forsyth County is holding a mass vaccination clinic this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The event will use the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Appointments are fully booked, and officials hope to vaccinate 8,400 people this weekend.

To date, over 15 percent of Forsyth County residents have received their first dose.

4:10 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 73 new COVID-19 cases, and 60 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 518 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 39,671.

2:20 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 49 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 32,391. There have been a total of 352 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

1:29 p.m. 

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican legislative leaders have announced compromise legislation that will mean more K-12 students in North Carolina will return to daily in-person instruction, some almost immediately. Wednesday's agreement comes nearly two weeks after Cooper vetoed a GOP bill that would have mandated all districts reopen with at least partial in-person instruction. The compromise bill will require all K-5 schools to hold classes five days a week with no need for physical social distancing. Middle and high schools will have that option, too. Cooper says he is prepared to sign the bill once the House and Senate approved it.

- The Associated Press

10:45 a.m.

Eligible members of the public can now make appointments online for a vaccine at the federally supported COVID-19 Community Vaccination Center in Greensboro. 

The new site with both indoor and drive-thru vaccination clinics is located at the Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro where it will act as a hub for future satellite stations scattered throughout the region. The goal is to vaccinate more marginalized and underserved communities in the state by administering some 21,000 doses per week.

The CVC now offers doses of vaccine daily for people in Groups 1, 2, and 3, including frontline essential workers, people age 65 and older, health care workers, and long-term care residents, among others.   

10:20 a.m. 

Tyson Foods is vaccinating thousands of frontline workers at some of its plants across the country. This includes its large chicken processing complex in Wilkesboro.

The company announced this week that on-site COVID-19 vaccination clinics will open in Arkansas, Kansas, and North Carolina. The vaccines are being provided in conjunction with Matrix Medical and local health departments. 

Workers in the meatpacking and poultry processing industry are among those now eligible under Group 3 to receive the shot.

March 9, 2021

5:07 p.m. 

North Carolina has fully vaccinated 1.1 million people against COVID-19. Governor Roy Cooper celebrated the milestone at a press conference today. 

“This puts us even closer to a time when we can hug our loved ones and gather without fear of severe illness. I am grateful for the vaccine providers across our state for working hard to get shots off shelves and into arms. Your hard work is saving lives,” he said.

Cooper noted that there's still a long way to go before the majority of the population is immunized, as more than 8 million adults live in North Carolina.

4:00 p.m. 

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 82 new COVID-19 cases, and 61 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 518 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 39,598.

3:54 p.m. 

Forsyth County is reporting 31 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 32,342. There have been a total of 350 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

3:13 p.m. 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is offering more demographic data on those who are partially or fully vaccinated through its expanded dashboard. Vaccinations will be visible by race, gender, ethnicity, and age group by week. The data does not include information on doses administered in the state through federal programs. 

According to an NCDHHS press release, North Carolina has been recognized for its vaccine data. For the second week in a row, Bloomberg News scored North Carolina as best in the nation on data quality, reporting race and ethnicity data for nearly 100 percent of people vaccinated in the state.

2:33 p.m.

Gov. Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will share updates on COVID-19 at 3 PM today. Watch live here or listen on 88.5 FM. 

11:15 a.m.

Wake Forest Baptist Health has updated its visitation policy, effective today. These changes apply to all Wake Forest Baptist inpatient locations, with the exception of patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who are considered a patient under investigation (PUI). Read more here. 

March 8, 2021

4:15 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 106 new COVID-19 cases, and 61 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 518 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 39,516.

3:45 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 36 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 32,311. There have been a total of 349 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

2:04 p.m.

The Guilford County Division of Public Health (GCDPH) is advising that registration for new Guilford County COVID-19 vaccination appointments will open on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. until filled. Registration is available to community members in Groups 1-3.

Please note that registration for FEMA-provided COVID-19 vaccination appointments is a separate registration process, available online at www.gsomassvax.org.

Guilford County COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available:
• Online at www.healthyguilford.com
• By phone at 336-641-7944 (Option 2) from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, until filled.

Guilford County vaccination appointments are available at the following locations:
• 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
• Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27403

March 5, 2021

5:55 p.m.

North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen received a COVID-19 vaccination today. Cohen received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot at the PNC Arena in Raleigh. 

80,000 doses of the newly approved vaccine were delivered to the state on Wednesday. 

Cohen became eligible earlier this week after Governor Roy Cooper opened vaccinations to a broad group of frontline essential workers. Cooper received his first shot of the two-dose Pfizer vaccine on Wednesday.

4:20 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 112 new COVID-19 cases, and 69 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 518 COVID-19 deaths.

The total case count for the county is 39,410.

3:00 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 70 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 32,132. There have been a total of 345 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

1:02 p.m.

The deadline for educators to get vaccinated through the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school district clinic was moved up this week. Teachers and staff can still make appointments through other providers. 

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools partnered with the county public health department, Novant Health, and Wake Forest Baptist Health to provide vaccination clinics specifically for educators in the school system.

Brent Campbell, a spokesperson for the district, says as of now about 3,400 employees have been vaccinated at these events. By next week, Campbell anticipates that number will be over 4,200.

The last vaccination clinic will be Monday, March 8. If you're associated with the schools and didn't make an appointment and still want a vaccine, the district encourages you to sign up with other community providers. 

10:32 a.m.

Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Novant Health, and Wake Forest Baptist Health will hold a mass COVID-19 vaccination event on March 12-14 at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Education Building for healthcare workers, seniors, and essential frontline workers. 

Appointments for the event will be available starting on Friday, March 5. Public Health's appointment call center will be open March 8 and 9 to take appointments at 336-360-5260. Staff from all three organizations will administer doses from the initial 9,000 dose shipment the organizations received of the new Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) vaccine, which is a single-shot vaccine. All three vaccines that are now available are built on years of research and have been proven to be effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths. Novant Health requested the Janssen vaccine on behalf of all three organizations. Novant received the vaccine on Wednesday and then transferred it to Forsyth County Public Health for the event. 

A joint mass vaccination event will be held March 12-14 at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds for healthcare workers, seniors and essential frontline workers. Appointments are available now at https://t.co/ogth5grUji or by calling 336-360-5260 on March 8 and 9. pic.twitter.com/YedZLOPnVv

— Forsyth County Dept of Public Health (@fcpublichealth) March 5, 2021

March 4, 2021

4:29 p.m. 

The NC Department of Health and Human Services updated the COVID-19 County Alert System, showing continued progress for the state. The map now shows six red counties, which is a decrease from 27 red counties on the previous update from February 22. It is also the fewest number of red counties since the system launched. The update also shows 34 orange counties and 60 yellow counties — both changes from 40 orange counties and 33 yellow counties in February. The alert system is broken down into the following tiers: 

• Yellow: Significant Community Spread
• Orange: Substantial Community Spread
• Red: Critical Community Spread

North Carolina's metrics continue to improve, with decreasing trends in cases, hospitalizations, people in the intensive care unit, and percent of tests that are positive. 

2:50 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says it will be expanding access to COVID-19 rapid testing in K-12 public schools. 

In a press release, the department said tests will be available at no cost to all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and charter schools to test students and staff who have COVID-19 symptoms and to screen staff. 

From December 2020 through February 2021, NCDHHS conducted a pilot for COVID-19 testing with 17 public school districts and 11 charter schools. 

2:45 p.m. 

Forsyth County is reporting 81 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 32,062. There have been a total of 345 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs. And click here for the latest weekly COVID-19 Surveillance Report.

12:10 p.m. 

Frontline essential workers and all others currently eligible for vaccination in North Carolina can sign up for COVID-19 vaccinations from Cone Health starting Friday, March 5.

The health system says online appointment scheduling will open tomorrow at 10 a.m. at conehealth.com/vaccine for the following: 

• Those 65 and over
• Health care workers
• Residents and employees of long-term care facilities
• Those who work in childcare and pre-K to 12 education
• Frontline essential workers

Those without internet access can call 336-890-1188, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to schedule an appointment.

11:45 p.m.

New COVID-19 cases in North Carolina long-term care facilities have declined rapidly in the last several weeks. Case rates are down over 15-fold in skilled nursing facilities, adult care homes and other licensed facilities since the peak of transmission in January 2021, according to a press release from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. 

The state says most facilities currently meet criteria to resume indoor visitation.

The rapid declines in case numbers can be attributed to early vaccination prioritization for residents and staff of long-term care facilities and decreasing community transmission, the release says.

More than 205,000 vaccines have been administered to long-term care staff and residents in North Carolina. 

March 3, 2021

5:32 p.m.

NCDHHS released updated StrongSchoolsNC health guidance today. 

Consistent with the CDC's recommendations, the department's updated guidance reinforces that all schools K-12 should be open to in-person instruction while still maintaining all mitigation measures, including the requirement for six feet of social distancing for middle and high school students only. Studies indicate that younger children appear to be less likely to spread COVID-19 to others than older teens and adults.

The State Board of Education will vote tomorrow on whether to adopt the update.

3:43 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 90 new COVID-19 cases, and 71 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 518 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 7.3%, and the total case count for the county is 39,166.

3:19 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 68 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 31,981. There have been a total of 345 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

March 2, 2021

3:59 p.m. 

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 100 new COVID-19 cases, and 73 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 518 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 7.3%, and the total case count for the county is 39,076.

3:54 p.m. 

Forsyth County is reporting 47 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 31,913. There have been a total of 345 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

2:37 p.m. 

All North Carolina frontline essential workers will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine starting Wednesday. 

Governor Roy Cooper announced at a press conference Tuesday that first responders and emergency personnel, people who work in-person in manufacturing, food service, and grocery stores, among others, will qualify for vaccination. 

Cooper said the FDA's recent approval of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine was a factor in the decision. 

“The third vaccine and improving vaccine supply will help us get more people vaccinated more quickly. But as we've said before — we still don't have enough vaccines. You may have to wait for an appointment even if today's action means you are eligible to get vaccinated,” says Cooper. 

Cooper also announced people with high-risk medical conditions will be eligible for vaccinations on March 24. More information about vaccine eligibility can be found here.

1:30 p.m.

Governor Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will give a press briefing at 2 p.m. Watch live here or listen on 88.5 WFDD. 

11:48 a.m.

Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Novant Health, and Wake Forest Baptist Health will add the new Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine to the COVID-19 vaccines they are using to vaccinate the community. 

The three organizations expect to collectively receive 9,000 doses of the vaccine sometime this week. They will continue to use Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in their efforts to vaccinate as many people in qualifying groups as quickly as possible. 

As of Feb. 26, COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to 48,951 people in Forsyth County, which is 12.8 percent of the county's population. Of those receiving first dose, 24 percent went to racial minorities with 17 percent administered to African-Americans. Hispanics accounted for 3.17 percent of the first doses given.

March 1, 2021

4:35 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 153 new COVID-19 cases, and 86 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 518 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 7.8%, and the total case count for the county is 38,976.

2:45 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 44 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 31,866. There have been a total of 345 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

2:30 p.m.

Wake Forest University suspended a student organization after the floor partially collapsed during an off-campus gathering at a private residence, according to a school statement.

Winston-Salem Fire Capt. Brian Lowe said that part of the first floor collapsed into the basement. Almost everyone was gone by the time firefighters arrived.

A university spokesperson said no serious injuries were reported. The school is investigating violations of the university's COVID-19 protocols.

11:30 a.m.

More than 80,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson's newly approved COVID-19 vaccine are expected to arrive in North Carolina this week, beginning on Wednesday.

In a press release, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said this increased supply will help to ensure the equitable distribution and access to COVID-19 vaccines in every community in the state.

The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is a single-dose shot and does not require extreme cold storage. As a result, it can be more easily shipped, stored and administered – factors the department says will help to increase the number of vaccination sites. 

February 26, 2021

3:20 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 118 new COVID-19 cases, and 85 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 518 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 7.8%, and the total case count for the county is 38,823.

2:45 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 87 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 31,647. There have been a total of 345 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

1:38 p.m.

Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation show North Carolina is leading the way when it comes to vaccinating older adults. Of the states reporting the number of older adults vaccinated, North Carolina ranks first with 49%. Three other states are also above the national average of 41%: Florida, South Carolina, and Arizona.

22 states + D.C. have vaccinated at least one-third of their residents who are 65 and older against #COVID19 -- our updated analysis finds -- but no state has crossed the threshold of vaccinating 50% or more of its older population. https://t.co/WmAJuMA26j pic.twitter.com/zPFMjtyreC

— KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) (@KFF) February 26, 2021

11:41 a.m.

Governor Roy Cooper today announced the establishment of a COVID-19 vaccination center in North Carolina, in partnership with the federal government.

The FEMA-supported COVID-19 Community Vaccination Center will open at Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro on March 10 and will remain open for eight weeks. It will operate seven days a week with the capacity to provide up to 3,000 vaccinations per day, with options for drive-thru service in the parking lot and walk-in service in the space formerly occupied by Dillard's department store.

To reach more marginalized and underserved communities, the main vaccination center at Four Seasons Town Centre will support additional sites and mobile vaccination clinics in communities of need in Guilford and surrounding counties.

The federal government will provide the center's vaccine supply, which will be in addition to North Carolina's weekly allotment from the Centers for Disease Control.

Appointments will be required for vaccination at the site and will be available through a central system and through community partners to ensure access among marginalized populations. Information on scheduling appointments will be released in the coming days.

North Carolina is working to expand access to the vaccine to our underserved communities. This federally supported vaccine center will help us reach more communities as we get shots into arms quickly and equitably.https://t.co/FOj4ii9vHC pic.twitter.com/twjYc6yVyR

— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) February 26, 2021

11:12 a.m.

In response to Governor Cooper's decision to ease COVID-19 restrictions, the City of Greensboro is returning to regular public operating hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Monday, March 1. The City's Library and Parks and Recreation departments will follow a different schedule with announcements made separately.

Residents are still encouraged to avoid visiting City facilities if possible, instead using other methods of handling City business, such as by phone, email, postal mail, etc. 

11:05 a.m.

A local infectious disease expert provided an upbeat assessment Thursday of Forsyth County's COVID-19 situation.  

Dr. Christopher Ohl says case rates in the county are currently down to October levels of 26 per 100,000; COVID hospitalizations are the lowest they've been since last September; schools are re-opening; teachers are getting vaccinated; and roughly 35 percent of seniors have already received the vaccine.

February 25, 2021

5:55 p.m.

Cone Health is closing a hospital dedicated to treating COVID-19 patients. The health system announced it will close its Green Valley facility on March 5, and transition COVID-19 care to other hospitals. 

The 116-bed site opened last April to handle an expected surge in COVID-19 cases. Cone officials urge the public to stay vigilant, while noting this is a step on the way to the pandemic's end.

Virus testing and a monoclonal antibody clinic will remain at the site even after patient care transitions elsewhere.

4:35 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 121 new COVID-19 cases, and 65 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 518 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 8.2%, and the total case count for the county is 38,705.

3:00 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 143 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 31,560. There have been a total of 345 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

12:08 p.m.

Wake Forest Baptist Health is offering COVID-19 vaccinations to patients over 65-years-old and undergoing dialysis treatment. Of its 2,100 patients, over 1,000 are 65 or older. By the end of the week, more than 350 people will receive their first dose of the Moderna vaccine at one of WFBH's outpatient clinics, with more than 60% going to historically marginalized populations. 

“People with kidney disease and who are on dialysis have an extremely high risk of mortality if they contract COVID-19,” said Barry I. Freedman, M.D., professor and section chief of nephrology at Wake Forest Baptist Health and chief medical officer of the Wake Forest Baptist outpatient dialysis program. “We are constantly looking for ways to provide vaccinations to our most vulnerable patients. Administering the vaccine when patients come for regularly scheduled dialysis treatments is a safe and convenient way to protect them.”

Those who wish to be vaccinated will receive one after their dialysis treatment is complete and are monitored for at least 15 minutes to ensure there are no adverse reactions. The second dose will be scheduled 28 days later to coincide with the next dialysis treatment. 

11:11 a.m. 

Guilford County is launching a new website to help local businesses. It provides checklists, guidelines, and resources to help businesses comply with COVID-19 safety protocols and to keep staff and customers safe. 

“The past year has been a challenge for all of us,” says Melvin “Skip” Alston, 2021 Guilford County Board of Commissioners Chair. “Supporting our businesses in developing safe opening plans and providing resources for maintaining ongoing healthy operations are just some of the many things we can do get back to ‘normal.' We know it will take more time. Until everyone is vaccinated, and health experts say the pandemic is over, we all need to work together for a Healthy Guilford. We hope our business community will join us by taking the Healthy Guilford Pledge.”

Area businesses may be added to a database so customers know that they are complying with best practices. 

February 24, 2021

5:12 p.m.

The B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Forsyth County. The variant has been found to be more contagious, though early research found that it has no impact on the severity of the disease or the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The resident diagnosed with the variant is in isolation and contact tracing is being done to
identify others who may have been exposed to it. The B.1.1.7 variant was first identified in
the United Kingdom and has been found in different countries around the world and
numerous states. Guilford County identified its first case of the variant in late January.

4:52 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 122 new COVID-19 cases, and 71 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 513 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 8.2%, and the total case count for the county is 38,584.

4:31 p.m.

The pool of North Carolinians eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine has grown to include pre-K-12 teachers, child care workers, and support staff. This change could make things more complicated for vaccine providers charged with following guidelines to assure no one is cutting the line. 

Eligibility verification varies by provider. Some health care systems are choosing to only vaccinate their patients and employees, so they can verify information through their records. But in many cases, providers are reliant on self-attested information from patients. The state does not require providers to check IDs or employment records.

State officials say they are relying on people being honest, and are concerned that checking IDs might slow down the process. Equity is another factor, as they say requiring identification could discourage people from historically marginalized communities from being vaccinated.

4:14 p.m.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has announced bars can reopen with indoor service for the first time in nearly a year. He also eased gathering indoor gathering limits and occupancy limits for many businesses starting Friday. His new executive order paves the way for large sports and entertainment venues to allow fans back. If health guidelines are followed, facilities with over 5,000 seats can operate at 15% capacity. Smaller sports facilities, bars and movie theaters can operate at 30% capacity up to 250 people. Restaurants, retailers and many other businesses can admit customers up to 50% of capacity. Cooper also lifted the state's 10 p.m. curfew.

With North Carolina's trends moving in the right direction, Gov. Cooper announced that the state will carefully ease some of its COVID restrictions. This includes lifting the Modified Stay at Home Order and increasing capacity for businesses and events.https://t.co/YCNWQLwWym pic.twitter.com/skQ7hzuOrX

— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) February 24, 2021

3:06 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 112 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 31,417. There have been a total of 340 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs. For the most recent COVID-19 surveillance data, click here. 

2:00 p.m.

Gov. Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will give an update at 2pm. Watch live here or listen on 88.5 WFDD.

February 23, 2021

4:39 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 118 new COVID-19 cases, and 79 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 513 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 8.6%, and the total case count for the county is 38,462.

3:26 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 49 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 31,305. There have been a total of 338 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

11:51 a.m. 

Several North Carolina COVID-19 vaccine providers have been investigated for not complying with state distribution guidelines.

A spokesperson says the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has received eight complaints about providers not following the rules. The majority were related to line skipping — providers giving shots to those who don't qualify for them under the state's priority guidelines. 

At a press conference last week, Deputy Health Secretary Kody Kinsley said providers found in violation could receive fewer vaccine doses as a result. 

Of the eight complaints received, six were resolved through education or dismissed due to lack of evidence. Investigations are ongoing in the last two cases. 

Health department officials say North Carolinians can report providers they believe are selling vaccines or disregarding eligibility guidelines by calling the state's COVID-19 Help Center at 1-888-675-4567.

February 22, 2021

4:25 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 214 new COVID-19 cases, and 83 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 506 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 8.6%, and the total case count for the county is 38,344.

3:25 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 96 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 31,256. There have been a total of 338 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

February 19, 2021

4:20 p.m.

Severe winter weather continues to delay shipments to COVID-19 vaccine providers across the state and nation. The federal government has notified impacted states that vaccine shipments are expected to resume early next week.

North Carolina vaccines scheduled to arrive on Feb.16 and 17, but were not shipped, are now scheduled to arrive between Feb. 22 and 24. Allocations for the following week are also expected to arrive during the same time period. 

These delays have caused vaccination appointments to be postponed or rescheduled.

3:47 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 102 new COVID-19 cases, and 113 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 506 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 8.6%, and the total case count for the county is 38,130.

2:53 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 115 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 30,969. There have been a total of 332 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

2:05 p.m.

As middle and high school students prepare to return to GCS schools starting next week, here are some helpful reminders for parents.

• Families must complete the Safety iPass health screening before entering the school building. Temperatures will be taken at school during the entry process. Click here for more information.
• Students are expected to wear a face covering at all times while on campus, except while eating. Face coverings should be clean and at least two layers.
• Meals will be eaten in classrooms, not in the cafeteria.
• Breakfast and lunch are free for all students through the end of the school year.
• Parents are encouraged to drive their students to campus if possible. If bus transportation is required, please fill out this form.
• Parents may use Here Comes the Bus to track their student's bus location.

9:37 a.m.

Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Novant Health, and Wake Forest Baptist Health are partnering to expand COVID-19 vaccinations to school employees and childcare providers starting on Feb. 24.

Once the state opens up Group 3, teachers, school employees, and child care workers will be added to the list of those who are eligible to be vaccinated. Vaccinations for healthcare workers and seniors 65 years of age and older will continue. All three organizations will be working together to coordinate vaccine doses, staff, and appointments to help meet demand, which at this time far exceeds the supply of vaccine allocated by the state.

Moving forward, WS/FCS and private schools in Forsyth County will schedule vaccinations for their employees on a weekly basis. The total number of available appointments remains dependent on vaccine allocation. Vaccination appointments will take place at Forsyth County Public Health's mass vaccination site at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Education Building or at Novant Health's mass vaccination site at Hanes Mall. Wake Forest Baptist Health will provide additional staff and vaccine at the Fairgrounds site. Plans for childcare providers are currently being developed.

February 18, 2021

5:25 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 151 new COVID-19 cases, and 117 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 506 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 8.8%, and the total case count for the county is 38,025.

4:38 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says the state is making progress in the equity of COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

North Carolina has administered almost two million doses of vaccine. Last week, 23 percent of these were administered to Black residents —up from 13 percent five weeks ago.

According to state data, 11.3 percent of the state's population has received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 5.6 percent have received a second dose.

3:24 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 110 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 30,854. There have been a total of 326 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

1:48 p.m. 

Governor Cooper, members of the Coronavirus Task Force, and NC Emergency Management are holding a press conference at 2 p.m. Watch live or listen to 88.5 WFDD F.M.

10:40 a.m. 

The federal government has notified the NC Department of Health and Human Services that some deliveries and shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine are delayed due to the weather, impacting both first and second doses. The Moderna vaccines have not been shipped this week and only a limited number of Pfizer vaccines have been shipped. Both are on backorder due to the weather. The department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to minimize the impact of the delays, but this may result in the postponement or rescheduling of vaccine appointments. DHHS is asking providers to assess current appointments and contact recipients based on on-hand supply. 

February 17, 2021

5:39 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 127 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 30,744. There have been a total of 323 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs. And click here for the latest weekly COVID-19 Surveillance Report. 

5:17 p.m.

North Carolina is shifting its COVID-19 vaccine distribution guidance to discourage out-of-state residents from traveling to the state to receive a shot.

The new guidance permitted by the CDC allows providers to turn away people who are briefly passing through the state or are coming to North Carolina for the main purpose of getting a COVID-19 shot.

The move aims to give greater preference to in-state residents who have struggled to book appointments, but loopholes still allow out-of-state residents to receive a shot without having to provide ID.

People living out of state could also explain to vaccine administrators that they are eligible for shots because they work or spend a significant time in North Carolina or continue to receive ongoing health care in the state.

As of last week, more than 27,000 people from other states have received their vaccine in North Carolina.

4:05 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 156 new COVID-19 cases, and 126 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 499 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 9.1%, and the total case count for the county is 37,874.

3:36 p.m.

Wake Forest Baptist Health is rescheduling some upcoming patient vaccination clinics, due to expected severe winter weather and first-dose vaccine shipment delays from severe weather across the country.

All affected patients are being notified, and if additional clinics need to be rescheduled, those patients will also be notified.

1:20 p.m.

Due to expected inclement weather, the Forsyth County Department of Public Health will close its mass vaccination site at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds for Thursday, Feb. 18. According to a press release from the department, all appointments for Feb. 18 have been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25 with the same appointment time. 

Forsyth County Public Health has also canceled its drive-thru testing event for Thursday at EMS Triangle Station. The testing event located at Gate 9 of the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds is still currently planned for Saturday.  

12:15 p.m.

Cone Health COVID-19 vaccination clinics and testing sites will be closed Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19 due to expected winter weather. 

In a press release, the health system said vaccination clinics at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center, the Burlington Manufacturer's Outlet Center (BMOC),  and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church on East Market Street in Greensboro will all be closed. People with affected vaccine appointments are being notified by email and/or phone.

The COVID-19 testing sites closing are at Alamance Regional Medical Center in Burlington, Green Valley campus in Greensboro and Annie Penn Hospital in Reidsville. 

11:45 a.m.

Weather conditions around the country are delaying the delivery of COVID-19 vaccinations to the Triad. Winter weather may also impact local vaccine operations.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Wake Forest Baptist Health, and Novant Health are all making contingency plans for delayed vaccine shipments.  

According to a Forsyth County news release, this week's anticipated vaccine deliveries are already behind schedule because of weather conditions, and it's uncertain when they will arrive.

There is also the possibility that local road conditions and power outages on Thursday could affect scheduled appointments at vaccination sites. 

February 16, 2021

8:16 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 120 new COVID-19 cases, and 126 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 488 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 9.1%, and the total case count for the county is 37,718.

3:24 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 78 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 30,617. There have been a total of 322 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

12:05 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has added new resources to its Spanish language COVID-19 vaccination website, Protégete a ti y a los demás. ¡VACÚNATE!, including a new video on COVID-19 vaccines and tools for understanding vaccination groups and finding locations to get vaccinated:

• Find My Vaccine Group walks you through a series of questions to determine your vaccine group, and you can sign up to be notified when your group is ready for vaccination.
• Find a Vaccine Location is a search tool that lets you enter your ZIP code or current location to find nearby vaccine providers.
• Demographic data for COVID-19 vaccines are now available by county on the vaccine data dashboard.
• A wide range of videos in Spanish can be found here.

To learn more, visit Vacunate.nc.gov.

12:00 p.m.

Cone Health is pledging to allocate at least 35% of its vaccine supply to minorities.

“Vaccinations are the key to ending this terrible pandemic,” Cone Health CEO Terry Akin said in a statement. “But how can we quickly end it by leaving so many people in our community behind? Whites are taking the vaccine in big numbers, others aren't. This move is part of an effort to close that gap.”

The statement says the allocation set aside will be distributed in community vaccination clinics held in churches and community centers. These clinics will be placed in both urban and rural areas. 

Cone Health also says it has begun a series of virtual townhalls bringing together Black health care professionals and community leaders to discuss how the vaccine was developed and why it is safe.

The health care system says efforts are also being made to ensure access and to overcome language and other barriers for Hispanics and other minority community members. 

February 15, 2021

4:40 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 415 new COVID-19 cases, and 124 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 473 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 10%, and the total case count for the county is 37,598.

3:14 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 116 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 30,539. There have been a total of 319 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

February 12, 2021

4:20 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 759 new COVID-19 cases, and 118 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 464 COVID-19 deaths, with 19 of those reported since yesterday's update.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 10%, and the total case count for the county is 37,183.

2:35 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 165 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 30,107. There have been a total of 317 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

11:05 a.m.

North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services says nearly 3% of people who have received first doses in the state are nonresidents.

Data from the department shows more than 27,000 people living out of state have received first doses of the Pfizer or Moderna coronavirus vaccines.

Residents of South Carolina have hopped across the state border due to frustrations over their home state's appointment booking process.

More than 1 million people have been vaccinated in North Carolina since the distribution efforts began in November. Healthcare workers and people who are at least 65 years old are presently eligible to get vaccinated.

-The Associated Press

10:55 a.m.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Novant Health, and Wake Forest Baptist Health are partnering to increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations in historically marginalized communities.

In a press release, the organizations say they have taken steps to share personnel and supplies, and are partnering with other governmental organizations such as Federally Qualified Health Centers. 

Vaccination appointments are being expanded to include evenings and weekends, with free transportation provided by the Winston-Salem Transit Authority.

9:45 a.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today reported the first identification of the COVID-19 variant B.1.351 in a North Carolina resident. The B.1.351 variant was first detected in South Africa in October and in the United States in January.

According to a press release, the B.1.351 variant case was identified in a sample from an adult in the central part of the state who had not recently traveled. The department said no further identifying information will be released to protect the privacy of the individual. 

North Carolina is the fourth state to report an identified case of B.1.351. As of Feb. 9, nine cases of infection with the variant had been identified in residents of South Carolina, Maryland and Virginia.

February 11, 2021

5:05 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 187 new COVID-19 cases, and 137 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 445 COVID-19 deaths, with 10 of those reported since yesterday's update.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 10.1%, and the total case count for the county is 36,424.

2:20 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 215 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 29,942. There have been a total of 310 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

February 10, 2021

4:30 p.m.

North Carolina K-12 teachers and child care staff will soon be eligible to get vaccinated. Other frontline essential workers could get their doses as early as March 10. The updated distribution guidance from Gov. Roy Cooper's administration addresses concerns from teachers advocates that many workers do not yet feel safe to return to in-person instruction. A bill making its way through the legislature would compel the districts to swiftly reopen but give parents the option to have their child continue to learn remotely. Cooper estimates 240,000 educators and staff can begin getting the vaccine on Feb. 24. Supply remains short as the state works to vaccine elderly residents.

3:50 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 126 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 29,727. There have been a total of 307 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

1:50 p.m.

Governor Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force are holding a media briefing at 2 p.m. regarding COVID-19. Watch live here.

11:40 a.m.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has signed a bill from state lawmakers that will distribute money approved by Congress for reopening schools, COVID-19 vaccine distribution and rent assistance. 

Many parts of the proposal mirror that of a supplemental request of Cooper. Still up for discussion is an effort by Cooper to provide direct one-time checks to teachers, principals and staff members.

The COVID relief package Cooper signed includes another opportunity for parents to get $335 checks to help offset costs they've incurred associated with childcare and remote learning.

-The Associated Press

11:30 a.m.

Guilford County Schools' older students will begin returning to classrooms over the next few weeks.

Middle and high school students will return using a cohort model, with half attending in-person on Monday and Tuesday, and the other half on Thursday and Friday. The remaining days will be used for remote learning.

The process will start with sixth and ninth graders during the week of February 22.

The Guilford County Board of Education made its decision Tuesday night, following a presentation about the effects of remote learning on academic progress. Fall End of Course (EOC) test scores and participation were down across all subjects. In another growth assessment, 38% of K-2 students scored average or above average in math.

February 9, 2021

5:00 p.m.

The Winston-Salem Transit Authority is providing free rides to COVID-19 vaccine appointments to residents who need them. 

The program, which is in partnership with the Forsyth County Department of Public Health, is to help prevent transportation needs from being a barrier to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Residents can call 336-727-2000 or 336-727-2648 and ask for the vaccine transportation extension. It's recommended to call at least 24 to 48 hours before a scheduled vaccination appointment.

Drivers cannot wait at vaccine sites, but there will be a return trip scheduled for one-hour after being dropped off.

4:44 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 290 new COVID-19 cases, and 137 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 435 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 11.2%, and the total case count for the county is 36,226.

4:26 p.m.

Forsyth County Public Health Director Joshua Swift says it's possible that some people who received COVID-19 vaccinations in North Carolina skipped the priority line.

Under the state's COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, only health care workers and those age 65 or older are currently eligible to be immunized. But those seeking a vaccine appointment are not required to provide identification or employment records in order to get a slot. 

The county's policy is in line with state guidance, which says individuals "can self-attest" to being in a priority group.

3:45 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports that more than 10,000 North Carolinians have died from COVID-19. The state has now logged over 800,000 total cases.

NCDHHS guidelines say that people should keep wearing a face covering, wait at least 6 feet apart, and wash their hands often to help slow the spread of COVID-19. 

The state's goal is to vaccinate as many people as quickly and equitably as possible. North Carolina has administered more than 1.4 million doses of the vaccine. Over 100% of first doses received by the federal government have been administered, as have 50% of second doses.

NC reached a sobering milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic today — more than 10,000 North Carolinians have died from the virus.

CDC and NCDHHS guidelines say everyone should keep practicing the 3 Ws: WEAR, WAIT, WASH to help slow the spread of COVID-19: https://t.co/G3SMRN4aRG pic.twitter.com/XbxPZiuZJv

— NCDHHS (@ncdhhs) February 9, 2021

3:15 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper is issuing Executive Order 193 which gives the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services authority to expand types of providers that administer COVID-19 vaccines. State officials can marshal state resources, including property, facilities, and personnel, upon request by NCDHHS, to help with vaccination efforts as supply increases.

This extends previous orders giving NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen the ability to temporarily waive industry regulations in order to speed vaccine distribution.

2:49 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 153 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 29,601. There have been a total of 299 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

1:40 p.m

Governor Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force are holding a media briefing at 2 p.m. regarding COVID-19. Watch live on our blog.

February 8, 2021

4:45 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 327 new COVID-19 cases, and 140 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 427 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 11.2%, and the total case count for the county is 35,936.

2:30 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 160 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 29,448. There have been a total of 298 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

February 5, 2021

6:16 p.m.

Guilford County is partnering with community groups to help address food insecurity in the area with a new meal distribution program. 

Guilford CARES Feeding the Community Food Drive starts on Saturday, February 6, at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The goal of the program is to distribute 500 boxes of food bi-weekly over the next 10 weeks. 

It's being funded by the county's COVID-19 response initiatives. Nearly $300,000 in federal funds were marked to help address food insecurities.

Food drive donations are running low during the pandemic, and more than 90,000 people countywide suffer from food insecurity.

6:01 p.m.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, compared to past years, the state has seen very low levels of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus this year. Similar trends are being seen nationally and globally. The department says that wearing face coverings, washing hands, and social distancing due to COVID-19 have reduced the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses across the state.

Only four deaths from flu have been reported to NCDHHS so far this season, compared to 186 deaths last season and more than 200 deaths during the 2018-19 season. The data show these low levels of flu and RSV are occurring despite similar or higher levels of testing for both illnesses.

Additionally, NC Medicaid has seen a 98.2% reduction in expense claims for Tamiflu.

COVID-19 spreads more easily than the flu and other seasonal respiratory viruses, but mask wearing, social distancing, and hand washing have been shown to help slow the spread of both illnesses.

4:55 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 506 new COVID-19 cases, and 158 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 423 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 11.4%, and the total case count for the county is 35,609.

3:26 p.m

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is opening registration for 3,800 new COVID-19 vaccination appointments on Tuesday, February 9, at 8:00 a.m.

GCDPH is asking for patience when making appointments as current vaccine demand far exceeds supply, which is based on the weekly allocation received from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Online appointments are available until filled. Phone appointments are available at 336-641-7944 from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Only those who have scheduled an appointment and received a confirmation should visit the vaccine sites. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 8a.m. @GuilfordCounty #COVID19Vaccine appointment registration will reopen. Visit https://t.co/OyYPYDZkef for online appts. or call (336) 641-7944, Option 2 to schedule an appt. by phone. pic.twitter.com/2dduK5ndyf

— Guilford County (@GuilfordCounty) February 5, 2021

3:12 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 218 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 28,912. There have been a total of 290 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

11:45 a.m. 

North Carolina's COVID-19 numbers are starting to trend downward. 

This week's COVID-19 county level alert system map shows marked improvement from the previous one. 25 counties are no longer in the red category – the highest level of community spread. 

The alert system takes into account hospital strain, case rate, and test positivity rate. 

State Health Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen says this is the first time since the system was launched in November that trends have moved in a positive direction.

“North Carolinians are working hard to protect one another and we're seeing the results," said Cohen. "But there is still a lot of work ahead of us. 94 percent of North Carolina counties still remain red or orange with critical or substantial covid spread.”

61 counties remain in the red, including Forsyth. Guilford dropped from red to orange. 

February 4, 2021

5:40 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 695 new COVID-19 cases, and 148 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 414 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 11.8%, and the total case count for the county is 35,103.

5:16 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 193 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 28,694. There have been a total of 287 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

3:45 p.m.

Wake Forest University is reporting an uptick in COVID-19 cases to 150, and the university is implementing new measures under its Orange Operating Status. The school says if this trend continues, the university could enter Red Operating Status which would mean a campus lockdown.   

Over the past 48 hours, we have seen a surge in positive COVID-19 cases, numbering more than 150 positive tests. As a result, the University is implementing several new safety measures. #ShowHumanitate https://t.co/m7hBNCUEHI

— Wake Forest University (@WakeForest) February 4, 2021

2:45 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will hold a press conference today at 3 p.m. Watch live here or stream on 88.5 WFDD.

10:20 a.m. 

North Carolina state senators have approved a bill to give parents more time to apply for $335 checks to help offset childcare expenses and costs associated with having their kids learning remotely.

The bill also distributes money the federal government sent to the state as part of its December stimulus package. Additional relief will go to help schools reopen, provide rent relief, and help local officials more quickly vaccinate residents.

The bill now heads to the state House of Representatives. It will then make its way to the desk of Gov. Roy Cooper.
 

10:14 a.m. 

Guilford County health leaders are asking for patience from the community as they deal with small allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

At a weekly press meeting, Public Health Director Dr. Iulia Vann and head of Guilford County Emergency Management Services Don Campbell said demand continues to outweigh supply when it comes to the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The county says it's working as fast as it can, given the allocations provided by the state. When around 5,000 appointments opened up this week, Campbell says those were filled within two hours.

Campbell says the county is hopeful for more doses in the coming months and is planning accordingly for future vaccine sites and staff.

Officials stressed the need for those vaccinated to keep to the schedule for their second dose.

Guilford County Health Department has administered just over 14,000 total vaccines, and 535 people have received two doses.

February 3, 2021

3:05 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 661 new COVID-19 cases, and 156 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 406 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 12.4%, and the total case count for the county is 34,408.

3:02 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 500 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 28,501. There have been a total of 283 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

1:10 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has announced that today's COVID-19 Data Dashboard includes a large number of cases from tests performed at FastMed Urgent Care clinics during December 2020 and January 2021 that had not been previously reported to NCDHHS.

In a press release, the department said the delayed reports account for 7,912 of the 12,079 COVID-19 cases reported today. Cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina have been trending downward since the second week of January.

In addition to the one-time increase in positive cases, the delayed reports from FastMed also added approximately 40,000 total test results to the dashboard.

FastMed says it has fixed its reporting process, and the state is now receiving results from the company. Prior to December 2020, all testing from FastMed was done by third-party labs and test results were reported to NCDHHS from those labs and included in the NC COVID-19 Dashboard.

February 2, 2021

6:00 p.m.

Novant Health officials say they're monitoring the emergence of new COVID-19 variants amid ongoing vaccination efforts. Novant Senior Vice President Dr. David Priest noted the B.1.1.7 variant of the coronavirusis is projected to become the dominant form of the virus in the U.S. by March. 

Current COVID-19 vaccines are still expected to provide significant protection against the variant, though more research is needed. 

So far, Novant has administered over 57,000 first vaccine doses. 

5:20 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 564 new COVID-19 cases, and 155 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 391 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 12.4%, and the total case count for the county is 33,747.

3:03 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 88 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 28,001. There have been a total of 281 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

2:25 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper and state education leaders are calling on K-12 school districts across the state to allow in-person instruction for all students. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt and State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis say ongoing research shows that with proper mitigation measures, in-person learning is safe. They are emphasizing the “critical importance” of giving all students an opportunity to learn in a classroom. 

The state's public health toolkit details specific health and safety protocols K-12 schools must implement to keep students and teachers safe during in-person instruction. 

According to a press release from NCDHHS, evidence suggests that COVID-19 transmission in primary and secondary school settings are low, even with high rates of community transmission. 

Today, Governor Cooper, Superintendent Truitt, Chair Davis and Secretary Cohen sent a letter to local school board members and superintendents encouraging in-person instruction across the state.

1:33 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force are holding a press conference today at 2 p.m. Watch live here or stream on 88.5 WFDD.

10:37 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released new tools to help North Carolinians get their COVID-19 vaccine questions answered and to find vaccine locations in the state. 

The newly expanded COVID-19 vaccine help center can be reached at 888-675-4567 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Callers can get help with general COVID-19 vaccine questions, information on eligibility groups, clinical questions about the vaccine, how to find vaccine locations and transportation services.

The COVID-19 vaccine help center supports English and Spanish calls, and TTY. Callers will be able to select call back assistance where they receive a call when agents are available instead of waiting in line for an agent. The language line will be available for all other languages needed. 

February 1, 2021

5:33 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 462 new COVID-19 cases, and 153 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 391 COVID-19 deaths — 17 of those reported since Friday's update.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 12.4%, and the total case count for the county is 33,183.

4:30 p.m.

North Carolina has administered more than 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses. Statewide, health care providers have dispensed more than 99% of first doses.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says its vaccination dashboard will now be updated every weekday, and that it will have the most accurate and timely information for vaccine data available.

For the next three weeks, the state is guaranteeing baseline vaccine allocations to providers. It is also setting aside doses to facilitate equitable access to underserved and rural communities.

North Carolina is currently vaccinating people in Groups 1 and 2, which include health care workers, long-term care staff and residents, and people 65 and older.

3:31 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 118 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 27,913. There have been a total of 280 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

12:38 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will kick off a new live stream talk series to address and provide updates on the state's COVID-19 vaccination plan on Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m. 

NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. will host the inaugural fireside chat featuring Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II as its first guest. The event will be streamed via NCDHHS over Facebook and on Twitter.

Join us for a Fireside Chat on COVID-19 vaccines with NCDHHS Secretary, Dr. Mandy Cohen, NCDHHS Deputy Secretary, Benjamin Money, and Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II. Moderated by Phyllis Coley.

Tune in on February 2nd at 5:30 PM through NCDHHS Facebook or Twitter. pic.twitter.com/DkZeXEpuTn

— NCDHHS (@ncdhhs) January 31, 2021

January 29, 2021

4:40 p.m.

Cone Health will receive 2,925 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in each of the next three weeks from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. These are called “baseline allocations.”

In a press release, Cone Health says the state is also allocating 4,875 event doses for large vaccination clinics. These will go to the Guilford County Division of Public Health, who will transfer part of the allotment to Cone Health for those on the provider's waiting list. 

Cone Health is working with public health departments in Alamance and Rockingham Counties on vaccination efforts in the coming weeks.

Cone Health will first schedule vaccination appointments for those whose appointments were cancelled last week, then schedule those on the Cone Health waiting list in the order in which they registered. https://t.co/pwFrmPN0kT

— ConeHealth (@ConeHealth) January 29, 2021

4:30 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 479 new COVID-19 cases, and 193 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 374 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 12.7%, and the total case count for the county is 32,721.

3:20 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 161 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 27,411. There have been a total of 277 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

12:29 p.m.

On January 27, North Carolina reported administering 99% of its first doses of COVID-19 vaccine, and as of this morning the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks the state as 6th in the nation for total doses administered, 12th for first doses administered per 100,000 people, and 17th for total doses administered per 100,000 people. 

For the next three weeks, the state is guaranteeing baseline vaccine allocations to providers. Approximately 90,000 “baseline” doses are allocated based on population data from the State Center for Health Statistics to provide vaccine to all 100 counties. The 55,000 “set-aside” doses of the state's allocation are going to: 

• Counties with higher numbers of people 65 and older with low income, counties with higher numbers of historically marginalized populations 65 and older, and counties that received less doses per population in previous weeks.
• New vaccine providers who will provide greater access to rural and underserved communities and those who can provide vaccine to long-term care facilities not participating in the federal program. 
• Community vaccination events geographically spread throughout the state. Decisions about events are based on equity, readiness and speed, and partnership.

January 28, 2021

6:20 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 624 new COVID-19 cases, and 186 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 374 COVID-19 deaths, 19 of those reported since yesterday. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 13%, and the total case count for the county is 32,242.

2:35 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 258 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 27,250. There have been a total of 276 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

1:24 p.m.

The Guilford County Division of Public Health is confirming the first case of a positive COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant case. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the variant, which originated in the U.K., is a more highly transmissible variant of COVID-19 and has been detected in 21 states as of January 22, 2021. At this time, there is no evidence that it causes more severe illness or death. Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to work against this variant. 

This positive case was part of a random sample collected during the CDC's random surveillance investigating potential variant strains. The patient is currently in isolation. 

Dr. Iulia Vann, Guilford County Public Health Director stated, “Due to the B.1.1.7 variant being highly transmissible, we are currently conducting contact tracing and will continue to heavily monitor this case. We are prepared to address future cases that contain variant strains with the same level of detail. It continues to be important for the community to follow the 3 W's: Wear a face covering, Wash your hands, and Wait six-feet apart.”

January 27, 2021

4:22 p.m. 

Governor Roy Cooper is extending the state's modified stay-at-home order in response to high COVID-19 infection rates across North Carolina. 

The order, which requires residents to stay at home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., will remain in place until at least February 28. The governor also extended a moratorium on evictions and an executive order allowing bars to sell alcoholic beverages to-go. Both directives will expire March 31. 

Cooper noted that some COVID-19 metrics have been trending downward in recent weeks.

“Although we're often frustrated and weary, we are entering a time of hope. The vaccine team and health care providers are working night and day getting more vaccines to people and more are on the horizon, our covid numbers are stabilizing. We are charting a path forward, but we have more work to do,” says Cooper.

COVID-19 daily cases and hospitalizations have fallen slightly since earlier this month, though both are significantly higher than last fall's numbers. 

2:33 p.m. 

The Guilford County Public Health Department is reporting 608 new COVID-19 cases, and 190 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 355 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 13.2%, and the total case count for the county is 31,618.

Forsyth County is reporting 173 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 26,992. 

Click here for more information on testing, the percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

2:00 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper is holding a press conference today at 2 p.m. regarding COVID-19. Watch live here or listen on 88.5 FM.

1:10 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says it will continue two programs that aim to help North Carolinians access services such as relief payments, primary medical care, diagnostic testing, food and additional supports during the pandemic.

In a press release, the department said the Community Health Worker program supports community health workers in 55 counties to connect North Carolinians with medical and social supports such as diagnostic testing, behavioral health services and vaccine education. This program will continue through June 30.     

The COVID-19 Support Services program provides assistance such as home-delivered meals, financial relief payments, COVID-related supplies, transportation and medication delivery to individuals in 29 of the 55 counties served by the Community Health Worker program. This program will continue until available funds have been spent. 

1:00 p.m.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Wake Forest Baptist Health and Novant Health are collaborating to increase the number of COVID-19 vaccinations administered in Forsyth County. 

In a press release, officials said the three organizations will remain in constant communication, and will share staff and transfer doses of the vaccine with each other as needed to help meet the demand. The goal of the collaboration is to provide first and second doses to at least 75% of the almost 300,000 adults who live in Forsyth County by late spring or early summer. 

 All three organizations are exhausting their current weekly allocations of the vaccine and, as of Jan. 25, they have collectively given 38,828 doses in Forsyth County. Currently, they are all administering approximately 750 to 1,000 doses a day but together, have the capacity to provide up to 16,000 doses a day.   

10:00 a.m.

North Carolina's top health official says the state has nearly exhausted its supply of first-dose COVID-19 vaccines.

State Health Secretary Mandy Cohen says 95% of those doses were administered last week. 

“An incredible achievement that demonstrates to the federal government that North Carolina is ready to take on more vaccine," Cohen says. "And we need those additional vaccines now.”

Cohen says vaccinations ramped up last week after the federal government said future allocations would depend on how many doses the state had on hand. 

January 26, 2021

5:00 p.m.

The City of Greensboro has been awarded $8,949,177.90 in Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds for eligible households struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

City staff applied to the US Department of Treasury for the financial assistance, which will be used for rent, utilities and other related housing expenses, and was recently notified its application was approved.

The nearly $9 million earmarked for the City is from the new $25 billion Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program that was established by the US Congress when it passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 in December.

City Council will vote to adopt acceptance of the funds during its February 2 meeting. Meanwhile, Neighborhood Development Department staff is putting together a Request for Qualifications for experienced community partners to apply as program administrators for processing applications for assistance and providing the funding.

4:17 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has expanded its vaccine data dashboard to provide information about vaccine doses promised to and received by the state. Users also will be able to see the percent of doses received that have been administered. Today's dashboard shows 95% of all first doses have been reported as being administered and 812,586 total doses have been administered.

NCDHHS has expanded its vaccine data dashboard to provide information about vaccine doses promised to and received by the state. Users also will be able to see the percent of doses received that have been administered.

Full details: https://t.co/iaStBIN2Ba pic.twitter.com/CX0gegJRBS

— NCDHHS (@ncdhhs) January 26, 2021

3:42 p.m.

The Guilford County Public Health Department is reporting 645 new COVID-19 cases, and 201 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 355 COVID-19 deaths.

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 13.8%, and the total case count for the county is 31,010.

3:25 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 133 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 26,819. 

Click here for more information on testing, the percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

12:30 p.m.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D., and Director of North Carolina Emergency Management Mike Sprayberry are holding a media briefing at 1 p.m. regarding COVID-19. Watch live here.

10:29 a.m.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health has announced all COVID-19 vaccination appointments for this afternoon have now been filled. In a press release, the department said some slots may open again if there are cancellations or if some individuals are found to be ineligible after staff checks their information. 

10:08 a.m.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health has opened up 250 COVID-19 vaccination appointments for this afternoon, January 26. According to a press release, this is due to no-shows from previous days.

Appointments can be made on this website. The department is only accepting appointments for those 65 and older and healthcare workers.

Appointments will take place at the Fairgrounds' Education Building located at 414 Deacon Blvd. Vaccination is by appointment only and no walk ups will be accepted.

January 25, 2021

5:22 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 514 new COVID-19 cases, and 216 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 355 COVID-19 deaths. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 13.8%, and the total case count for the county is 30,365.

4:47 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services now has an online tool to help North Carolinians know when they will be eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Find My Vaccine Group uses a series of questions to determine which vaccine group an individual is in. People can then sign up to be notified when their group can get vaccinated.

According to a press release from NCDHHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranked North Carolina 10th in total vaccines administered and 29th in vaccines administered per 100,000 people. 

North Carolina will have only 120,000 doses to allocate across the entire state, effective January 27. Many of those are going to the large-scale vaccine events. This means many providers are getting fewer doses than expected, or in some cases none at all.

2:35 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 141 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 26,686. There have been 11 deaths from the virus reported since Friday, and a total of 276 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported overall in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing, the percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

12:53 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released the COVID-19 Community Readiness toolkit to help individuals find mental and behavioral health supports and resources in their communities.

The toolkit, COVID-19 Community Readiness: Helping Meet Needs for Persons Living with Behavioral Health Issues, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, and Traumatic Brain Injuries, provides resources to the public for a variety of mental health needs, including resources for parents engaging in online-school, family-based needs, resources for those within the I/DD community and others.

NCDHHS released the COVID-19 Community Readiness toolkit to help individuals find mental and behavioral health supports and resources in their communities.

The toolkit provides resources to the public for a variety of mental health needs. Learn more: https://t.co/9OZUFlio17 pic.twitter.com/w1gP36NYoi

— NCDHHS (@ncdhhs) January 25, 2021

12:01 p.m.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill announced Friday that it avoided returning to campus 112 undergraduate students who tested positive for the coronavirus through its newly launched mass testing program.

The effort to test more incoming students aims to better monitor levels of COVID-19 transmission to prevent the spread from getting out of hand on campus as it did in August.

One week into the fall semester, UNC shut down all in-person classes for undergraduates and urged students to leave their residence halls and return home. North Carolina State University and East Carolina University followed suit shortly thereafter.

January 23, 2021

12:10 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first case of an N.C. resident with COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7, which was first detected in the United Kingdom in December. The variant was identified in a sample from an adult in Mecklenburg County. 

One hundred ninety-five cases of B.1.1.7 have been reported in 21 states across the country. Early data suggest that this variant could be more contagious than other variants, but current COVID-19 vaccines are still expected to be effective against it. 

State health officials are continuing to advise people to stay home except for essential activities and to avoid gathering — especially indoors — with people who do not live with you. NCDHHS says If you have to travel or gather with people you do not live with, get tested in advance, keep it small and outdoors, and always wear a mask.

January 22, 2021

5:15 p.m.

Cone Health has announced it will reschedule COVID-19 vaccinations for 10,400 people.

In a press release, the health system said it was forced to make the decision after the state unexpectedly said it would not supply it with first-dose vaccines next week.

People with appointments through this Monday will still receive their scheduled vaccinations. And those with appointments to receive a second dose will also receive it as planned.

The health system says this will cause uncertainty and longer waits for vaccination appointments

4:10 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 574 new COVID-19 cases, and 228 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 348 COVID-19 deaths. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 14.7%, and the total case count for the county is 29,851.

3:20 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 311 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 26,007. There have been a total of 265 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. 

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

1:22 p.m. 

Novant Health is partnering with schools, faith-based organizations, and other community groups to establish vaccine access points to marginalized groups – Black and Latino Americans. Pop-up events will begin Saturday, January 23 at churches and schools in Winston-Salem and Charlotte. Novant will target one location in each community per week on a rotating basis. The clinics will expand access to those currently eligible to receive vaccines, but it will also have trusted community members to help dispel any concerns and hesitancy about taking them. 

“I've been telling my congregation we have two choices: Refuse the vaccine and risk the consequences of COVID-19, which has disproportionately ravaged our communities, or get the vaccine as an instrument of healing from God,” said Bishop Sir Walter Lee Mack Jr., senior pastor of Union Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. “I believe this vaccine is good for us. It is not something we should fear.”

The events are open to everyone eligible under state guidelines. Appointments are required. Community members looking for more information about how, when, and where to get vaccinated should visit NovantHealth.org/Vaccine for more information.

10:54 a.m. 

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education voted on Thursday night to modify its reentry plan for high school students. All of these grades were scheduled to return next week. But some of them will continue on that same schedule.
 
On Monday, Career Technical Education students will head back to classrooms. Ninth graders will follow on the week of February first. Grades 10, 11, and 12 can reenter for face-to-face learning on the week of February 22.
 
Interim Superintendent Tricia McManus had recommended pausing a high school return for three more weeks. She said it would allow more time to analyze resources with the recent return of more grades. McManus says the district will continue to focus on hiring more substitute teachers and contact tracers.
 
McManus says according to survey data, 53 percent of high school students plan to return to classrooms for in-person instruction.

10:52 a.m. 

North Carolina's top public health official acknowledged that North Carolina is seeing a small amount of coronavirus vaccines thrown out for reasons including doses that weren't used in a timely manner after being taken out of a freezer.

State Health Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen also said at a news conference Thursday that the Department of Transportation will offer free rides to vaccination clinics for people who need transportation. People 65 years or older are currently eligible to get vaccinated.

State health officials say more than 573,000 vaccines have been distributed thus far. Cohen wants the existing supply of first doses to dwindle, which would demonstrate that the state is more efficiently utilizing its resources.
 

January 21, 2021

4:08 p.m.

Today, the NC Department of Transportation and the NC Department of Health and Human Services announced that approximately $2.5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funding is being distributed to local transit agencies across the state to help pay for rides for individuals who need transportation assistance to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Each local transit agency will receive a set amount of funding, and the initiative will continue until funds are exhausted for that agency. The funds can be used to offset operating costs associated with transit rides to and from vaccination sites for people who are receiving or assisting someone in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

NCDHHS and @NCDOT announced funding for local transit agencies across NC to fund free rides for anyone who needs transportation assistance to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

More information about this initiative can be found at https://t.co/CgkEyuXNh3 pic.twitter.com/Sjy2KHF2OR

— NCDHHS (@ncdhhs) January 21, 2021

3:41 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 551 new COVID-19 cases, and 235 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 348 COVID-19 deaths. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 15.1%, and the total case count for the county is 29,277.

2:27 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 223 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 25,696. There have been a total of 259 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county.

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

12:40 p.m.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D., and North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary J. Eric Boyette are holding a media briefing at 1 p.m. regarding COVID-19. Watch live here.

9:15 a.m.

Wake Forest Baptist Health has begun scheduling COVID-19 vaccination appointments for current Wake Forest Baptist patients who are age 65 and older.

According to a press release, current Wake Forest Baptist patients age 65 and older may call 336-70-COVID to schedule vaccination appointments.

Appointments will only be scheduled via telephone. 

Vaccinations are by appointment only and no walk-ins are accepted.

January 20, 2021

2:54 p.m. 

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 628 new COVID-19 cases, and 250 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 345 COVID-19 deaths. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 15.6%, and the total case count for the county is 28,726.

2:51 p.m. 

Forsyth County is reporting 256 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 25,473. There have been a total of 255 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county.

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

2:38 p.m. 

Forsyth County public health officials are taking vaccination appointments for those over 65 years old and workers in healthcare. The department is also looking to transition to its new mass vaccination site at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Education Building starting Jan. 24.  

According to a county press release, the appointment site is found here, and appointments will be available for Jan. 24 - 26 starting at 5 p.m. today. There are 2,700 appointments available at the Fairgrounds at the Education Building (please enter off Deacon Blvd), based on the amount of vaccine Forsyth Public Health has been allotted. Earlier appointments at the Forsyth County Public Health Department that were previously booked may also become available due to cancelations. The mass-vaccination site will increase Public Health's capacity for vaccination from approximately 550 a day, with the goal of ramping up to serve at least 1,000 people a day. 

Currently, Public Health is not accepting phone calls for appointments but has plans to have both phone and online appointment options soon. 

January 19, 2021

4:48 p.m.

The Greensboro Public Library is modifying its operating hours beginning Tuesday, January 19, to help reduce potential COVID-19 exposure.

The central library will allow patrons 30 minutes to browse and select materials once per day, Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Branch locations are limited to customers with appointments for computer use only. All library locations will continue offering non-recreational computer use, by appointment only. These are one-hour appointments available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Curbside pick-up service is available Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 503 new COVID-19 cases, and 253 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 345 COVID-19 deaths. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 15.9%, and the total case count for the county is 28,098.

2:14 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 74 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 25,217. There have been a total of 256 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county.

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

1:39 p.m. 

Two North Carolina state lawmakers have tested positive for COVID-19. Senate Rules Committee Chairman Bill Rabon of Brunswick County announced Tuesday the results of a coronavirus test he took on Monday after experiencing mild cold-like symptoms. State Rep. Brian Turner of Buncombe County announced Monday he had tested positive. Turner says his symptoms are like a bad cold. Rabon attended last week's opening day of the General Assembly session and wore a face mask on the Senate floor. Turner didn't attend. The legislature resumes its two-year session Jan. 27.

- The Associated Press

1:25 p.m. 

Guilford County public health officials announced that it will reopen registration for vaccination appointments on Wednesday, January 20. 

Appointments can be scheduled:

• Online at www.healthyguilford.com. 

• By phone at 336-641-7944 (Option 2) from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, until all appointment slots have been filled.

Those eligible for the vaccine must be in Phase 2 (65 or older). 

COVID-19 vaccine clinics are currently being held at the following locations:

• 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

• Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403

11:21 a.m.

Governor Roy Cooper announced that the North Carolina Executive Mansion will be illuminated in remembrance of lives lost due to COVID-19. The memorial will take place today at 5:30 p.m. Cooper invited counties and municipalities to join in by lighting buildings and ringing bells at churches and houses of worship. 

“In the midst of the battle against this pandemic, we continue to mourn the hundreds of thousands of Americans we have lost and send our prayers to the grieving families and friends they leave behind,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “Please join me in honoring their memories by taking responsible actions to prevent more deaths by wearing a mask, keeping our distance and being smart.”

The call for the memorial was prompted by the Presidential Inaugural Committee in an effort to find unity in a nationwide tribute honoring the lives taken by the pandemic. 

10:54 a.m.

The former Sears at Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem will soon become a Novant Health COVID-19 vaccination site. 

The facility is set up to accommodate 7,000 vaccinations per day. But that will only be possible if Novant receives enough supply from the state. 

Pam Oliver, the president of Novant's Physician Network, says they were told to expect just 2,700 doses for this week. She says that's far fewer than what's needed to keep up with demand, particularly since people age 65 and older are now eligible. 

The former Sears site is set to open on January 25. COVID-19 vaccinations will be available there by appointment only. 

10:51 a.m. 

Some North Carolina COVID-19 numbers have improved slightly in recent days, though indicators still suggest viral spread remains extremely high. On Friday, 10 percent of tests were coming back positive. That's still more than double the state's goal of 5 percent, but it is the lowest number recorded since December 23.

Hospitalizations are also down slightly from a peak at the beginning of the month. Cone Health is now estimated to reach capacity on January 31, 11 days later than it originally projected.

But North Carolina's hospitals are still caring for nearly 3,900 COVID-19 patients, about 1,000 more than one month ago.
 

10:35 a.m. 

A state lawmaker in North Carolina has announced that he's tested positive for the coronavirus. The Raleigh News & Observer reports that state Rep. Brian Turner made the announcement on Monday. Turner is a Democrat who represents House District 116 in Buncombe County. He posted on Facebook that he contact people who might've been exposed. Turner said he was not at the N.C. State Legislative Building for the first day of the legislative session last Wednesday. He said he plans to return to the General Assembly on Jan. 27 if his symptoms improve. Turner said there was no specific event to which he can link his exposure.

January 16, 2021

11:00 a.m.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health is now accepting new COVID-19 vaccine appointments from people over the age of 75 and healthcare workers. 

Those interested can register for an appointment online only. In a press release, the department said the website has 2,300 appointments available from Jan. 20-23. Vaccination appointments before the Jan. 20 have already been booked. 

The county is not yet accepting appointments from seniors youngers than 75.

January 15, 2021

5:25 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is now taking COVID-19 vaccine appointments from people over the age of 65. The department announced it received 1500 additional vaccine doses from NCDHHS.

Those interested can register for an appointment online. The additional appointment slots are only available online and opened today at 5 p.m.

3:45 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 541 new COVID-19 cases, and 264 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 336 COVID-19 deaths. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 15.9%, and the total case count for the county is 27,595.

2:25 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 278 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 24,381. There have been a total of 246 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county.

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

1:10 p.m.

Health and law enforcement officials in Greensboro are still working to identify and contain a COVID-19 outbreak at the Guilford County jail. The efforts are in response to the recent discovery of 26 inmates there who tested positive for the disease.

It began last week when three inmates who lived in the same housing pod became symptomatic and tested positive. The remaining 23 prisoners there were tested and found to be infected as well.

January 14, 2021

4:36 p.m. 

A school in Yadkin County is moving to remote learning after students tested positive for COVID-19. According to a message on its website, several students at Starmount High School tested positive this week and several staff members are in isolation or quarantine. The school plans to return to in-person classes Monday, January 25th. The campus will be closed for the next two days so that deep cleaning of all classrooms, restrooms, workrooms, athletic facilities, and offices can take place. All after school activities for the rest of this week and weekend are cancelled and a decision about resuming these activities will be made next week.

4:22 p.m.

Forsyth County is preparing to open COVID-19 vaccinations to people age 65 and older. But Public Health Director Joshua Swift says they may have to wait a while, given the overwhelming demand they've already seen.

After vaccines became available to those 75 and older, the county fielded over 50,000 calls in three days from people seeking appointments. Since then, they have hired about 15 new staffers just to call back those who were put on hold. Swift says they are looking at ways to increase their capacity moving forward. 

Swift says currently the county is able to vaccinate about 500 people per day at its clinic. He noted that more than 55,000 Forsyth County residents are over the age of 65.

2:33 p.m.

Novant Health announced it will open six mass vaccination sites in 14 counties in an effort to deliver one million doses by April. The news came after the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services committed to increase its vaccine supply allotment. Novant has requested  95,000 doses a week to meet the demand. The state announced Thursday the expansion of phase b, group 1 to include persons 65 or older. According to a press release, Novant plans to offer 20,000 vaccines per day. The health care system is also partnering with Trane Technologies, which will provide freezers for ultra cold storage. 

1:40 p.m.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D., and Director of North Carolina Emergency Management Mike Sprayberry are holding a media briefing at 2 p.m. regarding COVID-19. Watch live on our blog. 

1:10 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is partnering with health systems, local health departments, and community health centers across the state to host community COVID-19 vaccine events for people currently eligible to be vaccinated. More than 45,000 vaccines are expected to be given through these events. 

Partners were selected based on their ability to administer a large number of vaccine doses or to provide access to vaccine doses to marginalized communities. NC Emergency Management and the National Guard are also providing support in some locations. 

Some locations are providing the vaccine by appointment only. To learn more about the events, visit the websites of the providers which are listed by county here. 

The COVID-19 vaccine will be available according to the state's rollout plan and it will be free of charge, regardless of access to health insurance or legal status. As the vaccine rollout moves to the next phases, those in earlier prioritization groups will remain eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

NCDHHS is partnering with health systems across the state to host large community vaccine events for people currently eligible to be vaccinated.

More than 45,000 vaccines are expected to be given through these events: https://t.co/JoQKHG1Aqh

(1/2) pic.twitter.com/fYkBJTN9UR

— NCDHHS (@ncdhhs) January 14, 2021

12:55 p.m.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced today that COVID-19 vaccine providers can vaccinate all health care workers and anyone 65 years and older.  

According to a press release, since vaccine supplies are limited, states must make it available in phases. Independent state and federal public health advisory committees recommend first protecting health care workers, people who are at the highest risk of being hospitalized or dying, and those at high risk of exposure to COVID-19. 

NCDHHS says it is the responsibility of all vaccine providers to ensure equitable access to vaccines. This will mean taking intentional actions to reach and engage historically marginalized communities. 

As part of the ongoing effort to educate North Carolinians about the safety, benefits, and importance of receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, NCDHHS launched "You have a spot. Take your shot." to provide all North Carolinians with information about COVID-19 vaccine development, testing, safety, side-effects, and reactions.  

12:35 p.m.

Guilford County has amended its State of Emergency order to prohibit on-premises, indoor patronage of restaurants and bars for to-go ordering and pick-up after 10 p.m.

In December of last year, Gov. Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 183, allowing restaurants and bars to expand their delivery and takeout services to include mixed beverages, as an alternative to on-site consumption past the 10:00 p.m. curfew.

Chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners Skip Alston said that the county has seen an increase in the spread of COVID-19, with a test positivity rate rising in the community. According to Alston, opportunities for local businesses to generate revenue must be weighed against doing what is needed to limit the unprecedented spread of the novel coronavirus.

The decision followed consultation with commissioners, members of the restaurant industry, law enforcement, and local municipalities.

As of Friday, Jan. 15 at 5 p.m., there will be no indoor patronage of bars or restaurants allowed after curfew. Delivery, curbside, pickup, and to-go ordering must be done outside.

10:20 a.m.

Twenty-six inmates who are in the same pod have tested positive for the coronavirus at the Guilford County Detention Center.

Sheriff Danny Rogers said three residents began showing symptoms last week and were quarantined, monitored, and tested, with positive results. Then 23 additional inmates tested positive and are asymptomatic, according to the sheriff. 

All Guilford County Detention Center inmates and staff will be tested, following advice from the Guilford County Health Department.

9:45 a.m.

So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's advice on priorities for the COVID-19 vaccine have been in flux. But county officials are already rolling out the vaccine for the 75 and older population across the state. Recent guidance from the federal government would lower the age to 65, but states can apply this guidance in different ways.

As of now, seniors 75 and older may have to wait a little while, and will likely need to make an appointment with their local health department or hospital. Those seeking a COVID-19 vaccination can search online by zip code on the NC Department of Health and Human Services “find your spot” website, or call their toll-free number.

Read the full Carolina Curious story here.

January 13, 2021

5:18 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 599 new COVID-19 cases, and 270 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified a total of 336 COVID-19 deaths. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 13.4%, and the total number of cases for the county is 26,492.

2:40 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 116 new cases of COVID-19 today. The total number of cases is 23,776. There have been a total of 236 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. The percentage of positive test results is 22.2% for the time frame of 12/27/20 - 1/9/21.

Click here for more information on testing information and locations, and FAQs.

1:26 p.m.

A COVID-19 outbreak has been reported at an Alamance County high school, according to a statement released by the school district Tuesday.

A total of six cases have been connected to Southern Alamance High School in Graham. Three students and three staff members who had recently been on campus have tested positive for the virus. 

The Alamance-Burlington School System says affected areas of the school building have been disinfected and those who have been in close contact with positive cases have been notified by the county's health department. 

12:51 p.m.

COVID-19 Vaccinations will soon be offered at the Greensboro Coliseum. 

Guilford County and Cone Health will start providing vaccinations at the coliseum for those 75 and older on Tuesday, January 19th.  The vaccinations will be by appointment only.

Guilford County residents can register through a county website, while non-residents can sign up through Cone Health. In-person registration at the coliseum will begin this Friday at 10 a.m. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

10:35 a.m.

Guilford County Schools is delaying bringing back middle and high school students for in-person instruction for at least three weeks. Both groups were scheduled to return this month and will continue with remote learning.

The board of education voted 5 to 4 to delay reentry for these students after a long meeting Tuesday night.

Board members weighed recent COVID-19 data presented by local public health officials. Guilford County's positivity rate is more than 13 percent and hospitalizations reached record levels in recent weeks.

January 12, 2021

5:26 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 681 new COVID-19 cases, and 256 current hospitalizations. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 13.4%, and the total case count for the county is 25,893.

4:48 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 256 new cases of COVID-19 Monday. The total number of cases is 23,660. There have been a total of 235 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

3:00 p.m.

Governor Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will share an update on COVID-19 at 3:30 p.m. Watch live or listen to 88.5 WFDD.

11:31 a.m.

Appalachian State University is pushing back the return to campus schedule after a spike in Watauga County's COVID-19 cases.

Remote classes for the spring semester at Appalachian will begin as scheduled January 19. But in-person classes have been postponed until Feb. 1, and students will be informed about when they can return to their residence halls.

UNC Charlotte also recently announced a delay in the return to campus until Feb. 22. Online classes will begin as scheduled on Jan. 20.

January 11, 2021

4:26 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 512 new COVID-19 cases, and 275 current hospitalizations. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 11.5%, and the total case count for the county is 25,212.

3:53 p.m.

The National Guard is helping the Forsyth County Department of Public Health with their COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Twelve National Guard members arrived on Monday of this week to assist in administering the vaccine, help with data entry, and other logistical aspects. As of Sunday, the department has vaccinated approximately 3,500 individuals since receiving their first shipment of the vaccine on December 22.

3:26 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 199 new cases of COVID-19 Monday. The total number of cases is 23,404. There have been a total of 235 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

January 8, 2021

6:06 p.m.

Ninety-two percent of all staffed intensive care beds across the Triad region are currently occupied, as of Friday. That's according to data released by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Only 42 staffed ICU beds remain available in the region.

Cone Health now projects it will exceed its capacity on January 20, one day earlier than it had originally forecasted.

At a press conference earlier today, state health secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said the situation in hospitals statewide has become dire.

“Many hospitals have stopped non-urgent procedures to free up staff or have opened additional COVID units," she said. "The situation is so critical that last week the federal government said that if you were with people that you don't live with, you should assume you've become infected with COVID and you're a danger to others.”

Both Forsyth and Guilford Counties are designated “red” under the state's COVID-19 county alert system, indicating the highest level of viral spread. Eighty-four of the state's 100 counties now fall under that category. 

3:40 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 600 new COVID-19 cases, and 251 current hospitalizations. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 11.5%, and the total case count for the county is 24,700.

3:22 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 279 new cases of COVID-19 Friday. The total number of cases is 22,527. There have been a total of 234 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

1:08 p.m. 

Guilford County reported an outage for their vaccine appointment hotline earlier today. The county announced just after 10:30 a.m. that the lines started working again and that over 1,500 were in a call-waiting queue. On its Twitter feed, the county said demands for appointment far exceeded doses, but that it was working to ensure those who wanted one had access. 

We apologize for the exceptionally long wait times when calling the #CovidVaccine appt. hotline. We currently have received 11, 250 calls since 8a.m. and are working through scheduling appts. as quickly as possible. We ask for continued patience as we work through this process.

— Guilford County (@GuilfordCounty) January 8, 2021

12:05 p.m. 

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D, will hold a media briefing regarding COVID-19 at 1 p.m. Watch live here: 

11:04 a.m. 

Cone Health will begin vaccinating those 75 and older beginning this weekend. At the outset, a few hundred will be vaccinated per day to help the system prepare for larger-scale vaccinations later in the month. COVID-19 vaccinations begin Saturday at Cone Health Green Valley campus at 801 Green Valley Rd in Greensboro and are by appointment only. Registration is required and can be done here or by calling 336-890-1188. There is no cost to the patient. Those receiving vaccinations should expect it to take up to an hour to allow for safety monitoring. The larger-scale is expected to begin after the Martin Luther King holiday with details forthcoming. 

10:43 a.m. 

Top North Carolina prison officials are discussing whether to offer incentives to inmates who decide to get vaccinated. Commissioner of Prisons Todd Ishee said Thursday that increased visitation privileges are among the options being considered. The state's governor and top public health officials have rejected the idea of implementing financial incentives statewide. Vaccine hesitancy has proven high among nursing home residents. Residents and workers are being paid to take a COVID-19 vaccine in some of the state's long-term care facilities. This comes as the state sees its highest levels of spread yet. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday extended a 10 p.m. curfew by three additional weeks to Jan. 29. However, he declined to take any new actions to limit transmission.

- The Associated Press

January 7, 2021

6:12 p.m.

Nearly 4,000 air purifiers are being installed in the ductwork of 53 North Carolina prisons in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.

These “air ionizers” work by making the virus particles heavier and easier to filter.

The IWave air purifiers were bought last month at a cost of $1.8 million and are in the process of being installed in the ductwork in the facilities.

Around 20 percent of the installation has been completed and the project is anticipated to be finished by early next month. Installation is being done by Prisons' facility management staff with the assistance of staff in Central Engineering and the Department of Public Safety's Office of Safety, Occupational and Environment Health.

5:33 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 661 new COVID-19 cases, and 257 current hospitalizations. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 11.2%, and the total case count for the county is 24,100.

4:36 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 335 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday. The total number of cases is 22,248. There have been a total of 233 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

3:50 p.m.

Wake Forest Baptist Health today began offering the COVID-19 vaccine to a small group of its patients 75 and older at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Wake Forest Baptist patients will continue to be updated about access to vaccination opportunities through their myWakeHealth account and on Wake Forest Baptist's COVID-19 Vaccine website at www.wakehealth.edu/Coronavirus/Vaccine.

Today we began offering the #COVID19 vaccine to a small group of its patients 75 and older at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. 77-year old Pat Dodson, from Clemmons, was the first Wake Forest Baptist patient to receive the vaccine. pic.twitter.com/bQtzPMmUas

— Wake Forest Baptist (@wakehealth) January 7, 2021

2:28 p.m.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health is reaching its capacity for appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors age 75 and older. The appointment line will no longer be accepting calls starting at 2 p.m. on Jan. 7. Public Health staff has a call log from its phone system and will be returning calls of those who couldn't get through, in the order they were received, until all remaining appointments are filled. Public Health staff will leave messages but will not accept return calls. Registration options will be opened again once Public Health receives more vaccine.

The vaccine appointment line number, 336-703-2081, will show up in the caller ID of those who are called. Since thousands of people called the appointment line, staff will only try to contact each person one time until the appointments are full.

Since December 23, Public Health and Emergency Services staff have vaccinated approximately 2,300 individuals. Staff vaccinated 550 people yesterday, which was the first day for seniors age 75 and older, who are Group 1 of Phase 1b of the vaccine rollout.

Our vaccine line is no longer accepting calls as we're close to capacity. Public Health staff is returning calls in the order they were received, until all remaining appointments are filled. Registration will reopen again once we get more vaccine. https://t.co/DuzfG9u70Z pic.twitter.com/p0bmd8DFzu

— Forsyth County Dept of Public Health (@fcpublichealth) January 7, 2021

12:30 p.m.

The NC Department of Health and Human Services is reporting 10,398 new cases of COVID-19, setting a new daily record. 

North Carolina has set a new one-day record with nearly 10,400 new cases. These numbers paint a dark picture — COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across our state. We're at a critical point in our fight against this virus and all need to take responsibility for our own actions.

— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) January 7, 2021

11:05 a.m.

Cone Health, Novant Health, and Wake Forest Baptist Health are looking at ways to coordinate efforts as they respond to COVID-19 and rising hospitalizations.

In a press release, the health care providers said they've been communicating since the beginning of the pandemic. That has evolved into weekly planning calls with physician leaders, emergency management teams, and nursing leaders. This will allow for coordination of medical care across the region, if necessary. 

The group is also launching a marketing campaign comprised of billboards, commercials, and online ads throughout the Triad urging the public to “choose courage” and recommit to the 3Ws to slow down the spread of COVID-19 cases in the area.

January 6, 2021

6:05 p.m. 

North Carolina's new chief justice says he's asked Gov. Roy Cooper to consider getting COVID-19 vaccines more quickly to local court officials to meet a requirement to keep open the courts. Chief Justice Paul Newby made the remark at Wednesday's online installation ceremony for himself and two new justices. Court activities in all 100 counties have been dramatically scaled back since the pandemic began. Last month, outgoing Chief Justice Cheri Beasley delayed most court proceedings statewide for 30 days, citing a case surge. Associate Justices Phil Berger Jr. and Tamara Barringer also participated in Wednesday's ceremony.

5:12 p.m. 

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has extended the statewide curfew but added no new restrictions on businesses or individuals. Several counties in the state have begun vaccinating adults 75 years or older. Public health officials are warning that demand is outpacing supply and will continue to be limited in the coming weeks. Hospital workers that have come into frequent contact with COVID-19 were prioritized first. The state hopes education will help boost vaccine participation among workers in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes.

2:37 p.m.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health has begun vaccinating seniors age 75 and older. These individuals make up Group 1 of Phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

According to a press release, over 400 vaccination appointments have been booked for Wednesday, with more booked for other days. The current vaccine supply is limited and the department won't be operating on a larger scale until more vaccines are available next month.

The vaccination appointment line is experiencing extremely high call volumes with more than 700 callers on the line at once yesterday evening. The high call volumes are also causing technical issues that the county is working to rectify. Those who do not want to experience these wait times are encouraged to call back at a later date.

1:30 p.m.

Governor Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will share an update on COVID-19 at 2 p.m. Watch live or listen to 88.5 WFDD.

12:35 p.m.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is continuing with its plan to bring back more students for in-person learning.

The school board paused its reopening plan in November because of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the community. But it's now moving forward.

On Monday, January 11, grades 2, 3 and 6 will return. The following week (Jan.19), Grades 4, 5, 7 and 8 will head back. High school students are also scheduled to return the week of January 25. 

Flex days will also change from Fridays to Wednesdays starting in early February to allow teachers more time to plan for lessons and for deep cleaning.

January 5, 2021

6:21 p.m.

Forsyth and Guilford County residents over the age 75 will soon be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Beginning Wednesday, Forsyth County will begin vaccinating people ages 75 and older, regardless of health conditions. Guilford County will do the same starting Monday. 

Forsyth residents who qualify can now call the county public health department to schedule an appointment. Appointment phone lines at the Guilford County Public Health Department will open Friday at 8 a.m.

County officials say callers will need to be patient due to high call volume. 

Davidson County also began taking appointments for residents 75 and over on Monday. Officials report all 1,100 slots for this week were filled within a few hours. 

5:45 p.m.

North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen says most nursing home workers are refusing coronavirus vaccines. 

In an interview with the Associated Press, Cohen noted that vaccine hesitancy among long-term care staff is “concerning.” She said anecdotal reports indicate that more than half are declining to be immunized. 

This comes as the state sees one of the slowest vaccines rollouts in the nation. 

Gov. Roy Cooper is deploying National Guard members to help accelerate COVID-19 vaccinations. Cohen says some will serve as vaccinators. Other members will help with logistics of vaccination events. 

Nearly 110,000 people in North Carolina had received their first dose as of Tuesday morning. This represents less than 1% of the state's population of 10.5 million people. 

5:17 p.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 523 new COVID-19 cases, and 238 current hospitalizations. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 10.4%, and the total case count for the county is 22,995.

3:34 p.m.

The Interactive Resource Center in Greensboro has re-opened a hotel shelter program for people experiencing homelessness. The white flag emergency winter shelter program will be moved to a hotel shelter program through the beginning of March. The program aims to keep people experiencing homelessness from facing extreme, potentially deadly temperatures while living on the street, while simultaneously stopping the spread of COVID-19 in Guilford County. 

2:50 p.m.

Forsyth County health officials are urging patience during the inital phases of COVID-19 vaccinations. High call volumes will result in long wait times for callers and Public Health's supply of vaccine is limited. The vaccinations won't be operating at a larger scale until more vaccine is available in February. The public health department says staff is working to improve the appointment process and plans to add online options when it has more vaccine. In a press release, officials say, "While the supply is currently limited, Public Health continues to receive shipments of COVID-19 vaccines and will be able to vaccinate everyone who falls into each Phase over the next several months. Public health has been doing COVID-19 vaccinations almost every day since receiving its first shipment on Dec. 23, following the proper storage and usage guidelines for each vaccine." 

2:42 p.m.

NCDHHS announced that Food and Nutrition Services recipients will see a temporary increase in the amount of benefits they receive. This increase is part of the federal Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020.

The maximum benefit amount for households receiving FNS will increase by 15% until June 30, 2021. This increase will end on June 30, 2021, when benefit amounts will return to their current levels. 

1:21 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 164 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday. The total number of cases is 21,691. There have been a total of 231 deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in the county. Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

10:50 a.m.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reporting 293 new COVID-19 cases, and 244 current hospitalizations. GCDPH has verified six new deaths, and a total of 312 COVID-19 deaths. 

The percent-positive for the last 14 days is 10.4%, and the total case count for the county is 22,472.

January 4, 2021

2:09 p.m.

North Carolina A&T State University will receive five deep-cold storage freezers for COVID-19 vaccines. The school will receive two large Stirling Ultracold units and three smaller ones, creating capacity for cold storage of 117,600 COVID-19 vaccines. The smaller units are mobile freezers, which will enable A&T to help serve underserved community populations. The UNC System office will coordinate distribution of vaccines to system campuses with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Offices. Neither A&T nor its system peers will independently procure vaccines.

1:56 p.m.

Forsyth County is reporting 160 cases of COVID-19 and six deaths Monday. Over the weekend, there were 724 new cases and four deaths. The total number of cases is 21,527. Click here for more information on testing information and locations, percentage of tests that are positive during the last 14 days, and FAQs.

On Wednesday, Jan.6, the Forsyth County Department of Public Health will open Tier 1 of Phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout to the public, which is devoted to vaccinating all individuals 75 years old and older, regardless of health conditions. 

Individuals that meet this criteria can call 336-703-2081 to schedule an appointment. Due to high call volume, callers will need to be patient. It's important for individuals to attend their appointment or cancel at least two hours in advance. There's a limited time frame to use the vaccine once it's thawed for use. So that none of Public Health's limited supply of vaccine goes to waste, staff need time to schedule others to receive the vaccine in the event of a cancelation. 

Vaccinations for those in Phase 1a, which is health care workers fighting COVID-19 and long-term care residents and staff, will also continue. Vaccinations for Phase 1a and Tier 1 of Phase 1b are expected to continue for several more weeks. 

The upcoming Tier 2 for Phase 1b will be healthcare workers and frontline workers 50 years-old and older, followed by Tier 3 for healthcare and frontline workers of any age. Public Health will notify the public when it is ready to begin these tiers. 

1:20 p.m.

Cone Health has shared a new graph created by the Cone Health Enterprise Analytics Team which shows the impact of COVID-19 cases and hospitalization numbers. 

The rising numbers of COVID-19 cases threaten to overwhelm hospitals. What does that mean and when will that happen? This new graph uses the latest analytics to forecast COVID-19 cases in our area and their impact. View the data here: https://t.co/vfdsXn3mCF

— ConeHealth (@ConeHealth) January 4, 2021

Click here for previous updates.