Health & Safety

Live Updates: Coronavirus In North Carolina (Week Of March 16)

This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, blue/pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. (NIAID-RML via AP)

March 22, 2020

5:10 p.m.

Wake County has announced strict prohibitions on gatherings and movement that are more restrictive than the statewide orders already in place to blunt the spread of COVID-19. The County says all hair and nail salons, spas, gyms and fitness centers, and tattoo parlors must close starting Monday. 

Assemblies of 50 or more people must be canceled and playground equipment in parks will be off-limits. State officials say they have identified more than 250 COVID-19 cases in the state as of Sunday. That includes about 40 in Wake County.

2:10 p.m.

As Americans adjust to the changes that come with social distancing, many are turning to the great outdoors as park grounds, trails, and greenways remain open for business. 

Nasha McCray, director of the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department, says they're finding new ways to offer programs and safely engage the community. That includes live Facebook videos highlighting wildlife education, how to make your own musical instruments at home, and athletic tutorials.

12:00 p.m.

HanesBrands is converting its production of apparel to the production of cotton masks approved by the Federal Drug Administration. The company is manufacturing the masks under contract with the U.S. federal government. This style of mask is for use when N95 respirator masks are not required or if they are unavailable.

HanesBrands expects to produce 1.5 million masks weekly, and estimates growing to up to 6 million masks per week via a consortium of manufacturers.

11:30 a.m.

No new cases of COVID-19 have been reported today in Forsyth County, so the count remains at 12. Two of the cases are considered community spread, and 10 of the cases are travel-related.

Guilford County now has 11 cases, an increase from yesterday's announcement of seven cases. 

10:15 a.m.

The Forsyth County Fire Department is restricting fire code inspections to construction enforcement, permits, imminent hazard inspections, and inspections that can be done while observing the CDC guidelines. Emergency scene response continues per usual.

 

March 21, 2020

4:54 p.m. 

Wake Forest University is confirming that a student who had recently studied abroad has tested positive for COVID-19. The unidentified student is under isolation at home after a Wake Forest sponsored trip to London. The student returned briefly to campus to retrieve personal items but was not showing symptoms at that time. Currently, the student is reported to be recovering well. Public health officials in the student's home county determined that there was no significant risk to the Wake Forest community.

1:49 p.m.

Elon University has reported that a student studying abroad has tested positive for COVID-19. The student returned to the U.S., but did not go to campus. 

Winston-Salem State has also reported a student who tested positive. Multiple media outlets report that the student had not attended a class on campus in 14 days. 

11:44 a.m.

Four people in Forsyth County tested positive for COVID-19 since yesterday's briefing, according to county officials — bringing the total number of cases to 12 in the county. One of the cases is considered community spread. Seven of the others are travel-related. Officials are investigating whether the additional cases are associated with travel, close contact, or are community spread. 

10:15 a.m. 

According to a press release, Governor Roy Cooper has waived restrictions to increase access to caregivers to provide flexible child care and elder care during the coronavirus emergency. The Order provides flexibility to local health departments working to adapt to the increased need for their resources.

Additionally, it provides for ways for Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices to enact social distancing protections, and waives some registration requirements to ensure resources can be delivered by truck throughout the state.

The Order provides for the following provisions:

  • Improve access to safe, flexible child care for first responders, emergency personnel, food preparers and others;
  • Transfer authority to local health departments to be more flexible with mandates during the crisis, so they can prioritize the most needed services;
  • Lifts some restrictions so that volunteers and other caregivers may care for children and elders during the crisis.

The transportation waiver includes provisions to:

  • Allow DMV offices to ensure appropriate social distancing including requiring appointments and making sure offices have enough space for DMV customers;
  • Postpone DMV hearings that can reasonably be delayed during the crisis response;
  • Offers clarity around regulations so that critical supplies can get where they are needed throughout the state;
  • Waive Commercial Driver's License requirements to ensure school buses can be utilized in responding to the crisis

 

 

March 20, 2020

6:10 p.m.

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Office of Emergency Management has compiled a list of organizations that can provide accurate information on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forsyth County Department of Public Health

North Carolina Division of Public Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2-1-1

For those wanting to make donations or volunteer, the Office of Emergency Management suggests these groups.

Winston-Salem Foundation

HandsOn NWNC

5:45 p.m.

Cone Health is closing a specimen collection site. Citing an increased utilization of resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greensboro drive-thru testing site at 300 E. Wendover Ave. will cease operations. In a press release, Cone Health indicates that the center could reopen when additional supplies become available.

The health care provider is also experiencing scarcity with other resources, including blood. People with COVID-19 symptoms who come to Cone Health emergency departments may be assessed in triage tents located outside of entrances.

5:15 p.m.

The Greensboro City Council is recommending gatherings be limited to 10 people or less. They also suggest that all gyms, fitness centers, health clubs, yoga studios, and theaters cease operations, immediately. 

“As Mayor, I jointly signed onto Guilford County's Emergency Declaration on March 13, but since the circumstances have changed, we want to take additional precautions, that are not currently available under the declaration,” said Mayor Vaughan. “We know that limiting gatherings to 10 people or less will be difficult, but this is a necessity for our community to stay as safe as possible.” 

4:05 p.m.

State Board of Elections Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell has rescheduled the Republican second primary in the 11th Congressional District to Tuesday, June 23.

“The health and safety of North Carolina voters, election staff and poll workers is our top priority during this time,” Brinson Bell said. “State and county elections officials are working hard on plans to ensure voters can cast ballots safely in all future elections, even if the threat from COVID-19 persists.”

3:30 p.m.

Grocery stores have been cutting back hours in response to the coronavirus, and some have also started limiting sales of certain high-demand items. 

Kelly Davis, a spokeswoman for Winston-Salem-based Lowes Foods, says they are limiting sales of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and some cleaning supplies to two per customer.

Davis says the idea has less to do with stopping hoarding and more with making sure there are adequate supplies for those customers who need them.

Fewer hours and supply limits don't mean the stores are losing sales, however. Many are making additional hires as demand soars with the closings of bars and restaurants.

2:30 p.m.

Four additional people from Forsyth County have tested positive for COVID-19. That brings Forsyth's total case count to eight. Seven of the cases are travel-related. The eighth case has not been attributed to travel or close contact.

2:18 p.m.

Cone Health is restricting visitors. Beginning Monday at 6:00 a.m., people will not be allowed to visit friends and relatives in Cone Health hospitals. This is to protect patients and staff from spreading COVID-19.

There are some exceptions:

  • Laboring women will be allowed to have one person with them for their entire hospital visit. That one person can be a spouse, partner or doula.
  • Two parents or guardians will be allowed to visit children under 18.
  • Exceptions can be made to allow a total of four people to visit those nearing the end of life. People should talk with the patient's nurse about these and other situations.

1:55 P.M.

State Public Health Officials, Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Management Officials, and the Department of Public Safety are holding a live media briefing on COVID-19. Participants include:

  • Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson - State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer, NCDHHS
  • Susan Gale Perry - Chief Deputy Secretary, NCDHHS
  • Mike Sprayberry - Director, NC Emergency Management

12:46 p.m.

During a special Board of Governors meeting this morning, UNC System Interim President Bill Roper said he's considering canceling spring commencement ceremonies. 

"We are facing the increasing likelihood that spring graduation ceremonies will be disrupted," he said. "I know and understand that this will disappoint our students and their families, who have worked toward this goal for so many years. But the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff must be our top priority."

Roper said plans for each university will be individualized. 

 

12:31 p.m.

Wake Forest Baptist Health has issued stricter visitor limitations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

11:36 a.m.

Senator Richard Burr has released a statement regarding his sale of stocks shortly before the market declined significantly due to coronavirus concerns.

 

11:15 a.m. 

The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles is canceling Saturday hours at 13 locations across the state, including one in Winston-Salem. 

10:00 a.m. 

Cone Health is closing all 12 of its outpatient rehabilitation facilities until further notice.  Hospitals rehabilitation services will continue operating as usual. 

Staff members are being reassigned to other locations.

March 19, 2020

7:00 p.m.

A ProPublica article reports that North Carolina Senator and chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Richard Burr, sold up to $1.6 million in stocks about a week before the market declined significantly due to coronavirus concerns. According to ProPublica and Reuters, Burr was receiving intelligence briefings around the time of the sales. The article states that, "Members of Congress are required by law to disclose their securities transactions." 

5:30 p.m.

Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued an order that extends court system deadlines. It states that "all pleadings, motions, notices, and other documents and papers that were or are due to be filed in any county of this state on or after 16 March 2020 and before the close of business on 17 April 2020 in civil actions, criminal actions, estates, and special proceedings shall be deemed to be timely filed if they are filed before the close of business on 17 April 2020." According to the Winston-Salem Journal, this allows counties to halt pending evictions as the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office has said it will do.

3:30 p.m.

Greensboro Transit Authority has implemented changes in response to COVID-19. 

GTA's SCAT I-ride program will limit reservations to no more than seven days in advance. Reservations are being taken by the backup call center for at least 15 days, so users you may experience delays in making reservations.

GTA Administrative Offices are closed to the public until further notice. All GTA ID Cards and passes for Fixed Route and SCAT services remain available for purchase at the J. Douglas Galyon Depot Customer Service Office located at 236C W. Washington St.

If agencies are in need of bulk pass purchases, call 336-373-2634.

2:30 p.m.

Forsyth County Public Health Director Joshua Swift briefed county commissioners on Thursday afternoon regarding new cases of COVID-19. Swift, standing a safe distance from the microphone in a room of people practicing social distancing, said there are currently five presumptively positive cases in Forsyth County. The fifth was discovered early Thursday afternoon. Of those cases, one individual's symptoms have resolved. The others are isolated at home. The Health Department is notifying the close contacts of those who have been newly diagnosed with COVID-19. State officials believe community transmission is now occurring though all Forsyth County cases have been related to travel. The Forsyth County Department of Public Health has appointed a nurse as a liason between public health and long-term care facilities. They have also implemented a COVID-19 hotline for those with questions at 336.582.0800.

1:52 p.m.

Guilford County is planning to release inmates with low bonds in response to the coronavirus outbreak, according to the News & Record. At least two other North Carolina counties have begun releasing inmates. 

1:36 p.m.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper says the state needs to brace for longer school closures:  

1:15 p.m.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper confirms the first case of community spread of COVID-19 in the state. 

 

1:05 p.m.

Gov. Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force to holding a COVID-19 update. Watch live: 

 

11:51 a.m.

Two additional people from Forsyth County have tested presumptively positive for COVID-19. That brings the County's total case count to four. The Public Health Director will provide a detailed briefing at 2:00 p.m. today at the beginning of the Board of County Commissioners meeting.

11:28 a.m.

The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee warned a small group of well-connected constituents three weeks ago to prepare for dire economic and societal effects of the coronavirus, according to a secret recording obtained by NPR.

The remarks from U.S. Sen. Richard Burr were more stark than any he had delivered in more public forums.

On Feb. 27, when the United States had 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19, President Trump was tamping down fears and suggesting the virus could be seasonal. On that same day, Burr attended a luncheon held at a social club called the Capitol Hill Club. And he delivered a much more alarming message.

"There's one thing that I can tell you about this: It is much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history," he said, according to a secret recording of the remarks obtained by NPR. "It is probably more akin to the 1918 pandemic."

10:41 a.m.

The Guilford County Division of Public Health has confirmed its second case of coronavirus, according to a press release:

The patient traveled to Florida with family during the first week of March. The patient began experiencing symptoms upon their return from out of state travel during the second week of March. The patient presented to their primary care doctor for testing with a subsequent positive COVID-19 test confirmation. GCDPH is in continual communication with the patient who is in self-isolation. Family members are also in quarantine at this time. GCDPH communicable disease staff has initiated a contact investigation to reduce exposure to the public.

Dr. Iulia Vann, Guilford County Interim Public Health Director stated, “In this unprecedented situation, additional positive cases are not a surprise and we expect to see more as increased testing in the community takes place. We are evaluating every positive case and will focus on contact tracing to reduce the risk of exposure to the community.” 

10:16 a.m.

Unemployment benefit requests in North Carolina surged this week due to the new coronavirus as business activity slowed and as a ban on dining in at restaurants and bars began. The state Division of Employment Security says the number of claims in which people blamed COVID-19 for their layoffs or for reduced hours surpassed the average weekly number of overall claims in less than 24 hours. Similar jobless claim surges are occurring in other states. North Carolina state health officials now count more than 60 residents as testing positive for the virus. Attorney General Josh Stein says his agency is investigating price-gouging complaints. 

March 18, 2020

7:15 p.m. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to North Carolina small businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak. 

“SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist North Carolina small businesses with federal disaster loans. We will be swift in our efforts to help these small businesses recover from the financial impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19),” said SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.

6:20 p.m.

Advocates for the unemployed are applauding Governor Cooper's recent executive order, but say more work needs to be done. In 2013, North Carolina cut unemployment benefits from 26 weeks down to a range of 12 to 20 weeks.

Michele Evermore is with the National Employment Law Project. She says this new measure waives three of the usual requirements for unemployment insurance.

“Work search requirements, which is key during a pandemic,” says Evermore. “Waiving employer experience rating, or making sure employers don't pay extra taxes for workers who become unemployed due to the COVID outbreak. And waiving the waiting week. All of which were included in the executive order, so North Carolina is in good shape to receive that money whenever the senate passes the bill.”

Applicants will also be able to file for benefits if they are given reduced hours, not just laid off entirely. Businesses usually help pay for workers' unemployment benefits, but that rule shouldn't apply in cases related to coronavirus. 

4:45 p.m.

County, city, and nonprofit partners have come together to create the COVID-19 Response Fund for Forsyth County. The goal is to support local citizens impacted by the coronavirus. Organizations working with communities that are disproportionately impacted can apply to request funds. The application will be available by March 27. $600,000 has already been pledged. United Way of Forsyth County and The Winston-Salem Foundation are each donating $100,000 and the City of Winston-Salem will be allocating up to $1 million in matching contributions.

Individuals are welcome to make a donation.

4:15 p.m.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein is urging residents to be on the lookout for price gouging and coronavirus scams.

Now that the governor has declared a state of emergency, it's illegal to sell necessary products at excessively high prices.

The attorney general's office is currently investigating nearly 140 price gouging complaints about groceries, hand sanitizer and cleaning products, said Stein.

Read more from WFAE here.

3:15 p.m.

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the City of Greensboro have published information about public drinking water safety in an effort to clarify issues concerning COVID-19.

·        Read the EPA's list of Q&As.

·        Read about water transmission and COVID-19 on CDC's website.

·        Learn about the City's water treatment process.

According to an EPA public affairs advisory: "The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low."

2:00 p.m.

State public health officials and emergency management officials are holding a press conference. Watch live here:

 

1:00 p.m.

The High Point Market Authority has announced new dates for its postponed Spring 2020 High Point Market which was originally scheduled for April 25-29. The new dates are June 12-14, and the market will run for 3 days instead of 5. Market officials have said they will reassess in mid-May due to the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus.

9:45 a.m.

Cone Health has updated its visitor policy. "Every Cone Health patient – whether in a hospital or an outpatient office– is limited to one guest." The policy changes go into effect Wednesday, March 18.

March 17, 2020

6:35 p.m.

Six members of the Winston-Salem City Council and two city staff members are in self-quarantine until March 26. The Forsyth County public health director made the suggestion after learning that they attended a conference with two people who have COVID-19.

6:20 p.m.

Multiple library closings have been announced in response to coronavirus. All Forsyth County Public Library branches are now closed to the public. There will be a pick-up service offered Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All Greensboro public libraries are closed until further notice due to COVID-19 concerns.

5:35 p.m.

The N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles will close some of their offices starting Wednesday, March 18.

Open DMV offices will only handle appointment-based visits, and there will be a limit on the number of customers allowed inside.

 

5:02 p.m.

Drive-thru screening of COVID-19 is now available in Forsyth County. Novant Health is partnering with LabCorp to conduct the tests. These sites are for people who suspect they have coronavirus and want prompt screening, even without a physician referral.

There are currently two sites in the county — one in Winston-Salem at 600 Highland Oaks Drive, and one in Kernersville at 111 Gateway Center Dr. Both are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Wake Forest Baptist Health, Atrium Health, and Novant Health are rescheduling non-essential surgeries, procedures, and ambulatory appointments starting Wednesday, March 18. Any emergency and essential services will continue uninterrupted.

A news release states, "Patients who fall into this category will receive communication from their health care provider with further instructions. If patients have specific questions, they should reach out to their health care provider to understand how this decision will impact their appointment or procedure."

4:03 p.m.

The City of High Point has declared a state of emergency in coordination with North Carolina's response to the coronavirus. It includes prohibiting mass gatherings on city property. It also restricts access to the following city facilities: The High Point Library, High Point Museum, High Point Theatre, and City of High Point recreation centers until further notice. 

 

3:04 p.m.

Dare County is restricting access to its beaches in the Outer Banks to discourage discretionary travel. 

 

1:31 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force are holding a media briefing today at 2 p.m. At that briefing, Governor Cooper will announce a new executive order in response to COVID-19 that closes restaurants and bars for dine-in customers but allows them to continue takeout and delivery orders. The executive order will also include an expansion of unemployment insurance to help North Carolina workers affected by COVID-19. Watch it live: 

 

1:01 p.m.

The Boone Chamber of Commerce is keeping a list of restaurants and retailers offering gift cards, delivery, and take-out options after Governor Roy Cooper announced an executive order to close restaurants and bars to dine-in customers.

10:52 a.m.

Guilford County confirms first case of COVID-19. 

Dr. Julia Vann, Guilford County Interim Public Health Director stated, “Since we have this first confirmed case, we anticipate additional positive testing. The County is heavily monitoring this case and will continue to address future cases as they arise. It continues to be important for the community to follow the preventive measures outlined by the CDC and contact their primary care doctors if they are experiencing symptoms.”

10:27 a.m.

Governor Roy Cooper has announced an executive order to close restaurants and bars to dine-in customers. Take-out and delivery will continue.

 

10:20 a.m.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has asked the federal government's small business agency to declare an emergency because of the coronavirus so merchants and firms can access low-interest loans.

Cooper's request to the Small Business Administration announced Monday comes as the state enters the first full week of banned large gatherings and closed public schools statewide.

Restaurants, bars, and retailers can remain open under his latest executive order, but guidance from state health officials discourage crowds at them, and additional suggestions for residents to stay close to home are taking their toll on many businesses.

8:32 a.m.

Guilford County Schools has announced that beginning on Wednesday, March 18, the district is setting up grab-and-go sites for food distribution across the county for any children ages 0 – 18.

Children will be able to pick up meals Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the sites. Students will pick up their lunch for the day, and breakfast for the following morning.

GCS also started delivering meals to our most vulnerable students today, including those that are homeless or in transition. Delivery to these students will continue for at least the next two weeks.

Students may pick up meals from any school location:

March 16, 2020

7:09 p.m.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools announces updates on meal deliveries:

WS/FCS will continue serving breakfast and lunch throughout the week, but as of Tuesday, the meals will only be served at select schools in each community. Please check out our website to find the location nearest you for lunch or breakfast.  Any child 18 and under can eat for free at any of the locations.  Meals are being served from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  

We also will begin phasing in our meal delivery plans starting Tuesday.  Buses will run strategically selected routes, stopping to deliver meals along the way. Please check the website each day for details as we adjust and update the routes and plans as needed.

If you are interested in donating basic school supplies, you can drop them off at the WS/FCS Warehouse at 4307 Idlewild Industrial Drive in Winston-Salem, weekdays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

If you are interested in donating food, we ask that all food donations be taken to Second Harvest Food Bank as they work to support backpack, dinner and other programs for children and families.

We continue to work to begin eLearning options later this week and remember if there are personal items you need to pick up at school, they are open to pick up personal items from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. through Wednesday. 

5:55 p.m.

According to the state health director, there are 33 cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina, and of those cases, one individual has been hospitalized.

Dr. Elizabeth Tilson shared the latest information at a press briefing.

She said that as of Monday morning, the state lab has tested 329 individuals and now has the capacity to test 1,300.

Currently, testing is only being recommended for people who have fever, cough or shortness of breath, and are flu-negative.

5:29 p.m.

Housing advocates are pushing for a stop to evictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Meanwhile, Forsyth County is moving ahead with the cases that have already been through the courts. Members of the advocacy group Housing Justice Now are calling for an immediate moratorium on evictions.

Over the weekend, North Carolina Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued a coronavirus update postponing new magistrate hearings including summary ejectments for 30 days. But there are 76 eviction cases pending in Forsyth County, and law enforcement is duty-bound to follow up on those that have already been through the courts.

Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough is currently petitioning Governor Roy Cooper to intervene. 

3:29 p.m.

Visit Winston-Salem has announced the following are closed due to the threat of coronavirus: 

  • All recreation centers and programs will be closed until further notice. This includes all after-school and WePLAY day camps and senior feeding programs.
  • All public facilities will be closed until further notice. This includes the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, the Benton Convention Center, BB&T Ballpark, and Bowman Gray Stadium.
  • City Hall and Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building will operate under normal business hours for critical city business only that cannot be done online or over the phone.
  • Old Salem Museums & Gardens is temporarily closed to the public.
  • The Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University is temporarily closed.
  • Reynolda House Museum of American Art is temporarily closed to the public.
  • a/perture cinema is temporarily closed through at least April 3.
  • Kaleideum Downtown and Kaleideum North are temporarily closed to the public.
  • Körner's Folly is temporarily closed to the public through Friday, March 27. Events have been canceled through March 31.
  • Sawtooth School for Visual Art is temporarily closed for the next two weeks.
  • The University of North Carolina School of the Arts has announced student and guest artist performances are suspended through April 5.
  • Piedmont Opera has canceled its performances of “The King and I” scheduled for the Stevens Center.
  • The Winston-Salem Symphony has postponed its April 5 and 7 concerts scheduled for the Stevens Center.
  • RiverRun International Film Festival has canceled all screenings.
  • The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County will temporarily close, to public access, the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts (“Rhodes Center”) and the Hanesbrands Theatre, beginning Tuesday, March 17, until further notice.
  • All Innovation Quarter programmed events are canceled through the end of March, including the March 20th Food Truck Friday event.
  • Ricardo Montaner has postponed Montaner: Tour 2020 at the LJVM Coliseum
  • The Center for Creativity Economy's March 19th Momentum Meetup has been postponed.
  • The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce has postponed all events through April 15.
  • Mixxer will be closed through the remainder of March.
  • All YMCA of Northwest North Carolina facilities are temporarily closed until at least Sunday, March 29.

2:33 p.m.

A person who attended a LEGO convention in North Carolina earlier this month has tested positive for the coronavirus. That has prompted county health officials to urge others who attended to call an information line to see if they may have been exposed to the virus. The News & Observer reports that Wake County officials said Sunday that the person who attended the BrickUniverse LEGO Fan Convention on March 8 at the Raleigh Convention Center had symptoms of the virus while at the convention and has now tested positive. Wake County is asking anyone who was at the event from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to call the COVID-19 information line at 919-856-7044. 

2:01 p.m.

The Town of Boone has issued a State of Emergency in conjunction with a declaration from Watauga County over the weekend. 

12:04 p.m.

Cone Health announced that it will be opening drive-thru testing sites and triage stations outside of emergency departments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means individuals can be tested while avoiding the possibility of spreading the virus to those in a doctor's office or emergency department. The collection centers should be open beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, in Alamance, Guilford, and Rockingham Counties.

Cone Health also says that all five of their emergency departments are setting up separate care stations for those with respiratory symptoms.    

March 15, 2020

5:39 p.m.

The Winston-Salem Forsyth County School district is offering more information about the upcoming school closures. Beginning Monday, March 16, WS/FCS will have breakfast and lunch available for pick up only at all school cafeterias. The meals are free to anyone 18 and under.  Adults can buy meals at cost which is $1 for breakfast and $2 for lunch. The cafeterias will be open to distribute meals between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

The WS/FCS School Closure hotline will be open every day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., during the closure.  Representatives will be on hand to help students and parents with questions about free meals, technology, and instruction. The number to call is (336) 661-3128 and help will be available in English and Spanish.

Schools will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday for parents to stop in and get any personal items or medication students may have left at school.

More information here. 

4:29 p.m.

The City of Winston-Salem announced additional measures to address the threat of COVID-19, which include updates to facilities, services, public safety, and public transportation:

 

The City of Greensboro has announced that it will remain operational, but will reduce operating hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for facilities, including all library branches and recreation centers. Learn more about the updates to facilities, trash and recycling, and suspensions of water shutoffs here. 

 

March 14, 2020

6:45 p.m.

Guilford County Schools held a press conference following Governor Roy Cooper's executive order closing all K-12 public schools across the state starting Monday, March 16th, for at least two weeks. GCS Superintendent Sharon Contreras said this closure includes all before and after-school programming and community facility use.  The school district is developing plans to provide breakfast and lunch to students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunches. Contreras said proposed options for getting meals to students include setting up grab-and-go stations and delivering meals using school buses. Approximately 67 percent of GCS students are considered economically disadvantaged.

GCS is looking into providing childcare services for emergency responders and healthcare workers if needed. The schools have been developing plans for virtual learning for the past two weeks, but Contreras said, "virtual learning will not take the place of or be of the same quantity or quality as the day-to-day instruction your child is currently receiving." Spectrum will provide internet connectivity at no charge for 60 days to children who qualify for free and reduced-price meals. Contreras said details on staff leave, benefits, and compensation would be coming soon.

We are not the Department of Public Health, we are not medical doctors. We are educators, but we love and care for our students very much. And more than anything else we want our students to know that while they are not in our physical presence, we have not forgotten about them. We have not forgotten about our families. And we are going to be here for them, and we are going to support them in any way possible. 

5:00 p.m.

Governor Roy Cooper announced this afternoon that all North Carolina schools will be closed starting Monday, March 16th, for at least two weeks. The executive order also bans all gatherings of 100 people or more.

9:00 a.m.

MerleFest, an annual celebration of music to benefit Wilkes Community College, has been canceled. Event organizers are offering various options for ticketholders.

Click here for previous updates. 

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