COVID-19

Health & Safety

Live Updates: Coronavirus In North Carolina

12:04pm March 04, 2022

by WFDD Staff

Stay up to date with everything COVID-19 related at Coronavirus Central.

WFDD reporters will update this page with the latest news of the coronavirus in North Carolina. Scroll down for older updates. Para versión en Español, haga click aquí.

The NFL and players' union agree to suspend COVID protocols for the 2022 season

7:20pm March 03, 2022

by Jonathan Franklin

With the change in protocol, league players and staff will no longer have to wear face coverings at NFL facilities, regardless of their vaccination status.

Health & Safety

Officials say rapidly declining COVID-19 numbers led to lifting of mask requirements

11:49am March 01, 2022

by Neal Charnoff

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidelines last week, loosening mask mandates.

A police officer mans a checkpoint near Parliament Hill on Wednesday in Ottawa. Ottawa protesters who vowed never to give up are largely gone, chased away by police in riot gear in what was the biggest police operation in the nation's history.

Trudeau revokes emergency powers after Canada blockades end

5:02pm February 23, 2022

by The Associated Press

On Friday, authorities launched the largest police operation in Canadian history, arresting at least 191 people and towing about about 80 vehicles until the streets in front of Parliament were clear.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listens to a question during a news conference on Monday in Ottawa. Trudeau said emergency powers are still needed despite police ending border blockades and the occupation of the nation's capital by truckers and others angry

Canadian lawmakers extend emergency powers act for truck protests

9:23pm February 21, 2022

by The Associated Press

The act allows authorities to declare certain areas as no-go zones. It also allows police to freeze truckers' personal and corporate bank accounts and compel tow truck companies to haul away vehicles.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the U.K. government's new long-term COVID-19 plan, saying self-isolation requirements will be lifted as of Thursday.

Britain will drop COVID-19 self-isolation requirements on Thursday, Johnson announces

4:25pm February 21, 2022

by Vanessa Romo

"Covid will not suddenly disappear," Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Parliament on Monday, adding that "restrictions pose a heavy toll on our economy, our society, our mental well-being."

Passengers are welcomed as they arrive at Sydney International Airport in Sydney on Monday.

Australia reopens its borders to international visitors

1:23am February 21, 2022

by The Associated Press

The move allow international tourists and business travelers into the country for the first time in almost two years.

Kevin Tranbarger poses with his two children outside the Hong Kong International Airport in July, before they left for the United States. A few weeks later, Tranbarger decided to permanently move away from Hong after living there for nearly three decades.

World News

He loved Hong Kong. Its COVID crackdown made him leave without even saying goodbye

8:06am February 20, 2022

by David Gura

Hong Kong has imposed severe restrictions to fight COVID-19. For many expatriates, it's proving the last straw after years of seeing its autonomy erode as China tightens its grip on the territory.

Queue Listen Now

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington. Murthy says that he and the rest of his immediate family have tested positive for COVID-19.

U.S. surgeon general says he and his family have all tested positive for COVID-19

4:47pm February 18, 2022

by Jonathan Franklin

The nation's top doctor says he and his wife have mild symptoms, while his son has a runny nose and low-grade fever. His daughter also recently tested positive for the virus.

The White House says it is planning to distribute masks for children. The announcement comes as many states have been dropping mask requirements for schoolchildren.

The White House says it will make more high-quality masks available for kids

12:34pm February 17, 2022

by Laurel Wamsley

It is not yet clear what type of masks will be distributed. Standard masks do not always fit small faces well.