North Carolina breaks half a million total confirmed COVID-19 cases

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COVID-19

Here you can find up-to-the-minute information on the coronavirus in the Piedmont Triad, North Carolina and the surrounding region.

Click the video player above for the latest information from North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper.

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Nearly two-thirds of NC’s counties now in COVID-19 red zone

1:30 p.m. Saturday: On Saturday, North Carolina’s updated COVID numbers showed 513,930 total cases statewide — breaking over half a million total confirmed cases since the pandemic began.

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COVID-19

North Carolina recorded nearly 5,400 new COVID-19 cases in the state Saturday. More than 3,000 are hospitalized over the holiday weekend.

5:15 p.m. Friday: Duke’s women basketball has ended its season because of the pandemic, a source told the Associated Press on Friday.

The team has been on pause since Dec. 16 because of two positive COVID tests and contact tracing within the program’s travel party.

6:05 p.m. Thursday: Chancey Gallimore, the owner of a Salon in King, said for her, it all started with a simple note.

“My hope is that this gift will bring you and four others a spark of happiness and good vibes during what has proven to be a challenging time for all,” Gallimore said as read aloud the letter that came from her surprise gift.

© The Associated Press
The Davidson County Health Department announced it received an initial shipment of the Moderna vaccine.

A client wanted to help her and others during the pandemic. Click here to read more.

12 p.m. Thursday: Gov. Roy Cooper tweeted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

“Merry Christmas! Wishing everybody a safe and peaceful holiday. This year may be different, but being safe shows your love and concern for others.”

11 a.m. Thursday: Public inauguration festivities for Gov. Roy Cooper and other statewide elected officials will again be subdued, this time because of the coronavirus. Click here to read more.

10:30 a.m. Thursday: Guilford County coronavirus testing sites will change to winter holiday schedules:

• Greensboro: Piedmont Hall – 2409 West Gate City Boulevard
  • Closed: Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 28, Jan. 1
  • Modified Hours: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Dec. 31

• High Point: Guilford County Division of Public Health – 501 East Green Drive
  • Closed: Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 28, Jan. 1
  • Modified Hours: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Dec. 29, Dec. 30, Dec. 31

9:15 p.m. Wednesday: The North Carolina Sheriff’s Association accused Gov. Roy Cooper of violating state law by issuing an executive order allowing the sale of carry-out or delivery of mixed alcoholic beverages in a sealed container.

The association released a memo detailing the allegation on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for Gov.Cooper, Mary Scott Winstead, provided WXII with the following response to the allegation:

“The Governor’s Office works to ensure that executive orders adhere to state law and has consulted with the Department of Justice and received concurrence from the Council of State without objection in allowing to-go beverages. Local law enforcement should continue to enforce the Governor’s executive orders and state law.”

9:00 p.m. Wednesday: The North Carolina Bar Owners Association says they filed a lawsuit against Gov. Roy Cooper and the state of North Carolina over restrictions on bars they say made the facilities unprofitable to operate.

3:20 p.m. Wednesday: Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday that he plans to extend the state’s eviction moratorium on residential evictions for non-pay rent through at least Jan. 31, 2021.

“This holiday season, too many families are struggling to pay rent as the pandemic surges,” Cooper said. “As the first of the month approaches and rent becomes due, I wanted people to know that we plan to extend the moratorium on evictions.”

The specific details will be based on whether Congress extends the federal moratorium.

>> RELATED: Concerns over evictions mounting, Forsyth County Sheriff says ‘must fulfill our duties as required by law’

2:55 p.m. Wednesday: WXII and Second Harvest raised $650,526.05 this year during all of our food drives. This will provide more than 4.5 million meals.

Second Harvest Food Bank continues to need more donations in the wake of COVID-19’s impact in North Carolina. Each dollar you pledge stays right here to help Piedmont Triad families know one less need this time of year. To donate, click here.

>> RELATED: High Point churches join forces to fight hunger among seniors with help of Second Harvest Food Bank

2:55 p.m. Tuesday: Nearly two-thirds of North Carolina is in the red zone as part of the county alert system to pinpoint the highest levels of COVID-19 spread throughout the state.

Counties that increased in tier level include:

• Alleghany County
• Davie County
• Randolph County
• Stokes County
• Wilkes County

Counties that increased in hospitalization impact tier level include:

• Montgomery County
• Randolph County
• Surry County

Click here to use the interactive map.

2 p.m. Tuesday: Gov. Roy Cooper is giving an update on the coronavirus in North Carolina before Christmas as NCDHHS reported more than 3,000 hospitalizations for the first time since the pandemic.

“North Carolina needs to drive down our numbers. To do that, we all need to change our holiday plans if you haven’t already,” Cooper said. “The best and safest option is to connect virtually or by phone. But if you gather in-person, keep it small and do it outside. Get a COVID-19 test before you go. Spread out the tables and chairs. Follow the modified Stay at Home Order and be home by 10 PM. And, always, always wear a mask.”

Click the video player below to see the full press conference.

4:20 p.m. Monday: Gov. Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order Monday authorizing the North Carolina ABC Commission to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed drinks as an alternative to on-site consumption.

“This order will help people avoid settings that can contribute to increased viral spread while giving restaurants and bars a financial boost that they need right now,” said Governor Cooper. “With cases and hospitalizations high around the country, let’s all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 while supporting local, small businesses safely.”

The Modified Stay-At-Home Order will remain in place and the sale of alcoholic drinks will end at 9 p.m.

Click the video player below for more information about the new order.

12:30 p.m. Monday: The Davidson County Health Department announced it received an initial shipment of the Moderna vaccine.

This is the first shipment of vaccines to arrive in this county, the health department said. Those in the first eligible group have already been contacted.

“Although the arrival of an effective vaccine is a landmark in the COVID-19 pandemic, now is not the time to let our guard down,” the health department said in a press release. “The health department encourages that you continue to wear a face covering, keep at least 6 feet of distance from others, and wash your hands frequently, to continue to slow the spread of the virus as we work diligently to provide vaccination across Davidson County.”

12:20 p.m. Monday: The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference to discuss evictions and the coronavirus cases in the Forsyth County Detention Center.

When discussing evictions, Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough reminded people that once a judge rules, deputies cannot supersede the law regardless of personal feelings.

“Once that Writ is issued, it is way beyond my control, Kimbrough said. “I have no authority to supersede that. I have no authority to supersede what a judge has decreed. I don’t have that authority, so while I understand, not only do I have sympathy, I have empathy.”

Since September, more than 250 Writs of Possession have been received and the sheriff’s office served more than 200.

When discussing the Forsyth County Detention Center, Facility Director of Nursing B. Williams said mass testing of 568 inmates was done Tuesday and Wednesday.

All of the tests were returned Monday. Of the 568 tests returned, 68 tests were positive, which is a 12.0% positivity rate.

Click here to read more about the coronavirus in the detention center.

Click the video player below to watch the full press conference.

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