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Thursday coronavirus updates: More testing, supplies are keys to reopening North Carolina

For immediate questions, call the North Carolina Coronavirus Hotline at 866-462-3821 or 2-1-1.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — WFMY News 2 is providing daily coronavirus updates with the latest information from emergency leaders, the state's task force, health departments, universities, school districts and a lot more.    

APRIL 16, 2020

10:00 p.m. - Wake Forest University offers virtual reading classes in lieu of COVID-19 for children. 

RELATED: Wake Forest providing virtual storytime for children

8:36 p.m. - Mayor Jay Wagner announced that the City of High Point’s local Stay-At-Home Order originally issued on March 25, 2020, in conjunction with the Guilford County Stay at Home Order, will expire at midnight on April 16, 2020, and will not be extended. 

As the local order comes to an end, all High Point residents will now be subject to the provisions of the State’s Order exclusively; removing any confusion on areas which may or may not have been more stringent.

6 p.m. - The White House is expected to explain guidelines for Opening Up America Again!

RELATED: President Trump unveils 'Guidelines for opening up America again'

RELATED: President Trump unveils phased approach to reopening economy

RELATED: Coronavirus live updates: President Trump says data shows US has ‘passed the peak’

5:27 p.m. - Governor Roy Cooper today joined a call with President Donald Trump and Governors from around the country. 

On the call, the White House shared guidelines and information for lifting COVID-19 restrictions currently in place. Governor Cooper shared the following statement after the call:

"Yesterday I laid out what's required for North Carolina's path to gradual re-opening, and it's good the White House has shared similar guidance, but we still need the federal government to help with testing and personal protective equipment. We will continue working with our federal and local partners to beat this virus, protect people's health and recover our economy."

3:52 p.m. - The Gold's Gym on Jonestown Road in Winston-Salem announced it will permanently close. 

Gold’s Gym wrote the following on their Facebook page:

"As our global community continues to navigate the impact of COVID-19, today this includes sharing the news that we have made the difficult decision to permanently close about 30 company-owned gyms across the United States, including this location.

Our focus is and always will be on our members and we will be emailing you with updates on what this means for your membership, pre-paid dues and services soon. This includes seamlessly transferring your membership to another nearby Gold’s Gym location where possible, or working to find ways to help you continue your fitness journey in situations where a physical Gold’s Gym location will no longer be available in your market.

Gold’s Gym has been the world’s trusted fitness authority for more than 50 years and we remain strong as a brand with nearly 700 gyms in 29 countries around the world. We thank you for your continued support and loyalty over the years."

3:00 p.m. - Randolph Health, as a health system, has received $1.5 million in stimulus funds and is anticipating changes in reimbursement.

Hospital leaders said that will enhance cash flow in the coming months to partially offset the loss of revenue from the cancelation of non-essential services. Randolph Health continues its pursuit of a partner health system to implement a sustainable model of care in Randolph County.

2:30 p.m. -  It appears as if more sweethearts have chosen to get closer by tying the knot in Rockingham County. Despite the coronavirus, marriage licenses are up in Rockingham County.

RELATED: Coronavirus bringing couples closer together? Marriage licenses are up in Rockingham County

2 p.m. -  North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D., and Director of NC Emergency Management Mike Sprayberry give COVID-19 updates.  

Noon - Guilford County commissioners confirmed the county's stay-at-home order will expire tonight at midnight. BUT, you still need to follow the state's order. Commissioners said the reason for lifting the order is because it's already very similar to the state's order. 

RELATED: Guilford County's stay-at-home order will expire tonight, but you still need to follow the state's order

10:55 a.m. - There are 14 new coronavirus related deaths statewide bringing the total to 131, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services daily coronavirus numbers report shows. We now have 5,465 confirmed positive cases.

10:30 a.m. - Christopher Ohl, M.D., infectious disease expert with Wake Forest Baptist Health, will give an update on COVID-19 in the Piedmont Triad. He'll talk about the research study that Wake Forest Baptist is leading, explain how to properly use a mask, and provide insight into what the next few weeks might bring. 

9 a.m. - The High Point Market Authority announced the spring 2020 furniture show is canceled. The Market Authority tried to push the event back to June, but with the ongoing pandemic, it made the decision to cancel the event. 

RELATED: High Point Market Authority cancels postponed spring furniture show

7:45 a.m. -  Join us for our digital newscast AFTER GMSShould students take the SAT or ACT at home? And what will you miss most about being at home once things go back to normal? Because things WILL go back to normal! Join the conversation! 

News to note on Thursday: 

  • Three employees at the Harris Teeter distribution center in Greensboro tested positive for coronavirus. The grocery chain is working with state and local agencies to ensure the safety of its workers and customers. 
  • Will Greensboro extend its stay-at-home order? It technically goes until the end of today, but it doesn't mean much will change. You still have to follow the statewide stay-at-home order through April 29. Our Jess Winters spoke to Mayor Nancy Vaughan about what she thinks is best.
  • Be careful about what you track into your home. We're not talking about mud. Your shoes could carry coronavirus, according to a new study by the CDC. The study said COVID-19 was detected on the shoes of medical staff.

RELATED: New Trump guidelines Thursday aim to ease some social distancing restrictions

RELATED: 5 million new jobless claims expected when weekly report released Thursday

FACTS NOT FEAR

Remember facts, not fear when talking about the coronavirus. You should take the same measures recommended by health leaders to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses. That means washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and covering coughs and sneezes.

WHERE YOU GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS IS IMPORTANT 

It is important to make sure the information you are getting about the coronavirus is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS. Be careful not to spread misinformation about coronavirus on social media. 

For more information visit the CDC OR NCDHHS

NC CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE 

The state also has a special hotline set up where you can call 866-462-3821 for more information on the coronavirus. You can also submit questions online at ncpoisoncontrol.org or select chat to talk with someone about the virus.

You can also text keyword VIRUS to WFMY News 2 at 336-379-5775 to find out more information.

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3 confirmed coronavirus cases at the Harris Teeter Distribution Center in Greensboro

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