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Winston-Salem, Forsyth Co. issues stay-at-home order, other cities follow

The order exempts essential businesses and services and lists the circumstances under which residents may venture out of their homes.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County have issued a stay-at-home order. Mayor Allen Joines is ordering all those who live in the city to stay home effective by Friday at 5:00 p.m. The same includes those living in Forsyth County. 

RELATED: Live Blog: Greensboro, Winston-Salem & High Point to issue stay-at-home orders

The order exempts essential businesses and services and lists the circumstances under which residents may venture out of their homes.

RELATED: Stay-at-home orders to be issued for Greensboro, High Point, Guilford County

The order means all individuals currently living within the City of Winston-Salem are restricted to stay at their place of residence. However, you can leave your home only for essential activities, essential governmental functions, to operate essential business. You must also comply with Social Distancing while leaving the home for all essential activities, functions, and business.

It also prohibits all public and private gatherings of more than 10 people.

Certain businesses deemed essential — such as grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and doctor's offices — are typically allowed to remain open. Restaurants offering takeout and delivery options are also typically allowed to keep operating.  Mayor Joines said you can also provide medial or take care of a family member or a friend if needed. 

You can find a full list of businesses considered essential by the city on their website.

Guilford County, Greensboro, High Point, and Graham have all issued stay-at-home orders.

More than 500 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in North Carolina and two people have died, according to state health officials.

Get the list of what's open and closed right to your phone by texting keyword STAY to 336-379-5775.

CORONAVIRUS NEWS

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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.

RELATED: Facts Not Fear | What you need to know about the COVID-19 outbreak

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 2-1-1 or 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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