Since the new strain of coronavirus was first reported out of Wuhan, China NC Health News reporters have kept our ears open for news of COVID-19 (the official moniker for coronavirus disease 2019). The disease is a novel version of a coronavirus, other examples include SARS, MERS and the common cold.  We’ll update this page with each of our stories on the coronavirus pandemic as we publish them. We’re also keeping an eye on the most recent case tally in the state. Visit the timeline at the bottom of the page for more information.

COVID-19 cases and deaths

COVID-19 Q&A – Your questions answered

Want to ask a question about the novel coronavirus? Leave us a message here.

5/29/2020: Latinos, the coronavirus and a single ZIP code

The 27344 ZIP code, which includes Siler City and Mountaire Farms, has become a hotspot for the coronavirus in North Carolina. Latinos who live in the ZIP code are suffering greatly, but nonprofit organizations can only do so much.

5/28/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 28 – Bars, senators and Cooper; COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increase; NC poet laureate joins information campaign

As NC bar owners cry foul, lawmakers look to weaken the governor’s executive order.

5/28/2020: As COVID races through Mountaire Farms poultry plant, workers deemed vital feel dispensable

Mountaire criticized for moving too slowly to protect workers who weren’t aware of coronavirus cases in workplace.

5/27/2020: Pandemic causes immunization rates to dip

Fear of being exposed to the coronavirus is contributing to parents skipping child well visits and their vaccinations.

5/26/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 26 – Cooper, Trump, GOP convention; Alamance speedway defiance; Hang on Mandy, Mandy hang on

Gov. Roy Cooper announces the creation of the North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office.

5/26/2020: Despite judge’s ruling allowing for services, most NC churches remaining closed

One conservative pastor sues the governor, but other church organizations, leaders say they’ll continue to meet online.

5/22/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 22 – Restaurant effort to boost confidence; craft brewery confusion; NASCAR and Atrium team up

Restaurants are back with a new campaign to boost customer confidence as dining moves back inside.

5/21/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 21 Rare COVID-related child illness; Tyson plant and Forsyth case jump; pause on NC jury trials

North Carolina is moving cautiously into a new reopening phase as COVID-19 cases increase. Forsyth County has seen a rapid increase in cases.

5/21/2020: Churches are an unlikely ally in solving the rural internet access puzzle

With the coronavirus pandemic highlighting the depth of rural broadband needs, churches have set their sights on increasing access in their communities.

5/20/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 20 – Indoor restaurant dining; barbershops salons to open, but no gyms yet; Cooper unlikely to pick pizza

As the number of COVID-19 lab confirmed cases continue to rise, Gov. Roy Cooper modifies his phased reopening plan.

5/20/2020: How addiction recovery specialists adapted during COVID-19 pandemic

While some addiction service providers have been forced to cut programs, others have adjusted to the pandemic changes to assist people using drugs and those in early addiction recovery.

5/19/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 19 Heated Lincoln County debate; nod to older North Carolinians; Avery County gets first COVID case

While some addiction service providers have been forced to cut programs, others have adjusted to the pandemic changes to assist people using drugs and those in early addiction recovery.

5/19/2020: NC DHHS recommends testing all in long-term facilities for COVID-19, but questions remain

NC health officials say all residents of long-term care centers, in dozens of which COVID-19 has run rampant, should be tested for the virus, but left several details vague.

5/18/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 18 – Big no to COVID parties; Waiting for phase two; Day-over-day count concerning

While waiting to see if Gov. Cooper will ease restrictions this weekend, some may be taking risks with their health.

5/18/2020: Shuttered hospital could get new life courtesy of COVID

Rural Sandhills facility repurposed for non-coronavirus patients in the event of a surge.

5/16/2020:Asymptomatic first COVID-19 case in Graham County ‘heartbroken’ by test

The Eastern Band of the Cherokee tribe has been urging that one person from every household on its land get tested.

5/15/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 15 COVID testing guidance; too few Dare County test sites; camp guidance; rough surf warning

Testing, testing, testing. Getting access to the necessary COVID-19 tests has been a problem for Dare County and elsewhere in northeastern NC.

5/15/2020: The Choice: Homeless or Housebound?

Domestic violence shelters operate by different rules during the coronavirus pandemic.

5/14/2020:Coronavirus Today – May 14 – Churches sue state; prison staff testing plan; need a test, find a site

Nearly a week into this phase of the modified stay-at-home order, no spikes or deep drop-off in COVID-19 have appeared.

5/14/2020: COVID breathes life into North Carolina’s rural telehealth, but broadband remains an obstacle

The coronavirus pandemic forced providers to see many of their patients virtually. In rural North Carolina, where the broadband infrastructure is lacking, that transition can be challenging.

5/13/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 13 – Contact tracers in world of spam; antibody tests; virtual tour of Hawaii

As North Carolina increases testing and tracing, contact tracers must overcome hurdles amid spam-call blocking.

5/13/2020: As COVID-19 menaces NC, therapists reach out to people with speech, memory problems

COVID-19 has brought changes in routine for people with dementia and other speech and memory problems. The community of speech therapy is offering new methods of care as the need continues to emerge.

5/12/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 12 – Pandemic politics; NC manufacturers help; mental health awareness

Political divides are emerging again during the pandemic slightly more than a week after Republicans and Democrats reached consensus on a relief package.

5/12/2020: For workers who’ve lost jobs, what are the options for health insurance?

About a million North Carolinians have lost work in the past two months, and for many, lost health insurance too. What can they do?

5/11/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 11 – Recovered from COVID; churches and outside worship; more SNAP

Questions arise about who is recovered from COVID-19, who should get tested and the nuances of governor’s modified order for worship houses.

5/11/2020: NC dentists plan to reopen for routine care amid COVID-19

After providing only emergency care for the past month, NC dentists plan to bring hygienists back to work for more routine oral health care.

5/10/2020: Tryon Medical Partners deploys teams around the country to keep businesses open

A physician from the practice keeps an IKEA ‘go bag’ with N95 masks always at the ready, and she’s ready to hit the road at a moment’s notice.

5/9/2020: COVID pandemic derails graduations for NC’s college grads, but not their dreams

COVID circumstances delay their walk and make their futures uncertain, but this year’s grads are still moving forward with their dreams.

5/8/2020: How do you cope with COVID? NC Health News team shares their strategies

At NC Health News, our workload suddenly exploded. Like others, we’ve had to find ways to cope, even as we’re busier than ever.

5/8/2020: Managing mental health during COVID-19

Healthy coping skills, mental health resources can ease the pain of physical distance during the pandemic.

5/7/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 7 – Case numbers rise as state preps for partial reopening

Social distancing restrictions being eased as COVID-19 lab confirmed cases rise, but the hike doesn’t warrant reversing course, officials say.

5/7/2020: On National Nurses’ Day, these critical health care workers are more in the spotlight

Staffing, salary and working conditions, especially in long-term care, also shine a light on challenges for the nursing profession.

5/7/2020: Coronavirus gains a foothold in rural North Carolina

The state’s first coronavirus outbreaks began in cities, but the virus spread to rural areas. Recent data shows a disproportionate burden of cases per capita there.

5/6/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 6 – Some businesses can reopen, while others wait; masks and summer camps

State health officials are preparing North Carolinians for a partial re-opening this weekend. But they urge Tar Heels to go slow and remember the 3 Ws.

5/6/2020: Families of disabled struggle with hospital visitor restrictions

N.C. advocates say hospitals are shutting out caregivers of disabled, potentially violating of federal law.

5/5/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 5 – Cooper eases restrictions as of Friday, reporting on nursing home, meat processor outbreaks

Gov. Roy Cooper signs an order to slightly ease social distancing restrictions beginning Friday, as he asks people to “wear, wait and wash.”

5/5/2020: Can western NC counties escape the worst of the pandemic?

Remote and sparsely populated, counties in western NC have taken some tough measures to keep their coronavirus numbers low.

5/4/2020: Nursing-home industry practices, stories revealed with NC’s COVID-19 facilities list

Autumn Care of Cornelius found that 53 of its residents had COVID-19 infections; eventually 10 of them died. Official word from the state of North Carolina means that families, friends and journalists can learn much more about the long-term care homes’ experience in the pandemic.

5/2/2020: Historic Outbreak: Spanish Flu on NC Coast

A century ago, North Carolina was ravaged by a different epidemic than the one we are experiencing today. Again, it was a disease that was without treatment, spread easily and killed about 14,000 people in the state.

5/1/2020: Coronavirus Today – May 1 – Search for COVID by zip code, hurricane season coming, cheesy science fun

As if preparing for the virus isn’t enough, emergency management officials reminded North Carolinians today that it’s time to prepare for possible hurricane activity this summer.

5/1/2020: Smithfield’s largest slaughterhouse struggling to contain virus

No one will say how many workers at Smithfield’s Tar Heel plant have the coronavirus, but the plant has reduced employees’ hours in what they say is an effort to better protect them.

5/1/2020: Eastern North Carolina hospitals cope with the financial realities of coronavirus

The economic pressure of coronavirus has strained one hospital system in eastern North Carolina, while another hospital in that part of the state recently emerged from bankruptcy.

4/30/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 30 – Mixed picture on NC metrics, Gaston confusion, legislative relief

Even as the state considers reopening, today saw an uptick in cases and more people with COVID symptoms are showing up in emergency departments.

4/30/2020: Wonder what prison is like during COVID-19? These prisoners take us inside.

One woman was released early, but could not get tested in prison. Now she’s so sick with the virus that she’s been hospitalized.

4/29/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 29 – NCGA spending plans, childcare boost and updated models

NCDHHS Sec. Mandy Cohen said she would like the NCGA proposals for coronavirus spending to include more funding for food, shelter and other safety items recommended in the governor’s spending proposal.

4/29/2020: Lawmakers return to Raleigh to address health care, other needs generated by COVID-19 pandemic

Legislature returns to tackle funding and policy issues brought about by the pandemic.

4/28/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 28 – Lawmakers are back in town, midwives get some latitude, aid to community colleges

Lawmakers convened, while observing social distancing practices, for the new legislative session Tuesday at the General Assembly.

4/28/2020: Unsafe conditions for children in wake of COVID-19

Child abuse and neglect are expected to rise in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with children unable to escape to the safety of schools and struggling families experience unprecedented levels of stress.

4/27/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 27 -Contact tracers needed, Atrium Health clinical trial, names of nursing homes with outbreaks released

NCDHHS announced a contact tracing task collaborative to support local health departments through the pandemic. Meanwhile, the state released the names of nursing homes with coronavirus outbreak.

4/27/2020: NC health officials want testing of all residents, staff of nursing homes with COVID-19

If some nursing home residents or staff have COVID-19, but don’t show it, they can still transmit the virus to others in their facility. That’s one reason North Carolina health officials are encouraging facilities to have all residents and staff tested when COVID-19 appears.

4/26/2020: ‘Our lives on the line’: Service industry workers contend with coronavirus

From layoffs to working in jobs where they can’t self-isolate, the coronavirus pandemic poses unique challenges for many workers in the service industry.

4/25/2020: Poultry companies selling chicken cheap out of the back of trucks

Companies say the sales are a way to be good corporate citizens during the pandemic, but there are also other forces at play.

4/24/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 24 – schools remain closed, sleep apnea machines, Cooper lays out COVID-19 spending plan

Schools will remain closed through the rest of the academic year, Gov. Cooper said on Friday, but remote learning will continue.

4/24/2020: House lawmakers move forward COVID-19 response bills

The one bill addresses policy issues needed to facilitate health care moving forward during the state of emergency, the other appropriates close to a half billion dollars in assistance.

4/24/2020: Two more processing plants identified as having coronavirus outbreaks

The state says 190 workers at seven meat and poultry processing plants have tested positive for COVID-19. That’s up from 118 on Tuesday.

4/23/2020: Staying at home in May, too

Gov. Roy Cooper outlines plan for easing social-distancing, but says North Carolina isn’t ready yet.

4/23/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 23 – Stay-at-home order extended, easing malpractice risk, Novant resumes elective surgeries

Gov. Roy Cooper extended the stay-at-home order through May 8.

4/23/2020: Emergency Medicaid proposal could provide coverage for many newly unemployed. But many will still be left behind.

Medicaid, which supports millions of low income North Carolinians has seen a lot of changes in recent months, and there are liable to be more coming.

4/22/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 22 – Prisoner death, textile collaboration churns out masks, behavioral health support

As the North Carolina prison system reports its first COVID-19 death, officials said they will test all correctional officers in the state for the virus.

4/22/2020: Coronavirus invading N.C. meat processing plants

Five processing plants, including the mammoth Smithfield Foods pork processing plant in Tar Heel, are experiencing outbreaks of the coronavirus, state health officials say.

4/21/2020: Border states, social distancing and ‘one end of the pool for kids to pee in’

Duke researchers and professors weigh in on social distancing to reduce the rate of COVID-19 infections, testing and how to “reopen” society in coming weeks.

4/21/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 21 – New pandemic plans soon, salute a lab worker, nursing home, prison outbreaks

With a little more than a week left for stay-at-home order, plans are being finalized for what’s next.

4/21/2020: Spas, salons seek a way back from COVID closures

After more than a month without customers or income because of social distancing restrictions, personal services businesses are looking for ways to get back to work. But it may not be that simple.

4/20/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 20 – COVID deaths surpass flu, Neuse prison outbreak, Smithfield and food supply

N.C. coronavirus deaths in one month now exceed the entire season of flu fatalities, said DHHS Sec. Mandy Cohen.

4/20/2020:Short staffing an issue at NC nursing homes marked by COVID-19 outbreaks

Federal records for the 19 NC nursing homes identified as having COVID-19 outbreaks show three-quarters have below average marks for staffing. If there’s a relationship there, it could lead to change.

4/18/2020: Pandemic ripple effect potentially devastating for Western NC farmers

Western North Carolina farmers are bracing for a potentially difficult season amidst the coronavirus outbreak.

4/17/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 17 – Outbreak in Goldsboro prison, upping testing capacity, Fort Bragg deaths

Gov. Roy Cooper announced today that three universities have partnered with the state on an effort to step up coronavirus testing capacity. Meanwhile, the state prison in Goldsboro reports a large outbreak, with cases surpassing 250 as of Friday.

4/16/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 16 – Virtual health visits, a ‘reverse parade’, meat and toilet paper fly off the shelves

NCDHHS aired a three-minute video to help people understand how they can access care while staying home. Meanwhile, NCDHHS Sec. Mandy Cohen advocated for using emergency funding to help Medicaid providers.

4/16/2020: General Assembly leaders supported a study on COVID with $100,000. What will it tell us going forward?

A Wake Forest Baptist study aims to track who’s infected or not, but is only part of the broader picture as North Carolina takes next steps.

4/15/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 15 – Research, tests and the need for gradual changes

Senate leader Phil Berger announced a research initiative to take look back at who may have had COVID-19, while Gov. Roy Cooper and Sec. Mandy Cohen worry the state lacks enough to do adequate disease tracking.

4/15/2020: During the coronavirus pandemic, recovery support moves online

There are several free resources during the COVID-19 pandemic for people who are used to attending regular meetings to support their mental health or substance use recovery.

4/14/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 14 – Medicaid expansion, Raleigh protest, rural hospitals ask for help

In a sign that political discourse around health care access is once again heating up, NCDHHS Sec. Mandy Cohen called for Medicaid expansion at a press conference on COVID-19.

4/14/2020: NC prisons begin early release for some inmates

Fewer inmates will be sleeping in prison beds as the Department of Public Safety begins early release for certain eligible inmates to reduce the prison population and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

4/14/2020: Four things North Carolina’s coronavirus data tells us — and what it doesn’t.

The coronavirus outbreak has brought on an onslaught of data, but what do these numbers actually mean?

4/13/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 13 – Pressure mounts to ease restrictions, pandemic-related prison releases, volunteer health corps growing

Officials said Monday that the strict social distancing measures in North Carolina are slowing the spread of the virus, even as they face pressure to reopen the state economy.

4/13/2020: COVID-19 in western NC: Just the tip of the iceberg

The number of COVID-19 cases in WNC is relatively low compared to the more populous areas in the state. But people on the front lines see a worrying trend that indicates it’s only a matter of time.

4/12/2020: A ‘new norm’ after the coronavirus pandemic

The novel coronavirus has brought death and devastation, but professionals from different walks of life say it could also bring positive changes once it finally subsides.

4/11/2020: At this COVID-19 testing center, you’re more than a lab number

UNC Health’s drive-through testing site doesn’t just stop with the tests.

4/10/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 10 – ‘Moving protests’, mental health care for frontline workers, virtual egg hunts

As North Carolina heads into Easter weekend in isolation, some organizations have put up virtual egg hunts. Meanwhile, The State Employees Credit Union has contributed $10 million for coronavirus relief.

4/10/2020: Can hydroxychloroquine protect frontline workers from COVID-19?

Duke is leading a nationwide study to find out.

4/10/2020: Troubling inspections at NC long-term care facilities with major outbreaks

Four long-term care facilities with sizable outbreaks have had issues in the past, according to recent state inspections.

4/10/2020: Legislators race to get COVID information as they start drafting bills

Advocates for child care and aging issues, along with EMS workers, delivered dense presentations for lawmakers to sort through as they rush to create legislation for COVID pandemic relief.

4/9/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 9 – Grocery store executive order, lawmakers start to write relief bills, speeding up unemployment relief 

Gov. Cooper’s latest executive order attempts to help bring relief to the hundreds of thousands of claims for unemployment benefits that have come in during March and April.

4/9/2020: NC hospice providers face new obstacles operating under shadow of COVID-19

Hospice organizations typically work quietly toward providing some level of peace for people near death and their caregivers. But with North Carolina’s health-care system ensnared by COVID-19, hospice care is encountering myriad obstacles to its compassionate mission.

4/8/2020:Coronavirus Today – April 8 – Nursing home outbreak, food banks need help and prisoner lawsuit

An outbreak in PruittHealth – Carolina Point rehabilitation center in Chapel Hill has spread rapidly from last Thursday, when Orange County Public Health officials first publicly reported that two people, a resident and an employee, had come down with the virus. Now 60 are positive.

4/8/2020: Yes, COVID-19 Does Discriminate

State and local data show that African Americans across the state are bearing a disproportionate impact of the coronavirus.

4/7/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 7 – Grocery store crowd control, childcare funds for health workers, old hospital to be repurposed

As North Carolina’s coronavirus case count increases, Gov. Cooper said he will place additional crowd-control restrictions on grocery stores and other retailers.

4/7/2020: Will North Carolinians still be staying at home in May, too?

NC scientists develop a COVID-19 model showing how social distancing could keep the health system from being overwhelmed by Memorial Day.

4/6/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 6 – Modeling the spread, a holiday without large gatherings, National Guard to deploy

As coronavirus cases near 3,000, Sec. Mandy Cohen urged people to avoid large holiday gatherings. Meanwhile, experts study how caseloads will change with and without social distancing.

4/6/2020: Fear on the front: Health workers adapt and brace for surge

Health care workers on the “front lines” of caring for COVID-19 patients have had their lives upended in an extraordinary way.

4/6/2020: Cancer care in the age of COVID-19

Medical facilities are struggling to balance patient care while limiting the risk of exposure, especially for their most vulnerable patients.

4/5/2020: Could shuttered rural hospitals reopen to treat pandemic?

Reopening closed rural hospitals could be faster and more efficient than building temporary hospitals, says a rural healthcare advocate. But the cancellation of normal hospital services is straining the financial resources of rural facilities even more.

4/4/2020: North Carolina liquor sales booming

Booze has been disappearing from shelves at ABC stores across the state. One type — Everclear — can do more than just relieve social isolation. Its alcohol content is high enough to make homemade hand sanitizer.

4/3/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 3 – Cooper urges people to stay home, Atrium and Novant ask for a field hospital

NC officials have said they are fighting the coronavirus pandemic on many fronts and have implored the public to do their part and stay home.

4/3/2020: N.C. domestic violence shelters awaiting a surge

Many shelters report little increase in domestic violence calls but say that is about to change as isolation caused by the coronavirus leads to abuse.

4/3/2020: Lawmakers receive sobering coronavirus updates

While lawmakers are still gathering information, they have been focused on helping regions and health systems address the coronavirus crisis.

4/2/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 2 – Cases in NC prisons, unemployment system strain, state requests FEMA help

The coronavirus outbreak has resulted in more than 350,000 unemployment claims to date, officials said on Thursday. Meanwhile, the state’s prison system reported COVID-19 cases.

4/2/2020: Medical providers in Charlotte asked for personal protective equipment. The community is giving it to them.

It started with bins of old personal protective equipment on the front lawns of several doctors and mushroomed from there.

4/2/2020: More than 5,000 surgery centers can now serve as makeshift hospitals during COVID-19 crisis

A Trump administration waiver now allows outpatient surgery centers to serve as temporary hospitals during the coronavirus crisis.

4/1/2020: Coronavirus Today – April 1 – Managing limited PPE supplies, tracking the spread, face masks for healthy people

State officials said that they are working on shoring up North Carolina’s supply of protective equipment. Meanwhile, the health department is working to create more accurate predictions of how the virus will affect the state.

4/1/2020: COVID-19 accentuates barriers for the deaf and hard of hearing

In the midst of a fast-moving outbreak, officials use technology to get health information to the deaf and those with hearing loss, but communication gaps remain.

3/31/2020: Coronavirus Today – March 31 – Utility shut-off bans, prison update, Fayetteville curfew

As the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients begins to rise, Gov. Roy Cooper asks for more help finding places to create alternate hospitals to handle the surge.

3/31/2020: PPE 101: How does personal protective equipment work?

There’s a national shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical personnel on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. And with that, a lot of questions about how PPE works and how people can help. Today, we’ll delve into the N95 mask.

3/31/2020:NC food banks spring into action amid coronavirus crisis

Food banks in NC have responded to the outbreak by overhauling their food distribution to minimize social contact and focusing efforts on at-risk clients.

3/30/2020:Coronavirus Today – March 30 – Northampton County nursing home cases, 3-D mask printouts, the ocean on livestream

With more than 1,300 coronavirus cases in North Carolina and 6 deaths, officials said residents should expect more infections and urged people to stay home and stop the spread.

3/30/2020:For NC’s homeless, coronavirus is one threat of many

Policies that promote social distancing have already created hurdles for the state’s homeless population, many of whom are at high risk for coronavirus because of underlying medical conditions.

3/29/2020:Have an urgent dental need during the COVID-19 pandemic? Here’s a way to find help.

NC Oral Health Collaborative updates a map daily for dentists providing urgent care.

3/28/2020:NC governor to sheriffs: No extra state COVID-19 resources available for jail inmates

In a conference call with Gov. Roy Cooper, NC sheriffs asked about medical assistance for possible jail inmates with COVID-19. Cooper couldn’t provide them with much.

3/27/2020: Coronavirus Today – March 27 – Cooper signs statewide stay-at-home order

Gov. Cooper announced a statewide stay-at-home order to stop the spread of coronavirus in the state. The 30-day order goes into effect March 30.

3/27/2020: State lawmakers start moving on coronavirus relief

A bipartisan committee that’s been newly formed to address coronavirus needs heard from providers about their cash flow and equipment needs.

3/27/2020: Child care centers struggle with conflicting advice during COVID-19 outbreak

Several groups call on Gov. Roy Cooper to shut down child care centers, find emergency money to provide care for health care workers.

3/26/2020: Coronavirus Today – March 26 – technical problems, federal disaster relief, county stay-at-home orders

As more communities issue stay-at-home orders, the state of North Carolina has been granted a federal disaster declaration that means additional assistance.

3/26/2020: Mental health providers need flexibility during COVID-19, the state’s making it happen

During this unusually stressful time, mental health providers need to support their patients in nontraditional ways and get paid for it. State health officials are responding with emergency policies and funds.

3/26/2020: Will North Carolina have enough hospital beds to handle the surge of coronavirus patients? The answer remains unclear.

Health care officials, hospital leaders, academics and others are all trying to determine how much “surge capacity” the state needs and where it should go. But there are almost endless variables to consider.

3/25/2020: Coronavirus Today – March 25 – NC reports first deaths, stay home orders

As North Carolina reports its first coronavirus deaths, communities have set their own shelter in place orders. Meanwhile, state officials hinted that stricter social isolation measures may be on the horizon.

3/25/2020: N.C. Board of Pharmacy enacts emergency rules to stop hoarding of unproven COVID-19 drugs

The board took the action after reporting that health care providers were writing hydroxychloroquine prescriptions for themselves and family members. The drug is a potential life-saver for people suffering from lupus, but it has been snapped up after being mentioned by President Trump.

3/25/2020: COVID-19: What happens when schools close statewide?

Chances that schools will reopen before the end of the school year are fading. What does that mean for learning, nutrition and child care?

3/24/2020: Coronavirus Today – March 24 – Mecklenburg shelter in place order, personal protective equipment and “a sign from God”

Dissatisfied that voluntary measures were enough, Mecklenburg County orders residents to stay home, and asks the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police to enforce as necessary.

3/24/2020: Public health workers are on the front lines of the fight against coronavirus. But they’ve bled resources for years.

Lawmakers often express respect for public health agencies, but the funding hasn’t matched the rhetoric.

3/23/2020:Coronavirus today – March 23 – Cooper extends school closings, orders gyms, salons, barber shops, theaters to close

As COVID-19 cases mount throughout the state, Gov. Cooper orders bars, salons, gyms and barber shops to close.

3/23/2020: Drive-thru testing sites pop up across NC, but supply shortages cause some of them to close

Several health systems across the state have either set up or are in the process of setting up drive-thru testing clinics for the novel coronavirus, but some of them closed for lack of supplies.

3/23/2020: North Carolina hospitals asking for masks, gloves for COVID-19 response

Hospital systems in the Triangle and beyond are asking for donations of gloves, masks and disinfectant to prepare for the coming surge of coronavirus cases.

3/22/2020: Millions of older Americans live in counties with no ICU beds as pandemic intensifies

N.C. DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen said the state was talking daily with hospitals about how to increase capacity of ICU beds for the seriously ill coronavirus patients they expect to arrive.

3/22/2020: Harnett County coronavirus patient now hospitalized, unproven drugs may be part of treatment

Jeff Hensley, 57, started feeling ill on March 4, now his wife says he’s being treated with hydroxychloroquine, an old drug that researchers hope will be a “hail Mary” treatment for coronavirus infection.

03/21/2020: NC faith leaders forge creative paths as COVID-19 closes traditional services

North Carolina’s centers of faith face unprecedented challenges from the COVID-19 virus. Churches, mosques and synagogues built on strong senses of community must find new ways to worship now that circumstances have forbidden congregating.

3/20/2020: Coronavirus Today – Friday, March 20 – Call for medical professionals, testing ramps up, closures and postponements

North Carolina completes the first full week of working from home and kids being home from school, all while the number of coronavirus cases starts to climb.

3/20/2020: Dentists and hygienists pressure state boards to close dental offices

As NC gets its first COVID-19 case believed to be spread through community contact, oral health care workers seek a statewide edict.

3/20/2020: Mobile health clinics and outreach workers adjust to coronavirus

The COVID-19 outbreak has prompted some of NC’s outreach workers and clinicians at mobile clinics to cancel or adjust the services they offer.

3/19/2020: NC’s largest counties contemplating shelter-in-place orders

A Wake County official says a shelter order would be “one of the last options” used to contain a community spread of coronavirus.

3/19/ 2020: Coronavirus today – March 19 – first community spread, virus strains unemployment infrastructure, COVID-19 freeway signs

 As North Carolina reports its first case of community spread, North Carolina prepares for caseload surge.

3/19/2020: Children get free lunches while school is out

School systems across the state began offering free, curbside lunch service for all children up to age 18 to help keep them healthy during the pandemic.

3/19/2020: COVID-19 prompts a shift to telehealth

With private health insurers, along with Medicare, Medicaid removing barriers to pay, more practitioners will treat remotely.

3/18/2020: Coronavirus Today – March 18 – New risk group, scam warnings, telehealth expansion

As North Carolinians get used to social distancing, state officials warn of COVID-19 scams and ask the public to curtail panic buying of groceries and other essentials.

3/18/2020: Wife of Harnett County man with coronavirus says testing should have been done sooner

Toni Hensley said she is frustrated that it took almost a week before her husband could get tested for the virus, but she praised health officials and urged people to heed their warnings.

3/17/2020: Coronavirus Today – Tuesday, March 17 – Restaurants and bars closed

As the number of COVID-19 cases in the state climbs to 40, Cooper bans eating at restaurants and bars. Meanwhile, several hospitals across the state have been canceling non-essential surgeries and programs to feed children while they’re out of school begin.

3/17/2020: COVID-19 gets real in Charlotte

With reports of the first cases of the novel coronavirus in the Charlotte Mecklenburg area, life in and around the Queen City looks very different from just a week ago.

3/16/2020: Coronavirus Today – Monday, March 16

This last weekend saw changes in North Carolina’s public life, but for many, changes in the state became real when their kids remained home from school.

3/16/2020: Need food during your coronavirus quarantine? NC farmers want to provide it.

With new restrictions on large gatherings and people sequestering themselves at home to avoid coronavirus infection, public life in North Carolina is starting to look very different. But farmers markers are adjusting in order to stay alive.

3/16/2020: Military leaders at Fort Bragg prepare for coronavirus, restrict travel

Through May, all U.S. soldiers can only take leave locally to prevent them from spreading the coronavirus.

3/15/ 2020: Coronavirus leads to 30-day delay for many NC court hearings

In an attempt to balance the need to protect the public from potential exposure to COVID-19 and due process and constitutional rights, Beasley has directed the courts across the state to postpone most of the thousands of cases in the pipeline for 30 days.

3/14/2020: Coronavirus Today – Saturday, March 14 – Cooper closes schools for two weeks

Gov. Cooper shut down schools for two weeks and has banned mass gatherings of 100 people or more in an attempt to stop COVID-19 transmission in North Carolina.

3/14/2020: As guidance on COVID-19 shifts, NC nursing homes and assisted living centers fight for residents’ safety

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the state are taking precautions to protect their residents.

3/13/2020: Coronavirus Today – Friday, March 13

President Trump announced a national state of emergency, and schools in North Carolina began closing, even as NCDHHS Sec. Mandy Cohen advised against preemptive closings.

3/13/2020: NC’s mad dash to stop coronavirus leads to tournament, concert cancellations

Shortage of COVID-19 testing supplies troubling NC leaders, so Gov. Roy Cooper is calling for cancellations of any gatherings of more than 100 people.

3/13/2020: For migrant workers in NC, coronavirus may be hard to avoid

Agencies that care for migrant farmworkers have gotten together this week to discuss outreach efforts to farms as growing season picks up.

3/12/2020: Coronavirus Today – March 12

Read the latest updates on coronavirus in North Carolina.

3/12/2020: What’s it like to get coronavirus? It depends on who you are

From mild flu-like symptoms to more respiratory distress, coronavirus infections vary in how they present depending on age and other factors, experts say.

3/10/2020: After more COVID-19 cases reported, NC declares state of emergency

Gov. Roy Cooper declares a state of emergency to provide more flexibility for responding to the novel coronavirus. Health officials encourage anyone 65 and older to avoid large crowds, but have stopped short of mass cancelling of events.

3/9/2020: NC health centers ramp up COVID-19 outreach to vulnerable patients

North Carolina’s health centers care for many vulnerable patients, including the uninsured. Liora Engel-Smith talked to several providers who said they are using everything from television ads to social media to educate their patients on coronavirus.

3/5/2020: Wake County coronavirus case provokes schools, families to take precautions 

Decisions for school closures are made at the local level and certain districts have already sent out notices to families in case of wider outbreaks. Sarah Ovaska also writes that lack of paid sick leave, especially for “gig” workers, could add to struggles for families.

3/5/2020: Now that coronavirus is in NC, don’t panic, health officials say

In an update to the breaking news story about NC’s first coronavirus case, Anne Blythe and Sarah Ovaska review the circumstances around the first patient and best practices during these uncertain days.

3/4/2020: How do hospitals prepare for an outbreak? The first place to look is their warehouse

If coronavirus does spread, hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the state may need support. The state is prepared with warehouses full of supplies and resources to deploy mobile hospital wards in just about any parking lot or building across North Carolina. Liora Engel-Smith and Rose Hoban took a trip out to see one of those warehouses, operated by WakeMed’s  CapRAC. This story also includes a video tour of the facility.

3/3/2020: Coronavirus confirmed in North Carolina

Governor Cooper and DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Wake County. Anne Blythe and Rose Hoban fleshed out the details and recapped the past months of preparation in this breaking news story.

3/2/2020: Hospitals in NC have been under pressure. Would they be able to manage a surge of coronavirus patients? 

Rose Hoban and Liora Engel-Smith looked at capacity, resources and staffing issues in rural and urban hospitals in North Carolina. While the hospitals they spoke with seem optimistic and prepared, national rural health experts expressed concern.

2/28/2020: Is NC ready for Coronavirus? What health officials have learned from past outbreaks

Rose Hoban dug into her deep contacts with state officials past and present to discuss lessons learned from past experiences with SARS and anthrax, and how this has informed their efforts to prepare North Carolina for outbreaks.

2/27/2020: Flu cases starting to subside in N.C., country, but kids still at risk

When coronavirus was just starting to come to the United States, Sarah Ovaska still kept her eye on the flu, which the CDC estimates has killed at least 18,000 Americans thus far this season. This year’s flu especially threatens children, and it’s still not too late for a flu shot.

2/14/2020: Coronavirus risk remains low in NC, but health officials plan for it just in case

Anne Blythe started our coverage with an overview of state and national preparations for coronavirus on Valentine’s Day.