Gov. Cooper announces plans to extend state’s eviction moratorium

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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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Live Updates:

© Provided by WXII 12 Greensboro-Winston-Salem
Nearly two-thirds of NC’s counties now in COVID-19 red zone

9:15 p.m. Wednesday: The North Carolina Sheriff’s Association accused Governor 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.

© Forsyth County Health Department
The Forsyth County Department of Public Health received its first shipment of vaccine for COVID-19 on Dec. 22.

The association released a memo detailing the allegation on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for Governor 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.”

© Provided by WXII 12 Greensboro-Winston-Salem
NCDHHS reported a new hospitalization record Wednesday. There are 5,069 new cases, 3,043 people hospitalized, 6,360 total deaths, and a daily percent positive rate of 10.7%.

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

5:35 p.m. Wednesday: The Guilford County Division of Public Health received a shipment of the Moderna Coronavirus vaccine.

The shipment contained 2,000 doses of the vaccine, which will be used for people in the 1a category of professions, officials said.

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’

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NC lawmakers vote on the COVID-19 Relief Bill: Foxx: yea, McHenry: yea, Hudson: yea, Budd: no, Walker: no vote, Burr: yea, Tillis: yea.

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

2:25 p.m. Wednesday: Hungry Church is partnering with Viva Chicken to provide free meals to families affected by the coronavirus Thursday.

The church will give out family meals that will be available at the restaurant located at 4520 W. Wendover Ave. in Greensboro from either 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Each meal consists of a whole chicken, green beans, cilantro rice, plantains and sauces that can feed between four to five people, the church said.

Anyone interested in receiving the meal can text “Hungry Viva” to 313131 and fill out the response form. A sign-up is required to receive a meal and they will be available until supplies last.

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

“This food giveaway is a tangible way to love our neighbors this holiday season,” said Pastor Harold Burnett II, who is organizing the event for the church. “Many in our community are having difficulty meeting one of humanity’s basic needs — the need to eat. We’re excited to partner with Viva Chicken to provide a warm, nutritious meal to families and serve our community this holiday.”

2 p.m. Wednesday: The Forsyth County Health Department is holding a virtual Q&A session at 2:30 p.m. to discuss its vaccination process in the county.

12:15 p.m. Wednesday: NCDHHS reported a new hospitalization record of 3,043 patients being treated for the coronavirus Wednesday.

With not all of the hospitals reporting in North Carolina, the Triad Healthcare Preparedness Coalition has the most patients in the state, NCDHHS said.

• Capital Region Healthcare Preparedness Coalition – 227
• Duke Healthcare Preparedness Coalition – 177
• Eastern Healthcare Preparedness Coalition – 367
• Mountain Area Healthcare Preparedness Coalition – 202
• Mid Carolina Regional Healthcare Preparedness Coalition – 355
• Metrolina Healthcare Preparedness Coalition – 764
• Southeastern Healthcare Preparedness Coalition – 72
• Triad Healthcare Preparedness Coalition – 879

11:55 p.m. Wednesday: Gov. Roy Cooper tweeted that while it’s important for everyone to follow the Modified Stay At Home Order throughout the holidays, Santa is exempt so he can carry out his duties on Christmas Eve.

8:50 a.m. Wednesday: Rockingham County Division of Public Health announced today they received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination Tuesday.

The shipment contains 500 doses and must be used within 30 days to expiration. Vaccine distribution will begin today, First priority will be given to frontline healthcare workers at high risk for exposure to COVID-19, followed by long-term are staff and residents in skilled nursing facilities and adult, family, and group homes.

6:05 p.m. Tuesday: As we approach the Christmas holiday, one local Moravian Church is changing up its traditional worship service.

Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem has transitioned their traditional Lovefeast to a virtual service. Click here to read more.

5:25 p.m. Tuesday: The Forsyth County Health Department received its first shipment of the coronavirus vaccine.

Emergency Services Director Tim Black and Nursing Supervisor Amanda Pone were the first people to get the vaccination. There were 2,800 doses delivered, which will be delivered to the first group of people: health care workers fighting the coronavirus, long-term care staff, and long-term care residents.

5:10 p.m. Tuesday: Rep. Mark Walker tweeted Tuesday he tested negative for the coronavirus after a possible exposure Monday.

4:45 p.m. Tuesday: NCDHHS added vaccination data to its coronavirus dashboard.

The number of people across the state and in each individual county who receive the first dose of the vaccine will be tracked and counted. The number of people who get the second dose will be added in January.

4:05 p.m. Tuesday: A look at how our local delegation voted on the COVID-19 Relief Bill:

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.

12:30 p.m. Tuesday: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster tested positive for the coronavirus.

The governor is experiencing mild symptoms while Peggy McMaster is asymptomatic, the governor’s office said. The governor is continuing to work from his residence.

“Peggy and I urge everyone to be extra careful during the Christmas holiday season,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “This virus spreads very easily.”

Click here to read more.

5:35 p.m. Monday: Brenner Children’s Hospital is testing children and young adults up to the age of 22 from Monday through Friday. It is taking place outside the emergency department from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian with them.

People who have symptoms must see a healthcare provider, who will schedule a test. The testing site does not offer travel screening.

Those who do not have symptoms, but need a test to return to work, school or daycare can schedule an appointment at 336-702-8054.

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.

6:10 p.m. Sunday: Top congressional leaders announced an agreement on a COVID-19 relief package and government funding bill. For more information, click here.

3:15 p.m. Sunday: More than one million people were screened each day at airports on Friday and Saturday, according to TSA.

This is the first time since the beginning of the pandemic that more than one million people were screened on consecutive days, TSA said. The record for a single day stands at more than 1,176,000 people on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

The numbers are hinting at an early travel boom before the holidays, which is something the CDC warned against.

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10 a.m. Sunday: 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

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