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(10/2 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 214,684 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,775 cases from the day before. 921 people are currently hospitalized, a decrease of 18 from the day before. 3,608 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 29 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 9,390 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 231 deaths, an increase of 78 cases and 3 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(10/1 3 p.m.) Western Carolina University has announced that the 2021 spring semester will start two weeks late this year
“As was the case in setting up the current fall academic schedule, we are making these changes in an effort to lessen the risk of exposure to our campus community to COVID-19 by minimizing travel during the semester,” says WCU Interim Provost Richard Starnes in a statement.
The semester will start on on January 25 and the university will continue to provide hybrid classes with in-person and virtual learning. The new semester calendar also cancels spring break but includes a shortened midterm break during the Easter holiday.
(10/1 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 212,909 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 2,277 cases from the day before. 939 people are currently hospitalized, a decrease of 17 from the day before. 3,579 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 47 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 9,312 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 228 deaths, an increase of 109 cases and 2 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/30 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 210,632 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,495 cases from the day before. 956 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 6 from the day before. 3,532 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 38 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 9,203 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 226 deaths, an increase of 88 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/30 12:00 p.m.) Macon County Public Health has identified a COVID-19 cluster of employees at the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. All staff who have potentially been exposed to these individuals have been contacted and will be tested for COVID-19.
(9/29 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 209,137 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 889 cases from the day before. 950 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 53 from the day before. 3,494 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 49 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 9,115 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 226 deaths, an increase of 67 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/28 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 208,248 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 868 cases from the day before. 897 people are currently hospitalized, a decrease of 20 from the day before. 3,445 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 4 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 9,048 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 226 deaths, an increase of 48 cases and 1 death from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/27 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 207,380 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,290 cases from the day before. 917 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 3 from the day before. 3,441 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 9,008 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 225 deaths, an increase of 61 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/26 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 206,090 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,759 cases from the day before. 914 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 11 from the day before. 3,440 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 31 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 8,947 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 225 deaths, an increase of 78 cases and 1 death from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/25 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 204,331 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 6,142 cases from the day before (starting today, North Carolina is including antigen positive cases in its daily count). 903 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 1 from the day before. 3,409 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 53 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 8,869 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 224 deaths, an increase of 467 cases and 2 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/25 12:00 p.m.) Cherokee Central Schools has been notified that two employees have tested positive for COVID-19. One is a member of the security department and the other assists with food distribution program. Neither has been in contact with the others at the schools, according to the local health department.
(9/24 1:30 p.m.) Franklin High School in Macon Couny will welcom students back to campus Monday, 9/28, for two days per week on the following rotation.
(9/24 1 p.m.) A Cherokee County resident in their late fifties has died from complications of COVID-19. This is the 18th COVID-19 related death in Cherokee County.
(9/24 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 198,189 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,688 cases from the day before. 902 people are currently hospitalized, a decrease of 10 from the day before. 3,356 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 38 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 8,402 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 222 deaths, an increase of 87 cases and 5 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/24 12:00 p.m.) Cherokee Central Schools will reopen with Plan B which brings students back to in-person instruction in ‘maroon’ and ‘gold’ groups to match the school system's colors.
(9/24 10:00 a.m.) Yancey County schools will begin all in-person classes for elementary school students starting October 5th. That's the day Governor Roy Cooper's latest executive order goes into effect allowing schools districts to offer all in-person classes for kindergarten through 5th grades if they so choose. Middle and high school students in Yancey County will receive in-person classes two days a week on a rotating basis. Those who have requested all remote instruction will continue to receive it.
(9/23 5 p.m.) There have been two more COVID-19 related deaths in Graham County. These individuals resided at Graham Healthcare and Rehabilitation. There have now been three total COVID-19 deaths in the county.
(9/23 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 196,501 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 952 cases from the day before. 912 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 7 from the day before. 3,316 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 40 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 8,315 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 217 deaths, an increase of 55 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/23 11:30 a.m.) A Cherokee County resident at Valley View Care Center has died from complications of COVID-19. The individual was in their mid-seventies. On Tuesday, A Cherokee County resident at Murphy Rehabilitation and Nursing has died from complications of COVID-19. The individual was in their early nineties. These are the 15th and 16th COVID-19 deaths in the county.
(9/22 4 p.m.) College and professional sports teams in North Carolina may soon be allowed to welcome back a small number of spectators. During Tuesday's coronavirus briefing, Governor Roy Cooper said if COVID-19 cases don’t take a big jump over the next week, large outdoor venues will be allowed to open at 7% capacity beginning October 2. "We share this news today so though outdoor venues with seating capacity of more than 10,000 can begin preparations that are key to safely reopening their doors to have a limited amount of socially distanced fans," said Cooper. The governor says he hopes to announce the easing of other restrictions next week, when Phase 2.5 of his coronavirus reopening plan expires.
(9/22 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 195,549 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,168 cases from the day before. 905 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 20 from the day before. 3,286 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 39 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 8,260 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 217 deaths, an increase of 62 cases and 2 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/21 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 194,381 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 800 cases from the day before. 885 people are currently hospitalized, a decrease of 4 from the day before. 3,247 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 4 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 8,198 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 215 deaths, an increase of 27 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/20 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 193,581 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,333 cases from the day before. 889 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 7 from the day before. 3,243 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 8 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 8,171 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 215 deaths, an increase of 41 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/19 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 192,248 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,229 cases from the day before. 882 people are currently hospitalized, a decrease of 22 from the day before. 3,235 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 28 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 8,130 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 215 deaths, an increase of 58 cases and 4 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/18 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 191,019 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,443 cases from the day before. 904 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 10 from the day before. 3,207 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 27 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 8,072 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 211 deaths, an increase of 59 cases and 1 death from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/17 4 p.m.) North Carolina school districts now have the option to reopen elementary schools to in-person classes. During Thursday's coronavirus briefing, Gov. Roy Cooper said school districts will be permitted to move K-5 students to Plan A beginning October 5. Under the plan, on-campus instruction will be allowed with safety restrictions including social distancing, masks and screenings. Districts won’t be required to reduce class sizes. The governor says it is up to each school district to decide if they want to make the transition. Middle and High Schools must remain in Plan B, which is a mix of remote and in-class learning or plan C - which is all remote. All students have the option for remote learning.
(9/17 4 p.m.) A Cherokee County resident who resides at Valley View Care has died from complications of COVID-19. The individual was in their early eighties. This is the twelfth COVID-19 related death in Cherokee County.
(9/17 3 p.m.) Thirteen people are a part of a new Haywood County COVID-19 cluster at a Canton hair salon. Three of them are currently hospitalized. The Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency says that three salon employees, five customers, and five contacted connected to Enchanting Hair Fashions have tested positive for COVID-19.
(9/17 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 189,576 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,552 cases from the day before. 894 people are currently hospitalized, a decrease of 24 from the day before. 3,180 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 31 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 8,013 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 210 deaths, an increase of 47 cases and 2 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/17 10 a.m.) Graham County has reported its first COVID-19 death. A resident of Healthcare and Rehabilitation passed away due to COVID-19 complications. The Graham County Department of Public Health shared this message: “[This] is an unfortunate reminder that COVID-19 is a serious illness and poses a deadly threat to the most vulnerable among us. Please be mindful of your social gatherings, mask wearing, and close contact with those around you. Please practice good hygiene and wear a mask.”
(9/17 6:00 a.m.) The Buncombe County Board of Education has partially reversed its decision to have all students receive in-class instruction starting later this month. At a special meeting Wednesday night, the board voted to have students in grades 9 through 12, plus those in early college, remain remote through December. Kindergarten through 8th graders will still begin to receive in-class instruction two days a week on a rotating basis starting September 28th. Students and families who opted for all remote instruction will continue to receive it for the rest of the semester.
(9/16 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 188,024 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,137 cases from the day before. 918 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 2 from the day before. 3,149 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 38 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 7,966 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 208 deaths, an increase of 51 cases and 5 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/15 2:30 p.m.) Clay County Health Department announces 3rd COVID-19 related death. A hospitalized Clay County resident passed from COVID-19 related complications. This individual was in their late 70s with several pre-existing health conditions, and was a contact to a previously positive case, according to the local health department.
(9/15 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 186,887 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,106 cases from the day before. 916 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 21 from the day before. 3,111 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 51 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 7,915 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 203 deaths, an increase of 41 cases and 6 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/15 11:35 a.m.) Two cafeteria workers with Swain Schools have tested positive for COVID-19. No other close contacts have been identified and the individuals are quarantining.
(9/15 11:30 a.m.) Two Cherokee County residents who reside at Valley View Care Center, an assisted living facility in Andrews have died from COVID-19 complications. One individual was in their late seventies and the other was in their mid-nineties. This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Cherokee County to ten. There have been over 50 COVID-19 cases associated with Valley View Care Center and at least 3 deaths.
(9/14 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 185,781 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 845 cases from the day before. 895 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 64 from the day before. 3,060 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 8 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 7,874 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 197 deaths, an increase of 50 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/14 12:00 p.m.) Parents feeling exasperated by a lack of weekend activities for their homebound kids will soon have another option, starting next month. The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation department announced the WNC Nature Center is slated to reopen to the general public on Oct. 5. The department says visitors will notice a few changes -- for instance, indoor exhibits will remain closed. Guests are encouraged to wear face coverings and maintain social distance throughout the park. The City of Asheville’s 42-acre WNC Nature Center is home to over 60 species of animals native to the Southern Appalachian Mountain region.
(9/13 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 184,936 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,196 cases from the day before. 831 people are currently hospitalized, a decrease of 39 from the day before. 3,052 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 5 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 7,824 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 197 deaths, an increase of 58 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/12 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 183,740 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,454 cases from the day before. 870 people are currently hospitalized, a decrease of 68 from the day before. 3,047 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 24 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 7,766 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 197 deaths, an increase of 48 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/11 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 182,286 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,532 cases from the day before. 938 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 10 from the day before. 3,023 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 33 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 7,718 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 197 deaths, an increase of 90 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/11 9:00 a.m.) The Buncombe County board of education voted Thursday night to begin in-person classes for all students later this month. In-person classes will start on September 28th. Students will be split into two different groups, A and B. Group A will have in-person classes Monday and Tuesday, while Group B will be in-person Thursday and Friday. This schedule will last for the rest of the semester. Wednesday will remain a remote learning day for all students, and all school buildings will undergo a deep cleaning on Wednesdays. Families and students who requested all-remote learning at the start of the school year will continue to receive that, and will have no in-person classes.
(9/10 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 180,754 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,222 cases from the day before. 928 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 12 from the day before. 2,990 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 32 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 7,628 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 197 deaths, an increase of 60 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/9 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 179,532 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 897 cases from the day before. 916 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 89 from the day before. 2,958 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 49 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 7,568 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 197 deaths, an increase of 71 cases and 2 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/8 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 178,635 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 716 cases from the day before. 827 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 62 from the day before. 2,909 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 12 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 7,497 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 195 deaths, an increase of 2 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/7 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 177,919 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,018 cases from the day before. 765 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 62 from the day before. 2,897 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 7 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 7,495 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 195 deaths, an increase of 52 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/6 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 176,901 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,086 cases from the day before. 830 people are currently hospitalized, a decrease of 1 from the day before. 2,890 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 7,443 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 195 deaths, an increase of 47 cases and 0 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.
(9/5 12:30 p.m.) North Carolina has reported 175,815 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 1,561 cases from the day before. 831 people are currently hospitalized, a decrease of 124 from the day before. 2,889 have died from COVID-19 in the state, an increase of 50 from the day before. For more information, including county-by-county and demographic breakdowns, click here. In the 13 North Carolina counties in Blue Ridge Public Radio's listening area, there are 7,396 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 195 deaths, an increase of 63 cases and 3 deaths from the day before. For information on cases in the state of Georgia, click here. For more local information, click here.