Coronavirus After The Outbreak Coverage

Drivers' test bill and farm bill fill Senate agenda
Both bills passed the N.C. House of Representatives Wednesday evening. The drivers' bill delays road test requirements for new drivers until the state's DMV gets back to normal operations. The farm bill, a wide-ranging piece of state agricultural policy, passed with its controversial hemp regulations stripped out.

Senate committee votes on bill to override Gov. Cooper and open gyms
Gym owners from across eastern North Carolina filed a lawsuit against Gov. Roy Cooper, alleging that restrictions he put in place during the coronavirus pandemic keeping their businesses closed are unconstitutional. State senators are considering that issue in committee today.

Paris art gallery turns 'winged' hats into social-distancing gear
An art gallery in Paris has turned to "winged" headware inspired by an ancient Chinese dynasty to ensure its visitors respect COVID-19 social-distancing rules as they peruse the displays. The colorful paper-mache hats have long extensions, or wings, to keep the gallery's art lovers 3-feet apart.

Fauci says it's time to think about reopening schools
"The idea of keeping schools closed in the fall because of safety concerns for children might be "a bit of a reach," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Raleigh businesses hit hard by pandemic struggle following riots
WRAL's Kirsten Gutierrez spoke with two business owners who were just trying to get back on their feet after the coronavirus pandemic when last weekend's riots damaged their restaurants in downtown Raleigh.

Phase 2: Durham businesses face uncertainty reopening during potential riots
The start of Phase 2 allowed many restaurants more freedom to serve customers and begin regaining a more regular income. However, the potential for riots, looting and destruction have many keeping their windows boarded--even with the freedom that comes from Phase 2.

In Durham, local restaurants face uncertainty in Phase 2 reopening
Durham businesses and restaurants received the green light this week to resume operations with a few restrictions in Phase 2; however, local issues with looting and destruction have some remaining boarded up.

Safety tips when you return to the gym
A Boston University epidemiologist has tips to follow when you are able to return to the gym after the coronavirus pandemic.

Dirty business: Tracking COVID-19 through sewage
Researchers in Michigan are working to track the spread of COVID-19 by testing sewage.

Behavioral, anxiety issues: When humans go back to work, dogs will suffer
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have spent more time at home than at their workplace. For pet owners, no one could be happier about that than their dogs.

Experts warn against spike in COVID-19 cases from protests
Could the protests cause a spike in coronavirus cases in the state? Experts say yes. Just the sheer proximity of the protesters and the number of people gathered in one space for an extended period of time increases the risk of spread.

Coronavirus & the Amish: Keeping everyone safe
Members of Maine's Amish community says the pandemic hasn't had a major impact on their lives, but they are following state orders to help keep everyone safe.

Coronavirus skill swap: Finding a job in the new economy
Many who lost their job during the COVID-19 pandemic will need new skills to re-enter the workforce. It could cost them thousands of dollars, or as one woman discovered, it could be free.

One in five educators won't go back to reopened schools, survey says
Though Americans are optimistic about a return to in-person learning, there is angst among teachers, parents and America at large about how to keep our schools safe if the virus isn't fully contained.

Coronavirus prompts PPE at dentist and new fees
5 On Your Side's Monica Laliberte looked into new fees directly related to coronavirus. Dentists were careful about protection before, but now COVID-19 brings a new level of safety.

Labor Commish: Carowinds wants to re-open in late June
Governor non-committal, amusement park hasn't confirmed date.

New need for PPE may show on dental bill as additional fee
Your next trip to the dentist might cost a little more.

Ko-an, Soca owners delay reopening, increase hourly pay and discourage tipping
Owners of two restaurants in Raleigh and Cary are delaying their reopenings and changing how they plan to pay their staff.

North Carolina lives lost to coronavirus
Nearly 1,000 people have died from the coronavirus in North Carolina. Each of them leaves their own legacy and people who miss them. Here are some of the people behind those numbers.