Social distancing Coverage

Socially distanced Igloos return to Unscripted Hotel

A Winter Wonderland dining experience is returning to the popular Durham hotel and nightlife spot.

Durham doctor urges parents to take precautions, get vaccinated after entire family tests positive for COVID-19

Cathi Sander, a medical doctor, who treats COVID-19 patients, said she believes that the virus made its way into her home through her unvaccinated 9-year-old daughter, who has been in year-round school for a few weeks.

Sarah Krueger, WRAL Durham reporter

Social distancing in Durham schools stricter than in other districts

Traditional calendar students in Durham begin classes Tuesday, some at home and some in schools.

Kasey Cunningham, WRAL reporter; Sarah Krueger, WRAL Durham reporter

As restrictions loosen, some prefer to keep social distance

With mask mandates lifting and more people getting vaccinated, we'll have to learn to live again in crowds.

See Fewer People. Take Fewer Showers.

Robin Harper, an administrative assistant at a preschool in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, grew up showering every day.

Maria Cramer, New York Times

How to socialize for the first time again after a year of isolation

While it may be challenging, there are ways you can prepare yourself as you reemerge into the world as a social being.

By Ada Wood, CNN

State's rules for masks, gathering limits relax on Friday

Starting Friday at 5 p.m., masks will no longer be mandated outdoors in North Carolina.

Cooper expects to remove capacity limits, end distancing requirements in June

Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday that most pandemic-related restrictions in North Carolina will likely be lifted on June 1, including capacity limits on businesses and distancing requirements.

Matthew Burns, WRAL.com senior producer/politics editor

Cooper to lift capacity limits, distancing requirements in June

Gov. Roy Cooper and state health and safety officials provide an April 21, 2021, update on the coronavirus pandemic in North Carolina and the state's response to it.

Distanced outdoor activities in Lee County

San-Lee Park and Deep River Sporting Clays and Shooting School provide Sanford residents and visitors with opportunities to get outside while socially distancing.

Abbey Slattery, WRAL Digital Solutions

Feeling lonely? Cuddle a sheep!

As Germany's coronavirus cases rise, people found a way to cuddle despite social distancing rules, by cuddling with sheep.

Big day: Thousands of students back in classrooms for 1st time in a year

Five school districts are sending thousands of students back to classrooms Monday morning for the first time in one year.

WRAL News

After 11 days in hospital with COVID-19, self-described 'tough guy' warns others not to take virus lightly

Stanley McHenry, who describes himself as a "tough guy," was a Durham police officer for 31 years before a dangerous brush with COVID-19.

Ken Smith, anchor/reporter, and Rick Armstrong, photojournalist

NC State creates new outdoor lounge for social distancing

On Thursday, a new outdoor lounge opened at North Carolina State University with the goal of being a safe space for students to spend time together.

At-home gatherings contributing to the spread of COVID-19

Casual, at-home gatherings with small groups of family and friends may feel safe, however, these get-togethers are contributing to the spread of COVID-19.

Latisha Catchatoorian, WRAL Digital Solutions

Ways to stay warm outside while visiting friends, family

Family and friends come to visit, they're spaced out and yes, outside!

Monica Laliberte, WRAL executive producer/5 On Your Side reporter

DRAUGHON DRAWS: 2020 - From dancing in the streets to social distancing

Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

92 of NC's 100 counties now in 'red zone' or 'orange zone' for viral spread

North Carolina's hot spots for coronavirus spread continue to expand, state officials said Tuesday.

Matthew Burns, WRAL.com senior producer/politics editor

Duke psychologists: How to get people to wear masks, get vaccines

Duke University experts in psychology and behavior met Thursday to discuss ways to encourage people to wear masks, practice social distancing and get a coronavirus vaccine when it's available.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL multiplatform producer

Video doorbells allow for socially distant visits

Global sales of video doorbells are predicted to grow to $1.4 billion by 2023.

Monica Laliberte, WRAL executive producer/5 on Your Side reporter

How will offices look after the pandemic?

Office buildings across the region are still fairly empty, with many people working from home during the pandemic. But some experts say work may never be the same even after the pandemic is over.

NC coronavirus hospitalizations higher than ever, death toll second-highest

North Carolina's new coronavirus data on Wednesday shows COVID-19 hospitalizations are at their highest yet.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL multiplatform producer

Honey Baked Ham ready with changes to accommodate holiday rush

Signs on the floor, online ordering and discounts for those who pick up early are among the ways Honey Baked Ham franchises are making space for the holiday crowds.

Duke's 'aggressive testing' helped keep coronavirus at bay during fall semester

Dr. Thomas Denny, chief operating officer at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, says an extensive testing program is only one part of the university's ability to limit the spread of coronavirus on campus during the fall semester.

Wilson: Small gatherings, not churches or schools, to blame for COVID-19 spread

Wilson leaders respond to a map that shows which North Carolina counties have the greatest coronavirus spread.

Kasey Cunningham, WRAL reporter