Mayor Joines extends stay-at-home-order until May 7th

Updated April 14, 2020 5:35 PM with updated number of diagnosed cases.

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines extended the city’s stay-at-home order until May 7th according to an announcement from the mayor’s office, Fox 8 reports.

According to the article, residents are ordered to stay home “in light of “a significant and increasing number of suspected cases of community transmission and likely further significant increases in transmission” of the COVID-19 virus”.

As of this writing Forsyth County has reported 123 diagnosed cases of the novel Coronavirus and 4 deaths, up fifteen from 106 one week prior.

The article continues:

Residents will be allowed to leave their homes:

· For their health and safety, such as seeking medical services or obtaining medical supplies;

· To purchases necessary supplies and services, including groceries and food, household consumer products and supplies they need to work from home;

· To take care of others, including family members and friends;

· To perform work providing essential products and services as defined in the order, including healthcare, essential government operations and essential infrastructure; and

· For outdoor activity, including walking, hiking and cycling. Residents may visit city parks, but playgrounds have been ordered closed because they may increase the spread of the virus.

The stay-at-home order was expected to run until Thursday April 16th before the order was extended.

The state stay-at-home order is set to expire April 29th.