2020 Coronavirus Outbreak

'Nothing happening': Students share a day in the life on UNC's empty campus

After UNC faced outbreaks of COVID-19 at the start of the fall semester, the majority of on-campus students left to return home or to find an off-campus residence. But a little over 1,000 students remained living in residence halls, according to the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard.  And the on-campus experience, in light of COVID-19 guidelines, is vastly different than anything experienced before.

Uncertainty lingers around COVID-19 vaccine safety, development and distribution

Elizabeth Tilson, North Carolina's state health director and chief medical officer, said North Carolina likely won't have enough COVID-19 doses available for widespread distribution until later in 2021. 

Was N.C. State Fair’s food festival COVID-safe? Vendors weigh in

“The sense of normalcy is comforting, but a little different,” one vendor said. “Given what this year has brought us —  maybe it’s not normal, but it’s appropriate for 2020.”

UNC students experience anxiety as they await COVID-19 test results

As UNC provides COVID-19 testing to its students, some experience anxiety while waiting for results. Dr. Allen O'Barr, director of CAPS, recommends students utilize mindfulness techniques as they deal with uncertainty. 

Weekly Quiz for the Well-Read News Whiz: Oct. 23

Chapel Hill's Regal Timberlyne Theater closes, to be turned into medical office space

Chapel Hill's Regal Timberlyne Theater is closing down, and a new medical office building is set to take its place.

'He's pissed': Roy Williams 'hungry' to ensure UNC bounces back from last year's woes

“If I tell you something, you ought to take it to the bank because I’m going to tell you the freaking truth,” UNC men's basketball head coach Roy Williams said. “I think we’ll rebound the basketball this year like North Carolina teams usually rebound the basketball: better than last year.”

Campus & Community Advisory Committee plans recommendations for spring housing

Here's what you missed at Tuesday's Campus & Community Advisory Committee meeting.

Heel Talk Episode 25: Fans are welcomed back to Kenan Stadium

Here's how to cast your vote early in Orange County

Early voting is underway in North Carolina through Oct. 31. Gerry Cohen, a member of the Wake County Board of Elections, and Rachel Raper, director of elections for Orange County, answered some frequently asked questions about the process.

Orange County Board of Education approves high school athletics, driver's education

Driver's education, high school athletics and a hybrid spring schedule were discussed at Monday's Orange County Schools Board of Education meeting. Athletics and driver's education will resume with COVID precautions, and the Board voted for most public school students to resume in-person learning in the spring. 

The virtual 'village': Refugee inclusion still a priority in Durham

Local organizations and advocates who support refugee and immigrant integration initiatives have had to get creative at a time when community gatherings are rare and people feel safer with the those they are close with. 

New saliva-based test on campus brings more frequent, less sensitive results

With Campus Health now offering saliva-based COVID-19 tests to students, UNC epidemiologists explain the reliability of this new and more widespread testing method.

Here's why UNC's $3 billion endowment can't all be used for COVID-19 relief

University leaders explain what the UNC endowment is and how its funds are being used in light of the pandemic.  The UNC endowment had a market value of over $3 billion in the 2019 fiscal year, leading some to see it as a possible lucrative source of funding for students and community members struggling financially during the pandemic.  Endowment funds are collected from various donors and invested by a team at the UNC Management Company, which is composed of a board of business leaders, investment experts and University leaders who make decisions on how to monitor and invest donations. Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for University Development Cynthia Butler said that only a small percentage of the value of endowment funding is available for liquid use. 

Campus Health has begun texting students weekly reminders for COVID-19 testing

Students have begun receiving texts from Campus Health after getting tested for COVID-19 in the Student Union, recommending they get tested again every five to nine days.

UNC schedules five wellness days during spring semester

UNC's spring semester will have a delayed start on Jan. 19, a two-week delay from the academic calendar's initial start date of Jan. 6. 

Businesses prepare for adjusting outdoor seating in the upcoming winter months

Business owners on Franklin Street worry that cold weather may cause a decline in customers in the coming winter months. 

'Trying to find positivity': UNC athletes find hobbies during COVID-19

Athletes went from practicing and playing almost every day to going home, wherever that may be, uncertain about their futures. But in that time, UNC athletes are finding new hobbies or perfecting their crafts.

Residents find new ways to celebrate Halloween during COVID-19

Halloween for UNC students and Chapel Hill-Carrboro families will be different this year. The Orange County Health Department has recommended alternatives to trick-or-treating or flooding Franklin Street on Oct. 31. 

State elections board members resign over legal settlement, sparking controversy

Just weeks before North Carolinians head to the polls, legal battles and resignations plague the state’s governing body on elections.