By Sophia Lyons
In local news, Watauga County kindergarten through third grade students had their first day of in-person school on October 5th, as reported by the Watauga Democrat. Watauga County Schools is using a hybrid approach, bringing one group of students to school in person on Monday and Tuesday and the other on Thursday and Friday. All students learn remotely Wednesday. Fourth grade through twelfth grade begins in-person school on October 19.
From around the region, the Watauga Medical Center opened a second coronavirus treatment unit, as reported by the Watauga Democrat. The first unit has 7 beds and the second unit has 6 beds, and AppHealthCare is prepared to open a third unit with ten more beds if necessary. Watauga County’s total case count rose by 308 cases from September 29 to October 6, and 325 cases were active, as of October 6.
In national news, President Donald Trump returned to the White House on October 5 shortly after 7, after three days of treatment at Walter Reed Medical Center, as reported by USA Today. Trump walked up the South Portico stairs and removed his mask, despite being infected with the coronavirus, before giving thumbs up and saluting while watching his helicopter take off before going in the White House. It was unclear if he put his mask back on inside.