Last week, the U.S. Forest Service closed scores of roads, trails and campsites in the Pisgah National Forest . A day later, the National Park Service closed most of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina.

At Friday’s news briefing, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is working with academic partners across the state to understand how widespread cases of COVID-19 with mild or no symptoms are in the state and to monitor prevalence of the disease over time.

Politics mixed with the science of tracking the novel coronavirus’ spread this week when Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) participated in the rollout of a research study to track people who may have already had COVID-19 without knowing it. North Carolina Health News founding editor Rose Hoban has been covering the story. She spoke with BPR's Helen Chickering about the study and the governor's path to gradual re-opening.

This week, the federal government announced that it has already used up a $349 billion stimulus package for small businesses. Here’s how this impacts Western North Carolina... Kai Schmoll owns Blue Ridge Event Staffing, a company that staffs events. He says he applied for the Paycheck Protection Program, known as PPP, about 3 weeks ago. He heard Friday won’t get a loan. “I’m telling you this is starting to feel more and more like 2008,” says Schmoll. Schmoll was hit hard by the 2008 recession -

Age, health, income, and race are all factors in the spread and severity of COVID-19. For seniors living in Asheville Housing Authority residences, isolation is key to slowing the spread, according to officials. But those seniors also need nutritious food. A new collaboration between farmers, chefs, and the Housing Authority is bringing meals to their doorsteps via the Southside Kitchen.

FIND THE LATEST COVID-19 CASE COUNT IN NORTH CAROLINA HERE . FOR ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS CLICK HERE . (4/15 4 p.m.) North Carolina officials are working to figure out when and how to re-open. Governor Roy Cooper said in a news briefing this afternoon that it's important the transition happens slowly and is based on solid information. Testing, Tracing and Trends will help determine when to loosen restrictions Below is a press release from the Governor's office

With non-essential businesses forced to close for the stay at home order, downtown Asheville’s streetscape is significantly quieter than usual. As a result, some restaurant and shop owners are taking extra precautions to deter looting and vandalism.

FIND THE LATEST COVID-19 CASE COUNT IN NORTH CAROLINA HERE . FOR ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS CLICK HERE . The city of Asheville opened the region’s largest homeless shelter in the wake of COVID-19 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville. More rural counties in Western North Carolina are still working on plans of their own. Jackson County’s homeless program – which puts people in need of shelter in hotels - planned to scale down after cold weather ended at the

FIND THE LATEST COVID-19 CASE COUNT IN NORTH CAROLINA HERE . FOR ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS CLICK HERE . The U.S. Forest Service is closing several popular trails and recreation spots in the Pisgah National Forest due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find the latest COVID-19 updates & info here Along with restaurants, hotels, and many small businesses – physician practices across Western North Carolina are feeling the financial crunch from the coronavirus. A MAHEC survey of 100 primary care practices finds many are being hit hard by both the shortage of supplies - and patients.