Coronavirus: NC Treasurer Tests Positive, No State Lockdown Yet

NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell has tested positive for novel coronavirus, he announced Wednesday. The state official is now among a growing list of nearly 600 North Carolina residents who have been diagnosed, and comes as the state sees its first COVID-19 related death and doctors from around the state pressure the governor to issue a statewide “stay-at-home” order.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, there were at least 576 cases and two deaths reported in North Carolina, according to Johns Hopkins University, up from 297 positive cases reported Monday morning.

Folwell said he recently realized he was symptomatic after returning from a trip with his son.

See more: NC’s First Coronavirus Death Reported In Charlotte Metro

“As many who know me can attest, I have a perennial cough that I believe is a reaction to my tendency to stutter as a child,” Folwell said in a statement. “Upon my return to work, I experienced what I thought was my seasonal reaction to spring pollen which has always severely accentuated my cough.”

Aware of the COVID-19 outbreak, he monitored his temperature as his cough worsened, he said. After consulting with a doctor, he was tested for COVID-19 Monday and learned he had tested positive late Tuesday evening.

“I have quarantined myself and will follow the advice of my physician as to when I will be medically cleared to return to office,” Folwell said.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in North Carolina. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

At least 53 of North Carolina’s 100 counties have reported cases of the virus, with nearly a third of the state’s cases reported in Mecklenburg County.

In an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the Charlotte metro region, Mecklenburg County issued a stay-at-home order for all county residents that will go into effect March 26 at 8 a.m.and will likely be in effect at least three weeks.

Similar orders have been issued in Wake County, as well in the City of Durham.

“This order directs all Mecklenburg County residents to shelter at home and limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs,” the City of Charlotte said in making the announcement. “This order is valid through April 16, 2020, but will be regularly reviewed and evaluated and may be revised, amended, or extended accordingly, based upon recommendations by the Mecklenburg County Public Health Director and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management.”

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who has already issued a number of statewide orders related to the coronavirus, has been reluctant so-far to order a complete lockdown of the state as has been done in states like New York and California. Wednesday, however, he indicated that might soon change.

“Local communities are doing what they think is right, and I understand that,” Cooper said Wednesday during a press conference. “It’s important for us to make sure that we are deliberate and that we get this right. We’re telling people now that we want them to stay home. ... And we will be issuing additional orders soon,” the Charlotte Observer reported.

Wednesday, the North Carolina Medical Society urged Cooper to issue an executive order limiting in-person access to non-essential business for two weeks, citing that healthcare workers around the state are already facing personal protective equipment shortages.

“We are gravely concerned about PPE availability, now and in the future as the number of infections is sure to rise, as well as access to ventilators and hospital beds,” NCMS officials said in a March 25 letter to Cooper, saying that enacting a statewide stay-at-home order now would limit the spread and preserve resources. “If action is delayed, we fear we will not be able to handle the surge in the health care needs.”

Cooper declared a state of emergency for the entire state March 10. Since then, public schools throughout the state have been ordered closed through at least May 15, and Cooper has ordered a statewide ban on gatherings of more than 50 people, businesses that require close contact, such as nail and hair salons, and all dine-in service at restaurants and bars.

Globally, more than 460,000 people have been infected and more than 20,800 people have died from the new coronavirus, Johns Hopkins reported Wednesday afternoon. Of that total, more than 62,800 confirmed cases are in the United States. At least 894 deaths in the U.S. have been tied to the virus outbreak, as of the afternoon of March 25.

RELATED:

• NC Coronavirus: Waffle House Shuts 400-Plus Sites; 'Index' At Red
• Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing Begins At Charlotte Motor Speedway
• Coronavirus: Mecklenburg County Issues Stay-At-Home Order
• NC Coronavirus: Mental Health Counselors See Patients Online
• NC Coronavirus: Here's A List Of Grocery Stores Adjusting Hours
• Will Coronavirus Overwhelm NC Hospitals' Capacity?
• Coronavirus Study: Here's How Many NC Adults Are At Higher Risk
• Coronavirus: Mooresville Businesses Step Up With Raises, Deals