NC Coronavirus: 4 Dead, More Than 1,000 Test Positive

NORTH CAROLINA — The number of cases of the coronavirus grew nearly 300 cases overnight and is now present in 69 counties in North Carolina, according to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

As of Sunday morning, there are:

• 1,040 positive cases
• 4 deaths
• 18,945 completed tests
• 91 currently hospitalized

At least a third of the state's documented coronavirus cases are in Mecklenburg County, according to data. In Mecklenburg County, public health officials said the number of cases rose from 259 on Friday, to 298 on Sunday. There were 170 cases reported on Thursday.

According to NC DHHS data, the majority of coronavirus cases — 46 percent — are affecting patients between 25 and 49 years of age. However, 75 percent of deaths are from patients in the 65 and older category.

The NC DHHS data also shows there are 3,223 ICU beds, with 691 still empty. There are 14,594 inpatient hospital beds, and 5,726 are empty as of Sunday morning.

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Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for the entire state March 10. Since then, North Carolina public schools will be closed through May 15, Cooper said last week. The announcement represents an extension of the ongoing two-week closure for in-person instruction at public schools that began March 16.

Cooper also announced he is signing an executive order that bans mass gatherings of 50 people or more. This new order, which ramps up a previous ban on groups of 100 or more, means temporary closure for businesses such as gyms, movie theaters, health clubs and more, he said.

Coronavirus: Entire State Of NC Ordered To 'Stay At Home'

Starting Monday afternoon, all of North Carolina is being ordered to "stay at home" in order to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, Cooper said Friday afternoon. The order is set to go into effect at 5 p.m. Monday.

"It is what we have to do to save lives," Cooper said at a news conference. "It has the force of law."
The order is mandatory, and valid for 30 days through April 29, but could be revised or extended.

Coronavirus Symptoms, What To Do

Watch for symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from the illness, the CDC said.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Take steps to protect yourself

Clean your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Caring for yourself or others

• Learn how to protect yourself
• How to care for someone who is sick
• What to do if you are sick