North Carolina Coronavirus Cases Jump To 97

NORTH CAROLINA — The number of presumptive positive novel coronavirus cases in North Carolina is now at 97, which represents a 54 percent increase in positive cases reported overnight, according to new data released Thursday morning by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

As of March 19, there have been 2,505 tests completed by the NC State Laboratory of Public Health, hospitals or labs in the state, according to state health officials. No deaths related to the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, have been reported in North Carolina.

Wednesday, Gov. Roy Cooper announced a statewide hotline, NC 2-1-1, for residents seeking information, assistance and referrals for services related to COVID-19. The service is provided by the United Way of North Carolina, and is available 24 hours a day.

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“Services like NC 2-1-1 are critical during times of emergency,” Cooper said. “North Carolinians can now call 2-1-1 to get the information they need while we continue working together to prevent the spread of this virus.”

Here’s what state emergency officials say about NC 2-1-1:

• Residents can text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19, and sign up to receive regular alerts.
• Callers may dial 2-1-1, (or TTY 888-892-1162) to obtain information about organizations in their local community best equipped to address their specific health and human services needs including food, shelter, energy assistance, housing, parenting resources, health care, employment, substance abuse treatment, as well as specific resources for older adults and for persons with disabilities.
• Due to anticipated high call volume, those seeking general information about COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to sign up for texts. People who are trying to locate specific services would benefit by calling.

More information about NC 2-1-1 may be found here.

Here's a rundown of case count per county as of March 19, according to NC DHHS:

• Wake County — 22
• Durham County — 32
• Mecklenburg County — 13
• Harnett County — 4
• Chatham County — 3
• Johnston County — 2
• Forsyth County — 2
• Craven County — 1
• Onslow County — 1
• Brunswick County — 1
• Sampson County — 1
• Wayne County — 1
• Wilson County — 2
• Guilford County — 2
• Iredell County — 2
• Lincoln County — 1
• Cabarrus County — 1
• Watauga County — 2
• Gaston County — 1
• Union County — 1
• Moore County — 1
• Hoke — 1

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