No gatherings of more than 50 people in NC, officials advise as coronavirus precaution
North Carolina health officials are now recommending against having gatherings of more than 50 people.
Gov. Roy Cooper banned gatherings of more than 100 people last week — first as guidance, then a few days later making it mandatory — and closed all schools until at least the end of the month. On Monday, he requested a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration that would allow small businesses impacted economically from the pandemic to receive loans.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called for cancellation or postponement of all gatherings of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks. Schools, colleges and businesses are exempt for their day to day operations.
While pointing out that Cooper’s executive order banning gatherings of more than 100 remains in effect, NC Health and Human Services state health director and chief medical officer Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson said Monday she now recommends following the CDC’s stricter guidance.
As for ordering a complete lockdown, Tilson said the pandemic hasn’t reached that stage yet.
“I don’t think we are there yet,” Tilson said. “I think we have some more steps to get to before we get to that step. We will continue to reassess and make recommendations as we see fit.”
Tilson said as of Monday morning, the coronavirus cases the state has on file document that the patient either came in contact with an infected person or they had a travel history that led to an infection.
That said, “community spread” is likely taking place as well, she said.
“Although we still suspect that there may be some community spread, to date, we still don’t have documentation,” Tilson said.
To help prevent community spread, Tilson continued to recommend good hygiene.
“I cannot stress enough: Good hand washing, good hand washing, good hand washing,” TiIson said. “Don’t touch your face.”
This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 2:18 PM.
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