Durham reports 30 more cases of coronavirus
Durham County reported 30 more positive tests for COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the county’s total to 71.
North Carolina has more than 300 reported cases.
As of Monday evening, Durham County had the second highest number of cases in the state behind Mecklenburg County, which has more than 100. Wake County has the third most cases at 66.
The county’s department of public health has already notified any Durham County residents who may have come in close contact with those infected while they were symptomatic.
Close contact means being within six feet of an infected person for at least 10 minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Of Durham’s 71 cases, 26 are Duke students, according to the university and Durham County. The university began online classes for students and faculty on Monday.
Duke announced Sunday that all employees, including at the university and medical facilities, will have expanded COVID-19 health insurance coverage.
Also, most county offices were closed Monday because of coronavirus and a cyber malware attack earlier this month, county officials said.
GoDurham announced that as of Monday, all buses and ACCESS rides are free. Riders should enter through the rear doors to support social distancing and reduce contact.
Duke Health, UNC Health and WakeMed announced they are limiting visitors starting Monday.
The News & Observer reported that no visitors are allowed into Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital and Duke Raleigh Hospital until further notice. The exceptions include: patients nearing end of life or on hospice, patients who are children (one visitor), patients in the labor and delivery unit (one visitor), and patients being discharged from the hospital (one visitor). Patients and visitors who meet those exceptions will be screened before entering the facilities.
Similar actions were being taken statewide. A new order from Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday banned gatherings of more than 50 people and ordered businesses such as gyms, movie theaters and barbershops to close by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Cooper also said public schools in the state will remain closed until May 15.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 6:57 PM.
