NC has first coronavirus deaths. More cases reported, and areas issue stay-at-home orders.
North Carolina reported its first coronavirus deaths on Wednesday, as the number of cases in the state continued to climb and more municipalities told their residents to stay home.
State officials said that a person from Cabarrus County died on Tuesday from complications associated with the virus. The patient was in their late 70s and had underlying medical conditions, officials said. A second person, from Virginia, was traveling through North Carolina and also died. That patient was in their 60s.
The current case count of 504 is a jump of 106 cases over what the state’s Department of Health and Human Services reported on Tuesday. It’s the second consecutive day the state’s case count has jumped by 100 or more.
The News & Observer is keeping a real-time count of additional cases announced by counties updated throughout the day. That total is now at 608, with more than half of North Carolina’s 100 counties reporting cases. The DHHS website is only updated once per day.
State officials also said Wednesday they have recorded 10,489 test results, an increase of 23.3% over the 8,502 they reported in Tuesday’s update.
Wake County added 11 new cases Wednesday and Durham County added 10.
More ‘stay at home’ orders announced
Because of the state’s growing number of cases, municipalities are increasing restrictions as they aim to limit community spread of the virus.
Durham officials implemented a stay-at-home order for its residents Wednesday. Wake County confirmed that it will issue a “stay at home” (or “shelter in place”) order. Officials in Orange County — along with the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough — will implement a “stay at home” order to go into effect Friday at 6 p.m. The order will run through April 30 “with option to continue or rescind at any time,” said Orange County Commissioner Sally Greene,
Guilford County, Greensboro and High Point issued a joint “stay at home” order Wednesday afternoon.
Mecklenburg County issued a “stay at home” order on Tuesday. On Monday, Madison County, Pitt County and the town of Beaufort asked their residents to stay home and limit travel to only medical appointments, grocery shopping, pharmacy visits and work.
Groups call for the close of childcare centers
Several North Carolina child advocacy groups issued a statement Wednesday calling for the closure of all childcare centers, except for those that would get funding to remain open to care for the children of first responders and essential workers.
“Young children cannot do social distancing or practice the healthy behaviors necessary to stop the spread of the virus in child care programs,” according to the statement from the North Carolina Early Education Coalition, NC Child and North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children. “Continuing to allow child care programs to make their own decisions to remain open or closed is a dangerous public health position exposing children, families and early educators to the Coronavirus.”
The three groups also want the state to create an emergency assistance fund to help childcare providers so that they’ll be able to reopen after the coronavirus crisis ends.
State official tests positive
State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced on Wednesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Folwell said in an emailed statement that his main symptom has been coughing, but no fever. He recently returned from a trip with his son, but did not say where they traveled. He was tested on Monday, after his cough worsened. He was informed Tuesday night of the results.
Folwell said he has quarantined himself and notified employees in the treasury department. “Starting today, only those absolutely necessary for continuing business services will be in our building,” the statement read.
Wake school system donates equipment
The Wake County school system will donate personal protective equipment (PPE) in their nearly 200 schools to give to emergency personnel and healthcare workers. School employees are visiting schools this week to collect supplies from health rooms, such as gloves, procedure face shield masks and gowns.
“We are happy for the opportunity to provide equipment to help assist our healthcare colleagues as they continue to care for our community’s sick and vulnerable population,” Kelly Creech, the school system’s health services director, said in a news release Wednesday..
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 10:50 AM.