Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on March 27
We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date news about coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases exceed 800
North Carolina has 880 reported cases of coronavirus as of Friday evening.
Friday marks the fourth consecutive day the state’s total case number has increased by 100 or more.
The number of reported cases in Mecklenburg County jumped to 259, the most in the state. Wake County has 123 reported cases, and Durham County has 103.
Almost 13,000 coronavirus tests had been completed in the state by Thursday, with 2,421 completed since Wednesday.
Statewide stay-at-home order
Gov. Roy Cooper issued a stay-at-home order on Friday to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The order, which goes into effect Monday at 5 p.m., bans gatherings of 10 or more people and exempts travel for essential jobs in certain industries — including healthcare, food and beverage, media and finance.
Cooper’s decision follows more than a dozen similar orders in communities across North Carolina, including Wake, Durham and Mecklenburg counties.
Fourth death reported
A fourth coronavirus-related death was reported in North Carolina on Friday.
A Johnston County resident in his or her 60s died Thursday, officials said. The person had an underlying medical condition.
Raleigh officials said Thursday a supervisor in the city’s Solid Waste Services Department died from the virus. Adrian Grubbs, 37, lived in Harnett County.
The state reported its first deaths on Wednesday: a Cabarrus County resident in his late 70s and a Virginia resident who was traveling in North Carolina.
Plan approved for high school seniors
North Carolina public high schools will switch to a pass/fail grading system on spring courses for high school seniors.
The State Board of Education approved the move Friday as the coronavirus pandemic has raised many questions about how to handle the rest of the school year.
Seniors will get a “pass” grade if they were passing their classes as of March 13.
Meanwhile, the state board said Thursday that school districts might get the option to start in early August, but lawmakers would have to approve the change. Under the state’s school calendar law, most public schools must start no earlier than the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end no later than the Friday closest to June 11.
Diner becomes testing center
A well-known former restaurant will become a new coronavirus testing location in Charlotte. Tryon Medical Partners is offering drive-thru tests at Art’s BBQ & Deli site after 1 p.m.
Atrium Health previously announced it would open a test site at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Trump says he won’t cancel GOP convention in Charlotte
President Donald Trump on Friday said there was “no way” he would cancel the Republican National Convention in August. The event is set to be held in Charlotte.
The North Carolina Republican Party’s state convention, which was supposed to start in Greenville on May 14, will now start June 4.
The GOP and the state Democratic Party say they will hold their county and congressional district conventions virtually due to the spread of coronavirus.
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This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 6:54 AM.
