A Wake County contractor tested positive for COVID-19 after reporting to work with symptoms, a county news release said.

After tracking the contractor’s movements, county officials said they found 16 people were exposed to the virus and have symptoms.

The county said the contractor was supporting public health and clinical services in the Sunnybrook building, part of the county’s Human Services campus.

The 16 symptomatic employees are now being tested for the virus because they work in healthcare.

“Because there is community spread, it was just a matter of time before our staff was directly impacted, said Regina Petteway, director of Wake County Human Services, in a news release. “Unfortunately, this situation is a good example of why people who have fever, cough and respiratory issues should not come to work, and instead, stay home and help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The Sunnybrook building houses the county’s main public health centers for both adults and children, according to the county’s website.

Wake County reported a dozen new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the total to 146.

County officials said healthcare workers are one of the groups the county has reserved its tests and protective gear for when they become symptomatic.

The county has hired a disinfecting service to clean the affected areas of the Sunnybrook building Sunday. The building will remain closed until noon Monday.

This story was originally published March 29, 2020 at 5:02 PM.