Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on March 14
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
Latest cases
At least 24 people in North Carolina, including a Wake County public school teacher, have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Saturday, officials say.
Most of the reported cases have been in the Triangle, with at least 10 in Wake County and one each in Durham, Chatham and Johnston. One of the Wake County cases involves a teacher at Fuquay-Varina Elementary School, health officials said.
Cabarrus, Harnett, Onslow, Wayne, Brunswick, Craven and Mecklenburg counties each have one reported case.
There are two in Forsyth County, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
Three graduate students at Duke University also tested positive for the coronavirus while traveling abroad, the university said Friday.
Executive order
N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper on Saturday issued an executive order to stop mass gatherings of more than 100 people.
All North Carolina schools close
Cooper also directed all K-12 schools in the state to close for two weeks starting March 16.
Hours earlier on Saturday, Wake County schools said they will close through March 27, reversing an earlier decision.
Meanwhile, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools had said students would start spring break early, on March 23.
Testing for COVID-19
Health officials in North Carolina have loosened the requirements for patients seeking to get tested for coronavirus.
Now patients with a fever or lower respiratory symptoms — such as a cough or shortness of breath — who have been in close contact with a confirmed case within 14 days can be tested.
Patients with both a fever and lower respiratory symptoms who tested negative for the flu are also eligible, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
But in Mecklenburg County, officials report they’ve only been given three test kits from the state for COVID-19. There are more than one million people living in the county.
Do you have questions about the coronavirus? The News & Observer will get the answers for you. Go to bit.ly/virusnc and let us know what you need to know.
Dreamville Festival postponed
J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival was rescheduled Friday for Aug. 29 over fears of the coronavirus.
The announcement came one day after Cooper advised against gatherings of more than 1,000 people — including concerts.
J. Cole is a Grammy Award-winning artist from North Carolina. He still lives in the state.
Prison visits suspended
Officials suspended all prison visits, including volunteers, for at least the next 30 days to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the N.C. Department of Public Safety said Friday.
No inmates have tested positive for COVID-19.
This story was originally published March 14, 2020 at 8:50 AM.
