Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on March 15
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases continue to climb
At least 33 coronavirus cases have been reported across the state as of Sunday afternoon, health officials say. That’s up from 15 on Friday.
Many of the reported cases are in the Triangle, with 14 in Wake County, two in Johnston County and one each in Durham and Chatham counties.
A worker at the Target on Brier Creek Parkway in Raleigh tested positive for the virus, The News & Observer reported Sunday afternoon. The store is being sanitized and the employee is quarantined and on paid leave.
Mecklenburg County has four cases, with two more reported on Sunday.
The county declared a state of emergency the same day and is investigating whether the new cases are related to travel, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Both people who tested positive are isolated at home.
Wilson County reported its first case of the virus Sunday afternoon, The News & Observer reports, bringing the state total to 33 cases.
Forsyth and Harnett counties both have two reported cases. Cabarrus, Onslow, Wayne, Watauga, Brunswick and Craven counties each have one.
Lego Convention
Some who attended the BrickUniverse Lego Fan Convention at the Raleigh Convention Center earlier this month could’ve been exposed to the virus, The News & Observer reports.
A person who was at the convention March 8 has tested positive for the virus and had symptoms while there.
Anyone there that day between 2 and 4 p.m. should call the county’s information line at 919-856-7044.
Schools closed
N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper on Saturday ordered all K-12 public schools to close for at least two weeks, starting Monday.
School closures will be hard for many working parents and children who rely on meals at school, Cooper said, adding that state leaders are “working on efforts to deal with these challenges.”
No ‘mass gatherings’
The governor on Saturday also announced an executive order to stop mass gatherings of more than 100 people.
The order does not include restaurants, shopping malls or retails stores.
Many North Carolina events have already canceled or postponed.
The Town of Cary announced Sunday that all Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources facilities are closed until further notice. All programs are canceled as well.
The City of Durham also announced Sunday that it’s canceling its city council meeting on Monday and its council work session on Thursday.
Stores closing early
Walmart stores, as well as Harris Teeter, Trader Joe’s, Publix and Wegmans grocery stores, announced they are closing early so workers can clean and restock shelves.
Starting Sunday, 24-hour Walmart stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Trader Joe’s announced Sunday it will change its hours. Starting Monday its stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This story was originally published March 15, 2020 at 7:51 AM.
