North Carolina's top public health official says the number of people in the state testing positive for COVID-19 has grown to 12. State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Tilson announced the four additional cases Thursday while at a task force meeting about the state's response to COVID-19. Two of those cases are in Forsyth County.
State officials say they are in a better position today than yesterday in terms of testing and collaboration. Gov. Roy Cooper says it's a rapidly evolving situation and officials are learning minute by minute.
“I know there are other results from other parts of the state that we need to confirm, so there will be additional cases and this epidemic is going to get worse before it gets better,” he says.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
Cooper already declared a state of emergency earlier this week and said he expected to provide more guidance to the public later Thursday.
Recommendations on mass gatherings and work environments already have been released. The University of North Carolina system is making plans for campuses to shift to online classes later this month. Wake Forest Univerity and Elon University will also suspend in-person classes.
For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here.
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