Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on March 17
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We’re keeping track of the latest news about coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
Reported cases rise to 65
North Carolina has at least 65 reported cases of coronavirus as of Tuesday evening. The number has continued to climb steadily since the first known case in the state was reported March 3.
On Tuesday, Guilford County announced its first case, and Mecklenburg County added four to its total. Two Chatham County residents also tested positive for the virus, officials said.
Duke University announced Tuesday afternoon that at least 15 more members of the university community tested positive for the virus, The News & Observer reports.
A UNC-Chapel Hill employee also tested positive for the virus, the university said Tuesday.
Two more people tested positive for the virus in Wake County, health officials said Tuesday afternoon, bringing the county’s total to 17.
Wake has the highest number of reported cases in the state. Durham County has 16 confirmed cases, while Mecklenburg County has 11.
Coastal county restricts visitors
Dare County on Tuesday started limiting visitor access after receiving an unexpected surge in tourists, “including some drawn by special ‘coronacation’ deals,” The News & Observer reported.
Residents and people who work in the coastal county will be allowed to enter.
UNC System keeps students off campus
The University of North Carolina System said Tuesday it was ordering most students to stay away from its campuses across the state. The schools will also limit dining options, possibly to take-out service, The News & Observer reported.
As coronavirus spread, some universities announced they were moving classes online but at first chose to keep residential and dining halls open.
No more dine-in service
N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday is ordering the state’s restaurants and bars to end dine-in service. The businesses can still offer take-out and delivery.
The order also expands unemployment insurance for workers experiencing impacts from coronavirus.
It goes into effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
School food programs
Since Cooper ordered public schools to close statewide through March 27, communities and school leaders have rallied to come up with ways to make sure children have access to meals.
In Wake County starting Tuesday, volunteers will be at curbside locations to hand out food in sanitized food containers. Parents don’t have to bring their children with them to pick up items.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are opening about 70 sites to provide breakfast and lunch to students.
Libraries, parks close
Libraries, museums and aquariums are closed across the state starting Tuesday, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced. The North Carolina Zoo is also closed in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries said they will not charge fees for borrowed items. The Wake County library system stopped charging late fees earlier this year.
Free digital resources are still available.
4,000 cases expected in NC
There could be 4,000 coronavirus cases in North Carolina by April 2, a disease expert at UNC-Chapel Hill said Monday.
This week, it’s possible 110 people in the state will test positive for the virus, officials said.
President Donald Trump said Monday the coronavirus crisis could last through July or August.
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This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 6:46 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on March 17."
