More COVID-19 cases in North Carolina announced; total 12

Published 10:40 am Thursday, March 12, 2020

: This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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At 10 a.m. on March 12, 2020, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced two people from Forsyth County and a person from Johnston County have tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total of positive cases in North Carolina to 12, including a Durham resident who tested positive in another state.

The tests, conducted by the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health, are presumptively positive and will be confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lab. All are reportedly doing well and are in isolation at home.

While awaiting confirmation of results from the CDC, the department treats presumptive cases as positive and follows CDC guidelines to protect public health and limit the spread of infection.

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The local health departments in Forsyth and Johnson counties will work to identify close contacts.

The couple from Forsyth was on a cruise where other travelers have tested positive. The exposure for the person from Johnston County is being investigated.

The CDC defines close contact as being within approximately six feet of a person with an infection with COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time of 10 minutes or longer. Based on information provided by the individual, county health officials will assess risks of exposure, determine which if any additional measures are needed such as temperature and symptom checks, quarantine and/or testing.

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