NC Coronavirus: 8 Dead As Statewide Case Count Nears 1,500

NORTH CAROLINA — The number of cases of novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, in North Carolina jumped to 1,498 Tuesday morning, and is now being liked to at least two more deaths for a total of eight, according state public health officials.

Tuesday morning’s COVID-19 case tally rose by nearly 200 from Monday morning, when 1,307 cases were reported. According to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 43 percent of all current COVID-19 cases are aged 25 to 49 years.

As of March 31, 157 COVID-19 patients are being hospitalized.

SEE ALSO: Coronavirus: Entire State Of NC Ordered To 'Stay At Home'

The state continues to reel from the impact of COVID-19. All of North Carolina is under a "stay-at-home" order announced late last week by Gov. Roy Cooper. The 30-day order, which went into effect March 30, means residents are directed to stay in their homes unless they need to leave for essential activities, such as for jobs, food, medicine, outdoor exercise or to help others, Cooper said.

The order also bans gatherings of more than 10 people, and its directs residents stay at least six feet from each other. Essential services will be allowed to remain open, he said.

Cooper had declared a state of emergency for the entire state March 10. Public schools throughout the state have been ordered closed through at least May 15. In addition, Cooper had ordered a statewide ban on gatherings of more than 50 people and all dine-in service at restaurants and bars.

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The scale of widespread economic impact is also starting to emerge. More than 300,000 residents have filed for unemployment in North Carolina since March 16, WRAL reported.

Mecklenburg County remains the biggest COVID-19 hotspot in the state, with 420 cases, followed by 186 cases in Wake County and 122 cases in Durham County.

In an attempt to provide as much information to our readers as possible, Patch is publishing a county-by-county breakdown of the coronavirus cases in 75 of North Carolina's 100 counties, along with the number of cases by county and the number of deaths:

Coronavirus Symptoms, What To Do

Watch for symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from the illness, the CDC said.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:

• Trouble breathing

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion or inability to arouse

• Bluish lips or face

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Take steps to protect yourself

Clean your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Caring for yourself or others

• Learn how to protect yourself

• How to care for someone who is sick

• What to do if you are sick

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This article originally appeared on the Charlotte Patch