Coronavirus In NC: 1,307 Cases, At Least 6 Deaths
This article originally appeared on the Charlotte Patch
NORTH CAROLINA — The number of cases of novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, in North Carolina rose sharply over the weekend, climbing to 1,307 as of Monday morning, according to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The number shows a jump of nearly 300 cases reported by state public health officials since Sunday morning.
At least 137 patients are hospitalized and there have been at least six COVID-19 related deaths, NC DHHS said.
The news comes as the state prepares for a widespread “stay-at-home” order for the entire state announced Friday by Gov. Roy Cooper that is set to go into effect Monday at 5 p.m. The order is mandatory, and valid for 30 days through April 29, but could be revised or extended.
SEE ALSO: Coronavirus: Entire State Of NC Ordered To 'Stay At Home'
According to NC DHHS, the biggest age group affected by the coronavirus — 44 percent — in North Carolina are patients 25 to 49 years old.
Regarding specialized care needed for hospitalized patients, resources are growing slim throughout the state. In a NC DHHS survey of state hospitals with 64 percent responding, 745 — or about 23 percent — of North Carolina's 3,223 intensive care unit beds remain empty.
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:
Globally, more than 741,000 people have been infected and at least 35,114 people have died from the new coronavirus, Johns Hopkins reported Monday morning. Of that total, nearly 143,532 cases have been confirmed in the United States.
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.
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
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