The count of COVID-19 cases in North Carolina is now at 33. People presumed to have the novel Coronavirus are in 14 counties – with most of the cases still concentrated in the middle of the state.
As the number of cases continues to creep up, state officials are not yet ordering bars and restaurants closed.
But they are urging people to comply with recommendations from the CDC – which are more stringent than what is mandated by Governor Cooper’s Executive Order.
"So we have now updated our recommendations to be consistent with CDC – and that means that we recommend no mass gatherings for more than 50 people for the next 8 weeks."
That’s State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Tilson.
"For now, our executive order that mandates restrictions on mass gatherings will stay at 100 for now. Those are enforceable by local law enforcement. "
However, says Tilson, state officials will continue to reassess, and recommendations may change.
In the meantime, aggressive containment measures appear to be helping, and authorities urge people to continue frequent hand washing, don’t touch your face, and stay home if you don’t feel well.