Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on March 21

Hayley Fowler, Simone Jasper
·2 min read

We’re keeping track of the latest news about coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.

Cases climb

North Carolina now has at least 251 reported cases of coronavirus, nearly double the number of cases reported Friday morning. Health officials have said the number will continue to climb as more people get tested for COVID-19.

New cases in Mecklenburg County on Saturday upped its count to 77, the most in the state.

In the Triangle, Durham County has 39 cases and Wake County has 33. Johnston County has announced its third case, and Franklin County announced four cases.

The U.S. military installation Fort Bragg on Saturday reported its fourth case of COVID-19.

Raleigh flights delayed

Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Saturday reported some flights were delayed or canceled.

Earlier in the day, the Federal Aviation administration issued a brief ground stop in New York and Philadelphia after an air traffic control trainee tested positive for the coronavirus.

The order was lifted, and RDU officials didn’t say whether the flight changes were connected to the stop.

Universities announce cases

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Saturday announced it had confirmed cases of coronavirus. A Facebook post from the campus police department didn’t list the number of cases but said the school isn’t identifying the patients.

UNC-Wilmington on Saturday said two of its students tested positive for coronavirus. Elon University reported a student who went to Europe tested positive but didn’t come back to campus.

Hospitals restrict visitors

Triangle-area hospital systems Duke Health, UNC Health and WakeMed on Saturday announced additional restrictions for visitors to their facilities.

Due to the coronavirus, no visitors are allowed in patient areas starting Monday. Hospitals say exceptions may include allowing one person to see patients who are children or being discharged.

All visitors will go through screening processes.

Man accused of posting coronavirus video

North Carolina police say a man streamed a Facebook Live video in which he claimed he tested positive for the coronavirus. He is accused of posting the video from a Walmart in Albemarle, roughly 40 miles east of Charlotte.

Justin Rhodes was arrested and charged with perpetrating a hoax and disorderly conduct, police say.

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