NC Friday update: COVID-19 cases pass 2,000, get daily updates by text

Posted: Apr 3, 2020 / 11:51 AM EDT / Updated: Apr 23, 2020 / 04:38 PM EDT

RALEIGH, N.C. (WAVY) — North Carolina’s reported cases of COVID-19 passed 2,000 on Friday, with a jump of hospitalizations from 184 to 259 in a day’s span.

The new numbers from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) also show 19 deaths, up from 16 on Thursday.

The state has completed 31,598 tests total. 86 counties have reported cases, up from 83 on Thursday.

.@NC_Governor In NC, we now have 2,093 confirmed cases of #COVID19 covering nearly all counties. Sadly, we are also reporting 19 deaths and 259 hospitalized. We continue to pray for the families of these souls, as well as the people currently sick and recovering.
— NCDHHS (@ncdhhs) April 3, 2020

Most of the cases have occurred in patients ages 25-49 (43%), with most of the deaths related to the virus in those 65-plus. (79%).

Gov. Roy Cooper and health officials held a briefing on the coronavirus pandemic Friday afternoon.

Cooper reiterated that since there are no medicines to stop the virus, he is counting on citizens to help stop it.

“This virus is still spreading quickly, no one is immune, there is no vaccination, and social distancing is our best protection,” said Gov. Cooper. “Now is not the time for beach trips or neighborhood cookouts.”

“If we avoid gatherings, wash our hands, stay at home as much as we can, and if we keep our physical distance. These things work,” he added.

For more information, visit NCDHHS’s website here.

For COVID-19 questions, dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162.

The director of NCEM said they are also sending two coronavirus updates text messages a day. To sign up for these updates just text COVIDNC to 898211.