This is the first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in the Cape Fear region

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As of publication, there are 32 known cases of Coronavirus in North Carolina.

Last week, a Brunswick County resident was placed under self-quarantine after presumptively testing positive for coronavirus, and the results have been sent to the CDC for confirmation, according to a news release from the county.

While the person was traveling in Louisiana, they displayed symptoms. When they returned to Brunswick County, they were still showing symptoms and contacted a medical care provider. The person agreed to self-isolation after being tested for coronavirus and has remained at home since that time, according to the news release. There is one other adult in the home who has been self-quarantining and neither has direct contact with children. Brunswick County said the person who tested positive is doing well.

According to a Saturday afternoon release from Brunswick County, New Hanover County and the Wilmington International Airport have been notified that the same individual flew into ILM on March 10.

After arriving at ILM, this individual used their personal vehicle to return to their home in Brunswick County and did not make any additional stops in either New Hanover or Brunswick counties. Only travelers who are contacted in the next few days could be advised to take action.

Brunswick County Health Services team members are monitoring the person during their self-isolation and are identifying any close contacts to monitor symptoms and contain potential spread.

"We are in communication with the individual and the NC Department of Health and Human Services to follow the next steps in our response plan for this kind of situation," Health and Human Services Director David Stanley said. "All our efforts are being made with the utmost concern and care for the health and well-being of both this individual and the general public."

It’s one of eight new cases announced in North Carolina, bringing the state to 23 total cases of coronavirus. One is confirmed, the other 22 are presumptive. New cases were also reported in Craven and Onslow counties. **Click here for the DHHS map of cases by county**

To protect the person’s privacy, the county is not releasing further information. Specific flight information can also not be shared at this time for the same reason.

The county said this represents an isolated case, and COVID-19 is currently not widespread in Brunswick County.

"We are encouraging our residents to remain calm, to continue to follow the health guidelines the state and county have recommended, and to follow our official channels for the most accurate, confirmed information about how coronavirus is impacting our county," Stanley said. "We are continuing to monitor how novel coronavirus is impacting the state and county and will continue to keep our residents informed."

Governor Mandate

At a late afternoon press conference, Gov. Roy Cooper said that all K-12 public schools would be closed to students from March 16-30 in hopes of containing the spread of the virus.

The announcement came after "increased anxiety and fear from parents, from teachers, and superintendents across our state."

Earlier Saturday, Brunswick County teachers received an email from the school district about "processes, practices and resources" for remote learning in the event of a school closure.

In addition, he said he would be signing an executive order forbidding gatherings of more than 100 people, effective immediately. This would include church services. While he had previously encouraged those assemblies to stop, the risks were too great to continue allowing them for the forseeable future.

Local businesses adapting

Village Cafe in Hampstead will transition to a home meal delivery service next week. In a Facebook post explaining the decision, owner Mark Lawson said that the dining room will close after Sunday Brunch. He said a new update should be posted by Monday.

Lawson wrote that the business has created an online store through Facebook that will act as an ordering and payment platform. Delivery is slated to begin Friday, March 20 and will be no contact. Cash will not be accepted. There will also be a few individuals working from home to answer any questions and take phone orders for those who don’t use Facebook.

Front Street Brewery in downtown Wilmington released a list of its new procedures. In the release, owner Tom Harris said he encourages all other restaurants throughout the city, county and state to adopt similar precautions.

GermX hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the restaurant.Laminated, non-porous menus are being used and sanitized for each new guest.Sanitizing not only includes tables but all seating and tabletop condiments. Individual condiment packets will soon be available at request.Bar stools have been removed to allow more social distancing between customers in the bar area.Monitoring and restricting the number of people in the bar area.Offering guests the option of plastic glassware and shrink wrapped plastic dinnerware.Any staff member who exhibits system will be sent home immediately.Any customers with a recurring cough will be asked to leave.

According to its Facebook page, Eggs Up Grill’s Wilmington location is following new protocols set forth by CEO Ricky Richardson. All condiments have been removed from table tops and are available upon request. Menus are now paper and discarded after every use. Sanitation efforts have also been increased.

Proactive tips

Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, residents should take the same measures recommend annually to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses:

* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

* If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

* Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

* Stay home when you are sick.

Individuals who suspect they might be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their primary care provider before traveling to the site to inform them about your symptoms so appropriate steps can be taken to protect yourself and others.

According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness, typically following international travel to regions with higher confirmed cases. Symptoms can include fever (100.5 degrees Fahrenheit), cough, and shortness of breath. You are again strongly encouraged to reach out to your primary care provider before going to their site to alert them of your symptoms so they can make appropriate steps to protect you and others.

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