— Here are the latest updates on the impact of the coronavirus outbreak in North Carolina and across the globe, for Tuesday, March 20, 2020:

What you need to know:

North Carolina has 64 people who have tested positive for the new coronavirus. Half of the cases are in Wake and Durham counties.

More than 4,000 in the U.S. are infected, and 100 people have died across the country.

All North Carolina public schools are closed for the next two weeks, at least.

Gov. Roy Cooper mandated all bars and restaurants in North Carolina close to encourage social distancing. Takeout, delivery and drive-thru options may still be available, depending on the restaurant.

The CDC recommends people avoid crowds of 50 or more for the next eight weeks and President Donald Trump is asking people not gather in groups of more than 10.

Numerous events have been canceled across the region, including business conferences, festivals, concerts and more.

A toll-free Hope Line has been established for older adults experiencing isolation from social distancing. Call 1-866-578-4673 or 1-866-578-HOPE.

Important links:

Get details on NC cases:

Latest updates:

Tuesday, March 17

11:25 p.m.: Duke University Hospital has set up several white tents, which you'll see as you enter the emergency room. Officials told WRAL's Rosalia Fodera it’s a new place for potential Coronavirus patients. The hospital said it’s there for intake if there is a surge in patients.

We're told Duke Regional Hospital will have a similar tent in the next few days.

10:57 p.m.: Target announced it will open one hour early starting Wednesday for seniors to shop. The business is also "encouraging other guests to plan their shopping trips around this timeframe."

9:41 p.m.: Nevada's governor has ordered the closure of casinos and restaurants to fight the spread of the coronavirus.

9:35 p.m.: Golden Corral, which has its corporate offices in Raleigh, released a statement on its status in regards to the coronavirus outbreak.

"We know that it’s a very difficult and scary time for the country and our friends and neighbors here in Raleigh. In response to the Governor’s executive order restricting in-restaurant dining, we have temporarily shifted exclusively to carry-out, curbside delivery and home delivery service. In addition, like many area restaurants, we have experienced a dramatic and unforeseen drop in demand that required an adjustment to scheduling. We are working hard to give our scheduled coworkers as many hours as possible and assist those impacted by offering food for their families. Once we can resume normal operations, we will be in a position to increase hours and rebuild our restaurant teams."

8:37 p.m.: Kansas' governor has ordered the closure of all public and private K-12 schools for the rest of the spring semester. Teachers will provide online assistance.

8 p.m.: Wake County school Superintendent Cathy Moore said in a letter to families that the coronavirus outbreak "is likely to disrupt our school operations for weeks to come," so administrators are working on plans for online learning.

"As we look ahead, be aware that state education leaders are currently evaluating the most basic elements of school operations, such as state exams and school calendars. We can expect that other school practices and traditions will be disrupted," Moore said in the letter.

In a response to comments about the information on Twitter, district officials said they are prepared for school to be out anywhere from eight to 20 weeks, as dictated by the CDC.

The Associated Press reported Tuesday night that California's governor said few if any schools there are likely to open this school year due to the virus.

6:40 p.m.: Wake County public health officials said two more people have tested positive for the new coronavirus. That brings the county total to 17 cases, and the state total to 64 cases.

Another 68 people exposed to the virus are under investigation, officials said. Test results on 45 of them are pending, while the other 23 are awaiting testing. Public health officials also have identified another 214 people who are being monitored because they may have been exposed to the virus through close contact, officials said. Monitoring lasts two weeks.

4:50 p.m.: The state Division of Motor Vehicles is closing 60 smaller offices statewide and consolidating services in larger offices to accommodate "social distancing" during the coronavirus outbreak.

The 50 or so offices remaining open will shift to appointment-only visits and will limit the number of customers allowed inside at the same time, depending on the office size, officials said. They will also no longer conduct road tests except for commercial driver’s license and medical reassessments.

All customers for the driver's license offices will be asked to complete a wellness questionnaire provided by state health officials to mitigate the potential spread of the virus.

Customers who have appointments at the offices being closed will be given new appointments once those offices reopen. Affected employees will be reassigned to help staff the offices scheduled to remain open or to assist at DMV customer service call centers.

4:20 p.m.: Fifteen people affiliated with Duke University have tested positive for the coronavirus, university officials said.

They were part of a group that traveled overseas, and four other members of the group contracted COVID-19, the illness associated with the virus, and are being treated in another country.

The rest of the group returned to Durham and has been in quarantine in off-campus housing since then, officials said.

4:15 p.m.: The U.S. death toll from the new coronavirus has reached 100 people, and most were older than 70, according to the Washington Post.

4:05 p.m.: Lt. Gov. Dan Forest has publicly questioned Gov. Roy Cooper's order barring dine-in service at bars and restaurants in North Carolina during the coronavirus outbreak.

"His mandate will devastate our economy, shutter many small businesses and leave many people unemployed, especially in the rural areas of our state where food supply is already critical," Forest said in a statement.

Forest, who is running against Cooper in the gubernatorial race, said a majority of the 10-member Council of State, opposed Cooper's move.

"While I understand that all actions in a time of crisis are very difficult decisions and have many consequences, some decisions are so serious they require, by law, discussion with, and approval of, other state leaders," he said.

4 p.m.: Stocks closed solidly higher after President Donald Trump announced more steps to combat the coronavirus and its harm to the U.S. economy. The Dow Jones average finished up 5 percent.

3:35 p.m.: Community colleges across North Carolina have extended spring break, canceled classes and begun to transition their instruction to an online format.

The state community college system also suggested that colleges shift to online delivery in serving high school students in the Career and College Promise program. Nearly 60,000 high school students in the state take community college courses through the dual enrollment program.

3:30 p.m.: A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill employee has reported a positive coronavirus test. The person is isolated at home, officials said.

3:25 p.m.: The Pentagon says it will give 5 million respirators and 2,000 ventilators to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for coronavirus response.

3:20 p.m.: Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon and the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation will provide money to compensate PNC Arena and Hurricanes event staff for lost wages due to the suspension of the 2019-20 NHL season during the coronavirus outbreak. Hourly staff will be compensated based on expected workload during the team’s final seven March regular-season home games, officials said.

"Our part-time event staff are a vital part of the gameday experience at PNC Arena,” Canes President Don Waddell said in a statement. “We know that the season being paused has created a lot of uncertainty, so Tom, the players and the Foundation have stepped up to help these employees through this unprecedented situation.”

The PNC Arena’s food service, VAB Catering, will make a large food donation to the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle on Thursday, officials said, helping the Raleigh-based non-profit provide emergency food to families affected by the outbreak.

3:10 p.m.: North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall is urging consumers to keep an eye out for counterfeit products including hand sanitizer, gloves and face masks, amid rising concerns about coronavirus.

"Sadly, scam artists will use our fear against us in situations such as this," Marshall said in a statement. "With many stores and online retailers currently sold out of hand sanitizer, we know that counterfeiters may take advantage of this public health concern. So, I ask consumers to use caution. Just as you aren’t likely to see legitimate hand sanitizer being sold from unusual places, such as roadside stands, you should also be wary when you see a new vendor with low ratings selling these items online. Products that don’t meet safety standards may put you at greater risk than simply continuing to follow experts’ recommendations for frequent, thorough hand washing."

Anyone who sees suspected counterfeit safety and health products being sold is asked to report it to the Secretary of State’s Office at counterfeit@sosnc.gov.

3:05 p.m.: Duke Health and UNC Health have started drive-up testing for the coronavirus.

2:35 p.m.: "We are expecting people to abide by the law," Gov. Roy Cooper said during a news conference when asked about enforcing his order to limit gatherings in North Carolina to 100 people.

2:25 p.m.: Two more Chatham County residents have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the county total to three. No other details were released.

2:20 p.m.: Macy's becomes the latest national retailer to close stores to limit the spread of coronavirus. All Macy's and affiliated stores will close Tuesday night and remain closed through March 31.

"We will work with government and health officials to assess when we will reopen our stores and safely bring our colleagues back to work," Chairman and Chief Executive Jeff Gennette said in a statement. "During this closure, we will continue to serve our customers through our e-commerce sites."

2:10 p.m.: Restaurants and bars that ignored a state order issued over the weekend to limit the size of crowds to fewer than 100 people prompted the decision to close all venues to dine-in service during the virus outbreak, Gov. Roy Cooper said.

2 p.m.: In addition to halting dine-in services at restaurants and bars statewide, Gov. Roy Cooper said an executive order that he signed Tuesday will make it easier for workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic to obtain unemployment benefits:

The one-week waiting period for benefits has been suspended.

People won't be required to look for another jobs to obtain benefits.

Workers who have had their hours cut back can seek benefits.

People can apply online or over the phone and don't need an in-person interview.

Employers won't be held responsible for anyone seeking benefits because of the outbreak.

"These changes are designed to lessen the hit on our economy," Cooper said during a news conference.

North Carolina has $3.8 billion in its unemployment trust fund, which legislative leaders said could be tapped to help affected workers.

1:10 p.m.: A civilian who works at Fort Bragg has tested positive for the new coronavirus, officials said. The person lives in Harnett County and is in isolation, officials said.

12:55 p.m.: The Trump administration has expanded Medicare telehealth coverage to allow elderly people to receive a wider range of health care services from their doctors without having to travel to a health care facility. States also have the authority to cover the cost of telehealth services for Medicare recipients.

12:30 p.m.: Dare County officials plan to set up checkpoints at all entry points to the county at 2 p.m., and all visitors will be denied access, officials said. Residents, non-resident property owners and non-resident workers will have to apply online for a re-entry permit, officials said, and priority will be given to essential personnel and residents.

"While there are currently no individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Dare County, officials weighed the potential benefits for community health along with the tremendous impacts these restrictions have on our community," officials said in a statement. "These restrictions may be inconvenient, disappointing and have financial impacts, however, they were made in the interest of public safety to limit the spread of COVID-19."

12:15 p.m.: Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Brett Giroir said nearly 32,000 coronavirus tests have been performed by state labs and private labs have completed another 27,000 tests, including more than 8,000 on Monday. There aren't any figures yet for tests done by hospital labs.

12:05 p.m.: Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said there are no plans to close the stock market or banks to protect the battered economy during the coronavirus pandemic.

12 p.m.: Students still on campus at any University of North Carolina school must return home or seek a special exemption – students must demonstrate "a legitimate and significant need" – to remain on campus, officials said. Each campus must establish a process for handling exceptions, including a health screening, and reduce on-campus dining to takeout service, officials said.

11:55 a.m.: Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin encouraged Americans to file their income tax returns by April 15 but said individuals and small businesses could defer up to $1 million in payments for 90 days. He also said he is working with Congress on an economic stimulus package that would include sending checks out nationwide in the next couple of weeks, but he declined to provide details.

"Americans need cash now, and we want to give them cash now," Mnuchin said.

11:50 a.m.: The French Open has become the latest major sporting event to postpone in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Matches will now be played in September, organizers said.

11:40 a.m.: The Atlantic Coast Conference has canceled all spring sports seasons.

"Our top priority remains the health and safety of our student-athletes as well as our fans, communities and the overall well-being of others during these uncharted times,” ACC Commissioner John Swofford said in a statement. “We are particularly disappointed for our student-athletes and will continue to work with our membership to assess what is appropriate in the future."

11:30 a.m.: President Donald Trump asks that everyone take a 15-day break by working from home, not going out to eat and postponing any unnecessary travel and medical or dental appointments to stem the coronavirus outbreak.

"By making shared sacrifices and temporary changes, we can protect the health of our people, and we can protect our economy," Trump said at a news conference.

11:00 a.m.: A toll-free Hope Line has been established for older adults experiencing isolation from social distancing. Without normal gatherings like church, work and meetings canceled, and even social connections like seeing movies or eating at restaurant suspended, many adults are feeling isolated, organizers said. The Hope Line can be reached at 1-866-578-4673 or 1-866-578-HOPE.

10:45 a.m.: Gov. Roy Cooper is signing an executive order that closes restaurants and bars for dine-in customers but allows them to continue takeout and delivery orders. The executive order will also include an expansion of unemployment insurance to help North Carolina workers affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

10:20 a.m. Cumberland County Schools is launching a new Cumberland@Home program, offering virtual assignments for high school students via Google Classroom. K-8 students will get paper assignments, and teachers will have office hours from 9 a.m. to noon to communicate via phone or email with families.

Students will continue to have access to social workers and psychologists, as well as a meal program for breakfast and lunch. School district staff will work from home to minimize exposure.

10:15 a.m.: All Regal Cinemas are closed, starting Tuesday.

10:00 a.m.: The Kentucky Derby has been postponed to Sept. 5. This is only the third time in history the race will take place outside the month of May.

9:30 a.m.: The Battleship North Carolina is closed to public

9:20 a.m.: The White House plans to propose a roughly $850 billion emergency economic stimulus program to address the coronavirus threat.

9:10 a.m.: Health officials confirm there are 41 cases of coronavirus in North Carolina. The latest ones are in Iredell County and three in Mecklenburg County.

9:00 a.m.: Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod has declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19.

8:15 a.m.: The Raleigh City Council will meet Tuesday but encourages the public to watch the livestream from home. The city fire marshal will limit the meeting to 50 guests.

8:00 a.m.: Japan's prime minister said the country insists on keeping the Olympic Games on course, saying "It will be a victory against the virus."

7:45 a.m.: The Red Cross said it is facing a severe shortage of blood donors, causing a serious threat to the blood supply. The blood shortage is due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations.

7:30 a.m.: Iran says new coronavirus has killed 135 more people, a 13 percent spike raising the death toll to 988 amid 16,169 infections.

7:00 a.m.: The American Dental Association recommends all dentist offices postpone elective procedures for the next three weeks due to the coronavirus. According to the ADA, the move will make sure dentists can focus on patients who are in need of emergency work.

6 a.m.: Most St. Patrick's Day events, including festivities at Hibernian on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh, are canceled, and business owners are worried about the economic losses coronavirus will bring.

5 a.m.: Effective Tuesday, Dollar General stores will dedicate their first hour of operations to serving senior citizen shoppers. Seniors are encouraged to shop early to avoid the crowds later in the day.

While Crabtree Valley Mall remains open, several stores there will close for the rest of March, including Champ Sports. The mall has also canceled its annual Easter Bunny appearance, closed all children's play areas and rides and suspended the use of touchscreen mall directories.

A WRAL News staff member visited Costco, where she said only 20 customers were allowed to enter the store every two or three minutes to avoid a stampede-like crowd. Sam's Club has changed its hours so staff can restock and clean each store before customers arrive.

4:30 a.m.: On Tuesday afternoon, Wake County's public schools will open for a few hours, giving students and staff a chance to pick up their belongings. Principals will be on campus from noon until 5 p.m. so staff and family can pick up personal items they may need during the extended break.

Many parents have been posting on the Wake County Public School System Facebook page asking whether students will shift to online learning. The district says information about coursework will come later this week.

All public schools in North Carolina will remain closed for at least two weeks.

4:10 a.m.: Grocery stores are still open, but the coronavirus has made fast food chains stop indoor seating.

Chick-fil-A was one of the first to make the announcement Sunday, but Starbucks, McDonald's and Noodles and Company have joined the list.

The companies say customers will still be able to go through the drive-thru and walk in to pick up takeout orders. Delivery will still be an option. To help feed customers and keep staff paid, many other restaurants in the Triangle are preparing to make deliveries and take carry-out orders instead.

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