COVID-19 is an international, national and North Carolina public health emergency.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease that was identified in late 2019 and was declared a pandemic on March 11. It is spread through the air by coughing or sneezing, through close personal contact (including touching and shaking hands) or through touching your nose, mouth or eyes before washing your hands. This is a new disease and we are still learning about how it spreads and the severity of illness it causes.

Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease and those with weakened immune systems seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness.

Learn more about COVID-19 NC's Strategy to Combat COVID-19 How to Help