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The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in North Carolina continued to rise from 577 on Wednesday at 5 p.m. to 680 on Thursday at 5 p.m. There have been three deaths in the state attributed to the virus..

The number of confirmed cases in the U.S. went from 62,873 cases on Wednesday to 79,785 on Thursday, however, there are likely many more as those exhibiting symptoms are encouraged to stay home; 1,124 deaths are attributed to the virus nationwide. Four percent of all active cases are considered serious, requiring hospitalization — down from 19% in February, according to Beaufort County’s Office of Emergency Services.

Eastern North Carolina counties with current cases include: Bertie (3), Beaufort (3), Brunswick (10), Carteret (5), Camden (1), Chowan (1), Craven (3), Dare (1), Duplin (1), Hertford (2), Lenoir (2), New Hanover (14), Northampton (1), Onslow (4), Pasquotank (1), Pitt (6), Sampson (1), Wayne (2) and Wilson (6). Durham (84), Mecklenburg (204) and Wake (84) counties have the most cases. These persons continue to be monitored by local health department personnel.

“Beaufort County currently has three confirmed cases. One case has been contributed to direct contact with a known patient from another county. The second is still under investigation. The third and most recent case was attributed to recent travel to an outbreak area. All are self-isolating at home,” reads the latest update from Chris Newkirk, deputy director of Beaufort County Emergency Services.

On Tuesday, Beaufort County confirmed two cases; on Wednesday, the third case was confirmed in the county. Beaufort County’s health department had completed 41 tests on Thursday, with two positives and 14 still pending. The third positive Beaufort County case was tested by another provider in the county.

Starting Monday, Beaufort County Health Department will no longer provide community testing due to limited supplies. Most medical providers in the county can conduct the COVID-19 test.

“Not everyone should be tested. If a person is sick, they should assume they may have COVID-19 or another communicable disease and stay home until they are fever free for three days and have been in self-isolation for at least seven days. If their symptoms worsen, then they should contact their provider to see if additional medical attention is needed,” the update reads. “There is no treatment for COVID-19. A positive test will not impact the medical management for most people with COVID-19. Testing should be used when conditions are more severe, and the diagnosis needs to be ruled out. Commercial lab testing is still available for those providers needing this information.”

Beaufort County encourages all people who can stay home to stay home, and:

• Limit your travel to grocery stores, etc. to essential trips only.
• Not congregating in social settings.
• Continue to practice social distancing by maintaining 6 feet of space between yourself and others.
• Avoid using public amenities such as playground equipment, etc.