A Durham County resident has tested positive for coronavirus, according to health officials. The patient developed symptoms on March 3, a day after returning home from international travel through RDU International Airport.
The patient, who is currently out of state, has been quarantined and will remain in isolation until symptoms have subsided, according to a statement from the Durham County Department of Public Health. On March 2, the individual had flown into RDU from out of the country and developed symptoms the next day. The individual then drove alone out of state on March 5 and was diagnosed on March 9.
Rod Jenkins, Durham County’s public health director, said that the late onset of symptoms means that the risk of infection for those at RDU and in Durham is low.
“Because this individual was not in close contact with any Durham residents, the risk to Durham County is low,” Jenkins said. “Our public health team is continuing to work with state and federal health officials, healthcare providers, and emergency management officials to protect the health and well-being of Durham County residents.”
In addition, another Wake County resident tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, the county reported. That brings the state’s total to eight confirmed cases, seven of which are in Wake County. This person came in close contact with the person from Indiana who visited Biogen, then returned home and tested positive, the county says.
Wednesday brought a flurry of coronavirus-related news and cancelations. In the early evening, the UNC System directed all member schools to transition to online classes by March 20. The NCAA announced that remaining championship events—including the March Madness basketball tournament—will be played without fans. The NBA has suspended its season outright after a player tested positive for the disease. And President Trump banned air travel from Europe to the U.S., except for the UK, exempting American citizens, permanent residents, and their family members.
This story has been updated to clarify that the patient in the Durham County case is currently out of state and that the eighth confirmed North Carolina coronavirus case came from Wake County.
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