Coronavirus spreads from Kirkland to North Carolina

North Carolina identified its first case of coronavirus Tuesday. The case is a person who traveled to Washington state and was exposed at the Life Care Center in Kirkland where there is currently an outbreak of coronavirus.

“I know that people are worried about this virus, and I want to assure North Carolinians our state is prepared,” North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said. “Our task force and state agencies are working closely with local health departments, health care providers and others to quickly identify and response to cases that might occur.”

The person has tested presumptive positive, and is awaiting confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials have said they are working to identify close contacts “to monitor symptoms and contain spread.”

The patient is reportedly doing well, in home isolation.

Live updates on the coronavirus response and outbreak in Washington state

The outbreak at Life Care Center of Kirkland has affected both residents and staff. At least five of the known eight deaths due to coronavirus in King County have been residents of the Life Care Center. Nine deaths have been reported due to coronavirus in the United States as of publication, all in Washington state.