CONFIRMED: North Carolina Coronavirus Case in Wake County

Breaking news to all North Carolina residents, a person has tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Wake County according to health officials. In a news release, Governor Roy Cooper said the patient is currently at home in isolation.

"I know that people are worried about this virus, and I want to assure North Carolinians our state is prepared," Cooper said in a written statement. "Our task force and state agencies are working closely with local health departments, health care providers and others to quickly identify and respond to cases that might occur."

The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health announced Tuesday (3/3) that laboratory technicians could perform testing for the virus in the house. Governor Cooper said local health officials are identifying close contacts of the patient to monitor symptoms and contain the spread of the illness.