Chatham County health officials received two new positive tests for the novel coronavirus called COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the county’s total to three cases. Shortly after, the county declared a state of emergency.

A release from the county said the Chatham County Public Health Department was notified of the positive tests by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. To protect the privacy of the residents, no further information about the individuals will be shared by the health department.

“As testing for the new coronavirus ramps up, we are expecting to see more cases,” said Chatham County Public Health Director Layton Long. “We urge residents to stay vigilant and follow the guidance of local, state and national public health officials.”

The Board of Chatham County Commissioners declared a state of emergency shortly after the release about the new cases was shared. The declaration follows Orange County and the state of North Carolina making the same decision.

“This proactive step by the [Board of Commissioners] to activate the County’s Emergency Operations Plan,” said Chatham County Manager Dan LaMontagne in a statement, “allows for reallocation of staff and authorizes the County Manager to take all necessary actions to protect lives and property, and to ensure safety and public order.”

The first case discovered in Chatham County was the second case identified in North Carolina. The resident had traveled to Italy in late February and experienced flu-like symptoms.

The total number of identified cases in North Carolina as of Tuesday afternoon is 40, according to state health officials.

For more information about the new coronavirus and Chatham County’s response,  visit the county’s web page dedicated to the virus.

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