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March 13, 2020
Durham, NC - As Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to affect people around the world, our top priority is the health and safety of the Durham community. We are committed to providing accurate information on a timely basis. The Durham County Department of Public Health and Duke University are working in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) to closely monitor any suspected cases in our county.
Duke University has confirmed that three Duke graduate students traveling overseas as part of a group have tested positive for the coronavirus. They are receiving treatment outside of the United States and will remain overseas until they have recovered. Duke physicians have been in touch with the students, and they are all in good condition. Other students who were part of that group have returned to Durham and will remain in self-isolation at home for at least 14 days under medical supervision. Any individuals who have met CDC testing criteria have been tested and are awaiting the results. Duke Health and the Durham County Department of Public Health are engaged in this effort.
Both the Durham County Department of Public Health and Duke University want to assure the Durham community that every step is being taken to keep anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 in isolation and monitored. Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, North Carolinians should take the same measures that health care providers recommend to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, staying home if you are sick, and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow. NC DHHS has also released updated guidance for social distancing in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the safety of North Carolinians.
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