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1. What is novel coronavirus COVID-19?

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by a new virus first identified in Wuhan, China.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

About 80% of COVID-19 cases are mild. Many people may not even realize they are sick. Those at greatest risk of complications if infected with COVID-19 are the elderly and those with immune deficiencies and chronic health issues.

New Hanover County Public Health is working closely with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health, and other health and local partners in monitoring the virus. New Hanover County has a framework for response specific to COVID-19 in place.

Some travel guidance and restrictions are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For travel restriction information, visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

2. Who should get tested for COVID-19?

While there is no substitute for a conversation with a medical provider, Check My Symptoms is a public website that allows you to enter your symptoms to see if you should get tested for COVID-19. After entering symptoms - if getting tested is recommended - you'll receive a text or email with how to find nearby testing locations. The symptom checker is an informational tool to help you determine if you may need to be tested; however, it is not a physician order. Some testing locations may require additional screenings.

Visit Find My Testing Place, an interactive map on the NCDHHS COVID-19 website that allows you to enter your ZIP code and get a list of nearby testing site locations. It is free and available in many languages. Click on the Google Translate dropdown menu to select your preferred language.

If you do not have internet or smartphone access, you can call the NHC Pandemic Operations Call Center at 910-798-6800 for local testing resources available to you.