Cooper activates NC National Guard security concerns

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s elected officials are pledging cooperation and preparing for prolonged distancing restrictions as COVID-19-related deaths jumped by a third statewide.

The Department of Health and Human Services reported 46 deaths related to COVID-19 as of Tuesday and more than 3,200 cases.

Gov. Roy Cooper told Council of State members meeting remotely that the state will get through the pandemic if everyone does their part.

The council includes State Treasurer Dale Folwell, who tested positive and recently left the hospital. He participated in the meeting.

An outbreak at a Butner federal prison is currently the largest in the U.S. prison system.

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