RALEIGH, N.C. -- Gov. Roy Cooper has declared an emergency in North Carolina from the coronavirus and his administration urged older people and medically fragile residents to avoid large gatherings.
Despite the emergency order, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) will play its end-of-season tournament as scheduled in Greensboro, North Carolina this week.
“As was outlined by the Governor during his press conference, high-risk individuals are discouraged from attending mass gatherings," a statement from the conference read. "We will continue to take precautionary measures and follow the guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, the league and the Greensboro Coliseum are taking additional proactive measures to provide a safe and clean environment for its institutions and fans."
The ACC said it consulted with the governor's office prior to deciding the tournament would continue.
Gov. Cooper's emergency declaration gives the state government broader powers and monetary flexibility.
His statewide health recommendations are for people over 65 and those with underlying chronic medical issues. He also urged employers in the Triangle area to maximize technology so employees can work at home.
Six of the seven positive COVID-19 cases in North Carolina are from Wake County.
Cooper acknowledged the recommendations could lead to inconvenience and loss of income but says they are based on the best medical advice.
Virginia Tech is scheduled to play its first game Tuesday night vs. the University of North Carolina.
The University of Virginia will play its first game Thursday evening against a yet-to-be determined opponent.
