If you were wondering whether or not Lee County Schools was going to cancel classes like other districts, the state has made that decision for everyone.

All North Carolina public schools will be shut down for at least two weeks, Gov. Roy Cooper announced at 4:30 p.m. today. Cooper also issued an executive order to stop mass gatherings of more than 100 people statewide — adding to a “guidance” Cooper issued on Thursday.

Under this order, schools statewide will return on Monday, March 30. The question for Lee County Schools is whether the district will change its scheduled spring break, scheduled for April 6-10.

“Many parents area already choosing to keep their kids home from school. We needed a statewide response and statewide action,” Cooper said. “Closing schools now will give us time for further understanding of COVID-19 and its effects on people in the state. I do not make this decision lightly. It’ll be difficult on many parents and students.”

Cooper said the measure will be difficult on working parents and children who rely on meals at school He said the state is working on efforts to deal with those challenges.

UPDATE (5 p.m.): Lee County Schools announced it will hold a teacher workday on Monday — principals will communicate directly with staff to share detailed plans for the day. The school will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday for students to pick up any personal belongings and resources they need.

First Baptist Church reports possible case in preschool

First Baptist Church in Sanford sent a message to families Saturday stating that a child who attends the preschool education program and a parent of the child have been quarantined after presenting COVID-19 symptoms.

The note said CDC will be testing the parent and child. The preschool announced it was closing and would be cleaned thoroughly before people can return.

Confirmed case in Harnett County

Harnett County received notice from the state on late Friday that a resident has tested presumptive positive for COVID-19.

The Harnett County Health Department confirmed the person had “traveled multiple places” and upon returning home tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. “This is not a surprise,” said Harnett County Health Director John Rouse.  “It’s likely that more individuals will test presumptively positive for the virus.”

The, affected person is currently in isolation at home and is doing well. 

Temple Theatre to reduce crowd sizes

Temple Theatre announced minutes after Gov. Cooper’s executive order that it would reduce crowd sizes for its current production of “Steel Magnolias” to the first 85 guests for each show. Full statement: