WILMINGTON, N.C. — The New Hanover County Public Health Department says claims made by a news article circulating on social media about cases of the coronavirus in Wilmington are false.

A statement released on Saturday says, "New Hanover County Public Health can confirm that there has not been any testing done in our county. Our local Public Health Department remains in constant contact with state health officials on any updates and for situational awareness."

Officials say any such testing for the coronavirus would be done with the involvement of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and awareness of Public Health Departments.

In the case of any respiratory virus, public health officials encourage residents to take the following precautions: 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.