The world paused.
Schools closed, sports were abruptly halted and businesses and restaurants were forced to close their doors, some permanently.
Doctors and scientists were just learning about this new virus, one that has taken more than 2.5 million lives worldwide, including nearly 514,000 in the United States.
Masks started becoming the required attire, large gatherings were frowned upon, social distancing was commanded, and drive-through and virtual ceremonies became the norm. The year 2020 felt like a nightmare for jobs were lost and the economy was struggling. A year later, the world is still recovering. In North Carolina, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported on March 3, 2020, a year ago Wednesday.
A week later, on March 10, Gov. Cooper issued an executive order declaring a State of Emergency as part of North Carolina’s preparedness plan for COVID-19, which was declared a global pandemic the following day, March 11.