Special to Iredell Free News

RALEIGH — To notify people as quickly as possible if they have tested positive for or been exposed to someone with COVID-19, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), in cooperation with local health departments, is expanding how it contacts people.

All residents who have provided cell phone or email addresses will receive an automatic text or email message to connect people to follow-up resources and supports.

The change comes as the state is experiencing a significant increase in people with COVID-19. Less than a week ago, North Carolina set a new record of 8,444 new cases reported in a day.

People receiving a text or email will be directed to a secure website that provides additional information about how to protect themselves and their loved ones, how to get support if needed to safely isolate, and how to contact someone immediately for additional information.