Gov. Cooper tests negative for COVID-19

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper says his test for COVID-19 came back negative.

Cooper said at a media briefing earlier this week he would get tested, and he revealed the result on Thursday.

His decision to test came with the release of new guidance from state health officials to medical providers recommending testing for people who had attended protests, rallies or other mass gatherings.

The Democratic governor participated briefly in a racial justice demonstration outside the Executive Mansion last week.

The number of completed tests statewide since the pandemic began is now well over 572,000.