On Friday evening, City of Kinston Councilmember Kristal Suggs issued the following statement:

“STATE OF EMERGENCY IN KINSTON: This afternoon Mayor Don D. Hardy declared a State of Emergency in the City of Kinston. Again, the City Council has NOT been made aware of any confirmed cases of COVID-19/Coronavirus in Kinston. Per Mayor Hardy, this was a precautionary measure to ensure our City and City departments are able to respond to this situation to their fullest ability. The State of Emergency Declaration does not immediately institute a curfew. As of now, there are NO curfews or travel restrictions within the City of Kinston.”