The number of COVID-19 cases in counties surrounding Charlotte continued to rise, with new cases reported in Cabarrus and Iredell counties late Sunday afternoon.

Iredell County reported its first case on March 16. On Sunday morning, the county reported its third case, but by the afternoon, the total had risen to six.

The Iredell County health department said it was working to identify people who had close contacts with the individuals who tested positive and directing them to stay at home and monitor their symptoms to reduce potential spread.

In Cabarrus County, two additional cases were reported by local health officials on Sunday, bringing the county’s total to eight patients.

More that 275 cases of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, have been reported in North Carolina as of Sunday.