Coronavirus Outbreak Reported In Iredell Nursing Home

MOORESVILLE, NC — An outbreak of novel coronavirus has been reported at an Iredell County nursing home, according to county health officials. The Iredell long-term care facility is one of 37 nursing homes and 13 residential care facilities in the state reporting an outbreak of the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.

Iredell County Health Department said it received notice of the outbreak on Friday, April 17, and is working with the facility to conduct contact tracing. As a precautionary measure, all residents of the facility and staff will be tested for COVID-19.

"The facility continues to implement strict visitor restrictions and infection control precautions to prevent any further spread of COVID-19," ICHD said in a statement.

As of Friday, there were at least 81 people confirmed to have COVID-19 and three deaths in Iredell County, according to data provided by county health officials.

Statewide, the number of COVID-19 cases spiked over the weekend, with 6,493 infections reported Sunday morning — more than a 1,000 cases than were reported Friday. At least 465 people were hospitalized and at least 172 people in North Carolina have died as a result of COVID-19, state health officials said Sunday.

Iredell County health officials are grouping cases into three regions of the county: North, Central and South.

Here's a breakdown of where cases are emerging as of April 17, according to the Iredell County Department of Health:

North Region (zip codes 27020, 27028, 27055, 28625, 28634, 28636, 28660, 28689 ad 28678)

• 15 cases

Central Region (zip codes 27013, 28166, 28677)

• 17 cases

South Region (zip codes 28036, 28115, 28117, 28125)

• 49 cases

SEE ALSO: What's Open, Closed In Mooresville During Coronavirus Shutdowns

According to county health data, those in the age group of 50 to 64 years of age represent 33 percent of all Iredell cases, followed by those 25 to 49 years of age with 32 percent of the cases and 18 to 24 years of age with 16 percent of cases. Those 65 and older make up 19 percent of COVID-19 cases in Iredell County.

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Iredell County residents are changing their patterns amid stay-at-home orders, according to a Google study. Retail and recreation activities are down 40 percent, and workplace activity is down by 36 percent, according to Google's community mobility data report. At the same time, visits to county parks are up 55 percent.

Iredell County health officials recommend county residents wear cloth face masks in public settings.

"The use of cloth face coverings will not protect you from other people's germs, but it will provide a level of protection to others in case you are infected," ICHD said. "This would be important if someone is infected with COVID-19 but does not have symptoms."

The recommendation does not replace the need to also continue social distancing, proper handwashing and staying home when sick, health officials said.

Here are ICHD's recommendations for face masks:

• They should cover your nose and mouth.
• They can be worn when out in public where you may be near people like grocery stores or pharmacies.
• They are not a substitute for social distancing. People should still keep 6 feet of distance and stay home to the greatest extent possible.
• They can be made from household items with common materials at low cost.
• They should not be used on children under the age of 2, people who have trouble breathing or anyone who would be unable to remove the covering without assistance.
• They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. You can wash the face covering in the washing machine.
• After you remove a cloth covering from your face, you should be careful not to touch your face and wash your hands immediately after removing.

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