First Coronavirus Death Reported In Iredell County

MOORESVILLE, NC — An Iredell County resident has died as a result of the novel coronavirus, county health officials announced Wednesday morning.

The death is the first coronavirus death reported in Iredell County.

"The individual had underlying health conditions and died from complications associated with the novel strain of coronavirus, COVID-19," the Iredell County Health Department said in a statement.

As of April 8, the number of novel coronavirus cases in Iredell County was up to 60, according to ICHD. The development comes as the number of cases of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, continues to increase steadily throughout the state.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in North Carolina. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

As of Wednesday morning, there were at least 3,426 COVID-19 cases in North Carolina and 53 related deaths, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported.

“This first death of an Iredell County resident due to COVID-19 emphasizes the need to follow the “Stay at Home” order and all other public health recommendations to slow the spread of the virus in our community," Iredell County Health Director Jane Hinson said. "It is extremely important for each of us to do our part to protect ourselves and those around us, especially those who are at an increased risk for severe illness.”

The Iredell County Health Department urges county resident to:

• Follow the Stay at Home Order
• Practice social distancing, which means avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people while keeping 6 feet or more between you
• Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash
• Stay home when you’re sick
• Keep distance from others who are sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces in common areas like doorknobs, remotes, light switches, tables and handles
• Wear cloth mask or face covering when out in public where you may be around people like grocery stores or pharmacies and still try to practice social distancing, wash your hands and keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes.

Iredell County's neighbor to the south, Mecklenburg County, leads the state in its number of cases. At least 830 cases confirmed and seven deaths reported as of April 8.

In 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 7, according to the Iredell County Department of Health:

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

• 11 cases

Central Region (zip codes 27013, 28166, 28677)

• 11 cases

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

• 38 cases

Slightly more than half of the cases — 52 percent — are male, county health officials said.
According to county health data, the age group with the most coronavirus cases is 50 to 64 year olds with 38 percent of all Iredell cases, followed by 25 to 49 year olds with 32 percent of the cases. Those 65 and older make up 15 percent of patients in Iredell County.

RELATED:

• Coronavirus: Got Toilet Paper? Here's How To Thank A Truck Driver
• NC Coronavirus: New Report Predicts Impact On State Hospitals
• Coronavirus In NC: Harris Teeter Expands Senior Shopping Hours
• Mooresville Closes Town Hall Amid Coronavirus Concerns
• Coronavirus: Iredell County Playgrounds, Park Restrooms Closed
• No Coronavirus Test For Mild Symptoms: Iredell Health Department
• Coronavirus: Iredell Voters Urged To Use Online Options
• Coronavirus Social Distancing Scoreboard: How Iredell Is Doing