Iredell Coronavirus Update: 81 People Test Positive, 3 Deaths

MOORESVILLE, NC — After new cases emerged overnight, there are now at least 81 people confirmed to have novel coronavirus in Iredell County, two more than Thursday evening, according to data provided by county health officials Friday afternoon.

The new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, has claimed at least three lives in Iredell county, according to the Iredell County Health Department.

Iredell County health officials announced the county's third COVID-19-related death Thursday evening.

"The individual was at higher risk for serious illness and died from complications associated with the novel strain of coronavirus, COVID-19. In order to protect the families’ privacy, no further information about this individual will be released," Iredell County Heath Department said in a statement.

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

Statewide, the number of COVID-19 cases increased to 5,859 state health officials said Friday. COVID-19 is now present in 93 of the North Carolina's 100 counties.

Iredell County health officials are grouping cases into three regions of the county: North, Central and South. New data released by the county health department Friday afternoon indicates new cases in each region were confirmed since Thursday afternoon.

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

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.

At least 152 people in North Carolina have died as a result of COVID-19, state health officials said Friday.

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.

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.

Last week, Iredell County health officials recommended 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.

RELATED:

• Mooresville Town Board Meeting Set For Monday: How To Participate
• Wear Masks In Public, Advise Mecklenburg Health Officials
• NC Residents: How To Check Your Stimulus Payment Status
• Coronavirus: Hundreds Of Layoffs, Furloughs At NASCAR Tracks
• Iredell Airport To Receive $157,000 In Coronavirus Relief Grant
• 'Virtual Tip Jar': How To Help Lake Norman Service Workers