Iredell County Coronavirus Update: Case Count Now Up To 31

IREDELL COUNTY, NC — There are at least 31 cases of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Iredell County, according to state public health officials. The development comes as the number of COVID-19 cases in North Carolina continues to rise, with cases present in 83 of the state's 100 counties.

As of Thursday morning, there were at least 1,857 cases and 16 deaths reported in North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported.
None of the reported deaths occurred in Iredell County.

The Iredell County Health Department is not releasing demographic or geographic information related to the cases in the county in order to protect patient privacy, an agency spokesperson told Patch.

Last week, ICHD said county residents who have mild coronavirus symptoms do not need testing and should stay home and recover instead of seeking one. The change in testing recommendation comes as pressure continues to ramp up on healthcare resources statewide.

"We must do all we can to protect our health care workers and first responders. We are only at the beginning of community transmission. These critical services are necessary to protect the health and safety of others," Jane Hinson, Iredell County Health Director, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Open Or Closed? Let Customers In Mooresville Know

The Town of Mooresville cancelled its April 3 agenda briefing and April 6 Town Board meeting in order to comply with the existing statewide stay-at-home order, the town announced Wednesday.

This week, the Town of Mooresville also issued new instructions for residential trash pickup aimed at protecting sanitation workers.

"Effective April 6, the Sanitation Department will be requiring all household garbage be secured in a garbage bag," the town said. "Any household garbage outside of the rollout container not in a secured bag will not be collected. Please help us reduce the exposure of our Sanitation employees to the COVID-19 virus while we strive to continue to serve you daily."
Bulky items and yard waste are still being collected, the town said.

The spread of COVID-19 has prompted the Mooresville Police Department to alter public accessibility to the building, the department said.

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"Due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mooresville Police Department Lobby will be CLOSED to the public beginning Monday, March 30th, 2020 until further notice," MPD said.

Here's what MPD said about the lobby closure:

• If you need law enforcement assistance, you may utilize the grey phone to the right of the next set of interior doors and you will be connected to Mooresville Police Department Communications.
• If you need to speak with the Records division to obtain a copy of an accident or incident report, please call 704-664-3311 and ask to be transferred to Records. If you are transferred to Records and must leave a voicemail – please speak clearly and leave the following information so we can better assist you with your request: First & last name, report number, phone number, email address where report can be sent to or physical mailing address.
• If you need to pick up property from Evidence, please call 704-664-3311 and ask to speak with an Evidence Technician. Property pick-up will be done by appointment ONLY at this time.
• As always, if you have an emergency or need emergency assistance, please dial 911.

The Town of Mooresville also announced last week that community donations to first responders would no longer be accepted.

"As always, the Town of Mooresville is grateful to the community for their strong support of our first responders," the town said on its Facebook page. "While we appreciate the kind gesture of residents and restaurants making food for our police and fire departments, as well as our other front line employees, we are not accepting donations at this time out of an abundance of caution.

"Town facilities, including the lobbies of our police and fire departments, are currently closed to help limit interactions, for the protection of both our first responders, who may be exposed to COVID-19 on calls, and our residents, who we don't want to be exposed while doing something nice. Thank you for your understanding," the town said.

Last week, Mooresville closed all town buildings to the public. The move prompted the addition of a new payment drop box at the Public Operations Center, located at 2523 Charlotte Highway. That location is in addition to the existing drop box located at Town Hall, located at 413 North Main Street.

"Additionally, with many of our residents currently facing uncertainty about their financial situations, the Town of Mooresville would like to announce that late penalties from our business department will be waived for our customers at this time, and water/sewer services will not be cut off," the town announced. "If you are having difficulties making a payment, please call 704-663-3800 to speak with a representative about arranging a payment plan."

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• Coronavirus Social Distancing Scoreboard: How Iredell Is Doing
• Coronavirus: Iredell County Playgrounds, Park Restrooms Closed
• Coronavirus: Iredell Voters Urged To Use Online Options