4 Hospitalized For COVID-19 In Iredell As Case Count Reaches 203

Kimberly Johnson
·3 min read

MOORESVILLE, NC — The number of confirmed new coronavirus cases in Iredell County increased to 203 Wednesday, 11 cases more than were reported Monday, according to new data released from the Iredell County Health Department.

The tally is cumulative and as of Wednesday evening, included an estimated 121 cases that are assumed recovered, according to county health data.

At least 72 Iredell County residents with the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, were isolating in their homes, four fewer than reported Tuesday. Four county residents were hospitalized with coronavirus-related illness.

Six county residents have lost their lives due to COVID-19 since collection of data related to the outbreak began in March.

Iredell County health officials are grouping cases into three regions of the county: North, Central and South. Here's a breakdown of where cases have been confirmed as of 4 p.m. May 20:

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

  • 38 cases

Central Region (zip codes 27013, 28166, 28677)

  • 71 cases

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

  • 94 cases

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As of Wednesday, 20,122 cases had been confirmed in the state, 422 more than reported Tuesday, according to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services data. The state also recorded 11 new COVID-19 deaths, increasing the death count to 702. As of Wednesday afternoon, there were 554 people hospitalized with coronavirus-related illness.

As of May 18, an estimated 11,637 North Carolina residents who were confirmed to have the coronavirus are considered likely recovered, according to NC DHHS.

Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday that despite rising numbers in coronavirus cases in the state, North Carolina would proceed with its Phase 2 plans that he described as a modest easing of restrictions.

The "Safer-At-Home" Phase 2 executive order goes into effect Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m. and will be in place until June 26.

"We are in a good place to make a cautious move here," that will help boost the state's economy, Cooper said.

The modified approach to reopening the state also means that many of the capacity restrictions for retail businesses and limitations on mass gatherings will remain in effect.

"When people gather together, one person can be the spark to spread the virus to many," Cooper said.

Under the Phase 2 executive order:

  • Indoor restaurant areas will be limited to 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements

  • Personal care businesses, such as salons and barbers, will be allowed open at 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements. Employees will be required to wear face coverings.

  • Swimming pools will also be able to open at 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements

  • Retail businesses will continue to operate at 50 percent capacity

  • Overnight and day camps will be allowed to operate with special guidance

  • Teleworking continues to be recommended when possible

  • Bars, nightclubs, gyms, indoor entertainment venues such as movie theaters, museums, as well as public playgrounds will remain closed.

  • Mass gathering limitations will also remain, with no more than 10 people gathered together indoors and 25 people when outdoors

  • Church services will be exempt from the order, however are encouraged to adhere to mass gathering and social distancing recommendations

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This article originally appeared on the Mooresville Patch