News Flash

For Immediate Release

06/18/2020                        

Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/covid-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov

Rowan County Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub

Current Picture: COVID-19 in Rowan County

The Public Health Command Center has been keeping a close watch on Rowan County’s condition and would like to share some important information.  “The most important protection we have right now is face masks.  We need to get serious about the 3 Ws in Rowan County,” said Emergency Services Chief Chris Soliz.

Positive COVID-19 rates in North Carolina have risen to one of the highest in the Country.  Significant case increases have been noted in the Southeast; North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida are leading the way.

Here are some state and national statistics to give perspective:

• The National positive percentage is 6%
• The Regional positive percentage is 8%
• North Carolina’s positive percentage is 9%
• Cases are increasing significantly in the 25-49 age group
• There is a significant increase in the Latinx community with a 50% increase in many counties
• In 32 states, African Americans are dying at a higher rate than their population
• More than 50% of North Carolinians are at severe risk for complications if they acquire COVID-19 due to being in a high-risk category (i.e., age, health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart conditions, etc.)
• Hospitalizations are trending upward.  While not at a concerning level, numbers are increasing across the state

Rowan County comparison:

• North Carolina: Based on current case count, the state has 459 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people 
• Rowan County: Based on current case count, Rowan County has 672 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people

Rowan County Public Health and Emergency Management Continuing Efforts:

• Continuing and expanding testing in Rowan County. Multiple testing sites are available across the county (see Rowan County Testing Information) through partnerships with Rowan Health Care Center (FQHC) and Mako Medical.
  • Currently includes 8 locations with opportunities 7 days per week
• Continual information and coordination discussions with key stakeholders
  • Community Healthcare Providers: sharing best practices and current guidance
  • Long Term Care Facilities experiencing outbreaks: three meetings per week attended by Novant Health, Emergency Management, Public Health, and Long-Term Care Facilities
  • Hospitals: County Leadership, Public Health, and Emergency Management for continual situational awareness of health care resources
  • Colleges: prevention strategies and safety precautions for resuming operations
  • Community Leaders: providing situational awareness and sharing information affecting all communities
  • Continual public information through press releases and daily media call
  • Public questions received through the COVID-19 hotline (980-432-1800) and email (covid-19@rowancountync.gov) are answered by public health nurses and emergency management staff

Upcoming Efforts to Slow the Spread:

• Focusing on testing in African American and Latinx communities
• New testing opportunities established with Salisbury Housing Authority and the Town of East Spencer
• Planning a “Facemask Drive” to provide free masks to the public

What you can do to help:

• Practice the 3 Ws: Wear. Wait. Wash
  • Wear a mask when out in public (masks are proven to slow and prevent additional infections) 
  • Wait 6 feet apart
  • Wash your hands with soap and water
• Stay home if possible
• Keep away from people who are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Avoid all cruise and non-essential air travel

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Contact:
TJ Brown
704-216-8918
tj.brown@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release COVID-19 - June 18, 2020 (PDF)