News Flash

For Immediate Release

12/08/2020                        

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

Why Rowan County Is Behind the Mask…

Yesterday, we shared a campaign from NC Department of Health and Human Services called "Whatever your reason, Get Behind the Mask." Today, we are proud to share the stories of Rowan County employees and their reasons for getting behind the mask and continuing to practice the 3W's - Wait six feet apart, Wash your hands often, and Wear a mask or face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

"I have an 87-year old mother that I am part-time caretaker for and I would be forever grateful for her to see her 88^th birthday in 2021." -Bev Gaston, Rowan County Public Library

"The reason why I wear a mask is that I care for my family, friends and co-workers and do not want to expose them… especially if I am asymptomatic.  It would be tragic to learn that I was the person responsible for someone’s serious complications or untimely death due to COVID.  In the same light, when I see people wearing masks, I am grateful because it is an outward statement that they too care about our community." Jeanne Tucker, Rowan County DSS

"I wear a mask to protect the patrons whom I adore. Masks are not just about me, but about caring for others and helping them feel protected and safe in the library. It is our duty to create an environment where the community feels safe and respected. We have to be the example in a lot of situations. Brittney Peters, Rowan Public Library

"I am someone who wears a mask, not because it keeps me safe but because I want to keep my fellow neighbors safe. I have small children and family that live in my home that have preexisting health issues that would make getting the Coronavirus very serious for them. I believe that if everyone would wear a mask that it would greatly help to stop the spread of this pandemic. I look at things a little differently than most people because my wife works in the COVID ICU’s for a major Piedmont hospital and sees firsthand the people suffering with the disease including those who have died.  She came home one day and broke down in tears after two particularly sad deaths. It is true that a lot of people who get it have little or no symptoms but there are many people that are in the hospitals that are far worse than that. I have had family members that have been in the hospital for weeks at a time. When I see people wearing masks around each other, not only at work but out in public, it makes me feel safer and because I wear one, I feel safer being around them knowing I’m reducing the chances of me spreading COVID to them if I were to have it." Lee Barney, Rowan County Government IT

"My parents, affectionately known as “Mama Jimmie and Papa Frank,” live in our household.  They are the most loving, giving people I have ever had the pleasure to meet.  All of the kids, grandkids, and great grands look up to them.  Papa Frank is 87 and has COPD.  Mama Jimmie is 85 and has asthma.  COVID would devastate our household and our family.  Our family faith teaches us not to be afraid, but we also value taking care of ourselves and each other to the degree possible.  We look at it as good stewardship.  I practice the 3Ws to protect my ability to serve, but also my parents’ ability to live as healthy and long a life as possible. " Micah Ennis, Rowan County DSS

"I am faithful with the 3Ws because my mother was diagnosed in July with lung cancer & had surgery to remove a section of her lung. She has been going through chemo for the past three months and is getting ready to start 6 weeks of radiation." Vickie File, Rowan County DSS

Remember, you can't necessarily know that someone has COVID-19 by looking at them nor can you know their story or risk factors. We are in this together as a community and the responsibility lies with each of us to work hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate all that you are doing as community and applaud the steps you are taking to prevent and protect your neighbors.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSJ9NFvJCU

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Contact:
Amy Smith
704-216-8859
amy.smith@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release COVID-19 - December 8, 2020 (PDF)