Nearly 1,000 new cases have been reported during past two weeks

Special to Iredell Free News

Iredell County has moved from medium to high levels of community transmission of COVID-19.

For the week ending July 30, there 545 new positive cases. There were 532 cases reported the previous week, with 31.2 percent of all COVID-19 tests performed by providers returning with a positive result.

As of Friday afternoon, 16 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized across the county. A total of 484 deaths in Iredell have been attributed to COVID-19.

There are many ways to protect yourself against COVID-19. The most effective way to avoid serious illness, hospitalization, and death is to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

All persons 6 months of age and older are eligible for an FDA-approved primary COVID-19 vaccine series.

Individuals with immune-compromising health conditions may be eligible for an additional dose in their vaccine series. All persons aged 5 and older who received their primary vaccine series are eligible for an FDA-approved COVID-19 booster. Those who are 50 years of age or older, or those who are 12 and older with immune-compromising conditions, are eligible for a second COVID-19 booster.

When experiencing high levels of community transmission, it is advised by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention that individuals wear a mask indoors in public space, get tested if you have symptoms, wash your hands frequently, and if possible stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. Those with immune-compromising conditions may need to take additional precautions and should work with their healthcare provider to determine their best course of action.

Vaccine Availability

There are many providers offering the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. To locate the provider closest to you, visit www.vaccines.gov (www.vacunas.gov)

In addition, the Iredell County Health Department has COVID-19 vaccine appointments available for all eligible. We are currently only offering the Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine. Please call (704)-878-5300 to make an appointment for your free COVID-19 vaccine.

Free Testing

Free COVID-19 rapid at-home testing kits are available at the Statesville Health Department located at 318 Turnersburg Highway, and the Mooresville Health Department located at 610 E. Center Street.

Free COVID-19 community testing clinics remain available in Iredell County. For dates and clinic hours, visit the Iredell County Health Department website at https://www.iredellcountync.gov/1406/Community-Testing

To order free rapid at-home tests from the federal program, visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/home-covid-19-tests

Learn More

For additional information on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html