March 11, 2020

Lincolnton, NC – Lincoln County and City of Lincolnton officials met Tuesday, March 10, with representatives from Lincoln County Health Department, police, sheriff, fire, EMS, county and charter schools, Atrium Health, local assisted living facilities, doctor’s offices, local businesses and other privately owned health providers to open lines of communication and share information regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that is circulating the US and worldwide.  Although Lincoln County is currently a low risk community, Lincoln County and City of Lincolnton officials understand the concerns of citizens and are being proactive in reviewing and discussing local preparations and a potential response should the need arise.

Lincoln County and City of Lincolnton departments are working together with internal and external partner agencies to ensure:

• Public information is coordinated and reliable information from sources such as CDC and NCDHHS is shared with citizens on a timely basis
• Everyone has current recommendations on cleaning & hygiene practices
• Resources are available to private and public entities to provide the standard of care that has been established
• Policies and Procedures are being reviewed to allow for remote work where possible, and absenteeism policies are reviewed for both leniency and red flag patterns
• Open communication with Lincoln County Health Department, which will be the lead agency in responding to any local outbreak if one occurs.

There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County.  First responders will continue to respond to calls as normal, but residents may be asked additional questions by telecommunicators to determine if the patient has had a potential exposure. 

Global efforts at this time are focused on lessening the spread and impact of this virus.  Lincoln County residents are urged to exercise judgment and common sense:

• Monitor information provided by the CDC and NCDHHS in addition to any official State, County & City communications.
• Take everyday preventive actions:
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
  • Older people and people with severe chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease) should take special precautions because they are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.
  • Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor or medical provider.

Lincoln County and the City of Lincolnton are prepared and ready to respond should COVID-19 illness be suspected or confirmed in the community. All citizens are urged to do their part to slow the spread of the disease, so it does not overwhelm our healthcare facilities and providers. Lincoln County and the City of Lincolnton have posted current information and recommendations to their respective websites (LincolnCounty.org & LincolntonNC.org) and will provide future updates and instructions as appropriate.

For general questions regarding COVID-19 please call the Coronavirus Helpline at 1-866-462-3821.

For specific concerns regarding Lincoln County please call the Lincoln County Health Department triage line at 704-736-8510.                        

Media Contacts:                               

Ronnie Rombs, Lincoln County PIO, rdrombs@lincolncounty.org,  (704) 685-2559                                               

Laura Morris, City of Lincolnton PIO, LMorris@LincolntonNC.org, (980) 241-3969

###

Covid-19 Update - City of Lincolnton & Lincoln County

Covid-19 Update - City of Lincolnton & Lincoln County (SPANISH)