March 16, 2020; 12:30pm

PRESS RELEASE: 

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED – LINCOLN COUNTY, NC  

Lincolnton, NC – To ensure that the health and safety of the public in Lincoln County is a top priority, elected officials are issuing a “State of Emergency” in regards to the latest developments concerning the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Lincoln County continues to work under the direction of the Governor’s Office and follow the guidance of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County. 

Read the "State of Emergency" proclamation at this link.

County officials continue to monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as additional cases are reported across the state. With reports in the region neighboring Lincoln County, administrative staff and public health officials are working together collectively to keep citizens and residents informed and updated. In an effort to remain as proactive as possible, local preparations or adjustments to services and programs are continuously being considered. At this time, the following measures are being taken:

• The Board of County Commissioners are encouraging events or other mass gatherings expecting more than 50 participants to be canceled or postponed. 
• Suspension of all Lincoln County Senior Services activities until further notice. 
• Suspension of all Recreation events and/or activities that include “high risk” groups in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 
• Postponement of grand opening for the Lincoln County Public Library – Western Branch. (Alternative date to be determined)

Lincoln County is 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. We have posted current information and recommendations to our website at lincolncounty.org and will provide future updates and instructions as they become available.

Lincoln County residents are urged to exercise judgment and take the following precautions as appropriate:

• Monitor information provided by the CDC and NCDHHS in addition to any official State or County communications.
• Practice good hygiene and 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. o Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. o 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 a more serious COVID-19 illness. 
• Pay attention to 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. 

For general questions regarding COVID-19 please call the Coronavirus Helpline at 1866-462-3821.

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