FROM STAFF REPORTS
Iredell County Board of Commissioners Chairman James Mallory declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Tuesday, a day after health officials reported the first case of the novel coronavirus in the county.
The emergency declaration for Iredell County, which was issued less than 24 hours after the mayors of Statesville and Mooresville issued their own emergency proclamations, gives County Manager Beth Jones authority to take “appropriate protective action to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
In a news release informing the public of the state of emergency, Jones announced modifications to the following county services:
Iredell County Parks & Recreation
The Iredell County Recreation Center will be closed to the public until further notice. Iredell County outdoor parks, playgrounds and restrooms will remain open but are on a use-at-your-own-risk basis. All programming offered by the Parks & Recreation Department, including the Outdoor Education Center, adult trips, youth athletic leagues, group exercise classes, group reservations, etc. have been halted through April 30, 2020.
Iredell County Public Library (Statesville, Harmony & Troutman Branches)
Iredell Public Library will be closed to the general public but will be open during the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday – Friday for Iredell-Statesville and Mooresville Graded students only to allow them internet access to complete required assignments as a result of the mandatory school closing. The use of the library will be by appointment only by students using their student ID during the above stated hours. Students should call the respective branch and number listed below to make an appointment to use the library facility:
♦ Statesville Branch 704-878-3090, Extension 3097
♦ Troutman Brach 704-528-2682
♦ Harmony Branch 704-546-7086
For those students that do not have transportation to the Library, they may call ICATS Public Transit at 704-873-9393, Extension 5, to schedule transportation to one of the branch libraries. ICATS will drop students off at 10 a.m. and pick them up at 2 p.m.
All other library patrons may reserve books and materials to be picked up at the circulation desk Monday – Friday between the hours of 3 and 5 p.m. In order to reserve your reading material, you may either call and reserve the material or do so online. This includes the Statesville, Troutman and Harmony Branch Libraries.
ICATS Public Transit
Iredell County Area Transportation Service will suspend fixed route public transportation until further notice. This includes:
• Mooresville Main
• Community Connection
• Bloom
• Iredell Express
In light of increasing concerns around the spread and transmission of COVID-19, Iredell County wants to ensure the safety of our riders, the general public, and employees. Thus, effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Fixed Route public transportation service will be suspended until further notice.
Paratransit services will remain available for all medically necessary or essential service trips. Paratransit riders should continue to call 704-873-9393 to schedule trips.
ICATS is committed to public safety. Social distancing is critical at this time to keep everyone healthy and safe. The Town of Mooresville, City of Statesville and Iredell County have declared a state of emergency. We are committed to reinstating transportation services when we can ensure a safe environment for our riders, the general public, and employees. If you have any questions or need essential services, please call 704-873-9393 and talk with an ICATS staff member to learn more about available resources.
