FROM STAFF REPORTS

The City of Statesville is asking residents to refrain from spreading rumors related to COVID-19.

As of Thursday morning, there have been 97 reported cases in North Carolina, which includes two cases in Iredell County.

In an effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, Gov. Roy Cooper has ordered schools closed for two weeks and issued an executive order prohibiting restaurants and bars from providing sit-down service.

While the chairman of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners and the mayors of Statesville and Mooresville have declared a state of emergency, they have not ordered any business closures.

Those emergency declarations give the Statesville city manager, Mooresville town manager and Iredell County manager additional authority to take actions to protect the public. So far, those authorities have closed public venues like libraries and recreation centers, and limited the number of people who attend government meetings.

Those directives have followed the recommendations of local, state and federal officials designed to control the spread COVID-19, which has caused 97 deaths in the United States and more than 2,000 around the world.

In response to rumors swirling on social media that city officials planned to close grocery stores and gas stations, Statesville Mayor Costi Kutteh said on Thursday that there were no plans to do so.

“At this time, we are following the directives issued by the governor and feel the measures taken so far are appropriate.” said Kutteh. “If there are concerns or questions about closings or safety, please contact the City directly to have those answered with the most up-to-date information.”

If you have concerns or questions about closings or safety, please email info@statesvillenc.net or call 704-878-3586.