FROM STAFF REPORTS

Iredell County health officials on Monday reported nine more deaths attributed to COVID-19.

A total of 133 people in the county who have tested positive have now passed away since the pandemic began in March. The Iredell County Health Department does not release personal information about COVID-19 patients, including those who die.

Along with the most recent deaths, health officials reported 97 new laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday, increasing the total number of people who have contracted the infection in Iredell to 11,132. That’s an increase of 540 cases since Friday afternoon.

Seventy-seven people who have tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalized, according to health officials.

Local health officials continue to urge residents to wear face coverings, practice social distancing and was their their hands frequently.