By Shavonne Potts

shavonne.potts@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Rowan County government on Thursday announced there were 12 local COVID-19 cases — double the number from one day earlier.

The average of the people confirmed to have COVID-19 in Rowan is 49.9 years old, the county said in a statement posted on its website. And Rowan Public Health Director Nina Oliver has said the average time between testing and results is five to eight days. Rowan County government has declined to release other information about local cases.

A week ago, Livingstone College said the first case in the county was one of its students who has since returned home — located out of the state. A local man named Doug Loeblein, who spoke to the Post in a story published Sunday, was also among those who tested positive.

As of Thursday morning, there were at least 636 cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina, with three total deaths, two of which occurred in neighboring Cabarrus County. One of those deaths was a Virginia resident who was traveling through the state.

Thursday’s case number announcement came in conjunction with the county continuing to enact more restrictions and changes to operations.

The Rowan County Register of Deeds will restrict the issuance of marriage licenses to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, effective immediately. The agency urges those who wish to obtain a license to complete and online application before arriving and follow the guidelines listed on its website.

Beginning Saturday, the Rowan Public Library’s branches will follow new operating hours — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information about library hours and services, to speak with a librarian, request materials or make a computer lab reservation, call 704-216-8243, email infodesk@rowancountync.gov or visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services also has waived the physical presence requirement through May 31 for North Carolina WIC Program. As a result, through May 31, the Rowan County WIC Program will no longer provide face-to-face services and transition to phone communication only. Those in need of WIC services should call 704-216-8797 and leave a message, Rowan County said.

Visit www.rowancountync.gov/covid-19 for more details regarding operation changes within the county.

Health care professionals and county staff urge people who suspect they have symptoms of COVID-19 — cough, fever, tiredness and difficulty breathing — to contact their personal doctor or the Rowan County Health Department via its coronavirus hotline at 980-432-1800 to inquire about testing.