By Natalie Anderson
natalie.anderson@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — One veteran from the N.C. State Veterans Home was among the 13 new COVID-19 cases in the county Thursday, bringing the congregate care case count to 211 out of the total 716 cases.

Rowan County government now reports that a total of 37 veterans and seven staff members have tested positive at the Veterans Home.

Of the 716 total cases, 417 have recovered, an increase of 15 since Wednesday, and 261 remain currently positive.

Additionally, the average age for positive cases continues to decrease, now at 48.6, as the 18-35 age group now comprises the plurality of cases in the county, with 198 individuals in that age group testing positive. The 36-50 age group case count continues to climb, too, now at 173. Individuals age 65 and older comprise 190 cases, and cases among children and teenagers continue to grow, now at 39.

A total of 3,770 tests have been conducted, which marks an increase of 35 since Wednesday. There have been 38 deaths in the county and 13 are currently being hospitalized.

Of the 38 deaths, 21 were from the Citadel, 15 were from the N.C. State Veterans Home and two weren’t associated with a congregate care facility. The average age of the deaths is 83.

Statewide, a total of 31,966 cases have been confirmed after 468,302 completed tests. Deaths continue to climb, now at 960, as 659 are currently being hospitalized.

In a news release, county officials noted that the North Carolina Inclusive Disaster Recovery network has developed a “living document” for organizations serving historically underserved and marginalized communities. The network provides resources and is a collaboration of public, private, non-profit and faith organizations.

Additionally, county officials provided guidance on talking to children about COVID-19, emphasizing reassurance and education. The tips include:

• Be calm and reassuring

• Listen and let kids ask questions

• Avoid language that blames others

• Limit screen time on COVID-19

• Provide honest, age-appropriate information

• Teach actions to reduce spread of germs

In other COVID-19 statistics:

• Of the positive cases, 449 individuals are white, 132 are black or African American, three are Asian, one is American Indian/Alaskan Native, 219 are Hispanic, 70 are unknown and 61 are other.
• The amount of cases among females and males is now even, at 358 each.
• Zip code 28147, which is where the Citadel nursing home is located, remains the area of the county with the most positive cases, at 311. Next is 28144, a Salisbury zip code, with 189 cases. Zip code 28146, which includes part of Salisbury and a large swath of eastern Rowan, currently has 71 positive cases.

Contact reporter Natalie Anderson at 704-797-4246.