COVID-19 Cluster Reported At Mooresville Childcare Center

MOORESVILLE, NC — A Mooresville childcare center has closed its doors temporarily after a cluster of at least five novel coronavirus cases was confirmed at the facility Thursday, according to the Iredell County Health Department.

Health department officials said they received confirmation of the COVID-19 cluster at Primrose School of Lake Norman July 2, and that the school "took immediate action" by closing for cleaning and sanitizing. The school will remain closed until July 13, ICHD said.

Primrose School of Lake Norman is located at 173 Raceway Drive.

"At this time, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services considers five or more cases in a school or child-care facility to be a cluster," ICHD said. "NCDHHS refers to this as a 'cluster' rather than an 'outbreak' because of the setting, as it is difficult to accurately determine how transmission occurred and whether it occurred within the setting or from within the broader community."

The health department said it is conducting contact tracing to identify those who may have come in contact with those infected.

ICHD offers these tips for protecting yourself and others:

• Practice social distancing, which means avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people and keeping 6 feet or more between yourself and others
• Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash
• Stay home when you’re sick • Keep distance from others who are sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces in common areas like doorknobs, remotes, light switches, tables and handles.
• Wear cloth mask or face covering when out in public where you may be around people, like grocery stores or pharmacies, and still try to practice social distancing.