The City of Morganton declared a state of emergency effective as of 8 a.m. Friday –in response to recent declarations made by Governor Cooper and the federal government.

The declaration allows city officials to take proactive measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

As of 5 pm Friday, Morganton City Hall was be closed to the public and will remain closed until further notice.

City Hall will operate by appointment only during normal business hours for critical matters that cannot be completed online or over the phone. 

Although, employees will still be working in City Hall conducting regular business with customers via telephone, email, fax or other virtual means.

According to a news release, all other city facilities are closed to the public as well.

Catawba County Public Health officials announce their first case of coronavirus – an individual who resides in an assisted living facility.

Officials report the patient is hospitalized and is doing well in isolation.

A news release reports public health in Catawba County are working to identify those who may have been in close contact with the patient, and to further advise them on appropriate monitoring and testing.

Experts say protective measures may include temperature and symptom checks, quarantine, and/or testing.

255 people in NC have tested positive for coronavirus, as of Sunday morning.

Treasury officials announce that the deadline for filing US income taxes has been moved from April 15^th to July 15^th.

Officials report they are extending the deadline at President Trump’s direction to allow taxpayers and businesses the additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties.

Administration had announced earlier in the week that it would delay payments, a move officials say would leave 300-billion dollars in the economy at a critical time.

People expecting a tax refund are encouraged to file now to receive timely payment.

Reports say the extension applies only to federal returns, and it will be up to the states whether to move back their deadlines.