App State subcontractors make up more than half of Watauga Co. COVID-19 cases

WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — The number of construction workers at Appalachian State University who have tested positive for COVID-19 continues to climb.

Right now, they account for more than half of all the cases in Watauga County.

Some of the subcontractors were working on building a new dorm next to the football stadium on campus when they tested positive for the virus. There is also a second project underway nearby.

A total of 14 workers have tested positive for the virus, according to AppHealth Care.

The health department said all of the workers have cooperated with isolation instructions and are recovering at home.

Channel 9′s Dave Faherty went to the campus and said several, but not all of the crews were wearing mask.

The workers said they do their best to social distance and at times are required to wear mask, eye protection and gloves.

They also undergo health screenings and get their temperatures checked before they’re allowed to work

“It makes us feel pretty safe. We try to stay pretty far away from each other at least but sometimes you can’t avoid it. But with this gear on it feels pretty safe,” worker Christopher Greene said.

Jesse Hudson works in construction and told Channel 9 he can see how the virus could spread.

“Say somebody is doing electrical here but you have to frame out this wall here you’re on top of one another. There’s really no way around it,” Hudson said.

Tom Johnson is building a handrail for a deck and said he always takes precautions while on the job.

“I work by myself. So when I’m around a homeowner or anybody else I’ll put a mask on,“ he said.

There are currently 25 confirmed cases in Watauga County --14 of those are the subcontractors.

The health department said it has been conducting testing at the job sites. Appalachian State said workers will remain off campus until cleared by public health to return.

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