Vance Superintendent Jackson Announces Initial Plans

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MESSAGE TO THE VANCE COUNTY SCHOOLS COMMUNITY

At the direction of Governor Roy Cooper, and pursuant to his Executive Order issued on Saturday, March 14, 2020, all public schools in NC are closed effective immediately for students. Per the order, schools are scheduled to remain closed from March 16-30, 2020.

To provide training for our teachers and to organize staff to support the execution of our district-wide remote learning plan, March 16th -18th (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) will be required workdays for all staff.

Parents needing to retrieve their child’s medication should also plan to do so on one of the required workdays. Please contact your child’s school if you have questions.

VCS is continuously monitoring the impact of the coronavirus statewide and will continue to take our guidance from state and local public health authorities.

Finally, thank you for your continued support as we work through this very difficult situation. We will be releasing information shortly on how we plan to continue instruction for students and our strategy for providing student support relative to meal service, instructional delivery, and their social and emotional needs. More to come.

Dr. Anthony D. Jackson, Superintendent
Vance County Public Schools

 

N.C. Gov. Says No Public School; No Gatherings Over 100

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This afternoon (Saturday, March 14, 2020) about 4:30, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper conducted a press conference and provided an update on novel Coronaviris in N.C.

He said, “Today I’m issuing an executive order to stop mass gatherings of more than 100 people across our state.”

The Governor said North Carolinians need a statewide response and statewide action.

He said, “The executive order has another key component. It directs all K-12 public schools across our state to close for students on Monday, March 16th for at least two weeks.”

Gov. Cooper said these actions are to provide new guidance as the State works to limit the spread of the virus.  He said these orders make the guidance on schools and gatherings mandatory.

At the time of the press conference, the Governor quoted statistics from this morning (March 14, 2020) citing 23 positive tests in 12 Counties.

He said we are all changing our ways of life to contain and limit the virus, and “now we need to ask you to change even more.”

Perry Memorial Library To Close For Coronavirus Prevention

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— press release from Perry Memorial Library, Patti McAnally

In evaluating information that indicates that aggressive early social distancing can stop the coronavirus from exponentially spreading, library leadership is making the difficult decision to close to the public beginning on Monday, March 16. Currently we plan to reopen on Monday, March 30, but will be continually assessing the situation to determine if this date will be extended.

This decision is consistent with Governor Cooper’s call for all public schools to close. The scientific data show that early, aggressive social distancing is vital in slowing the virus’s spread. By not delaying the decision to close, the benefits of social distancing will be maximized.

Overdue fines for materials due during this time will be waived. Additionally, ebooks and digital audio will remain available through e-iNC. We will be prominently posting instructions on how to access these materials on our website and Facebook page. Also, we have added a tab to our website with information on the virus, including links to utilities and other businesses offering special services during this time.

The library’s leadership team will continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly. Follow the Library on Facebook and check the website for the latest updates.

Vance County Schools Leaders Plan For Instruction, Nutrition

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— from Vance County Schools

District leaders held a conference call this afternoon (Sunday, March 15, 2020) to discuss plans for remote learning, student nutrition, staff support and possible calendar adjustments. Stay tuned for announcements tomorrow. This is a fluid situation, and we are working very hard to make the best decisions for students and staff. We continue to thank everyone for your patience. Stay up to date with the latest updates at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.

Aarika Sandlin
Public Information Officer
Vance County Schools

Granville Public Schools Planning For Student Instruction, Meals; Like Other Districts

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— from Granville County Public Schools

For the latest from Granville County Public Schools, click this link.

All staff should plan for a workday, for Monday March 16.

We are reaching out this evening (Sunday, March 15, 2020) with the latest updates. This afternoon, Dr. McLean and senior staff participated in a conference call with state officials regarding the Governor’s decision to close school for the next two weeks. While good information was shared in the call, there are still many uncertainties. Here is what we can share with you now:

Staff are working to create plans that will support our students academically and are also developing ways to provide meals to students during this period of school closure. You can expect to receive follow-up communications tomorrow with more details on how we will support our families with these efforts.

Also, you should know that we have created a one-stop information location on our district website HERE. We will be posting the most up-to-date information for students, families, and staff members there for everyone to access. Be sure to visit it and share as needed.

Thank you and we will keep you posted!

Dr. Stan Winborne
Assistant Superintendent of Operations & Human Resources
Public Information Officer
Granville County Public Schools

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Mayor Addresses Coronavirus; City Temporarily Suspends Water Disconnections

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-Press Release, Office of Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington

As communities begin to feel the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of Henderson would like to share with you the steps we are taking to help protect the health and safety of our citizens and employees, which is always our top priority.

We are closely monitoring local and national reports on the evolving impact of COVID-19. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Vance County Department of Health and Human Services and other applicable public health agencies, we are taking the proper recommended precautions.

In all City facilities, we have added extra sanitation measures. We are encouraging frequent hand washing. We are considering social distancing policies and employee travel bans aimed at protecting the health and well-being of our teammates and the public. We are canceling all advisory boards and commissions meetings for the next thirty days.

We realize that you depend on us, and we are committed to serving our citizens. The City’s mission is simple, yet powerful: provide quality services to protect the health, safety and welfare of our citizens.

We feel deeply for those who have been affected already. The City of Henderson is here to help in any way possible.  Again, the health and safety of our citizens and employees is our top priority, and we are committed to doing our part to keep Henderson safe.

To that end, the City of Henderson will temporarily suspend water disconnections.

During this time, we want to ensure all Henderson Water customers have access to clean drinking water and wastewater services. We will continue to monitor guidance from public health agencies and provide updates on this policy moving forward.

We encourage all customers to avoid paying bills in person and to utilize alternate payment methods, including by mail, drop box, online or by calling 866-270-5612.

Please reach out to the City Manager (252) 430-5701 if you have any questions or concerns.

Christopher Arendall Arrested for Attempted Murder in Dec. Shooting Incidents

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-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

On Thursday, March 12, 2020, Christopher Arendall, age 28, was arrested in Fayetteville, North Carolina for the shootings that occurred on December 25, 2019, at 2840 US 158 Bypass in Henderson and on December 16, 2019, at 137 Sombrero Lane in Henderson.

Christopher Arendall (FCSO photo)

Arendall was charged with one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury, two counts of Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, two counts Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, one count of Attempted Murder and Burglary/Breaking & Entering.

Arendall was picked up from the Cumberland County Detention Center on Friday, March 13, 2020, and transported to the Vance County Detention Center and placed under a $890,000.00 bond.

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G-V Public Health Recommends Canceling, Modifying Events of 100+ People

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville Vance Public Health

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Granville Vance Public Health recommends that organizers of events that draw more than 100 people cancel, postpone, or modify these events, or offer online streaming services beginning March 13, 2020, until further notice. These events include large gatherings where people are in close contact (less than 6 feet), such as concerts, conferences, sporting events, faith-based events and other large gatherings.

Organizations that gather up to 100 people should create an emergency plan and prepare for COVID-19 in their communities by taking the following steps:

  • Consider alternative options to gathering large groups of people, such as streaming video of the event or having patrons participate online.
  • Instruct participants to stay home if they are sick.
  • Encourage people who are at a higher risk for complications from COVID-19, including people over 65 and those with pre-existing medical conditions, to consult with their doctor before attending.
  • Have hygiene supplies available for employees and participants, including hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, tissues, and lined trash cans.
  • Promote behaviors that prevent the spread COVID-19 among participants and employees using the enclosed resources.
  • During and after the event, disinfect frequently-touched surfaces with a cleaning agent that is effective against coronaviruses.
  • Decrease close contact between attendees at the event. For example, place seats farther apart or reduce the number of attendees.

Please let us know if you would like additional educational information for distribution or you may access these materials online through the CDC website here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html or through the NC DHHS website here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/materials-and

 The local risk of contracting COVID-19 remains low; however, we still encourage you to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 and any other flu-like illness by taking the following steps:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • If soap and water are not available, use a generous amount of hand sanitizer which is at least 60% alcohol on all surfaces of the hands and wrists.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Stay away from sick people.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces – especially ones that are frequently touched – using regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Stay home if you’re sick and don’t send sick children to school or childcare.
  • High-risk individuals should avoid large gatherings such as concerts, church services, and sporting events.

As questions and concerns about coronavirus (COVID-19) increase across North Carolina, we’d like to encourage the promotion of the statewide Coronavirus Helpline (1-866-462-3821) for the public, which is answered 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Coronavirus Update: School Closure Not Recommended at This Time

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

This afternoon, GCPS Board Chairman David Richardson and Superintendent Alisa McLean both participated in a conference call with the NC Governor’s office. During this call today, it was shared that at this time, NC does NOT recommend preemptive closures of public schools.

Closing schools at this time is unlikely to prevent the spread of the virus and may have negative impacts on the community and our families. Our local Health Department is also NOT recommending school closure at this time.

Instead, it is recommended that we continue to take steps to help prevent the spread. These include frequent and thorough cleaning of facilities and buses, frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer, respecting personal space and covering your cough and sneeze, and finally, having students and staff who have cold and flu-like symptoms to stay home.

In addition, the district has suspended all field trips, athletics, community meetings and non-essential work-related travel for staff. As of Monday, March 16, all school-based afternoon and evening events are suspended, including all community use of facilities. In addition, visitors to our schools will be limited to parents or guardians and essential GCPS employees only and restricted to designated parts of each school campus.

We are also considering making adjustments in the way students interact within our schools, including assemblies, serving of meals, and pick-up and drop-off procedures.

Please know that as of today, there are still NO confirmed cases in our county. We will continue to monitor this fast-moving situation closely, and provide additional updates as needed should conditions change. Our Board of Education will be meeting on Monday, March 16 and will address this topic at this time. As always, the meeting will be live-streamed and the link may be found on our district website HERE.

Thank you all for your continued patience, support and trust as we navigate this unprecedented situation TOGETHER!

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Franklin County Government Makes Operational Adjustments

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County Government is taking precautionary measures by making the following operational changes in light of Corona Virus concerns:

Department of Aging
Louisburg and Franklinton Senior Centers are closed to the public for all classes, events, activities and congregate meals until further notice. Adult Day Care and Meals On Wheels will operate on normal schedule. Please call the center if you wish to purchase Ensure or Glucerna. The Louisburg Senior Center number is (919) 496-1131. The Franklinton Senior Center can be reached at (919) 496-5611.

Library
The number of attendees at meetings in meeting rooms will be limited to 10 persons (including the person organizing the meeting) at Franklinton, Youngsville and Bunn Libraries. Library patrons who have scheduled the Justice Street Annex in Louisburg will be limited to no more than 18 persons for the larger space in that building and no more than six persons in the conference room at one time.

Library programming for children is canceled indefinitely.

Parks & Recreation
Parks & Recreation programs and events are suspended until April 6, 2020. Any further modifications will be communicated to participants in a timely manner. Parks & Recreation facilities are open for public use. Reservations for picnic shelters and ballfield rentals are still being accepted. The department is asking everyone to follow the Governor’s
recommendations for gatherings including:

• Avoid being closer than six feet (or three feet at a minimum) for longer than 10 minutes with anyone, especially those who may be ill.
• No gathering of more than 75 people.

Additional Information Resources

Franklin County Corona Virus COVID-19 Joint Information Center (JIC)
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(919) 496-8113 (Franklin-County-Specific Virus Information)
Franklin County residents may also choose to email their questions/concerns to CoronaVirus@franklincountync.us.
https://www.franklincountync.us/services/health

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-northcarolina.