Use of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for COVID-19 Up 18-Fold in NC

/by

— North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Press Release

As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge across North Carolina, the use of monoclonal antibodies for treatment of COVID-19 increased by 18-fold since late June from 100 administrations for the week of June 23 to 1,874 for the week of Aug. 11. Statewide, there are more than 130 sites offering monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19 as this treatment can decrease the likelihood of hospitalization related to COVID-19.

Monoclonal antibody therapy is not a substitute for vaccination against COVID-19. However, it can reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and decrease the likelihood of hospitalization, especially in high-risk patients. If you test positive for COVID-19, monoclonal antibody therapy must be administered within 10 days of your first COVID-19 symptoms, so it is crucial to get tested early.

Anyone who has symptoms of or been exposed to COVID-19 should get tested as soon as possible. Testing is widely available across the state. To find a testing site in your community, go to ncdhhs.gov/GetTested. People who are not experiencing serious symptoms should not go to the emergency department for routine COVID-19 testing. People should seek medical attention immediately for serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face.

Vaccines are the best protection from COVID-19 related hospitalization and death, as well as complications from the virus and the vast majority of people in the hospital or dying with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Research has shown even people who had a mild case of COVID-19 may struggle with long-term effects like shortness of breath, chest pain and brain fog.

Talk to your health care provider to see if monoclonal antibody therapy is an option, find a treatment center near you or call the Federal Monoclonal Antibody Call Center for assistance at 1-877-332-6585 (English) or 1-877-366-0310 (Spanish). Some people may qualify for preventative treatment before showing symptoms. More information, including answers to frequently asked questions, are available on NCDHHS’ COVID-19 website.

The federal government is providing monoclonal antibody therapy at no cost to patients. However, health care providers may charge an administration fee for treatment. Medicare and many commercial insurance companies are covering all costs for patients. Check with your health plan to learn more about treatment costs.

Monoclonal antibodies are proteins made in a laboratory to fight infections, in this case, the virus that causes COVID-19, and are given to patients directly with an IV infusion or a shot. Some early evidence suggests this treatment can reduce the amount of the virus, or viral load, that causes COVID-19 in a person’s body. Having a lower viral load may reduce the severity of symptoms and decrease the likelihood of hospitalization.

The Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization to allow the use of monoclonal antibody therapies for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in certain high-risk patients. Additionally, the FDA authorized this treatment for use in some patients who are exposed to COVID-19 even if they do not have symptoms. People who are not fully vaccinated or who have immunocompromising conditions, including those taking immunosuppressive medications, and have either been exposed to COVID-19 or are at high risk of exposure due to where they live or work may qualify for preventative treatment.

Vaccination is the best protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. All unvaccinated North Carolinians age 12 and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine now to protect themselves, their community and those who cannot be vaccinated. Rigorous clinical trials among thousands of people ages 12 and older have proven vaccines are safe and effective. Almost 200 million Americans have been safely vaccinated.

In addition to getting vaccinated, to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our communities, NCDHHS recommends that everyone wear a mask in indoor public spaces if you live in area of high or substantial levels of transmission as defined by the CDC until more people are vaccinated and viral transmission decreases. In North Carolina, that is now all 100 counties.

Free COVID-19 vaccines are widely available across the state to anyone 12 and older. To get a vaccine near you, visit MySpot.nc.gov or call 888-675-4567. You can also text your zip code to 438829 to find vaccine locations near you.

 

VCFNF 2021 GAME 1 – VIPERS WIN

/by

FINAL SCORE

VANCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL VIPERS 34

WARREN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL EAGLES 26

FULL RECAP MONDAY AT 1PM ON SPORTSTALK ON WIZS WITH TREY SNIDE

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO LISTENED TO THE LIVE PLAY BY PLAY ON WIZS RADIO AND WIZS.COM

REMEMBER YOU CAN LISTEN TO THE GAME LIVE AND FREE ON WIZS EACH WEEK

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Latest Local Covid Data as of Friday from GVPH

/by

— courtesy of Granville-Vance Public Health

In the past 7 days, there have been 84 new cases in Vance County, a 22% decrease from the previous 7 days. The percent positivity rate in Vance County is 5.7%. According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, there is high community transmission in Vance County.

In the past 7 days, there have been 171 new cases in Granville County, a 50% increase from the previous 7 days. The percent positivity rate in Granville County is 4.6%. According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, there is high community transmission in Granville County.

In Vance County, 57% of those over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine and 52% are fully vaccinated.

In Granville County, 63% of those over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine and 58% are fully vaccinated.

64% of the adult population in NC is at least partially vaccinated and 59% of the adult population is fully vaccinated.

Popcorn Subject Of Aug. 24 Event At Granville’s Cooperative Extension Office

/by

At this time of year, folks driving through the countryside see lots and lots of corn growing in the field. Much of that corn is feed corn, used for livestock. Some of it will find its way to roadside stands or farmers’ markets and ultimately to people’s supper tables.

But is there any chance that some of it could end up being popcorn?

The Granville County cooperative extension service is offering a unique opportunity to learn more about that delicious snack loved by so many – popcorn.

There will be a popcorn field plot tour on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. for anyone interested in learning more about those special corn varieties that explode into the fluffy white stuff that we enjoy while watching TV, movie or sports contest.

According to the cooperative extension, the popcorn field plot is the only one of its kind east of the Mississippi River.

Phone 336.599.1195 to register for the tour, during which there will be information about the history of popcorn and the different varieties grown all over the world, including right here in North Carolina.

The Granville County Center is located at 125 Oxford Loop Road. The event is open to farmers, gardeners, farmers’ market sellers, agents and anyone interested in popcorn.

It’s FGV Downtown Henderson DUCK DERBY 2021 BABY!

/by

The 12th annual Ducky Derby race is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021 in downtown Henderson.

The race, which begins at 12 noon, will have a special twist – the winners will all be child care providers in the tri-county area, according to Garry Daeke, development coordinator for Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start, Inc.

The event again will flood Garnett Street with rubber duckies to raise money for ongoing services for families with children ages 0-5.

“This year we are celebrating our child care professionals who have persevered through challenging times to continue to provide quality early childhood education, and the winner(s) of our prizes will be from the child care community,” Daeke said.

The public is still invited to attend, and Daeke said tickets will be sold online only. “Our idea is to honor our child care programs and workers who have had a most difficult year, as you can imagine,” Daeke told WIZS News.

Daeke said the support of sponsors will be especially important this year. Sponsorship levels are $500 – Super Duck, $250 – Feathered Friend, and $100 Quacker Backer

Call Daeke at 252.433.9110 ext. 227 to learn more.

Buy ducks online at https://fgvsmartstart-2021-ducky-derby.cheddarup.com

Henderson Man Sentenced to Federal Prison on Firearms Offenses

/by

— press release

A Henderson man was sentenced to 101 months in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a felon.  On May 17, 2021, Kyree Leamon Williams pled guilty to the charges.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Williams, 28, was being investigated by the Henderson Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) for distribution of heroin in Henderson.  Law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of heroin laced with fentanyl from Williams on multiple occasions, leading to indictments in the Vance County Superior Court.  When officers attempted to serve arrest warrants on Williams, he tried to elude police, leading them on a high-speed chase through Henderson before he stopped the car and ran on foot.  After a short foot chase, Williams was apprehended.  A subsequent search of his car and a residence yielded additional amounts of heroin, a stolen firearm with an extended magazine, and ammunition.  Williams is a convicted felon, having prior convictions for Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Henderson Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the District Attorney’s Office for the 11th Prosecutorial District investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-CR-131-M.

August 25 – Joint Granville Commissioners/School Board Meeting

/by

The Granville County board of commissioners and the Granville County board of education will meet together to discuss school redistricting, according to information from Debra Weary, clerk to the commissioners. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021 at 9 a.m. in the main gymnasium at South Granville High School, 701 North Crescent Drive, Creedmoor, NC 27522.

Dr. Stan Winborne, associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction and student services, with Granville County schools said, “To join the livestream meeting, please use the following link: https://live.myvrspot.com/st?cid=MDhkZj.”

Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting will be required to wear face coverings and cooperate with social distancing requirements. There will be limited seating available.

This same meeting was originally to have been held at Mary Potter, but the location was changed to South Granville High School as is listed above.

Warren County Board Chair Elected to NCACC As Second Vice-President

/by

— Warren County Press Release

Warren County, North Carolina- Warren County is pleased to announce that Warren County Board of Commissioners Chairman, Tare “T” Davis, was elected as Second Vice President of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners during the 114th Annual Conference on Saturday, August 14, 2021.

This is a great accomplishment for Commissioner Davis and Warren County, as it relates to Warren County being represented in the organization that develops policy and directly advocates on behalf of the 100 counties of North Carolina and its residents.

When speaking about the accomplishment, Commissioner Davis stated that he is “very humbled” by the opportunity to serve as Second Vice President of the NC Association of County Commissioners (NCACC).

“This opportunity is not about me as an individual, but it has everything to do with the work that the Board of Commissioners is doing and the feedback we receive from our residents,” stated Davis. “Warren County being represented in this organization is important, so that Warren County has a seat at the table when statewide policies impacting counties are being developed.”

“We are continuously working to improve the quality of life for Warren County from recent economic development project announcements, such as Glen Raven, and new residential development, to this opportunity with NCACC,” said Davis. “These accomplishments are all results of different tools in the tool box that we are using to change conditions for the better here in Warren County.”

Additionally, with Davis in this position, it is likely that this will serve as a pathway for Warren County to be represented in the role of NCACC President in the coming years.

NCACC is the official voice of all 100 counties on issues considered by the NC General Assembly, NC Congress, and federal and state agencies. The Association provides expertise to counties in the areas of advocacy, research, risk management, and education and leadership training.

Warren County is an NCACC member and benefits from participation in the organization in areas including: advocacy, education and conferences, risk management programs, research and data on policy issues, legal consultation and communication tools to help share the stories of North Carolina’s 100 counties.

Vance County High School

SportsTalk: Frances Excited About Fall Sports at Vance County High

/by

“I was surprised at the offer,” new Assistant Athletic Director Christine Frances said about Vance County High School after they contacted her about the position. In fact, the position didn’t even exist until recently.  With Athletic Director Joe Sharrow also taking on the Assistant Principal’s job at the school the athletic programs needed an extra set of eyes and Frances was chosen.

Frances says that in addition to football, which kicks off Friday night, the school has women’s volleyball, cross country, women’s golf, men’s soccer and cheerleading either underway or about to be.

“Coaches are thrilled to be back to something close to normal,” she said. Many sports last year struggled during a season dominated by Covid. She said this year should be better and that it will “feel more like a sports season.”

Fans will be allowed to games this year but Frances stressed that social distancing as much as possible is one way to keep everyone safe. She also said masks should be worn particularly in the ticket and concession areas. Safety is a top priority of the school.

Frances also took a moment during her appearance on SportsTalk with Trey Snide to congratulate Joe Sharrow.  Sharrow was named as a NIAAA Certified Athletic Administrator this week.

For complete details and audio click play.