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Governor Cooper to Announce Closing of NC Restaurants, Bars for Dine-in

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-Press Release, Office of NC Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force are holding a media briefing today at 2 p.m. At that briefing, Governor Cooper will announce a new executive order in response to COVID-19 that closes restaurants and bars for dine-in customers but allows them to continue takeout and delivery orders.

The executive order will also include an expansion of unemployment insurance to help North Carolina workers affected by COVID-19.

The order is expected to be effective by 5 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

More information about the order and other updates on North Carolina’s response to COVID-19 will be available at today’s media briefing. The briefing is at 2 p.m. at Joint Force Headquarters, 1636 Gold Star Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607.

View live stream here: https://www.ncdps.gov/storm-update

County Courthouses Open; Proceedings of District, Superior Court Suspended

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy the Hon. Henry Gupton, Vance County Clerk of Superior Court

Measures in Ninth Judicial District

On Friday, Chief Justice Cheri Beasley entered an order implementing sweeping measures designed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to minimize the risk of exposure for the public and courthouse personnel.

Specifically, effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all County Courthouses will be open, but proceedings of district and superior court are suspended with limited exceptions. In conformity with the Chief Justice’s order, all court proceedings will be rescheduled unless:

  • The proceeding will be conducted remotely;
  • The proceeding is necessary to preserve the right to due process of law (e.g., first appearances, bond hearings, appointment of counsel, probation hearings, probable cause hearings, etc.);
  • The proceeding is for the purpose of obtaining emergency relief (e.g., domestic violence protection orders, temporary restraining orders, juvenile custody orders, judicial consent to juvenile medical treatment order, civil commitment order, etc.); or
  • The senior resident superior court judge, chief business court judge, or chief district court judge determines that the proceeding can be conducted under conditions that protect the health and safety of all participants.
  • The Chief Justice’s emergency directive does not apply to any proceeding in which a jury has already been empaneled.
  • The Chief Justice’s emergency directive does not apply to grand juries that have already been empaneled.
  • The Chief Justice’s emergency directive does not prohibit a judge or other judicial officer from exercising any in chambers or ex parte jurisdiction conferred by law upon that judge or judicial officer, as provided by law.

The general plan is as follows:

Clerk of Superior Court

  • Maintain normal office hours to accept filings, until further notice
  • Guardianship hearings will be conducted as needed, subject to health precautions, as determined by the Clerk of Court.
  • Estate administration matters will be conducted, although in-person meetings will be subject to health precautions as determined by the Clerk of Court.
  • Estate hearings are to be postponed for a period of at least thirty days.
  • Special Proceeding hearings are to be postponed for a period of at least thirty days.

Magistrate and Small Claims

Magistrate’s offices in each county will operate on a normal schedule. Normal operations will continue for Warrants for Arrest, Magistrate’s Orders, Criminal Summons, Initial Appearances, Cash Bonds / Property Bonds, Involuntary Commitment Orders, Juvenile Petitions, and Secured and Non-Secured Custody Orders.

  • All Small Claims court proceedings will be continued for a period of at least thirty days.

District Court

  • A District Court judge will be available at the local Courthouses daily to conduct 96-hour hearings, 48-hour hearings, 50B / 50C continuance hearings, consider 50B / 50C requests for ex parte relief and any proceeding necessary to preserve the right to due process of law

To the extent feasible, during the period of the Chief Justice’s order, requests for ex parte relief pursuant to 50B and 50C will be considered by the District Court Judge, rather than the magistrate, in order to reduce the number of orders that need to be re-issued and the number of times a case may need to be continued prior to its permanent hearing date after the expiration of the Chief Justice’s order.

All scheduled District Court civil and criminal matters will be continued to a date at least thirty days from the date of the Chief Justice’s order.

Central Regional Hospital and Franklin County involuntary commitments will be held on the dates already assigned by the Judge designated in existing assignment orders.

For purposes of this Memorandum, a Judge’s local courthouse is as follows:

Judge John Davis – Franklin County

Judge Katherine Burnette – Granville County

Judge Amanda Stevenson – Granville County

Judge J. Stultz – Person County

Judge Caroline Burnette – Vance County

Judge Adam Keith – Vance County

Judge Ben Hunter – Warren County

Superior Court

Civil Superior Court

All Superior Court civil matters calendared for the March 16, 2020 term in Franklin Co. will be continued to the April 27, 2020 term.

All Superior Court civil matters calendared for the March 30, 2020 term in Granville Co. will be continued to the May 18, 2020 term.

  • All Superior Court civil matters calendared for the April 6, 2020 term in Person Co. will be continued to the July 20, 2020 term.

In the event of a scheduling conflict with the newly scheduled court date, counsel should contact the Trial Court Coordinator to arrange for a different continuance date.

  • There will be no Monday morning calendar call.
  • No jurors are to report.

Criminal Superior Court:

The following sessions of Superior Criminal Trial Court, with a grand jury, will open at 10 a.m. on the Monday of the session to conduct essential court functions:

March 16 (Person Co.)

March 23 (Vance Co.)

March 23 (Warren Co.)

April 6 (Granville Co.)

April 13 (Franklin Co.)

The regularly scheduled district-wide CMS session for the weeks of April 6 and April 13 will open as scheduled in each county, for the conduct of essential court functions.

  • The March 20, 2020, special session of Franklin County Criminal Superior Court will proceed as planned for the hearing of one criminal matter relating to an in-custody defendant.

For purposes of this Memorandum, “essential court functions” are defined as

(1) grand jury proceedings;

(2) first appearances and appointment of counsel for defendants in custody of a local jail;

(3) written, appropriately noticed, bond motions by defendants in custody of a local jail;

(4) pleas by defendants in custody of a local jail; and

(5) Any other proceeding the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge has determined can be conducted under conditions that protect the health and safety of all participants.

  • No new jury trials;
  • No jurors are to report;

As we move forward, the Judicial Council for the Ninth Judicial District will continue to confer on a daily basis to discuss the evolving COVID-19 situation and to plan for the implementation of additional appropriate measures as needed.

Because the circumstances that confront us are unprecedented, we welcome input from you. In the upcoming days, if you encounter issues that have not been adequately addressed in our planning, and you have suggestions that will help us function in a fair, efficient and safe manner, please share your ideas.

The primary point of contact for any questions or concerns that you wish to bring to our attention is Trial Court Coordinator Ella Wrenn. For questions or comments regarding our COVID-19 response and the operations of our courts under these circumstances, the most efficient way of reaching Mrs. Wrenn, and the leadership team, is via the following email address: Ella.Wrenn@nccourts.org. This email address is continuously monitored and timely replies will be provided.

It is likely that you will get inquiries from the public and attorneys about courthouse operations. There are several methods by which accurate and timely information can be obtained.

  • Information about the North Carolina Judicial Branch system-wide response to the COVID-19 virus can be found on the nccourts.gov website.

Information specific to the Ninth Judicial District will be posted to the nccourts.gov website as well.

 

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VGCC Declares March 16-20 Spring Break; Courses Resume Online Next Week

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-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

VGCC will be moving Spring Break to Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20 to allow the college time to transition to mostly online instruction for the next several weeks in support of our Governor’s directive to practice more social distancing to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

This means there will be no credit/curriculum classes from March 16 – March 20.

The only exception to that is clinicals and apprenticeships which will continue as scheduled unless otherwise noted by your college contact. Credit/curriculum courses will resume Monday, March 23 in an online or hybrid format. More details are available on the College website.

Students are asked to please continue to check their email and the College COVID 19 web page for more updates, as the situation is changing rapidly.

Franklin County Schools

Franklin Co. Schools Releases Schedule for Homework, Meal Pickups

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools is closed due to the Coronavirus through at least Friday, March 27, 2020. However, parents/guardians and students will have to opportunity to pick up homework, essential personal items, and meals following the schedule below.

FCS and your student’s schools will make every effort to keep you informed of additional information, as well as any updates and changes to these schedules as soon as possible upon determining those details.

Homework Packets: Tuesday, March 17, 3 to 6 p.m., at Schools

Because many Franklin County Schools’ students do not have access to the Internet and electronic devices, printed homework packets will be available for pick up on Tuesday, March 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the student’s school. Parents and guardians should be on alert for specific details about this procedure directly from your school principal.

Additionally, electronic and web-based learning materials are also being made available. Those details will also be communicated from school principals and district personnel as soon as possible.

Essential Personal Items: Tuesday, March 17, 3 to 6 p.m., at Schools

Students will be able to retrieve any essential personal belongings from their schools, such as medications or other essential items, during the Tuesday, March 17 timeframe. If a student needs access sooner, they should make arrangements with their school’s administration.

Meals: Begins Wednesday, March 18, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,  at BHS, FES, LHS, YES

FCS’ Nutritional Services will provide meal packages that include breakfast, lunch and a snack for students. Those meal packages will be available for pickup Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday, March 18 and continuing through Friday, March 27 at the following locations:

  • Bunn High School
  • Franklinton Elementary School
  • Louisburg High School
  • Youngsville Elementary School

MPH Further Restricts Visitation, Limits the Number of Open Entrances

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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors. We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking the necessary steps to ensure we are fully prepared to care for patients, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with our local and state health departments.

In keeping with our commitment to public safety and security, we are implementing the following policies, effective immediately:

Maria Parham Health is eliminating all visitor hours, with the exception of the following:

• One visitor for obstetrical patients
• Two visitors for pediatric patients
• One caregiver if necessary, for emergency department patients

No other visitors will be allowed at this time without approval from Administration. This includes outpatient treatment.

Effective Tuesday, March 17, we are limiting the number of open entrances at the hospital to include the emergency department entrance, the front entrance, and the cancer center entrance. The emergency department entrance will be open 24 hours per day. The front entrance will remain open from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily.

At our Franklin facility, the emergency department and 20-bed behavioral health entrances will be open.

Staff will screen and log all staff, providers, and visitors at the designated entrances.

Please note, we have not limited or restricted services at this time.

These measures are in place to protect our facility and our community. Please know that our providers and clinical teams are well-trained and prepared to manage outbreaks of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses.

Please be reassured that our number one priority is the health and well-being of our community – and that includes you. We are prepared to manage an outbreak of respiratory illness, and we encourage you to follow the guidance above and stay tuned to updates from the CDC to help protect you and your loved ones. Keeping our community healthy is a community effort, and we are committed to doing everything we can to keep our community healthy today and for generations to come.

For more information and to stay abreast of the latest updates on COVID-19, you can visit https://www.mariaparham.com/coronavirus-covid-19-preparedne… and www.cdc.gov.

Maria Parham Health

COVID-19: What Maria Parham Health is Doing and What You Can Do

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

It probably feels as if coronavirus – or as it is officially known, COVID-19 – is all anyone is talking about these days.

As COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses like the seasonal flu continue to spread across the U.S., you also may feel a certain level of concern over how this disease could affect you or your loved ones, or if your local healthcare provider is prepared to respond to any local cases that may arise. That’s certainly understandable and natural. We want to provide you with essential information outlining what we are doing to stay prepared and offer you guidance on what you can do to help protect yourself, your family and our community.

What we are doing

Maria Parham Health is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors at all times. While COVID-19 is new, effectively responding to other infectious diseases is not. We have tested processes and plans in place to respond to situations involving infectious disease year-round. Here is what we are doing to stay ready and effectively respond to COVID-19:

  • We continue to work closely with the Vance County Health Department/North Carolina Health Department and follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that we are prepared with appropriate plans to detect, protect and respond should anyone in our community contract or be exposed to COVID-19.
  • We have a robust emergency operations plan in place and are reviewing and proactively completing a number of preparation checklists out of an abundance of caution.
  • We have hand hygiene products easily accessible throughout our facility, and we also installed sneeze screens.
  • We are screening patients in our emergency department, inpatient units and outpatient clinics based on CDC guidance.
  • Staff treating a potential COVID-19 case are provided with all appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to help prevent exposure.
  • Patients with respiratory or COVID-19-related symptoms are immediately provided masks to wear to help prevent exposure to others.
  • In the event that we identify a potential COVID-19 case, we will follow all CDC guidelines for placing that individual in isolation for their care and for the protection of other patients, employees and visitors.
  • We have implemented visitor restrictions at our facility as follows:
  1. Only one visitor per patient at all times:  Limiting the number of visitors per patient will help control the spread of the illness
  2. Children under 12 not allowed on hospital visits:  Since children are more likely to get sick and spread the flu, our staff will only allow children under 12 to visit patients in special cases.
  3. Visitor Check-in/Check-out:  All visitors will be required to check in and check out when visiting patients at Maria Parham Health until further notice. Please sign-in/sign-out with the appropriate staff at point of entry.

These measures are in place to protect our facility and our community. Please know that our providers and clinical teams are well-trained and prepared to manage outbreaks of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses.

What you can do

It’s easy to feel helpless when faced with a barrage of news reports and social media updates regarding COVID-19. The good news is that there are some key steps you can take to help protect you and your loved ones and help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19:

  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Staying home when you are sick
  • Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, including your phone, computer, remote controls and doorknobs
  • Washing your hands often 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
  • Using an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available (Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty)
  • Practicing social distancing behaviors, including working from home, avoiding public gatherings and unnecessary travel, and maintaining a distance of approximately six feet from others when possible.

What to do if you are experiencing symptoms

First and foremost – if you are having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or go directly to the Emergency Room. If possible, notify the dispatch agent that your emergency involves symptoms possibly related to COVID-19.

For non-emergency needs, if you need medical attention due to respiratory illness symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and plan to visit our hospital, your primary care provider or an urgent clinic, please call ahead before you go and let them know that you are experiencing symptoms that may possibly be related to COVID-19. This will allow providers to properly prepare for your visit and take the necessary precautions to keep others from being infected or exposed.

Please be reassured that our number one priority is the health and well-being of our community – and that includes you. We are prepared to manage an outbreak of respiratory illness, and we encourage you to follow the guidance above and stay tuned to updates from the CDC to help protect you and your loved ones. Keeping our community healthy is a community effort, and we are committed to doing everything we can to keep our community healthy today and for generations to come.

For more information and to stay abreast of the latest updates on COVID-19, you can visit https://www.mariaparham.com/coronavirus-covid-19-preparedness-information and www.cdc.gov. 

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.”

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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.

NCHSAA

NCHSAA: Basketball State Championships, Interscholastic Athletics Suspended

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-Press Release, NCHSAA

Due to the threat from COVID-19, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) has made the decision to postpone the 2020 Men’s and Women’s Basketball State Championships indefinitely.

“As much as we would like this opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches, and their communities, we know that ultimately any decision we make must err on the side of caution,” said Commissioner Que Tucker.

The Board of Directors also moved to suspend interscholastic athletics beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020, through at least Monday, April 6, 2020. The NCHSAA Board of Directors will assess this situation regularly over the next few weeks. This includes all workouts, skill development, practices and contests.

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Franklin County Responds to Coronavirus Concerns

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Effective March 11, 2020, and in consultation with the Franklin County Emergency Management Services, Sherriff’s Department, County Administration and the Louisburg Police Department, the Franklin County Health Department is opening the Franklin County Coronavirus & COVID-19 Joint Information Center (COVID-19 JIC) Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Purpose: This JIC will serve as the place for residents, businesses and other agencies to obtain timely, accurate, reliable and actionable Franklin County-specific information regarding the coronavirus and COVID-19 within Franklin County.  The Franklin County Health Department combines information from our regular updates with Federal and State Agencies, together with our local resources, to provide you and/or your organization with the best Franklin County-specific information available.

Local Virus Questions: If you want reliable information, please call: (919) 496 – 8113.

As more people become concerned about the coronavirus, it is vitally important to ensure that everyone has the most up-to-date, accurate and reliable information possible. The Franklin County Health Department, with our local communicable disease professionals and our epidemiology team, has been working with State and Federal Officials to ensure everyone in Franklin County receives properly vetted, accurate and actionable regional and local information regarding the coronavirus.

For the most up-to-date information on the virus, please use the NCDHHS website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina.

Please note that there are currently NO confirmed cases of the Novel Coronavirus (that causes COVID-19) in Franklin County. The Franklin County Health Department will keep our residents apprised of the situation as soon as accurate, reliable and actionable information becomes available.

Increased Available Testing: As the Novel Coronavirus continues to spread, and with relaxed testing guidelines and increasing numbers of test kits available, there will be individuals today who now meet the criteria for testing, who just a week ago did not. That will increase the number of people being tested, which is welcome news. However, increased testing is just one part of our prevention efforts.

Time of Year: Given the time of year, there are many illnesses that are at their peak in late February and early March in our area (i.e. influenza, strep, etc.), whose symptoms mimic COVID-19. As a result, many individuals who are sick with a variety of other ailments (i.e. flu) will now be able to “rule-out” coronavirus given these new standards and increased testing capabilities. Given that the modes of transmission for these other ailments are similar to the Novel Coronavirus, precautions already being used (given this time of year) to protect you from these other ailments will also protect you from COVID-19.

When More Actionable Information Becomes Available, We Will Get the Word Out: The Franklin County Health Department is in close contact with state and federal officials, our local hospital, Maria Parham Franklin, and all other Franklin County Healthcare providers, daycare centers, schools and other governmental agencies, to keep everyone updated with the most current information regarding the virus’ spread, and what we can do to protect ourselves.

As soon as there is any information available that the public, healthcare providers and/or other governmental agencies will need to enhance their own safety, we will get the information to you as soon as possible.

Current Status: There are numerous people across our region being monitored and/or tested for this virus. At this point in time, we have NO confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 in Franklin County. IF there were individuals who presented with symptoms that indicated the need for testing, all healthcare providers are aware of the protocols to implement in order to protect their staff and the public (i.e. quarantine and isolation procedures) while they test and treat anyone suspected of having the virus.

EMS staff and other first responders should already be practicing the same set of cleaning and personal protection measures designed to keep them safe from flu (given it is peak flu season), and those same measures will keep them safe from the novel coronavirus.

What Can You Do: Given the virus has been confirmed in Wake County, and will likely spread to surrounding counties at some point, everyone should practice personal protection measures to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe:

  • avoid touching your face (including eyes, mouth, nose and ears);
  • Wash your hands frequently & thoroughly (front & back) with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds AND if available, use hand sanitizers frequently;
  • cough/sneeze into your elbow/arm, and avoid any physical contact greetings (i.e. no handshakes, etc.);
  • avoid others if you’re sick;
  • stay home from work/school and don’t visit anyone (especially older adults & children and those with chronic conditions) if you’re sick;
  • If over the age of 60 and/or suffering from a chronic health condition, avoid large public gatherings (issued by CDC on 3-7-19);
  • Avoid being closer than 6 feet (or 3 feet at a minimum) for longer than 10 minutes with anyone, especially those who may be ill;
  • All agencies and businesses have been advised to practice their enhanced cleaning and personal protection protocols, as is normal practice for this time of year (given it is peak flu season).

Bottom line: The virus has not reached Franklin County yet, but it will likely be here eventually. Prepare yourself by practicing the steps above, and you can minimize the risk to your family and friends.

For additional information, please call the Franklin County Coronavirus COVID-19 Joint Information Center at 919-496-8113 or visit https://www.franklincountync.us/services/health.