-Information courtesy Tanya Evans, District Manager, Duke Energy
As Duke Energy gradually resumes standard billing and payment practices in North Carolina, our goal is to work with customers in need to ensure they have the opportunity to enroll in a payment plan that meets their specific situation, and that they have an opportunity to connect with local assistance agencies and funds.
Beginning October 1, 2020, customers behind on their bills will receive notices about their past-due balances. Disconnecting a customer’s service is the very last step in a lengthy process, and it’s a step we want to avoid altogether.
That’s why we are giving all customers who need more time to pay the opportunity to establish an extended payment plan to catch up on any balance that accumulated during the disconnection suspension. No customer on a payment plan who is current on that arrangement will be disconnected. It is important that they contact us as soon as possible to set up the payment arrangement.
We want customers facing financial hardship to know that we are here to help. Our team is prepared to support customers through these challenging times and provide manageable solutions to keep their lights on. We can be reached at the following numbers:
Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-777-9898
Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-452-2777
We also encourage customers to consider using the online self-service options to avoid longer wait times.
We recognize the financial impacts from this pandemic, for some, are far from over. If you know someone who needs help managing their Duke Energy bill, please encourage that person to give us a call.
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Some North Carolina small businesses that have experienced extraordinary disruption to their operations due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic may benefit from a $40 million relief program to help offset fixed costs like rent, mortgage interests and utility bills, Governor Roy Cooper announced.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy – powering our local communities and giving back in so many ways. They deserve our support, and this new initiative can help them weather this tough time,” said Governor Cooper.
The N.C. Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief (MURR), administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, can provide up to $20,000 in relief funds per qualifying business location. Business applicants from certain industry sectors that have not been able to operate during the COVID period may apply for up to two of their business locations.
Applicants can apply for up to four months of mortgage interest or rent expenses, and utility expenses. The help offers relief for some of the fixed costs a business cannot easily control on its own. Applications to the program should open next week and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must certify that they were closed during the period April 1 through July 31, 2020; they expect to be able to operate after the COVID crisis has passed and they have not been reimbursed by any other federal source for the expenses for which they seek reimbursement through this program.
Eligible applicants include:
Amusement parks
Banquet Halls (with catering staff)
Bars, taverns, night clubs, cocktail lounges
Bingo parlors
Bowling alleys/centers
Dance halls
Indoor fitness and recreation centers
Motion picture/movie theaters (except drive-ins)
Museums
The Department of Commerce will begin accepting applications soon. Business leaders can learn about the MURR program by registering for one of the free educational webinars offered by the Department of Commerce over the next two weeks.
For the webinar schedule and additional information on the program, visit www.nccommerce.com/murr.
Large, Outdoor Venues
Governor Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen also announced that effective October 2, large outdoor venues would be permitted to open at 7% capacity with key safety precautions in place. The announcement was made so these locations could begin putting safety measures in place in order to operate.
Large entertainment venues are those that can seat over 10,000.
“We will continue analyzing our data and indicators as we determine how to move forward safely in other areas that may be included in the new order on October 2. In it, we hope to ease some other restrictions, while still keeping safety protocols like masks, social distancing, and mass gathering limits in place,” said Governor Cooper.
”With more things open and people moving around more, we need everyone to stay vigilant about wearing a mask, waiting six feet apart, and washing their hands often,” said Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “Our progress is fragile and will take our continued hard to work to protect it.”
State and public health officials will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next week to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires on October 2 at 5 p.m.
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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health
The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of September 21, 2020. Granville Vance Public Health numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data.
The county case numbers reported on the NC county map from the NC Department of Health and Human Services may differ from the ones reported locally as they are updated at different times and may change once residence is verified.
Granville County
1,702 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 1,702, 1,042 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 1,042, 935 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,702, 523 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County and 494 of those 523 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,702, 137 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 30 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center and 96 at Universal Health Care.
The outbreak at Granville House is no longer active.
After consultation with NC DHHS, Whitmore Retirement Center is not classified as a long term care facility and therefore, the cases will not be reported as an outbreak.
Of the 137 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, 87 have been released from isolation.
8 individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.
There have been a total of 49 deaths in Granville County: five in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 20 associated with Universal Health Care and 22 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex. Unfortunately, a recent death has been reported associated with the outbreak at the prison: a 62-year-old male passed away on September 17.
Vance County
984 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 984, 859 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 859, 713 have been released from isolation.
Of those 984, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.
The outbreaks at Alliance Rehabilitative Care, Senior Citizens Home, and Pelican Health nursing home are no longer active.
Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 96 have been released from isolation.
19 individuals in Vance County are hospitalized
There have been a total of 44 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home and 16 in the community. Unfortunately, another recent death has been reported from the community: a 56-year-old female passed away on September 20.
WIZS Note: There are 146 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 107 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). One additional COVID-19 related Vance County death and one additional Granville County death have been reported in the last eleven days,.
North Carolina will remain in Safer at Home Phase 2.5 through October 2, 2020. Face coverings are still mandatory in public places. To learn more about restrictions currently in place in North Carolina and the phased approach to lifting those restrictions, please visit Staying Ahead of the Curve.
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The month of September is set aside each year as “Library Card Sign-Up Month.” The Granville County Library System, in partnership with the American Library Association, marks the beginning of the school year as an opportunity to ensure that every child signs up for their own library card.
The 2020 Theme for the American Library Association’s campaign is “Libraries are Wonderful,” with “Wonder Woman” of the DC Comics’ Justice League, as Honorary Chair. The superhero theme emphasizes the value of learning and the role libraries play in transforming lives and strengthening communities through education.
Library cards can be used to check out books, take home DVD’s, use the internet, and take advantage of a wide variety of ways that make learning fun. Studies show that children who read regularly (or are read to) and who use library resources often perform better in school, and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning. Libraries also offer great ways for families to spend time together through scheduled programs and activities.
Granville County residents may apply for a FREE library card by showing a valid North Carolina driver’s license, photo ID or student ID with a current Granville County address. Students under the age of 14 can be issued a card with a parent ID and parent signature.
Non-residents may be issued a Granville County Library System library card for $15 per year. Lost cards can be replaced for only $1.
Throughout the school year, librarians and staff members are ready to assist students with educational resources and services. From STEAM programs, online activities, internet access, workshops, storytime hours and librarian expertise, local libraries help provide a cost-effective option for education, whether virtually or in person.
Branches of the Granville County Library System (in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea) are open during limited hours, as precautionary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing guidelines apply and masks are required when visiting library branches in person.
For more details about what your local library has in store during the 2020/2021 academic year, or to learn more about Library Card Sign Up Month, please visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/ or call your local library today:
Richard H. Thornton Branch (Oxford): (919) 693-1121
South Branch (Creedmoor): (919) 528-1752
Stovall Branch (Stovall): (919) 693-5722
Berea Branch (Berea): (919) 693-1231
Library Card Sign-Up Month has been held each September since 1987.
The Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom.
The purpose of the meeting is to potentially adopt the KLRWS Funding Request Resolution and the amended City of Oxford Capital Improvement Plan. All those interested are invited to attend.
The Public Safety Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss community relations & policing by the Oxford Police Department. All those interested are invited to attend.
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Having the option for K-5 students to return on Plan A provides the next step in the GCPS district’s goal of having all students able to return to school when it is safe to do so. Our Board of Education and administration will continue to closely monitor the readiness indicators for our district and community.
The district will continue to include stakeholders in the planning and decision-making of safely bringing our children back to school. GCPS is thankful for the continued patience, grace and support during this time.
For more information, please visit our website at www.gcs.k12.nc.us.
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Vance-Granville Community College student Emiliano Dunton of Oxford has faced challenges in his life, and now, he is involved in research related to what is perhaps the world’s biggest challenge today: the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
Dunton, a VGCC Bioprocess Technology student, is participating in a research externship program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) through a partnership between the community college and the university. Through the externship, he gets practical experience related to his studies. Specifically, Dunton works with a team led by Dr. Weifan Zheng, an award-winning professor of pharmaceutical sciences at NCCU’s Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) program, along with research scientists Xialan Dong and Zheng Huang. Zheng and his team are currently using computer programming to identify drugs that may be effective in attacking COVID-19.
Vance-Granville Community College student Emiliano Dunton of Oxford is participating in a research externship program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) through a partnership between the community college and the university. (Photo courtesy VGCC)
“I am currently learning a new computer language called Python, which is the most used computer coding language of 2020,” Dunton explained. “Our plan is to use the computer language to search for articles pertaining to biopharma research and information regarding COVID-19.”
Currently, due to that same global pandemic, Dunton is working and learning remotely with the professors at NCCU, but he looks forward to making an on-site visit to the Durham campus in November.
Stewart Lyon, head of the Bioprocess Technology program at VGCC, said Dunton is perfect for this research opportunity because of his interest in not just biotechnology but computers. “Emiliano has found a niche in science in the growing field of bioinformatics,” Lyon said. “Bioinformatics essentially uses computer programming languages to analyze large biological data sets.”
Dunton recalled, “I enrolled at VGCC because I did some research on good biotechnology programs and found out VGCC had one of the best around.” He said that the Bioprocess program appealed to him “because I’ve always been intrigued with technology, and the ever-growing science/information-driven era we live in calls for that type of background.”
Dunton said his excitement about learning a new computer language led him to participate in the NCCU externship program. “I also want to inspire more minority youth in my community to strive for excellence and let them know that no matter where you’re from, or what type of background you came up from, you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to,” he added.
Lyon said that Dunton is an inspiration to his instructors and classmates because of his determination to overcome obstacles in order to achieve success. Due to injuries sustained from a gunshot wound years ago, Dunton uses a wheelchair. Though he has use of his arms, Dunton also relies largely on touch-screen computers and has recently learned to code using speech-recognition software.
“After I’ve completed my studies at VGCC, my goal is to continue my education and obtain a bachelor’s of science degree,” Dunton added. He has an interest in the intersection of pharmaceuticals and agriculture and would like to learn more about North Carolina’s growing hemp industry and related pharmaceutical extracts. “I also would like to empower and educate people on methods to generate generational wealth for minority youth in the surrounding communities, as well as inspire academic excellence,” Dunton said.
According to Lyon, Dunton “serves as an example of resilience and that great opportunities in life are available.” He recalled seeing how excited the student was “to find out that he was going to be actively contributing to a research team with the goal of helping to resolve a global health crisis….I think his time with VGCC and Bioprocess Technology, and now linking back to the UNC system, has been transformative for him. Emiliano also balances his obligations as an outstanding student with his familial and community responsibilities. He is a father as well as a student, and seeks to be a role model both at home and in the classroom.” Dunton said his seven-year-old daughter is one of his greatest “sources of strength.”
Dunton is the recipient of the Donald and Betsy Seifert Presidential Excellence Award this year. That is VGCC’s highest scholarship level.
Lyon said he is also pleased with the partnership with NCCU that allows Dunton to have such an interesting experience. The externship program is largely supported by a grant from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) to NCCU.
“VGCC is listed as a participant in NCCU’s initiatives under the grant,” Lyon explained. “NCCU uses the funds to accomplish two major goals: develop and implement the research externship experiences for our students, and to create stackable program credentials. This ultimately helps to increase the number of students entering the industry employment pipeline. The partnership between VGCC and NCCU now allows for our students to transfer from VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology degree to NCCU’s bachelor’s degree program in Pharmaceutical Sciences.”
VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology program is open to everyone, including current high school students through the North Carolina Career & College Promise (CCP) program. In fact, through NC CCP, the program is tuition-free for eligible high school students who want to get an early start on their college education.
For more information on VGCC’s biotech programs, contact Lyon at lyons@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3632.
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Mr. Ernie Anderson of Creedmoor was sworn into office as County Commissioner at 3 p.m. on September 16, 2020. Anderson was appointed by the Granville County Board of Commissioners to represent District 5, a seat left vacant by the unexpected passing of Comm. Owen Roberts in July.
Anderson, a construction project manager, was sworn in by Creedmoor Mayor Bobby Wheeler, with Commissioners Zelodis Jay (District 1), Sue Hinman (District 3) and Tim Karan (District 6) in attendance.
The appointment was made at the September 8 meeting of the Board. Anderson will serve until December 7, as this seat is on the upcoming ballot.
County Commissioner Ernie Anderson is pictured above (right) being sworn into office on Sept. 16, 2020. Creedmoor Mayor Bobby Wheeler administered the oath of office while Anderson’s wife Linda looked on. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)
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After several weeks of stable COVID-19 trends and continued low virus spread in school settings, Governor Roy Cooper today announced that beginning on October 5, North Carolina public school districts and charter schools can choose to implement Plan A for elementary schools (grades K-5).
Plan A continues to include important safety measures like face coverings for all students, teachers and staff, social distancing, and symptom screening but does not require schools to reduce the number of children in the classroom.
“We are able to open this option because most North Carolinians have doubled down on our safety and prevention measures and stabilized our numbers,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “North Carolinians are doing the hard work to improve our numbers and trends. Many people are wearing masks, keeping social distance and being careful to protect others as well as themselves. We have shown that listening to the science works. And I’m proud of our resolve.”
As the Governor announced in July, every district will continue to have the flexibility to select Plan A, B or C based on their unique needs. In addition, districts should still provide an option for families to select all remote learning for their students. Read the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit to learn more about the requirements under each plan.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shared an update on North Carolina’s data trends. Dr. Cohen explained that North Carolina has seen a sustained leveling or decrease of key metrics.
“Our trends show that we are on the right track. It’s up to all of us to protect our progress. Our individual actions like those 3 Ws will help keep our school doors open.,” said Secretary Cohen.
Dr. Cohen also explained that as schools have opened, the current science shows that younger children are less likely to become infected, have symptoms, experience severe disease or spread the virus.
“It’s great news today that we are a step closer to providing the option of in-person learning to families who want their children to return to school,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson. “While the Governor, the State Board of Education, and I have our differences, I join with them today to encourage local school board members to take advantage of this change and open all schools safely. I thank the many parents and teachers across North Carolina who have been vocal advocates on this important issue.”
“For the past six months, superintendents, principals, teachers and local BOE have worked diligently to care for the safety of our students and staff while educating our children. While we are anxious to return all students, we know that teachers, principals, and students need a gradual transition over the next three months. I ask our parents to remain patient, knowing that we are moving as quickly as is safely possible. And I ask our teachers to continue to assist our students by supporting this deliberate, thoughtful transition,” said Eric Davis, Chairman of the State Board of Education.
Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is declining.
Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days
North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is declining.
Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days
North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is declining.
Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days
North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is declining.
In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:
Laboratory Testing
Access to testing has expanded. No-cost testing events are being deployed across the state and testing turnaround times have improved.
Tracing Capability
Contact tracers continue to be hired to bolster the efforts of local health departments. A new exposure notification app will be launched soon.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable
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