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GVPH COVID-19 Update: Cases, Hospitalizations & Deaths as of 8/17/20

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

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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 August 17, 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

1,372 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,372, 756 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 756, 606 have been released from isolation and 12 are hospitalized.

Of those 1,372, 512 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County. Of those 512, 366 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,372, 104 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities, including 17 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, 76 at Universal Health Care, and eight at Granville House.

Of the 104 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, eight have been released from isolation.

There have been a total of 29 deaths in Granville County: four in the community, one of whom was associated with Central Regional Hospital, three of whom were associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 of whom were associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Unfortunately, another death associated with Universal Health Care has been reported. A 92-year-old individual passed away on July 28, 2020.

Vance County

789 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 789, 664 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 664, 562 have been released from isolation.

Of those 789, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities, including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home, and one with Alliance Rehabilitative Care (ARC). The outbreak at Pelican Health nursing home is no longer active.

Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 44 have been released from isolation.

Three individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 41 deaths in Vance County: 14 of whom were associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two of whom were associated with Senior Citizens Home, and 13 in the community.

WIZS Note: There are 102 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 150 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). Hospitalizations and total deaths remain steady in Vance County based on numbers reported last Monday, August 10. Hospitalizations slightly increased in Granville County (from 8 to 12) and total deaths rose by one (from 28 to 29) over the past week.

Additional Information

The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.

Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information from Granville Vance Public Health and to sign up for daily email updates.

Best Colleges 2020

VGCC Ranked Sixth-Best Community College in the Nation

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College was recently recognized as one of the top ten community colleges and trade schools in the nation for 2020. VGCC came in at number six on the rankings published by “Best Colleges” (www.bestcolleges.com), a leading provider of independent college rankings and higher education research. The college was also the third-highest-ranked school from North Carolina.

“We are pleased to see this national recognition for Vance-Granville, which we attribute to the dedication and innovation demonstrated by our faculty and staff every day,” Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of the college, said. “VGCC is committed to providing high-quality education and training that is affordable and accessible for the people of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.”

Best Colleges noted that the college has extended its reach by providing career-oriented programs that can be completed entirely online. These programs include Supply Chain Management, Medical Office Administration, IT/Business Support, Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, Accounting, and Business Administration. Students can also complete the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science programs online, which prepares them for transferring to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree. The college has transfer agreements with numerous four-year universities.

“VGCC boasts strong graduation rates and small class sizes,” the website also noted. “The school’s 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio allows students to receive plenty of individualized attention.”

Established in 1969, VGCC offers more than 40 credit programs, in which students work toward certificates, diplomas and degrees. Area residents and businesses can also take advantage of a variety of continuing education/job training opportunities, as well as the High School Equivalency and Adult High School Diploma programs.

Enrollment is currently ongoing for eight-week curriculum credit classes that begin on October 14, and for the spring semester that starts in January 2021. For more information about VGCC, visit www.vgcc.edu.

Granville County Public Schools

School Re-Opening on Granville Board of Education’s Afternoon Retreat Agenda

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Board Retreat on Monday, August 17, 2020, at 2 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center, 4185 US-15, Oxford, NC.

The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss board operations and long-term planning and to discuss topics related to the re-opening of schools.

The Board will also meet in Closed Session in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11(a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 for Personnel, and Attorney/Client Privilege.

Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting will be required to wear face coverings and cooperate with health screening and social distancing procedures.

VGCC Agritech

VGCC to Offer Sustainable Agri-Tech Program This Fall

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College continues to “cultivate” new programs for the fall semester. The Sustainable Agri-Tech program will grow one’s knowledge in the agricultural field and prepare students for occupations in a wide variety of jobs in agriculture (both production and value-added) with a range of skills and knowledge.

The program addresses agricultural concepts, skills, and techniques that are required by the agriculture industry. Upon completion, students will have explored sustainable and organic methods, plant, soil and animal science, field management, equipment maintenance and basic computer skills and marketing techniques.

The class begins on September 14, 2020, at 6 p.m. Kelly Dixon will be leading this hybrid class at VGCC’s Franklin Campus. The 96-hour program is made up of only 30 hours in the classroom and 66 hours online. The cost is $188.25.

Tuition assistance is available to those who meet eligibility guidelines. Space is limited.

For more information please visit: https://www.vgcc.edu/agritech/

Census 2020

Census Workers Begin Door-to-Door Visits at Non-Responsive Households

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

On August 11, the U.S. Census Bureau began follow-ups with households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census.

In Granville County, 63.7 percent of residents have participated as of August 10, which is above the North Carolina response rate of 59.4 and the national reported participation of 63.4 percent; however, more than four in every ten households across the state have not yet returned their Census surveys, according to state reports. This represents more than four million North Carolinians not captured in the population count, which equates to a potential funding loss of more than $7 billion.

In most cases, Census takers will make up to six attempts at each housing unit address. This includes leaving notification of the attempted visit at the door, with a reminder about self-response options. Census workers may also try to conduct interviews over the phone.

All Census takers have completed training on social distancing and safety protocols and will follow local public health guidelines. They will be required to wear face masks and will have easily-recognizable identification badges that include a photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date.

Household members encountered by Census staff are asked to maintain social distances during interviews and to practice the CDC’s health recommendations as much as possible, including the use of hand sanitizer. For safety reasons, Census takers will not enter homes and will conduct interviews outside whenever possible or practical.

During this follow-up phase, all residents can still self-respond online at 2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by mailing their completed questionnaires. There will be no need for in-person visits for those who respond unless the responses are incomplete.

Field data collection will end on September 30. Self-response options will also close on that date.

A county-focused report from the NC Counts Coalition ranks Granville County as number 14 out of 100 North Carolina counties in terms of response rates and shows that 45.8 percent of Granville households have responded to the Census online between March 12 and August 2, with 17.4 percent participating by phone or by mail.

The Census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution and takes place every 10 years. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and to inform how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers annually for the next ten years.

Historically, Granville County’s self-response rates have been 60 percent in 1990; 64 percent in 2000; and 65.7 percent in 2010. This is the first year that responses have been accepted online.

For more information, please visit www.2020census.gov.

NC Coop Extension

CFAP Program Information Session Scheduled for Local Farmers

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-Press Release, NC Cooperative Extension

Local farmers are encouraged to participate in an information session on the Coronavirus Food and Agriculture Assistance (CFAP) Program, scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2020. This event will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held virtually, with registration required via EventBrite.

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provides vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities suffering a five-percent-or-greater price decline, or who have had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 and face additional significant market costs. USDA is accepting applications now through August 28, 2020.

Additional crops have been added to the list of eligible commodities. Livestock, wool and dairy farms are also eligible for participation. Visit farmers.gov/cfap to view listings of eligible crops and livestock. Farmers can also get information about what documentation is needed for the application on the CFAP website, farmers.gov/cfap.

The link for registration is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coronavirus-food-and-agriculture-program-cfap-meeting-tickets-116024730091.

With questions, call the Granville County NC Cooperative Extension Center at (919) 603-1350 or the Granville County
Farm Service Agency office at (919) 693-7345, ext. 2.

NCDHHS

Executive Order Extends School Immunization, Health Assessment Deadlines

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-Press Release, NCDHHS

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 156 extending, but not waiving, proof-of-immunization and health assessment documentation deadlines for school and child-care facilities. With health care visits limited in some cases due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the order will give students and families more time to get their required vaccines and health assessments completed.

“With kids headed back to school and flu season right around the corner, it’s more important than ever this year for all North Carolinians to get their recommended immunizations,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “Childhood immunizations keep kids safe and protect public health by lowering the likelihood of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease like measles.”

The Executive Order and a State Health Director Memo issued by State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Tilson will extend, but not waive, North Carolina’s current proof-of-immunization requirement deadlines for students enrolled in public, private or religious educational institutions, including child care facilities and K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities. The Executive Order also extends the deadline for each child entering a North Carolina public school for the first time to submit a school health assessment.

In typical years, proof of required immunizations and health assessments are required within 30 days of the first date of attendance of school. After the 30 days, children are to be excluded from school until the family provides documentation of requirements. This year, the 30-day “grace period” for all students will begin on October 1, 2020. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services similarly extended immunization and health assessment deadlines in September 2018 during the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

Whether children are home-schooled or attend school in-person or by remote learning, they are required by state law to be immunized based on their age for certain vaccinations as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

School requirements are listed on the NCDHHS website according to school or grade level, as well as the requirements for young children who attend child care facilities. NCDHHS’ Immunization Branch offers comprehensive guidance on immunization recommendations, as well as advice for families on navigating access issues during COVID-19, and is working with local health departments on strategies to increase immunization access.

NCDHHS is collaborating with multiple partners, including the North Carolina Pediatric Society and the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, on an awareness campaign to help ensure school-age children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. NCDHHS is also partnering with Community Care of North Carolina, NC Area Health Education Centers and others on the Keeping Kids Well program to increase well-child visits and immunization rates for Medicaid beneficiaries younger than 19 years old. Governor Cooper has proclaimed August Immunization Awareness Month in North Carolina to highlight the importance of immunization.

“Immunization Awareness Month and back-to-school season are important reminders to families to make sure their children are up to date on vaccines. If you have any questions about what vaccines are due or how your doctor’s office is responding to COVID-19, reach out to your pediatrician or family physician,” said Susan Mims, MD, MPH, FAAP, president of the North Carolina Pediatric Society. “Whether your children are going back to school in person or virtually, please make sure they are protected from preventable diseases and death.”

Financial concerns should not act as a barrier to childhood immunization. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program offers free vaccines to families who cannot afford to pay for their children’s vaccines (through 19 years of age), and federal law requires most private insurance plans including Medicaid to cover recommended preventive services such as vaccinations at no out-of-pocket cost.

In order to be fully protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, children should receive all age-appropriate immunizations.

For more information about vaccine-preventable diseases and recommended immunizations, refer to resources from the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Parents who are unsure which vaccines their children need can find out by taking a short quiz on the CDC website.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH: Updates on COVID-19 Employee Quarantine, Return to Work Guidelines

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-Press Release, Granville Vance Public Health

Staff at the Granville Vance Public Health Department continues to test for COVID-19, contact trace, and watch the trends in the data daily. When an individual displays symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive for the virus (regardless of whether they have symptoms), they are placed under isolation.

Persons with COVID-19 who have symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions: 

  • At least 24 hours have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and, 
  • At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. 

If the individual tested positive for COVID-19 but has not had any symptoms, they should remain under isolation until at least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test assuming they have not subsequently developed symptoms since their positive test. If they develop symptoms, then the symptom-based strategy should be used. 

For an individual who had close contact, defined as less than 6 feet for 15 minutes or more, with a person who has symptoms of COVID-19 or with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, it is recommended they quarantine in their home until 14 days after the last exposure and self-monitor for symptoms. Our contact tracing efforts are intended to educate and advise people about when they have been in contact with a positive case, and then to ask them to quarantine to reduce the spread of COVID-19. People who are not yet showing symptoms can, in some cases, still spread the virus. 

Employers should implement the recommendations in the Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. We have summarized some of the key guidance for businesses below. 

If an employee within your business tests positive for COVID-19, it is important to determine which employees may have been exposed to the virus (again, someone who was within less than 6 feet for 15 minutes or more with a positive COVID-19 patient) and take additional precautions: 

  • Inform employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 
  • Most workplaces should follow the Public Health Recommendations for Community-Related Exposure and instruct potentially exposed employees to stay home for 14 days, telework if possible, and self-monitor for symptoms. 

Therefore, in order to maintain healthy business operations, businesses should implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Accordingly, the CDC recommends that all businesses: 

  • Ensure that sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of and understand these policies. 
  • Maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member or take care of children due to school and childcare closures. Additional flexibilities might include giving advances on future sick leave and allowing employees to donate sick leave to each other. 
  • Employers that do not currently offer sick leave to some or all of their employees should consider drafting non-punitive “emergency sick leave” policies. 
  • Employers should not require a COVID-19 test result or a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work. 

o Under the American’s with Disabilities Act, employers are permitted to require a doctor’s note from your employee to verify that they are healthy and able to return to work. However, as a practical matter, be aware that healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely manner. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care and can follow CDC recommendations to determine when to discontinue home isolation and return to work. 

We understand some critical infrastructure industries such as healthcare, critical manufacturing, law enforcement, and others have concerns about contacts to a positive case staying out of work for 14 days. Critical infrastructure workplaces should follow the guidance on Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 to ensure continuity of operations.

Employers in critical infrastructure have an obligation to manage potentially exposed workers’ return to work in ways that best protect the health of those workers, their co-workers, and the general public. When we speak with contacts, we direct them to check with their place of work and follow work guidelines if they are an essential worker. Additional information about identifying critical infrastructure during COVID-19 can be found on the DHS CISA website or the CDC’s specific First Responder Guidance page. 

The CDC provides guidance for mitigating staff shortages and guidance for returning to work. Additional information and guidance tailored to businesses and employers is available through OSHA, CDC, and NC Department of Health and Human Services. 

Masonic Home for Children

Masonic Home for Children at Oxford’s 2020 Homecoming Festival Canceled

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy the Masonic Home For Children at Oxford

The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford announces with regret that the 2020 Masonic Homecoming Festival will not be held this year. This difficult decision was made in consideration of local and State guidelines and recommendations.

“We feel that cancellation of this year’s festival is the most prudent action to take at this time,” said Kevin Otis, administrator at MHCO. “The health and safety of the children, staff, our community, and visiting guests of the Masonic Home for Children had to be a priority in the decision-making process.

Local community support means so much to MHCO. The mission of providing a home for some of the children of North Carolina continues to be the priority. MHCO thanks our community for its support during this difficult season of disruption to our lives and the uncertainty that is upon us all.”

MHCO looks forward to the 2021 Masonic Homecoming Festival when we hope that once again the festival will be held in its full scope with food, music, games, activities, parade, and the pageantry that goes with the events of the weekend: October 8-10, 2021.

Leadership Granville Grads

Leadership Granville Class Holds Outdoor Graduation Program

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-Press Release, Granville County Chamber of Commerce

The Leadership Granville Class of 2019-2020 graduation, originally scheduled for early April, was postponed due to COVID-19.  The Leadership Granville Steering Committee planned an outdoor graduation for Monday, August 10, 2020, at Granville
Athletic Park’s shelter.

During a more informal program than in past years, the graduates shared their most impressive sessions, as well as ideas for future Leadership Granville classes. Steering Committee Chair, Tiana Royster/Union Bank and Cecilia Wheeler/Chamber President/VGCC, presented the graduation plaques to nine of the twelve graduates who were able to attend.

Following the plaque presentation, graduates picked up a bag of snacks and bottled water provided by Morrirson’s, Rick Childs/Granville Health System.

Pictured left to right: Jason Kelly/Oxford Parks and Recreation; Jennifer Cufalo Carpenter/Granville Education Foundation; Gina Eaves/Chick-fil-A; Julie Hicks/Vance-Granville Community College; Nealie Whitt III/Falls Lake Academy; Kelley Hightower/Hightower Reporting Service; Ruth Ann Bullock/Legal Shield; Lisa Evans/Granville County Public Schools; Kelly Watkins/Cardinal Innovations Healthcare. Not pictured: Christina Moscato/Oxford Preparatory School; Douglas Peters/ Granville County Public Schools; Tyler Woodside/Union Bank, Vance Charter School. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Chamber of Commerce)