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)

 

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH COVID-19 Update: Recent Deaths Reported at Universal Health Care

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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 10, 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

1,262 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,262, 704 are community-spread cases located across Granville County, 541 of those 704 have been released from isolation and eight are hospitalized.

Of those 1,262, 507 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, 366 of those 507 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,240, 51 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 11 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, 29 at Universal Health Care, and eight at Granville House.

Of the 51 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, eight have been released from isolation.

There have been a total of 28 deaths in Granville County, four in the community, one of whom was associated with Central Regional Hospital, two of whom were associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 of whom were associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Unfortunately, two deaths associated with Universal Health Care have been reported. A 66-year-old female passed away on August 7, and an 86 year-old female passed away on August 8.

Vance County

747 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 747, 623 are community-spread cases located across Vance County, 472 of those 623 have been released from isolation.

Of those 747, 124 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities, including 48 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 124 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 151 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 163 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). While the total number of deaths in Vance County remained steady at 40 for several weeks, a recent COVID-related death associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home brings the count to 41.

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.

Granville County Law Enforcement Center

Dedication of Granville County Law Enforcement Center Postponed

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Ribbon Cutting and Open House for the Granville County Law Enforcement Center, originally scheduled for Monday, August 10, 2020, has been postponed, due to the expanded Phase Two restrictions set in North Carolina this week.

The decision to postpone was made on Friday, August 7, after considering the continued health guidelines that were required to be observed.

“This was a difficult decision to make,” said Board of Commissioners Chair and former Sheriff David T. Smith, “but we want to ensure the health and safety of everyone who had expressed interest in attending.”

A rescheduled date will soon be announced.

Oxford Logo

Oxford Board of Commissioners to Hold Monthly Meeting Aug. 11

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-Information courtesy City of Oxford

The Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold a regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at 7 p.m. online via Zoom.

To Join the Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88542751199?pwd=NW5zUDdSUGI4cUh4Y0c3YUtmaDZWUT09

Meeting ID: 885 4275 1199
Passcode: 758515
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099

Agenda Items Include:

City of Oxford Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan Draft & Hix Complex Master Plan Draft presentation from McAdams.

2020-2021 Resurfacing Engineering Services with WithersRavenel.

Approve the Water and Wastewater Asset Inventory (AIA) Reports.

Wastewater Plant (WWTP) Rehabilitation Project.

Adopt a Special Revenue Fund Ordinance and approve the Subrecipient Agreement.

Please click here to view the Oxford Board of Commissioners’ meeting agendas and minutes.

NC Governor Logo

NC’s Safer At Home Phase 2 Extended Through Sept. 11

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Press Release, Office of NC Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper announced yesterday that North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 for another five weeks as students and staff return to schools, colleges and universities, and the state doubles down on efforts to decrease COVID-19 numbers.

“Other states that lifted restrictions quickly have had to go backward as their hospital capacity ran dangerously low and their cases jumped higher. We will not make that mistake in North Carolina,” said Governor Cooper. “In keeping with our dimmer switch approach with schools opening, and in order to push for decreasing numbers which will keep people healthier and boost our economy, North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 for five weeks.”

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 while some of North Carolina’s numbers have mostly leveled, any progress is fragile as other states have shown with sudden and devastating surges in viral spread.

“While overall we are seeing signs of stability, we still have much work to do. Our recent trends show us what is possible when we commit to slowing the spread by wearing face coverings and following those simple but powerful 3Ws,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D.

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is declining, though remains elevated.

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases has stabilized but remains high.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is stable but still elevated.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is beginning to level.

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

While testing turnaround times have improved, the number of tests done has decreased over the past week. Testing is a priority for anyone who has symptoms or those who may have been exposed to COVID-19, including:

  • Anyone who has attended a mass gathering including a protest.
  • Anyone who works in a setting at higher risk of exposure such as a grocery store, restaurant, gas station, or childcare program.
  • People who live or work in high-risk settings such as long-term facilities, homeless shelters, correctional facilities or food processing facility.

Tracing Capability

We continue hiring contact tracers to bolster the efforts of local health departments. There are over 1,500 full-time and part-time staff supporting contact tracing efforts, including the 615 Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) contact tracers.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Our personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.

View the slides and graphs from today’s presentation.

Read the Executive Order.

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Work Continues on Granville Chamber’s 2020-21 ‘Granville Today’ Publication

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-Press Release, Granville County Chamber of Commerce

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s “GRANVILLE TODAY” has been published over the past 12 years as a project of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce. It includes feature articles written about all areas of the county. 

“GRANVILLE TODAY” is a quality of life publication, which includes the Chamber’s membership directory alphabetically and categorically. 

It is a resource for all citizens and visitors and is included in relocation packets, recruitment information, displayed in businesses, industries and professional offices and is available at community events, public forums and trade shows. It is also available at the Chamber’s two office locations.  

A Chamber Committee met months ago, prior to COVID-19, to discuss and submit feature articles to be included in our 2020 – 2021 “GRANVILLE TODAY” edition. Advertising sales are just beginning. Representatives with The Daily Dispatch will appropriately identify themselves as the partner with the Granville County Chamber of Commerce when approaching Chamber members for advertising interest or story contributions. 

“GRANVILLE TODAY” is the only publication endorsed by the Granville County Chamber of Commerce. Please feel free to contact either of the Chamber’s offices with questions.