Local News - WIZS

NC Extends Safer at Home Phase 2, Adds Statewide Requirement for Face Coverings

June 24, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina will remain in Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks. Cooper also announced that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places as officials seek to stabilize concerning trends of increasing viral spread.

Cooper and Cohen were joined by Dennis Taylor, President of the North Carolina Nurses Association and Eugene A. Woods, President and CEO of Atrium Health.

“North Carolina is relying on the data and the science to lift restrictions responsibly, and right now our increasing numbers show we need to hit the pause button while we work to stabilize our trends,” said Governor Cooper. “We need to all work together so we can protect our families and neighbors, restore our economy, and get people back to work and our children back to school.”

“I know North Carolinians are strong, resilient and care deeply about our communities. We pride ourselves on helping our neighbors. The best way we can do that now is by taking the simple action of wearing a face covering that covers your nose and mouth. If we each do our part, we can get back to the people and places we love,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, NCDHHS Secretary.

Growing evidence shows that cloth face coverings, when worn consistently, can decrease the spread of COVID-19, especially among people who are not yet showing symptoms of the virus. Until now, face coverings had been strongly recommended. Under today’s executive order, people must wear face coverings when in public places where physical distancing is not possible.

In addition, certain businesses must have employees and customers wear face coverings, including retail businesses, restaurants, personal care and grooming; employees of child care centers and camps; state government agencies under the Governor’s Cabinet; workers and riders of transportation; and workers in construction/trades, manufacturing, agriculture, meat processing and healthcare and long-term care settings.

“Wearing a face covering is an easy thing to do that can make a huge impact for all of us. A major spike in cases would be catastrophic to the system, and without your cooperation, nurses and our fellow healthcare providers will have a harder time caring for sick patients for weeks and months to come,” said Dennis Taylor, a nurse, and President of the North Carolina Nurses Association.

“As the leader of the state’s largest health system, I am pro-health and also 100 percent pro-business. In fact, the two are inextricably connected and I’m very proud of the way business leaders and health experts are working together to keep our economy strong,” said Eugene A. Woods, President and CEO of Atrium Health. “Medical science says to reduce the spread of COVID-19 masking works, and my sincere hope is that all the people of North Carolina can join forces to make wearing a mask not something we feel we have to do – but something that we want to do to keep each other, our neighbors, our children and our loved ones healthy and safe”

Based on the metrics laid out in April by Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen, North Carolina is evaluating a combination of the data from the following categories that shows the indicators moving in the wrong direction, causing officials to implement today’s pause in Phase 2.

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

North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is increasing.

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases starting to level, but is still increasing.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive remains elevated.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations are increasing, though we have capacity in our healthcare system.

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

North Carolina is averaging more than 17,000 tests a day for the past week and there are more than 500 sites listed online plus additional pop-up sites.
North Carolina labs and labs around the country are seeing supply shortages for laboratory chemicals needed to process tests.

Tracing Capability

There are over 1,500 full-time and part-time staff supporting contact tracing efforts at the local health department level, including the 309 Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative contact tracers. These new hires reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, and 44% are bilingual.

Personal Protective Equipment

Our personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.

Granville Co. Libraries Offering Curbside Kids Book Bags

June 24, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

Even though Granville County libraries are currently closed to the public, kids can still receive library books!

With just a bit of information about your child’s interests, a librarian can select a bag of books for pickup during the curbside hours of 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Request your books online at https://forms.gle/3fzHQTRpV276G77b9 or call (919) 693-1121 (Richard H. Thornton Library, Oxford) or (919) 528-1752 (South Branch, Creedmoor).

VGCC Student Receives Top Academic Honor

June 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College student Jacob A. Comer of Rougemont was recently named the recipient of the North Carolina Community College System’s Academic Excellence Award for 2020. One student from each of the 58 colleges in the state system is honored with the award each year.

Comer, a home-schooled high school student, has taken college transfer classes at VGCC through the “Career & College Promise” program since 2018. He took classes not only in the fall and spring semesters but also in the summer, thus reducing the time it would take him to complete an Associate in Arts degree. Twice, he has made the VGCC President’s List, which recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a least 12 curriculum credit hours per semester.

Jacob Comer of Rougemont is the VGCC recipient of the North Carolina Community College System Academic Excellence Award for 2020. (VGCC Photo)

Recently, Comer completed his VGCC classes, meaning that he is now a high school graduate and a graduate of the community college. During his last semester, he continued to excel even while taking on extra responsibilities at home to help his family as his mother recovered from a major medical operation.

While at VGCC, Comer was not only focused and determined to reach his own academic goals, but he also helped other students with science, math and writing, as a peer tutor for the college’s Academic Success Center.

Soon, with the college transfer credits and enhanced confidence he gained at VGCC, Comer will continue his education at Concordia University Wisconsin. He intends to complete a bachelor’s degree, double-majoring in Applied Theology and Theological Languages.

“We are proud that Jacob has been recognized among North Carolina’s outstanding community college students, and we congratulate him on his success,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, the president of VGCC. “At a young age, Jacob is off to a strong start in his educational journey, and with his perseverance and dedication to academics, we are sure he will continue to excel.”

Granville County Continues Partnership With Open Broadband, LLC

June 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County residents in unserved/underserved areas continue to join the list for service and updates through Granville County Government’s broadband initiative.

Partnering with Vance and Franklin Counties through a project developed by the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, Granville County Commissioners approved a contract with Open Broadband, LLC in June of 2019. Each county is working through separate contracts that will allow high-speed, wireless internet to become more obtainable, especially in rural areas.

Plans are now being developed for broadcast antenna locations, as well as a rollout schedule for Granville County. The entire network build will be taking place over a four-year period.

Those interested in the project should enter their name and address through the Open Broadband website (https://openbb.net) to be included on the contact list for updates and to be placed on the testing schedule. (There is no charge and no commitment to be included on this list.)

The North Carolina-based company is currently working with 19 counties across the state to provide fixed wireless internet service to unserved/underserved communities. Monthly newsletters and project updates are being made available to those who have signed up on the waitlist.

To learn more about this ongoing project, please visit https://openbb.net or call 919-205-5400.

Free Community COVID-19 Testing Event at Shiloh Baptist Church – Wed., June 24

June 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Granville-Vance Public Health

The Granville Vance Public Health Department (GVPH), local health professionals and Shiloh Baptist Church of Henderson will offer free community COVID-19 testing in the parking lot of Shiloh Baptist on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The church is located at 635 College Street in Henderson.

This is a “walk-through” event. For those who will be driving to the church, GVPH asks that vehicles use the Arch Street entrance to the parking lot.

Nasal swab testing will be performed and those tested will be contacted with their results approximately 3-5 days after the event.

Testing is free to all who attend, however, a limited number of testing supplies are available. The purpose of the event is to focus on particularly vulnerable populations. This includes those who may not have a primary care provider, those who lack access to transportation, and/or those who are uninsured or under-insured.

For those who have transportation and/or a primary care provider, there are many opportunities to be tested. If you have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, you can call your provider or the health department to see if you should be tested.

GVPH encourages the public to stay tuned to its website (click here) for additional times and locations for community testing events throughout the summer.

Granville Co. Commissioners to Hold Emergency Meeting This Afternoon

June 22, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, County of Granville

Please take notice that the Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold an emergency meeting pursuant to N.C.G.S. §143-318.12(b)(3) in the Granville County Board of Commissioners Meeting Room located at the Granville County Expo & Convention Center, 4185 US Hwy 15 South, Oxford on Monday, June 22, 2020, at 1 p.m.

Members of the Board who cannot attend in person may participate via simultaneous communication. Members of the public may only attend via simultaneous communication using Zoom.

The Board anticipates going into closed session pursuant to G.S. §143-318.11(a)(3) and (a)(9).

To join the Zoom meeting:

https://granvillecounty.zoom.us/j/94683608829?pwd=UW01K2loT1VOc3o4R3I3cXVLdFd6Zz09

Meeting ID: 946 8360 8829

Password: 495443

Dial by your location

888 788 0099 US Toll-free

877 853 5247 US Toll-free

Meeting ID: 946 8360 8829

Find your local number: https://granvillecounty.zoom.us/u/aiOTzfXL

City of Oxford Encourages CodeRED Enrollment, Contact Update

June 22, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford encourages all citizens and businesses to sign up for CodeRED in order to ensure quick communication when an emergency situation arises.

The CodeRED link can be found on the City of Oxford website, along with a description of its use. Please click the sign up in order to be taken to the CodeRED Community Notification Enrollment page.

If you have already signed up for this service, but have since moved and/or changed phone numbers and addresses, please go online and update this information. This will ensure your account is current and you will receive all necessary information.

If you are signing up as a business, please make sure to include the phone number for your business. This will ensure notification to your business if a situation arises.

Should you have any questions and/or concerns about the use of CodeRED, signing up, or information shared through CodeRED, please reach out to Oxford City Hall at (919) 603-1100.

VGCC Small Business Center Presents Free Food & Beverage Industry Webinars

June 19, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy the Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center

The Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center announces the newest FREE training series of webinars. This 12-week series aims to help those in the food industry navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you’re in the restaurant or food shop business, you know that a normal day is no longer normal. There are a multitude of new tasks, service limitations, sanitizing requirements and customer expectations. This series is designed to help navigate your new normal so that your business can reopen with confidence.

Sessions will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays June 22 through July 29, 2020, from 9 until 10:30 a.m.

Sessions include:

CDC Guidelines for Reopening Your Food & Beverage Business
Keeping Your Restaurant Employees and Customers Safe While Dealing With a Pandemic
Learn How to Step Up Your Customer Service Game in Your Food Business in the Era of COVID-19
Tips & Tricks to Market Your Food & Beverage Business
The Magic of Upselling in the Food & Beverage World
Using Social Media to Promote Your Restaurant or Food Business
Communicating Effectively to Your Employees – Food & Beverage Business
Leaders vs. Managers – Food & Beverage Teams
How to Deal With Difficult People in the Food & Beverage Industry
Building Your Food & Beverage Business Around Your Community
Improving the Physical Image, Layout and Presentation of Your Food & Beverage Business
Angry Food & Beverage Customers Can Actually Become Your Best Friends

Register by 12 p.m. the day before the event at www.vgcc.edu/coned/small-business-center/#schedules

For more information, contact the VGCC Small Business Center at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu

Downtown Oxford Announces Cancellation of Annual Hot Sauce Contest & Festival

June 18, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation

Due to growing concerns of COVID–19 and guidelines surrounding physical distancing and enhanced precautions issued by the State of North Carolina, the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation (DOEDC) Board, along with input from the Hot Sauce Committee and the City of Oxford, has decided to cancel the 14th Annual Hot Sauce Contest & Festival for the coming date of September 12, 2020. There will be no rescheduling this year.

As stated by a DOEDC Board spokesperson, “We do not feel comfortable going ahead with an event estimated to bring in approximately 15,000 people without being able to provide the necessary measures to keep everyone safe. Furthermore, we feel the reduction of the festival’s footprint to a small, less engaging event would damage the current reputation of this long-standing, local event.”

The DOEDC Board understands the sadness and frustration this news brings, however, the Board feels this action better serves the public safety of our citizens, businesses and visitors.

Should you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Oxford City Hall at (919) 603-1100.

Local Health Departments to Receive Combined $1+ Million in COVID-19 Funding

June 18, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is allocating $35 million in federal funding to local health departments to support the COVID-19 response. Per federal guidelines, counties will be able to use these funds to support COVID-19 staffing, infection controls, testing and tracing, IT infrastructure and data sharing and visualization.

“Our local health departments are critical partners with the state as we fight this virus, and this funding will help them continue and expand their important work,” said Governor Roy Cooper.

“Since the start of the pandemic, our local health departments have been working around the clock to protect their communities and slow the spread of the virus. These funds continue to support their ability to address the overwhelming demands they are facing,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D.

North Carolina’s local health departments are on the frontlines supporting people in getting tested for COVID-19 and knowing if they have been exposed. Testing and contact tracing are core public health activities and key components of North Carolina’s strategy to responsibly ease restrictions while continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19. These responsibilities are in addition to their ongoing work to promote health and prevent disease.

Local health departments will receive a base allocation of $90,000 per county with additional funding based on population size and their cumulative positive COVID-19 caseload. Some local health departments represent multiple counties. CLICK HERE to see how much each health department will receive.

Local health district allocations include:

Granville-Vance (two counties) – $650,568

Franklin – $242,158

Warren – $149,803

This one-time, non-recurring funding is part of NCDHHS’ cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC), which awards annual funding to state, local and territorial health departments to support vector-borne disease surveillance and response. The coverage period runs from the beginning of the 2020 calendar year through the end of FY 2021-22.

Visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov to learn more about testing and contact tracing in North Carolina. For more information about the state’s response to COVID-19, go to nc.gov/covid19.