Vance County Sheriff's Office

Vance Co. Sheriff’s Office Announces Procedure Adjustments

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The purpose of this memo is to outline considerations with respect to law enforcement operations during this ongoing state of emergency. Although there are no known positive cases of coronavirus in Vance County, we must be proactive and take precautions now to mitigate the spread of the virus in our community.

Law enforcement, like healthcare, is going to be an essential function during the current state of emergency. In order to maintain a high level of public safety, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office will be implementing minor adjustments in our operating procedures to ensure that we can continue to provide the safety and core services to our community. 

Effective immediately, many non–violent criminal reports will only be taken by telephone. These reports include, but are not limited to: misdemeanor theft, harassing communications, lost property, identity theft, computer/phone/mail scams.

Reports can be made with a Sheriff’s Office employee during normal operating hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) at 252–738–2200.

Our deputies were instructed to exercise discretion and avoid arrests for minor offenses that do not endanger others including property crimes. A concern for law enforcement is the spreading of Covid–19. 

Our Emergency Management Center (911) will be asking more questions in order to obtain a wide range of information from callers who will be responding to calls. This is so that our deputies can take more proactive steps, and will not affect our response to your calls for service. 

As we continue to receive information we may be asking victims to step out of their homes or businesses to conduct interviews in order to comply with social distancing to complete the call. Deputies may be seen wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE). This will not hinder the calls for service. 

As we continue to receive information from the CDC and the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association, our goal is to continue to provide the same quality of service to the citizens of Vance County. 

The front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office will only allow one person inside beginning March 23, 2020, until further notice. 

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the Vance County Jail to limit the exposure of the inmates and staff. We will be restricting visitation until further notice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff and inmates are met at the Detention Center. 

The Vance County Sheriff’s Department will continue to do its part to serve you during these difficult times and want to assure you that that the safety of our community is our top priority.

H-V Emergency Operations

Emergency Operations: Vance County Coronavirus Situation Report

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-Information courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

As the confirmed cases of COVID-19 increase throughout the state, nation and in fact the world, we continue to coordinate with Public Health agencies, Maria Parham Health, Department of Social Services, State Emergency Management and our local emergency services response partners.

Thus far, there are no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Vance County, though that could change at any time. Testing is ongoing through both Maria Parham Health and our local Health Department.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is becoming very scarce as global competition for the same supplies is occurring. Responders and health care providers are being encouraged to reuse PPE, in particular, masks as often as possible to ensure that we hold on to our supplies for as long as possible. Once they run out, they could be out for an extended period of time.

We continue to submit requests for PPE and related resources to State EM as they are received, and so far all of our requests have been filled or are in the process of being filled as supplies become available.

Vance County and the City of Henderson have been under a local State of Emergency since 5 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020, and will remain so until it is no longer needed.

The Emergency Operations Center is partially activated and we are monitoring the situation across the country and at home on a continuous basis.

Calls into the Vance County 911 Communications Center have not shown a significant increase as of now, however, we are poised to up staff should it become necessary. The 911 Telecommunicators are asking additional Coronavirus screening questions on all medical-related calls and will continue to do so until it is no longer needed.

We ask that citizens please DO NOT call 911 to ask general questions about the Coronavirus. 211 has established a hotline for this purpose and we ask that our citizens contact their local physician or take advantage of the hotline if they have medical-related questions.

Both the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriffs Office are now responding to nonemergency calls via telephone but are still responding as they always have to emergency calls.

We are strongly encouraging our citizens to observe the social distancing parameters being ordered by the Governor and suggested by our local and state public health agencies.

Many of our local restaurants have been very creative about continuing to provide their services to our citizens whether it be keeping their drive-through services open, offering online ordering or curbside services, and this is greatly appreciated.

We encourage our citizens as they shop for groceries and other related items to please shop smart. Our local convenience stores and grocery stores are working hard to restock their shelves and, for the most part, items are available for them to do so. Please use good shopping practices and buying only what you need for yourself and your family.

Our office will continue to monitor this event very closely and will continue to issue informational releases as the situation develops.

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Vance County, NC Situation Report (as of 1 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020)

EOC activated: No – EM Staff is monitoring.

State of Emergency: YES

Closures: County private and public schools are closed.

Total Cases: None confirmed so far; several tests have been administered daily.

Law Enforcement: Enhanced operations but observing distancing when possible. All non-emergency calls handled by phone.

EMS/Hospital: Normal Operations.

Fire Responders: Responding in accordance with new Coronavirus screening protocols.

Fire: Normal Operations.

Communications: Normal Operations – additional Coronavirus screening questions in place.

Total Casualties: None.

Restaurants: All restaurants have complied with the Governors Order Many have remained open with take and drive-thru service available.

Hospital Bed Availability: Capacity is 78 with 67 currently admitted, 8 ICU beds with 5 beds currently occupied.

Medical Surge Planning (Hospital): Standalone air filters have been implemented to convert some patient rooms into isolation rooms. No visitors are allowed, with a few exceptions. Staff, patients and visitors will have their temperatures checked prior to entry.

Needed Supplies and Stock Items: PPE being closely monitored but OK for now.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

One Case of Coronavirus Confirmed in Granville County

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-Press Release, Granville Vance Public Health

As of March 20, 2020, there is one confirmed case of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Granville County. To protect privacy, no additional information about the individual will be shared by the health department. The affected person is currently in isolation at home.

“This is not a surprise, as we know what’s happening across the state and nation, said Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa Macon Harrison. “We expect there will be more cases as testing continues to increase. Residents should be prepared; not scared. We want to remind everyone to continue to practice prevention measures and social distancing as we try to contain the spread of COVID-19.”

Families of individuals who are confirmed positive for COVID-19 will be given information about isolation and quarantine and asked to monitor symptoms. Currently, across the state and nation, there is not enough access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or sample collection kits to test everyone across the district or state, so residents of Granville and Vance Counties are asked to not seek a test for Coronavirus unless they have symptoms of fever AND lower respiratory symptoms (cough or difficulty breathing). At this time, state guidance continues to require those symptoms be present in order to send in a sample for testing.

While the illness isn’t severe for most people, it can be really serious for some. GVPH is taking appropriate steps to stop its spread. “As seen in other countries and states with more cases, people often recover from Coronavirus,” Harrison says. “It is not yet understood why, but children tend to fare well, experiencing a lighter version of the virus and recovering more easily than adults from what is known so far.”

A global dashboard with real-time data is available on the GVPH web site at https://gvph.org/COVID-19/.

Granville Vance Public Health continues to work closely with partners across Granville and Vance counties, including hospitals, private providers, school systems, community health centers, senior centers, county and city governments, churches, emergency managers, and many others to provide education and guidance regarding mitigation efforts.

Please rely on accurate sources of information from the CDC (www.cdc.gov) and State Division of Public Health as well as your own local public health officials.

Granville Vance Public Health will provide the most up-to-date and accurate information for COVID-19 in our
district online at https://gvph.org/.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Troxler Applauds Homeland Security Guidance Deeming Agriculture Critical Infrastructure

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

As the state deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler applauds the guidance Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued in reiterating Food and Agriculture as being critical infrastructure industries to national security.

“Food is one of the most essential elements to survival and Homeland Security understands that. Keeping our nation’s food production and distribution systems operational even as we deal with this pandemic is critical to ensuring our food supply and our national security,” Troxler said. “I will continue to work with Gov. Cooper, state and national leaders to ensure agriculture and agribusiness continues to do its part to keep food safe, animals protected and businesses open.”

During the COVID-19 response, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines critical infrastructure industries to include healthcare services, pharmaceutical, and food supply. Workers in these industries are vital to maintaining this segment of the food and health industry – while following CDC and public health guidance to stay away if they are sick.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services continues to work diligently to ensure a safe and stable food supply. We are providing all of the services we can to ensure the continuation of food production, the food supply, veterinary services and commerce at this time.

Our Food Distribution Division is delivering USDA foods to schools and food banks across the state and has ordered additional resources to meet the growing need for assistance. Additionally, our four state-run farmers markets are open and still serving as valuable resources for fresh produce and meats.

“We are fortunate in North Carolina to have a strong agricultural industry, which means consumers have access to fresh local foods,” Troxler said. “We encourage local governments and decision-makers to consider the central role all these industries and businesses play in our state and local economies in their decision making.”

Link to the Homeland Security information: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c.pdf.

Franklin County Logo

Four Franklin Co. Residents Test Positive for Coronavirus

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

As per the most recent information available, there are currently: 

  • 137 cases of the SARS–CoV–2 virus in NC; 
  • 0 deaths linked to SARS–CoV–2 in NC; Please note that given the sharp increases we anticipate, actual cases in a county may not initially register on the state‘s website–count for that county. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid–19–case–count–nc 

Positive Virus Test Results: On March 20, 2020, the Franklin County Health Department was notified that there are four (4) Franklin County residents who have received presumptive positive test results for SARS–CoV–2. These individuals are currently under quarantine and isolation orders and contacts with them are being notified by our FCHD Communicable Disease Staff, working in conjunction with State and Federal Health Officials.

As with all counties across North Carolina, we anticipate that case numbers will increase. 

Guidance for those with fever & upper respiratory symptoms: Everyone with fever and respiratory symptoms should isolate themselves until BOTH conditions below are met: 

  • At least 7 days since symptom onset. 

AND Over 72 hours after symptom resolution ( i.e. absence of fever without the use of fever-reducing medication and improvement of respiratory symptoms).

Close Contacts: Those with close contact to a person with fever or respiratory illness are encouraged to stay home to the extent possible, and to monitor themselves for symptoms. 

Summary: At this point, Franklin County has four (4) presumptive positive cases of SARS–CoV–2. The County Health Department is working in conjunction with State and Federal health officials, and local providers to ensure all possible contacts with these individuals have been notified and provided with directions regarding quarantine and isolation requirements. 

Recommendations: 

  • Avoid touching your face; 
  • Wash your hands frequently & thoroughly using warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice, or use your own tune)
  • Use hand sanitizers frequently;
  • Cough/sneeze into your arm, or if you use a tissue, immediately throw it out and wash your hands;
  • Avoid others if you’re sick;
  • Stay home from work/school if you’re sick.
  • Everyone needs to avoid vulnerable populations, including those over 65, those with underlying health conditions and/or weakened immune systems and those who are pregnant.

Not Identifying Individuals: While individuals may choose to release their own status to the community, we will continue to take the utmost care in balancing the community‘s need to know with individuals’ right to privacy. 

Answers & Information: For up–to–date–as–possible coronavirus information: 

Franklin-County-Specific Virus Information: 

COVID–19 Phone Line: 919–496–8113

COVID 19 Email: coronavirus@franklincountync.us 

Franklin County Sheriff

Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Office Adopts Additional Restrictions Effective March 23

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-Information courtesy the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

As COVID-19 continues to spread, law enforcement agencies are required to take additional steps to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus to our staff and the public. Sheriff Kent Winstead, along with his command staff, with recommendations from a variety of sources of federal, state, and local government agencies has adopted additional restrictions effective Monday, March 23, 2020.

The following restrictions are in effect until further notice or otherwise stated. We appreciate your cooperation and also the understanding of prioritizing the safety of our employees and the citizens of Franklin County.

  1. New concealed carry applications will not be accepted at this time.
  2. Concealed carry renewal applications that expire from now until June will be accepted. Any renewals for concealed carry permits that expire after June will need to apply for their renewal after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
  3. Change of address forms for concealed carry permits which the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is not the holder of will not be accepted at this time.
  4. Fingerprinting will continue to be suspended.
  5. Only two (2) persons will be permitted in the Sheriff’s Office lobby at any given time.
  6. Requests for reports will be sent via email or postal carrier. Requests for report copies can still be made by calling (919) 496-2186.
  7. Jail visitation is currently suspended.

Vance Co. Animal Services Recipient of $12K Petco Spay/Neuter Grant

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Animal Services

Vance County Animal Services is pleased to announce that they are a recipient of a $12,500 Spay/Neuter Grant from the Petco Foundation. 

This grant was applied for and will be used for: 

  • Any citizen in the community that turns in a litter of puppies/kittens can have their intact cat/dog spayed or neutered for free.
  • Free spay/neuter for lost animals that are reclaimed from the shelter in lieu of fees associated with redemption.
  • Free spay/neuter for Trap–Neuter–Release of feral and unowned cats. 

These funds will help citizens in our community get their personal pets spayed/neutered to reduce the number of unwanted animals being born in the community. This will also reduce the number of animal intakes at the Vance County Animal Shelter.

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Announces Several Committee Meetings March 24-26

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Executive Assistant/Clerk to Board, Vance County Board of Commissioners

Please be informed of the following Vance County committee meetings. All meetings will be held in the Administrative Conference Room of the Vance County Administration Building located at 122 Young Street in Henderson.

Water Committee (Brummitt, Taylor, Wilder)

Tuesday, March 24 at 3 p.m.

Topics to be discussed are:

  • Connection fee increase

Properties Committee (Brummitt, Taylor, Wilder)

Tuesday, March 24 at 3:30 p.m.

Topics to be discussed are:

  • Review of final plans for Eaton Johnson
  • Lease extension for Alliance Rehabilitation Center

Public Safety Committee (Wilder, Brummitt, Taylor)

Wednesday, March 25 at 3 p.m.

Topics to be discussed are:

  • Community paramedic program
  • First responder program
  • Reorganization of the fire department to a combination department

Human Resources Committee (Faines, Taylor, Wilder)

Thursday, March 26 at 3:30 p.m.

Topics to be discussed are:

  • Health insurance
  • Manager’s evaluation form
Oxford Logo

City of Oxford Reminds Residents NOT to Flush Wipes, Paper Towels

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-Press Release, City of Oxford

While disinfecting and sanitizing spaces, please DO NOT flush your wipes. Flushing wipes, paper towels, and similar products down toilets will clog sewers and cause backups and overflows at the wastewater treatment facility.

This creates an additional public health risk amid the coronavirus pandemic. Even wipes labeled flushable will clog pipes and interfere with sewage collection and treatment throughout the City.

Let’s work together during this challenging time to keep our systems running smoothly.

Gifted Faithful Ministry Providing Items to Those in Need

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-Information courtesy Mike Holland, Gifted Faithful

During this time of virus response, Gifted Faithful Ministry is glad to provide, based upon availability, items to those in need free of charge.

Available items include pasta, rice, cleaning supplies, soap, coffee, wipes, wash clothes, blanket, hygiene items and emergency/essential local transportation on a case-by-case basis.

If you have a need, please feel free to fill out a form <click here> and we will contact you about meeting these needs.

For more information about Gifted Faithful, visit their website at www.giftedfaithful.org.