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NC to Move Into Phase I of Easing COVID-19 Restrictions Friday

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 138 to modify North Carolina’s Stay At Home order and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions effective Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m. Certain businesses remain closed as the state continues battling COVID-19.

“COVID-19 is still a serious threat to our state, and Phase 1 is designed to be a limited easing of restrictions that can boost parts of our economy while keeping important safety rules in place,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a careful and deliberate first step, guided by the data, and North Carolinians still must use caution while this virus is circulating.”

“We must continue to protect our families and neighbors as we take this cautious step forward. When you leave your home, follow the three W’s: wear a face covering, wash your hands, and wait six feet apart,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human Services.

Today’s Order removes the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses. Retail businesses are allowed to open at 50% capacity and will be required to direct customers to stand 6 feet apart, perform frequent cleanings, provide hand sanitizer when available, screen workers for symptoms and more. The Order allows people to leave their homes for commercial activity at any business that is open.

Certain businesses remain closed, including bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues and gyms. Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, take out and delivery.

All workers at retail and other businesses are recommended to wear cloth face coverings. Teleworking is still encouraged for businesses that can practice it.

Though small outdoor gatherings will be allowed in Phase 1, gatherings of more than 10 people generally are still prohibited. The Order encourages cloth face coverings to be worn when outside the home and in contact with others. Everyone who uses a face covering should adhere to this guidance without fear of profiling or bias.

During Phase 1, childcare facilities will be open to serve families of parents who are working or looking for work. These centers will be required to follow strict cleaning protocols. Summer day camps can operate in compliance with NC DHHS guidelines.

In explaining today’s Order, Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen reported North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:

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

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

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over the last 14 days cases is slightly increasing.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive over the last 14 days is decreasing.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations over the last 14 days is 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

  • North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate.

Tracing Capability

  • The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has received over 4,000 applications and is in the process of hiring 250 new contact tracers.

Personal Protective Equipment 

  • Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.

The order is in effect until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22. However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase 2. Phase 2 will only start if data and indicators are in the right place.

Read Frequently Asked Questions about Order 138.

View a copy of recent graphs and slides.

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GVPH: COVID-19 Update: May 5, 2020

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— courtesy of Granville Vance Public Health online at GVPH.org

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of May 5, 2020. Our numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data and the NC county map from NC Department of Health and Human Services.

Vance County
113 positive test results for COVID-19

68 of those 113 are community-spread cases located across Vance county

45 of those 113 are associated with an outbreak at the Pelican Health nursing home

20 of those 113 cases have been released from isolation and 8 remain hospitalized

There have been a total of 10 deaths in Vance County, 6 of which are associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak. Unfortunately, there were two deaths today. An 81-year old male and an 85-year old male died today, May 5, 2020, at the Pelican Health nursing home.

~~~~~

Granville County
144 positive test results for COVID-19

57 of those 144 are community-spread cases located across Granville county and 36 of those 57 have been released from isolation

87 of those 144 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Butner, NC and 47 of those 87 have been released from isolation

There have been a total of 6 deaths in Granville County, all reported by the Bureau of Prisons associated with the Federal Correctional Complex.

Some additional cases being reported currently out of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) are related to a building on the Durham County side and those cases will be reported to the Durham County Health Department for data entry into the NCEDSS system. The Bureau of Prisons is doing their own testing on site. For more about the response from the Bureau of Prisons, please see their website.

H-V Rec. & Parks to Hold Mother’s Day Poetry Contest

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent

Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department is sponsoring a Mother’s Day Poetry Contest. Participants should submit one original poem about mothers and/or Mother’s Day by email to tgoolsby@ci.henderson.nc.us by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2020.

The winner of the poetry contest will receive a Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks goodie bag and will be announced on Facebook Live on Sunday, May 10 at 2 p.m.

For more information, please contact Tara Goolsby at (252) 438.3948 or tgoolsby@ci.henderson.nc.us.

Vance County NC

Citizens of Henderson Organizes Drive Through City to Thank Essential Workers

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-Information courtesy Christine Hawkins, Citizens of Henderson

Citizens of Henderson has organized a drive through the city to thank essential workers for their sacrifices on Thursday, May 7, 2020. All that are interested in participating are invited to join by meeting at the Vance County Courthouse on Church Street at 2:30 p.m.

The line of vehicles will be escorted by police as the group drives by the police station, fire department, Vance County offices, City of Henderson Operations Center, post office and Maria Parham Health. If time permits, a nursing home and grocery store may also be included.

Participants are allowed to make signs with appropriate, positive messages to place in car windows.

Citizens of Henderson thanks everyone for their support and looks forward to honoring local frontline workers!

State Will Not Provide COVID-19 Testing Directly to Prison, Parole Employees

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-Press Release, NC Department of State Treasurer

State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, and the State Health Plan (Plan) announced that they are no longer seeking a direct testing solution with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS) regarding testing of corrections officers and other employees at the state’s correctional institutions over the next few weeks.

Announced on April 22, the Plan had sought to provide direct testing at DPS facilities after Treasurer Folwell had secured more than 20,000 COVID-19 tests. However, logistical and personnel concerns from DPS will prevent direct testing. Therefore, Treasurer Folwell has told Mako Medical, and any other test providers that were going to provide tests, they can release the tests designated to support the program.

“We’re disappointed that we could not work out the details on how to go directly to the facilities outside of the fence to test,” said Treasurer Folwell. “However, we fully understand the dilemma of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.”

The vast majority of DPS employees are members of the Plan. Last month, the Plan announced that it is waiving the cost of treatment for members diagnosed with COVID-19, including associated deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. The Plan previously announced that it was also covering the cost associated with the testing of COVID-19.

The member cost-share waiver for COVID-19 related treatments is effective immediately through June 1, 2020, at which time the Plan will continue to re-evaluate this and other measures. The Plan is taking this action to help ensure that members receive the COVID-19 testing and treatment they need when they need it.

“Unlike other state agencies, DPS has unique safety and operational hurdles that could not be overcome by the State Health Plan’s desire to directly test these state employees,” added Treasurer Folwell. “We know that the leadership at ACJJ wants to act as quickly as possible and their concern for the welfare of their employees is tantamount. In fact, ACJJ has recently procured, paid for and administered tests at one of its 54 facilities.”

State Health Plan Executive Director Dee Jones added that the Plan is ready to assist when a viable testing method that meets DPS’s requirements is available. However, she highly encouraged any State Health Plan member who is exhibiting symptoms to see their Primary Care Physician.

The State Health Plan, a division of the Department of State Treasurer, provides health care coverage to more than 727,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, current and former lawmakers, state university and community college personnel, and their dependents.

Economic Impact Payments May Require Additional Steps; Deadline TODAY!

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs benefits, have qualifying children under the age of 17, and didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019, you may need to take extra steps to register to have $500 per child added to the $1,200 Economic Impact Payment you’ll receive this year.

The deadline to register with the IRS is TODAY, May 5, 2020.

Visit the IRS website for more information: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here

For a short video with tips for using the IRS website (e.g., the information you’ll need to complete the online application): https://app.vyond.com/videos/cf708ddd-11da-4fbd-8653-2fc13b8a0424

The application requires an email address, so if you need help creating an account, see these simple instructions to create an e-mail account via Google: https://app.vyond.com/videos/1f24fb37-ef7f-4ad3-b123-d75f11373b25

Vance County Animal Shelter Cleared; All Inhabitants Find Homes

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Vance County Animal Services Chief Frankie Nobles appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Nobles was pleased to announce a first in his over 10 years of service with the Vance County Animal Shelter – a complete clearing by either rescue, fostering or adoption of all animals this past weekend.

“It’s never been completely empty since I’ve been here,” said Nobles. “We are excited. We got every animal to a home, and it was an amazing weekend.”

Nobles said it was a combination of the hard work of shelter staff and volunteer organizations, and fewer animals being taken in during COVID-19 restrictions, that made this possible.

You can listen to the interview here from WIZS Radio.

The shelter is currently responding to emergency calls only, such as injured or aggressive animals, and has used some of the downtime for needed shelter maintenance.

“We’ve worked so hard to get to the point of clearing the shelter. When COVID-19 happened, that was our time to catch up and get ahead of the ballgame. It’s getting to be summertime, and that’s when we see most of our animals coming in,” Nobles said.

Nobles explained such a feat would not be possible without volunteer organizations such as the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society of Henderson, NC. “We joke around here and call ourselves the dream team just because we are a big team of people that work well together, and it works like a dream.”

To hear the interview with Nobles in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

14 COVID-19 Deaths, 254 Confirmed Cases in Granville, Vance Health District

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

As of May 4, 2020, there are 144 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 110 cases in Vance County, and 11,848 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are two outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC and one at Pelican Health Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.

Of the total positive cases in each county, 87 in Granville County are associated with the prison and 47 in Vance County are associated with the nursing home.

Of the 57 community-based cases in Granville County, 34 have been released from isolation and 46 of the 87 cases at the prisons have been released from isolation.

Of the 110 cases in Vance, 19 have been released from isolation and 6 are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 14 deaths in the health district – 8 in Vance County and 6 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

GVPH updates its website daily with Vance and Granville COVID-19 statistics. Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information.

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health to Resume Elective, Non-Urgent Surgeries & Procedures

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health announced today that it is taking the appropriate steps to safely resume some elective and non-urgent surgeries and procedures that were previously rescheduled out of an abundance of caution amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The decision to reschedule procedures when clinically appropriate was made in accordance with federal and state guidance and aimed to help preserve critical resources in the event of a surge of COVID-19 patients in the community.

Today, current projections indicate a lower than expected volume of COVID-19 in the region, which means less strain on healthcare resources.

“Resuming these important services is an essential component of meeting our community’s health needs and advancing our mission of Making Communities Healthier,” said Bert Beard, Chief Executive Officer of Maria Parham Health. “As this work gradually gets underway in our hospital again, we remain committed to conserving critical supplies, being vigilant in our fight against COVID-19, and ensuring that our facility is a safe place for all patients, providers and employees.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria Parham Health has continued to carefully follow guidance from federal, state and local officials, monitor the prevalence of the virus in the community, and evaluate supplies and resources – including personal protective equipment like masks, gowns, gloves and goggles.

The decisions about which procedures can safely move forward will be made only after assessing a comprehensive pre-operative checklist and evaluating potential risks. The hospital will initially focus on scheduling patients with more time-sensitive health needs, and those decisions will be made in partnership with the attending physician/surgeon/proceduralist. Patients who are scheduled and approved for procedures must meet specific requirements, including passing standard COVID-19 screenings.

Surgical patients also will be asked to practice “safer at home” behaviors for seven days prior to their procedure to minimize potential exposure; check their temperature twice a day during this 7-day period and report temperatures over 100°F to their provider; and undergo testing for COVID-19.

Patients awaiting information about their previously postponed procedure can expect to hear from their provider or provider’s office to discuss rescheduling at the appropriate time.

Maria Parham Health will continue to screen and mask everyone who enters the facility and maintain a zero-visitor protocol for the foreseeable future. These important measures have had a positive impact on ensuring a safe environment, and they also are aligned with the federal government’s guidelines.

Additionally, the facility has implemented new processes and procedures to further protect the health of patients, providers and employees. Visit mariaparham.com to learn more.

As a reminder, if you are having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or go directly to the Emergency Room. If possible, tell the dispatch agent if your emergency involves symptoms possibly related to COVID-19.

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Vance County’s Recent Committee Reports & Recommendations

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-Information courtesy Vance County Government

Properties Committee – Eaton Johnson Bidding Schedule

The committee (Brummitt[C], Taylor & Wilder) met on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, to discuss the bidding schedule for the Eaton Johnson renovation and whether bids should be released as discussed at the board meeting last month. Two of the three
committee members recommended proceeding forward with bidding in light of the good bidding environment.

The DSS director was present and mentioned that roughly 40% of their clients have embraced the use of phone and virtual meetings during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, although federal and state requirements necessitate in-person meetings for a good portion of the work in DSS. The DSS director mentioned that the volume of individuals needing assistance and
visiting the department will increase significantly once normal operations return.

Recommendation: Proceed forward with the bidding process for Eaton-Johnson renovation and set a public hearing for the June 1, 2020, board meeting as required by the LGC for project financing.

Addressing Ordinance Appeal – Vance Academy Road

The committee discussed an appeal to the county’s addressing ordinance from a citizen for property along Vance Academy Road. The citizen plans to add a residence to the family farm and due to there being more than two homes along the same drive, the county’s addressing ordinance requires the path to be named and all addresses along the path to be re-addressed.

The ordinance allows the board of commissioners to hear and decide on appeals and waivers to the requirement. The citizen/property owner has appealed the request due to the difficulty in re-addressing their current address as it is the address
of record for 16 franchised businesses, more than 20 other businesses as well as registrations and licenses with the Federal Aviation Administration.

The committee discussed the request and recommended granting the appeal to allow one additional residence to be constructed located off of the existing paved drive.

Recommendation: Grant the appeal from the addressing ordinance administrator’s determination and allow one additional home to be added to the paved drive that contains residences with addresses of 560 and 580 Vance Academy Road, and to encourage the property owners to adequately post the location of these addresses along the paved drive.

Human Resources Committee – Resolution Amending Personnel Policies Relative to COVID-19

The committee (Faines[C], Wilder & Taylor) met on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, to review a resolution ratifying the Families
First Coronavirus Response Act. The committee reviewed the act last month and recommended approval of the local policy amendment consistent with the act this month.

The act and associated policy extend the criteria for employees qualifying for family medical leave, provides emergency paid sick leave to employees and defines emergency responder positions that are essential and excluded from portions of the policy.

The emergency paid sick leave provides up to 80 hours of paid sick leave and is available to all employees for the following
qualifying reasons:

1. The employee is subject to a federal, state, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19; or
2. The employee has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19; or
3. The employee is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis.

Non-emergency responder classified employees are also eligible for emergency paid sick leave for the following additional reasons:
4. The employee is caring for an individual subject to an order described in #1 or self-quarantine as described in #2; or
5. The employee is caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed (or child care provider is unavailable) for reasons related to COVID-19.

Recommendation: Approve resolution amending personnel policies to include the COVID-19 Policy and the COVID-19 Policy for Emergency Paid Sick Leave Emergency Responders.

The next Vance County Board of Commissioners’ meeting will be held on Monday, May 4, 2020, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street in Henderson, NC.