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

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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.
4-H Logo

Warren Co. 4-H Holding ‘See Them Sprout’ Youth Summer Garden Challenge

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-Information courtesy Warren Co. N.C. Cooperative Extension Office

The Warren County 4-H Summer Palooza Program is holding a “See Them Sprout” 4-H Garden Challenge July 6 – August 14, 2020. Youth ages 5 – 18 are invited to participate.

Weekly virtual garden meetings will be hosted, and garden seed kits will be available.

Registration fee: $7

The deadline to register is July 1, 2020. Registration is done through Eventbrite (click here).

Youth participants will be required to complete a 4-H record book to showcase their garden and what they learned. 4-H record book age division includes ages 5-7, 8-13 and 14-18. Prizes will be awarded per age category, and work can be done as a team.

To be eligible to participate in the 4-H Summer Palooza Program, please review the forms at the following link: Required Forms for Virtual Summer Programs

• Liability Waiver

• Photo & Media Release

• Program Expectation & Parental Permission

For more information regarding NC 4-H Policies, visit: NC 4-H Procedures & Guidelines (click here)

Jacob Comer

VGCC Student Receives Top Academic Honor 

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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.”

VGCC Food Industry Webinar

VGCC Small Business Center Presents Free Food & Beverage Industry Webinars

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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:

  1. CDC Guidelines for Reopening Your Food & Beverage Business
  2. Keeping Your Restaurant Employees and Customers Safe While Dealing With a Pandemic
  3. Learn How to Step Up Your Customer Service Game in Your Food Business in the Era of COVID-19
  4. Tips & Tricks to Market Your Food & Beverage Business
  5. The Magic of Upselling in the Food & Beverage World
  6. Using Social Media to Promote Your Restaurant or Food Business
  7. Communicating Effectively to Your Employees – Food & Beverage Business
  8. Leaders vs. Managers – Food & Beverage Teams
  9. How to Deal With Difficult People in the Food & Beverage Industry
  10. Building Your Food & Beverage Business Around Your Community
  11. Improving the Physical Image, Layout and Presentation of Your Food & Beverage Business
  12. 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

 

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Warren County EDC Seeks Farmers for Free Analysis Program

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Warren County Economic Development Commission (EDC) is seeking Warren County farmers interested in increasing crop yield and profits through analysis of plant sap by Advancing Eco Agriculture, or AEA. 

EDC is providing funding for three Warren County farmers willing to commit to the program requirements during the current growing season. Farmers must notify the EDC office that they would like to participate by 5 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2020.

AEA plant sap analysis reveals plant mineral levels, nutritional deficiencies, and excesses before they cause significant yield loss. Results provide the farmer the opportunity to determine and apply the precise amount of a needed nutrient before a deficiency manifests as a disease or weakness. 

Since 2006, Advancing Eco Agriculture has served over 2 million acres with AEA programs while working hand in hand with farmers in North America, producing healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.

In brief, here’s how the program works:

Participating farmers will receive sample collection kits, mail leaf samples to the AEA laboratory, and receive an analysis report by email. An AEA consultant will interpret the results and recommend corrective measures in a group call, so even farmers not participating in the sap analysis can learn from the consultation. 

Farmers continue to observe and measure crop health and harvest results. The accumulated data aids in planning for the next growing season. The cost of the testing program is paid by the Warren County EDC. Farmers will pay for corrective applications themselves. 

If you are interested in participating, please contact the Warren County EDC Director Stacy Woodhouse at the Warren County EDC office at (252) 257-3114. The EDC office is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Warren Co. Memorial Library Announces Start of Book Pickup, Summer Reading Program

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-Information courtesy Warren County Government

No Contact Pickup:

Warren County Memorial Library will resume limited public operations beginning Wednesday, June 17, 2020, with the introduction of “No Contact Pickup.”

Library patrons will be able to place books and audiovisual materials on hold via the library catalog at any time, or by calling (252) 257-4990 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Library staff will pull the requested items and give the patron a call when the items are checked out and ready for pickup.

The library’s lobby will be open for book pickups on Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Your items will be placed in a bag with your name on it for you to grab and go. There will be no access to the main building, community room, or restrooms at this time.

Further steps for re-opening will be announced as details become available. All efforts are being made to fully return to serving patrons in person while mitigating any potential spread of the coronavirus.

During the pandemic, Warren County Memorial Library staff have worked to greatly expand the range of resources and services that are available online. If you need a library card or need to update an existing one, that can now be handled at the library website, www.wcmlibrary.org. You may also give the library staff a call at (252) 257-4990, and they will be happy to assist you.

Summer Reading 2020:

Warren County Memorial Library is excited to announce this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, “Imagine Your Story,” centered around fairytales, legends, myths, fables, and folklore.

While many people may be staying home this summer, readers are free to travel to worlds unknown with their imaginations. The Summer Reading Program will run from Monday, June 22 until Friday, July 24, 2020.

Reading during the summer months can make the difference between summer setbacks and summer success, leading to better academic performance when kids and teens return to school. This year will feel a little different as pandemic precautions have moved many of your favorite programs and books online. 

“We are thrilled with the work our entire staff has done to create a wonderful array of activities and suggested reads that can be enjoyed from the comfort and safety of home,” said Cheryl Reddish, Library Director. “We encourage readers of all ages to join the challenge beginning Monday, June 22 with a Kickoff Event.”

Adults are invited to participate in the “Read 4 Life” Adult Summer Reading Challenge, culminating in the Adult Zoom Book Discussion on Monday, July 20, 2020, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., where readers can share thoughts, suggestions and comments about the books they read, or just meet some Warren County readers. 

If residents need a library card, that is no problem. Library card signups can now be handled online at the library’s website: www.wcmlibrary.org. 

For More Information about the Library or to Access eResources: Go to www.wcmlibrary.org for event details and additional services offered. All library programs are free to access. Call the library for more information at (252) 257-4990. The library is located at 119 S. Front Street, Warrenton, NC 27589.

NC State Board of Elections

Advocacy Group Sends Invalid Absentee Ballot Request Forms to 80,000 NC Voters

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-Press Release, NC State Board of Elections

The State Board of Elections has learned that a voter advocacy group mailed about 80,000 absentee ballot request forms to North Carolina residents with voters’ information already filled out on the forms.

A state law passed last year prohibits election officials from accepting absentee ballot request forms pre-filled “partially or in whole,” and the State Board has instructed county boards of elections not to process such request forms.

The advocacy group, The Center for Voter Information (CVI) in Washington, D.C., halted additional mailings with pre-filled voter information after N.C. elections officials informed the group of the issue.

CVI plans to send about 400,000 additional mailings to N.C. residents, but they will include blank absentee ballot request forms, which are valid.

County boards of elections that receive an invalid absentee request form will send a letter to the voter informing them of the issue. The letter will include a blank request form for the voter to return.

The State Board urges voters to discard any absentee ballot request form they receive that includes pre-filled voter information.

CVI asked State Board staff to review a sample mailing in April, and State Board staff did not catch the pre-filled forms at that time. However, CVI sent some mailings before forwarding the final product to elections officials for review. Election officials discovered the issue after these mailings were sent to voters.

“We will do our best to review mailings and other voting information distributed by third parties when requested and when resources allow for it,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the N.C. State Board of Elections. “However, it’s ultimately up to advocacy groups to ensure their mailings do not confuse voters or potentially affect their ability to vote in an election.”

All registered voters in North Carolina may request an absentee by-mail ballot. The official 2020 State Absentee Ballot Request Form is available for download from the State Board website. Voters may also pick up a request form from their county board of elections or call their county board to request a form.

For the November 3 general election, the deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is October 27. Voters may request a ballot now. Starting in early September, ballots will be mailed to voters who request them.

NC Governor Logo

NC Public Schools’ Reopening Plan to be Announced by July 1

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Office of NC Governor Roy Cooper

To hear further discussion on this press release, please go to WIZS.com and click on today’s Town Talk.

New health guidelines released Monday represent a first step to help North Carolina K-12 public schools find a safe way to open to in-person instruction for the 2020-21 academic year, health and education leaders announced Monday.

The StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit (K-12) lays out a comprehensive set of baseline health practices that public schools should follow to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for students, staff, and families. In addition to specific requirements, the Toolkit recommends practices that schools should implement to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while allowing in-person teaching to resume.

Governor Roy Cooper, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson, State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis, and NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Mandy Cohen shared the guidance Monday.

“Getting children back to school to learn is a high priority, but they must be able to do so in the safest way possible,” said Governor Cooper. “Every child, family and public school educator in North Carolina deserve strong protection to lower the risk of virus spread.”

Schools are asked to plan for reopening under three scenarios – Plan A: Minimal Social Distancing, Plan B: Moderate Social Distancing, or Plan C: Remote Learning Only. NCDHHS, in consultation with the State Board of Education and Department of Public Instruction, will announce by July 1 which of the three plans should be implemented for schools to most safely reopen. The remaining plans may be needed if the state’s COVID-19 metrics change over time.

“Opening schools will be possible if we keep working together to slow the spread of COVID-19. We will each need to do our part and practice the 3 Ws – Wear a cloth face covering. Wait six feet apart. Wash your hands frequently. These easy actions will have an outsized impact in keeping viral spread low in order to help get our children back to school,” said Cohen.

The Public Health Toolkit was developed collaboratively by DHHS and DPI with input from a range of stakeholders across the state, including local superintendents, State Board of Education members, the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Council, and members of the Governor’s COVID-19 Education and Nutrition Working Group.

“We are working together to balance the need for all of our children to get back to school – especially children who rely on public schools for their education, health, safety and nutrition – while at the same time proceeding cautiously and deliberately to protect their health and safety,” said Chairman Davis. “I know meeting these public health requirements will take a tremendous effort by our schools – but I also know we are doing the right thing and that our schools will rise to the challenge.”

The StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit will be a companion to operational guidance under development by DPI that will offer strategies for how to implement the public health guidance and cover other non-health areas for reopening planning, including scheduling, instructional practice, and staff training.

“Today, North Carolinians have the important first step of returning to schools in the fall with this release of the final health guidance for schools from the NC Department of Health and Human Services,” Superintendent Johnson said. “In addition, the North Carolina education agency has already been leading workgroups, comprised of diverse stakeholders from teachers to school staff to superintendents to other support professionals, to create draft operational strategies that will help our school systems prepare for the fall. We will now seek feedback on the draft operational strategies from other stakeholders across the state to ensure that we best capture the needs of all our schools.”

The StrongSchoolsNC Public Heath Toolkit (K-12) was developed using the most current CDC guidance for schools and includes requirements and recommendations for eight areas: Social Distancing and Minimizing Exposure; Cloth Face Coverings; Protecting Vulnerable Populations; Cleaning and Hygiene; Monitoring for Symptoms; Handling Suspected, Presumptive or Confirmed Positive Cases of COVID-19; Communication and Combating Misinformation; Water and Ventilation Systems; Transportation; and Coping and Resilience.

For example, it requires students and others to be screened for illness before entering school and requires floor markings to maintain social distance. It also includes sample screening symptom checklists in English and Spanish, a flow chart protocol for handling suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19, and a checklist of infection control supplies schools may need. The Toolkit will be updated as new health guidance is released by the CDC and additional resources are added.

Questions about the StrongSchoolsNC Public Heath Toolkit (K-12) should be directed to StrongSchoolsNC@dhhs.nc.gov (in English or in Spanish).

Warren Co. Flag

Text-to-911 Now Available in Warren Co.; Residents Urged to Prioritize Calling 911

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Warren County E-911 is pleased to announce that Text-to-911 capabilities are now in place. However, residents should choose to call 911 over texting whenever possible. Text-to-911 should only be used in extreme emergencies.

When using Text-to-911, texters must include their location/address and name. Telecommunicators cannot assist a texter if they do not have a location. No photos or videos should be sent via Text-to-911.

With Text-to-911, the caller has the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from their mobile phones. Whenever possible, the caller should continue to call 911 rather than text.

If the person in need attempts to send a text to 911 where mobile service is not available, providers will send an automatic “bounce-back” message that will advise you to contact emergency services by another means, such as making a voice call. Bounce-back messages are intended to minimize your risk of mistakenly believing that a text-to-911 has been transmitted to an emergency call center when it has not.

Those using Text-to-911 should not text and drive.

For more information, contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at 252-257-3456.

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Local COVID-19 Update: Vance, Granville & Warren County Report

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health and Warren County Health Department

As of June 2, 2020, there are 324 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 332 cases in Vance County, 66 cases in Warren County and 29,889 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are four outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC; one at Murdoch Development Center in Butner, NC; one at Pelican Health in Henderson, NC; and one at Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.

Of the total positive cases in each county, 142 in Granville County are associated with the prisons, 5 are associated with Murdoch, 58 in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, and 32 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

Of the 177 community-based cases in Granville County, 87 have been released from isolation and 4 are hospitalized.

Of the 142 cases in the prison system, 70 have been released from isolation.

Of the 242 community-based cases in Vance County, 120 have been released from isolation.

Of the 90 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 31 have been released from isolation.

13 individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 34 deaths in the Granville Vance health district – 24 in Vance County and 10 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

Also as of June 2, the Warren County Health Department NC reports 66 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Warren County; 2 are hospitalized; 49 cases have recovered; 2 deaths related to COVID-19 (both had underlying health conditions).

Confirmed positive cases in Warren County range from 12 years of age to 83 years of age.