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First Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Warren County

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

An individual was tested for COVID-19 on Monday, March 30 and confirmation of a positive COVID-19 test result was received at the Warren County Health Department on Friday, April 3. The individual is currently receiving medical care at an inpatient facility. To protect privacy, no additional information about the individual will be shared by the health department.

“Given the spread of COVID-19 across North Carolina and in our region, we are not surprised to receive our first case,” stated Dr. Margaret Brake, Warren County Health Director.

Warren County Health Department’s Communicable Disease staff is working at this time to conduct contact tracing to make sure everyone who came into close contact with this individual is quarantined. Close contact is anyone who was within six feet of the individual for 10 minutes or more.

Contacts of individuals who are confirmed positive for COVID-19 will be given information about isolation and quarantine and asked to monitor symptoms. Due to the limited supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and test kits across the state and nation, Warren County residents should not seek testing for Coronavirus unless they have symptoms (fever, cough or difficulty breathing, shortness of breath) or have been in direct contact with someone who has tested positive. State guidance continues to require those symptoms to be present in order to send in a sample for testing. Residents who are sick should call their doctor before going to the office, hospital or urgent care.

While this illness is not severe for most people and they can recover at home, it can be really serious for others. Individuals who have a higher risk for complications are those 65 years and older; have chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma; weakened immune systems; pregnant women and infants.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, at this time there are no approved treatments and no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. However, there are known methods to reduce and slow the spread of infection. Individuals can practice everyday prevention measures like frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, disinfecting surfaces, and covering coughs and sneezes.

Community-based interventions can also slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes measures collectively known as “social distancing.” Social distancing measures aim to reduce the frequency of contact and increase the physical distance between persons, thereby reducing the risks of person-to-person transmission. Implementation of these measures can slow the spread of this disease.

“Residents are advised to comply with Governor Cooper’s Stay at Home Order, only going out for essential needs. We urge you to stay home to save lives,” says Dr. Margaret Brake, Warren County Health Director.

For more information on COVID-19 and preventive measures you can take, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html or the NC Department of Health and Human Services website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina.

Residents can also call the Warren County COVID-19 Information Line at 252-257-7132, Monday– Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. or visit the Warren County Government website at https://www.warrencountync.com/712/COVID-19-Resources.

Town Talk 04/02/20: NCAFP’s Greg Griggs Discusses Coronavirus Challenges

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Greg Griggs, executive vice president of the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians (NCAFP), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

With a membership of over 4,200 family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students, the mission of the NCAFP is to advance the specialty of family medicine to improve the health of patients, families and communities in North Carolina.

In light of the current COVID-19 health crisis, the NCAFP’s communication with its members is more important than ever. “It’s certainly unprecedented times in healthcare – for the physicians as well as the patients,” said Griggs.

One of the greatest challenges physicians are facing with coronavirus, according to Griggs, is knowing who to test and when to test, especially with recommendations and testing capabilities changing almost daily.

“Initially, the protocol was to test as many people as possible,” Griggs explained. “With community spread increasing, that recommendation changed. Now, if you have mild symptoms and think you have it, you’ll be told to stay at home, not get tested and to treat it like any other virus.”

The reason for the change is two-fold: if you are not infected with COVID-19, physicians and hospitals do not want you to become exposed to the virus from others via an in-person visit; if you do have it and come in-person, you risk exposing other people who may not have it.

For those showing symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath, Griggs recommended contacting your doctor’s office for guidance, “but don’t be surprised if they say you don’t need to get tested; that’s part of the CDC and NCDHHS guidelines. It’s taking social distancing to the nth degree.”

Another challenge for patients with existing health conditions is to know when to keep doctor appointments, when to reschedule and how to get the medical help they need while minimizing their exposure risk.

Even with Governor Cooper’s Stay At Home Executive Order in place until at least April 29, NC residents are still able to visit their healthcare provider, pick up medication from a pharmacy, buy groceries and engage in other travel deemed “essential.”

The general rule of thumb for rescheduling procedures and appointments during this national shutdown is to consider the long-term health consequences. For example, many patients and physicians are rescheduling elective surgeries that are not life-threatening.

“Putting off surgeries and procedures where the health risk of postponement is minimal keeps you healthy and keeps resources available for the sickest,” Griggs stated.

What physicians are most concerned about, he said, are patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart conditions.

“We don’t want people with chronic conditions to ignore or put off their appointments,” said Griggs. “Before being seen face-to-face, call your doctor’s office and talk about alternative methods such as telehealth virtual visits or even the possibility of being assisted in the parking lot.”

For more information on the NCAFP, please visit www.ncafp.com.

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

No Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Reported in Warren Co. to Date

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-Information courtesy Warren County Health Department

As of early afternoon on April 2, 2020, Warren County does NOT have any confirmed cases of COVID-19.

This does not mean the county is free from harm; every Warren County resident should heed Governor Roy Cooper’s Stay at Home Executive Order and only leave home for essential activities.

Wash your hands, maintain 6-feet of distance from other people and please stay home if you are sick. As we know, not everyone who is experiencing symptoms has been tested, and it is possible for someone to carry the virus and be an asymptomatic carrier (this means they do not show symptoms).

Have health-related questions about COVID-19? Call the Warren County Health Department at 252-257-6000.

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Warren Co. Board of Commissioners to Meet April 6 With Procedural Adjustments

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

The Warren County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting on Monday, April 6, 2020, at 6 p.m. at the Warren County Armory Civic Center; however, adjustments will be made in regular procedure in accordance with the Governor’s Stay at Home Executive order.

Mitigation efforts are made in compliance with state law and as a means to keep citizens, officials, and staff safe.

The public will not physically be in attendance at the Warren County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 6. The meeting will be live-streamed on Facebook via the County’s Facebook page @WarrenCountyNCOfficial; video footage of the meeting will be linked via the County’s website the following day.

The public can make submissions for public comment via email at WCGOV@warrencountync.gov. Members of the public are limited to one submission per person; each submission is limited to 350 words. The deadline for submissions is Monday, April 6, at 3 p.m. Submissions made after this time will not be read aloud by the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners at the meeting.

For more information, contact the Warren County Manager’s Office at 252-257-3115 or visit www.warrencountync.com.

NC Forest Service

Residents Asked Not to Burn Yard Debris During Spring Wildfire Season

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

N.C. Forest Service officials urge citizens to reconsider burning yard debris through the end of May, which historically marks the end of spring wildfire season in North Carolina. Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned but used for mulch instead.

“In North Carolina, most wildfires are caused by human action and careless debris burning. When left unattended, debris burns can escape, igniting tragic wildfires,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Minimizing the number of escaped debris burns will reduce the risk of wildfires while also reducing the risk of community exposure to COVID-19 by allowing first responders to limit close-contact interactions and maintain social distance.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the N.C. Forest Service continues mission-critical work such as wildfire suppression and other emergency response functions.

For tips to protect property, prevent wildfires or to access the Online Burning Permit System, visit ncforestservice.gov.

Warren Co. Schools to Offer Free Meal Service Pickup at WCHS April 6-9

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-Information courtesy Warren County Schools

The Warren County School’s Child Nutrition Department will have Meal Service Pickup at only ONE site during the week of Spring Break April 6 – 9, 2020.

Meals may be picked up at Warren County High School on Monday, April 6 – Thursday, April 9 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

ALL sites will be CLOSED Friday, April 10 and Monday, April 13.

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Governor’s Newest Order Prohibits Utility Disconnections in the Wake of COVID-19

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

On Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper announced another step to help families by prohibiting utilities from disconnecting people who are unable to pay during this pandemic. The Order applies to electric, gas, water and wastewater services for the next 60 days.

The Order directs utilities to give residential customers at least six months to pay outstanding bills and prohibits them from collecting fees, penalties or interest for late payment.

Telecommunication companies that provide phone, cable and internet services are strongly urged to follow these same rules.

“This action is particularly important since tomorrow is the first of the month, and I know that’s a date many families fear when they can’t make ends meet,” said Governor Cooper. “These protections will help families stay in their homes and keep vital services like electricity, water, and communications going as we Stay at Home.”

Additionally, the Order encourages banks not to charge customers for overdraft fees, late fees and other penalties. Landlords are strongly encouraged in the Order to follow the spirit of Chief Justice Cheri Beasley’s Order and delay any evictions that are already entered in the court system.

Governor Cooper was joined by Attorney General Josh Stein to announce the order and he thanked companies that have already voluntarily announced policies to prevent shutoffs, including Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, AT&T, and local electric co-ops, among many others. Today’s Order follows the Governor’s Stay At Home order, which is in effect until April 29.

The Council of State concurred with the Order.

Read the full Order here.

Read an FAQ about the Order here.

VGCC Assists Local Health Facilities in the Fight Against Coronavirus

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recently donated a variety of personal protective equipment to assist area healthcare facilities in reducing the spread of the Coronavirus. Donated items included 3,500 medical gloves, 60 medical gowns, 120 medical masks and 75 medical masks with shields.

The donation is a part of an ongoing partnership between Vance-Granville Community College and area healthcare facilities in working to improve the health of our community.

As word of the national shortage of medical gloves, gowns and masks became public, Vance-Granville Community College President Rachael Desmarais, with the support of the North Carolina Community College System, began exploring all aspects of making the donation of PPE to local healthcare facilities. Dr. Desmarais realized the positive impact the donation would make on our local medical community and made the offer of medical supplies to Maria Parham Health and Granville Health Systems.

“Vance-Granville Community College healthcare students train at area healthcare facilities on a year-round basis. Therefore, we feel a special obligation to share the resources of the community college with our medical community at every possible opportunity. It just so happens that in this instance, our donation has the opportunity to make an immediate impact on public safety,” Dr. Desmarais stated.

Dr. Desmarais and Vance-Granville Community College remain true to the community college mission of service to our community, especially during these uncertain and rapidly changing times. We commend our brave healthcare professionals as they work tirelessly to care for the ill and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Warrenton PD: No Curfew, Travel Questioning or Issuing of ‘Essential’ Letters

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-Information courtesy the Warrenton Police Department

On Friday, March 27, Governor Roy Cooper ordered people in the state of North Carolina to stay at home for thirty days, until April 29, 2020, in another step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Governor Cooper’s Executive Order No. 121 took effect on Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. and reduces the size of gatherings to 10 people. This order limits citizens and businesses to ONLY conduct essential activities. This DOES NOT limit citizens and those working within the essential business parameters to a curfew.

While we encourage our citizens to abide by the governor’s order and limit to ONLY essential trips to stop the spread, the Town of Warrenton does not have a curfew issued at this time. You may continue to go out for your essential needs with no time/curfew restriction.

In addition, the Town of Warrenton is not issuing letters to businesses declaring their essential status.

In addition, Warrenton officers will not be stopping legal, non- traffic violating persons for the purpose of questioning their comings and goings.

Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Warrenton Police Department at 252-257-3123.

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Governor Signs Executive Order to Get Equipment to Healthcare Workers, Schools

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

On Monday, Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 122 to help schools and local governments access state surplus property to help bridge gaps during the response to COVID-19. The Order also provides transfer or donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) that state government may have and not need.

“This crisis has created hardships for so many, but this Executive Order can help students and local governments with the equipment they need,” said Governor Cooper. “This order helps speed more personal protection equipment to frontline healthcare workers. In addition, it allows local governments and students to get other equipment they may need.”

By request, surplus property including computers owned by the state may be requested by governments and school districts, and the state will supply them to try to bridge the digital divide during school closures.

The Order went into effect Monday. Read the full order here.

Make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which includes daily updates on positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.