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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.