From Brian Short, director of Emergency Services for Hend-Vance Co
As of now, the total number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Vance County has increased to 152. A total of 24 individuals have now been released from isolation and 11 more remain hospitalized. Of those 152 cases, 90 are associated with community spread, 49 are associated with Pelican Health of Henderson and 13 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing. Sadly, in Vance County 13 people have now died as a result of complications associated with Coronavirus.
It is still very likely that our cases will continue to increase over the days and weeks ahead. At this time our coordinated response posture remains the same and we are not altering our recommendations to the general public.
While mainstream media continues to have open discussions about “reopening the country”, we strongly encourage our citizens to continue to observe the social distancing parameters and closing orders being issued by the Governor and suggested by our local and state public health agencies.
Phase I of Governor Roy Cooper’s modified Stay At Home order (Executive Order 138) is now in place. Staying home is still the best way to continue to slow the spread of the virus and protect our families and neighbors. At the same time, we know we can’t we stay in our homes indefinitely.
Essentially, Phase I eases restrictions on travel, business operations and mass gatherings. Phase I allows any retail business to open at 50 percent capacity. Businesses will be required to practice social distancing, perform frequent cleanings, provide hand sanitizer when available, screen workers for symptoms, and take other measures to protect employees and customers.
People may now leave home to go to any business that is open. Certain businesses will remain closed during Phase I, including bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms. Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, take-out and delivery.