Tag Archive for: #coronavirus2020

NC Governor Logo

Governor Cooper to Announce Closing of NC Restaurants, Bars for Dine-in

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-Press Release, Office of NC Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force are holding a media briefing today at 2 p.m. At that briefing, Governor Cooper will announce a new executive order in response to COVID-19 that closes restaurants and bars for dine-in customers but allows them to continue takeout and delivery orders.

The executive order will also include an expansion of unemployment insurance to help North Carolina workers affected by COVID-19.

The order is expected to be effective by 5 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

More information about the order and other updates on North Carolina’s response to COVID-19 will be available at today’s media briefing. The briefing is at 2 p.m. at Joint Force Headquarters, 1636 Gold Star Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607.

View live stream here: https://www.ncdps.gov/storm-update

KARTS Suspending Services – UPDATED

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PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED HERE WITH MORE CURRENT INFORMATION AND AN OBVIOUS CHANGE IN PLANS TO HELP PEOPLE MEET THERE NEEDS.

UPDATE –

For Immediate Release
March 17, 2020
Irene Johnson, Executive Director

KARTS will continue to provide transportation service in Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren counties. It is vital for our citizens to have access to transportation for dialysis, medical appointments, and other essential destinations during this difficult time. We continue to monitor the fluid situation with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and will adhere to any state and/or federal guidelines.

The Around Town Shuttle will operate through 7:45 p.m. Friday, March 20th. After that, shuttle service will be suspended for two weeks.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Our first priority is the safety of our passengers and employees.

EARLIER STORY THAT HAS BEEN UPDATED ABOVE

-Information courtesy Roberta D. Freeman, KARTS Safety Officer

After careful thought and deliberation of our duty in the face of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, and in what we believe is in the best interest of our employees and the people we serve, KARTS will suspend operations of it’s AROUND TOWN SHUTTLE AND OXFORD LOOP SERVICE EFFECTIVE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18.

In addition, we have also suspended our OUT OF COUNTY trips that cover Wake, Durham and Orange until further notice.

Please contact the office at 252-438-2573 EXT: 3966 or visit the website at www.kartsnc.com. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that this will undoubtedly create.

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

H-V Rec. & Parks Announces Closure of Aycock Rec. Center, Fox Pond, Other Facilities

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Kendrick Vann, Recreation and Parks Director

The governor of North Carolina recently declared a local state of emergency in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), ordering K-12 public schools to be closed for two weeks and recommended additional precautions for community gatherings.

As a result, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department will close the following locations effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, through Friday, April 6, 2020:

  • Aycock Recreation Center and Aycock Aquatic Center
  • Old Aycock Gym – indoor facility
  • Fox Pond Park
  • All satellite sites including First Presbyterian Church and the Vance County Senior Center

All outdoor parks, excluding Fox Pond Park, will remain open.

Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks will monitor the situation and make an assessment on when it is safe to reopen some or all of the facilities. Updates about facilities, classes/programs and events will be available on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter) and website (click here).

Vance Charter School Announces K-8, High School Curriculum Info.

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-Information courtesy Vance Charter School

As you know, Gov. Cooper issued an executive order closing all NC public schools for students from March 16 through March 30. After advisement from the NC Department of Public Instruction, Vance Charter School has enacted the following schedule to help continue the learning process for our students:

Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 are designated Required Teacher Workdays. No instructional obligations will be expected for our students these two days.

Wednesday, March 18 will be our first distance learning day. Distance learning days will extend through March 30. We will give you more information on instructional expectations before Wednesday.

Report Card Night is canceled for this Thursday evening. If you do not have access to PowerSchool, you may pick up your child’s report card at Vance Charter on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, Junior and Senior families, Herff Jones will still be on campus Thursday evening from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. to distribute class rings and graduation items.

Finally, we are still planning on maintaining Spring Break as scheduled. If the need arises to alter spring break, we will communicate this to you as soon as possible. More information will follow in the coming days. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

K-8th Curriculum Information

While there is no ideal situation when it comes to delivering distance education, we are making plans to support instruction for an entire K-12 campus. This is why for now, we are giving priority online instruction to high school students as we assess technology availability for all of our students.

Vance Charter School will begin distance education on Wednesday, March 18 through Monday, March 30. Teachers in grades K-8 have prepared review packets that can be picked up from school on Wednesday, March 18 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Teachers will be available via email during this short-term school closure to answer questions that you or your child may have. We will not be using an online platform for students in grades K-8 for these short-term instructional days (March 18 – March 30).

Your child will keep their review packet until they return to school or until further instructions are sent.

We do have wonderful online resources for students to continue to practice their skills. I-Ready is an online resource that was purchased for students in grades K-8 to support individual learning in the areas of math and reading. If you would like for your child to continue to practice using I-Ready, we strongly encourage them to do so.

As communicated earlier, report cards will be available for pick up Thursday between 8 am and 4 p.m. if you do not have access to his information in PowerSchool. If you were unable to pick up instructional packets on Wednesday, these will also be available Thursday during report card pick up times.

High School Curriculum Information

Wednesday will be our first distance learning day. All teachers will be establishing communication with our students to ensure there are no connectivity challenges that will impede learning. Beginning Thursday, all students will begin receiving assignments for completion. To help our students be successful during this two-week period, we are operating under the following procedures:

Teachers will facilitate prior learned material only. No new learning standards will be presented at this time.

All teachers will have office hours from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Teachers will be available to respond to student needs in a timely manner. Students can contact their teacher through Google Classroom.

If families have internet connectivity problems, teachers will provide hard copy materials that will be available for pick up in our high school office.

Students currently enrolled in NC Virtual Public-School class will continue their classes as usual, unless otherwise told by their teacher.

For students taking VGCC courses, VGCC spring break has been moved to this week. Your classes will resume next week on Monday, March 23 in an online or hybrid format. Students need to check their VGCC email or the VGCC website for updates on a DAILY basis.

Please help us reinforce to your child how important this time is to continued learning; grading will continue to take place. We have one more quarter to complete this school year and it is up to all of us to make the best out of difficult circumstances. Thank you in advance for your patience, understanding, and support.

Warren County Logo

Warren Co. Establishes Centralized Resources; Updates County Operations

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Warren County Government has established a local line for information dissemination in regard to local information and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Warren County COVID-19 Hotline is 252-257-7132. This information line will be manned from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Warren County has also established a centralized area on its website, www.warrencountync.com, for information related to COVID-19. A quick link can be found on the website’s homepage. Information will be updated as it unfolds related to local government cancellations and closings, as well as health alerts and community health information. Links are also provided to connect residents with Warren County Schools, state and federal agencies, and local news outlets.

Warren County Memorial Library will continue to operate with normal business hours; however, all community programs and meeting room usage are suspended until March 31.

Warren County Recreation programming has been suspended until April 6, including open gym access at John Graham Gym.

The Warren County Senior Center is currently open, providing congregate meals, breakfast and lunch, as normal. However, the Senior Center is implementing a new closing time of 4 p.m. (this allows one additional hour for cleaning prior to the start of the next business day). Hours of operation will be 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Seniors are advised that if they decide to shelter in place and nutrition becomes an issue, they should contact the Senior Center at 252-257-3111; staff will work to get these seniors meals (either the frozen entrees and accompaniments or shelf-stable meals).

NCDHHS has provided senior centers with a waiver to allow for converting congregate clients to home-delivered meal clients for purposes of grant reimbursements and streamlining of DHHS documentation.

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

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS to Provide Student Assignments Tues.; Drive-Thru Meal Service to Expand

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Public Schools has two important updates to share about academic and nutritional support for our students.

First, GCPS is providing an extended learning plan for March 16-30 for all students to ensure they can continue their learning while school is not in session. This supplemental learning can take place virtually or through the use of teacher-made handouts.

All supplemental assignments will be aligned to current units or focus on reviewing content previously taught. Copies of assignments for those students that do not have internet access will be in the front office of your child’s school from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17.  They will also be available on the school and district websites and through social media beginning at 11 a.m. tomorrow. Other pickup times can be arranged by contacting your child’s school.

Second, we will be extending our drive-thru meal service to more than 25 sites by the end of the week. School buses will be parked at various locations throughout the county to provide FREE meals to all children ages 2-18.

No documentation or paperwork is required, and children do NOT need to be present to pick up the meals. Simply drive through and grab what you need for your children – no strings attached! NO child should go hungry during this time. Details to follow soon!

In the meantime, we will continue drive-thru meal service tomorrow at BSMS, MTEES and CGCES from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Please encourage your students to continue learning and don’t forget to wash those hands!

City of Henderson Logo

Henderson Residents Still Responsible for Water Bill During Disconnect Suspension

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-Information courtesy The City of Henderson

In response to the expanding COVID-19 public health emergency, the City of Henderson will suspend all water account disconnects due to non-payment of utility bills.

During this time, we want to ensure that all Henderson customers have access to clean drinking water and wastewater services. We will continue to monitor guidance from public health agencies and provide updates on this policy moving forward.

Payment of your account balance is still your responsibility and your account will continue to be billed as normal.

Even though the water will not be disconnected for non-payment during the next 30 days, you are still responsible for your account balance and any water used during this suspension time.

We encourage all customers to avoid paying bills in person and to utilize alternate payment methods, including by mail, our online portal, drop box, or by calling 866-270-5612.

H-V Chamber Logo

Chamber Provides Coronavirus Info.; Members Have ‘Ample’ Supplies for Public

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

We are all experiencing unprecedented circumstances with the coronavirus outbreak. Our Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce staff is available to help find the resources you need, research the information you want and help get important information out about your business.

The CDC issued new guidance last night recommending that for the next eight weeks, organizers should consider canceling or postponing in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the US:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/index.html

We also wanted to make sure you knew about the North Carolina Chamber’s Coronavirus Resource Guide on their website https://ncchamber.com/coronavirus-resource-guide/

The US Chamber has also launched a Coronavirus Response Toolkit:

https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus-response-toolkit

The Vance County Public School System – information on meal pick-up and distance learning:

https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=5479&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=3300&PageID=1

We have heard from our Chamber member ServPro, commercial cleaning service covering Vance County and surrounding counties. Their cleaning services use the EPA designated hospital-grade disinfectant that the CDC is recommending. You can contact owner Melissa Paul at (252) 433-0005 for more information.

Henderson Fruit and Produce has an ample supply of toilet paper, latex gloves, and spray disinfectant at this time. Lowes Home Improvement has an ample supply of bottled water and paper towels.

We will be making announcements and posting information to the Chamber’s Facebook page.  Be sure to stay in touch by liking our FB page.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Franklin County Schools

Franklin Co. Schools Releases Schedule for Homework, Meal Pickups

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools is closed due to the Coronavirus through at least Friday, March 27, 2020. However, parents/guardians and students will have to opportunity to pick up homework, essential personal items, and meals following the schedule below.

FCS and your student’s schools will make every effort to keep you informed of additional information, as well as any updates and changes to these schedules as soon as possible upon determining those details.

Homework Packets: Tuesday, March 17, 3 to 6 p.m., at Schools

Because many Franklin County Schools’ students do not have access to the Internet and electronic devices, printed homework packets will be available for pick up on Tuesday, March 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the student’s school. Parents and guardians should be on alert for specific details about this procedure directly from your school principal.

Additionally, electronic and web-based learning materials are also being made available. Those details will also be communicated from school principals and district personnel as soon as possible.

Essential Personal Items: Tuesday, March 17, 3 to 6 p.m., at Schools

Students will be able to retrieve any essential personal belongings from their schools, such as medications or other essential items, during the Tuesday, March 17 timeframe. If a student needs access sooner, they should make arrangements with their school’s administration.

Meals: Begins Wednesday, March 18, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,  at BHS, FES, LHS, YES

FCS’ Nutritional Services will provide meal packages that include breakfast, lunch and a snack for students. Those meal packages will be available for pickup Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday, March 18 and continuing through Friday, March 27 at the following locations:

  • Bunn High School
  • Franklinton Elementary School
  • Louisburg High School
  • Youngsville Elementary School

Vance Co. Schools: Remote Learning, Breakfast/Lunch, COVID-19 Updates

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools continues to maintain communication between the Department of Public Instruction, Governor Cooper’s office and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. We are working diligently to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students while adhering to the executive orders in place.

Calendar & Spring Break
All Vance County Schools will be closed for students from March 16 – March 27 in accordance with the Governor’s mandate. Spring Break will be adjusted in the calendar to take place March 30 – April 3.

Meals
Vance County Schools will provide meal packages beginning Tuesday, March 17. For the first couple of days, parents/caregivers/siblings may pick up two days worth of meal units, which includes two breakfasts and two lunches, at no charge for students. This is available for all school-aged children in Vance County, including public, private and charter schools.

Meals will be available at the following locations: Aycock Elementary, New Hope Elementary, EM Rollins Elementary, Zeb Vance Elementary, Vance County Middle and Vance County High.

Hours of operation will be from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Teaching & Learning
Remote learning and online instruction will begin Thursday, March 19. Learning packets will be available at your child’s school for all elementary and middle school students.

High School students enrolled in English 4, Biology and Advanced Functions will also have packets available at the high school. Packets can be picked up on Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or on Thursday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. They will also be available on the Vance County Schools website.

Students at STEM, Advance Academy and Early College High School should continue their online instruction. Additional learning packets for other subjects will become available at a later date.

Electronic Devices
School-owned devices will be available to high school seniors. Deployment of computers will be on Tuesday, March 17 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and on Wednesday, March 18 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Vance County High School. A schedule for device deployments for additional grades will be available at a later date.

Remote Learning Resources
Additional information and instructional resources will be made available on our webpage.

Staff Schedule
Monday, March 16 – Wednesday, March 18 will be mandatory workdays for staff.
Thursday, March 19 – Friday, March 27 will be flexible workdays for staff, with more information coming from district leaders.

We reserve the right to bring staff in on flex days as district leaders deem necessary.

We will continue to keep our families updated with information as it becomes available. This situation remains very fluid and ever-changing. We commit to you that we are working hard to meet the needs of our students and our community. Continue to follow the latest information on our website at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.

It is our intent to have staff in every school and our district office to answer questions from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday
through Friday. We appreciate your patience as we continue to work through this unprecedented situation.