#coronavirus2020 - WIZS

Warren County Announces Operation Updates

March 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

-Press Release, Warren County Government

The following county agencies will be altering their public operations until further notice:

Health Department – Effective March 23, the Warren County Health Department will see visitors by appointment only (Health and Environmental Health). Customers will be asked screening questions prior to coming in for appointments. To make a medical appointment, please call (252) 257-1185.

Environmental Health customers should call (252) 257-1538. Visitors will only be allowed to bring one additional person with them to appointments.

The Warren County Health Department is canceling two community events that were scheduled during public health week. They are the Annual Health Fair (April 7, Armory) and the Child Health Celebration (April 8, Health Department).

Planning & Zoning/Code Enforcement – Planning & Zoning and Code Enforcement will conduct appointments as needed. Staff will be available Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Customers seeking permits are asked to contact staff at 252-213-4253. Inspectors will continue to conduct inspections.

To reach Planning & Zoning and Code Enforcement, call 252-213-4253. You can also email KenKrulik@warrencountync.gov.

Public Utilities – Warren County Public Utilities customers are asked to pay their bills online, over the phone, or via the drop box on the side of the building (please include acct# and/or address on envelope).

Public Utilities staff will still be on-site and will continue to take calls at 252-257-3645 and new services via fax 252-257-3979. To pay online with a credit or debit card, please use the jurisdiction code 3966 (convenience fees still apply). Online payments can be made at https://www.warrencountync.com/131/Online-Payments.

To make payments with debit or credit over the phone, customers can call 1-800-272-9829 (jurisdiction code 3966; convenience fees still apply). Customers wishing to avoid convenience fees should use the on-site drop box located at Public Utilities (712 US Hwy 158 Business, Warrenton).

Social Services – Social Services will operate on a regular schedule. Residents should call Social Services with questions and mail in recertifications. Residents are also encouraged to use the drop box. All visitors to the building will be screened prior to entrance. For more information, contact Social Services at 252-257-2202.

Detention Center – The Warren County Detention Center has suspended all visitation requests; attorneys must get prior approval to visit their client. Weekly religious visits from clergy have been suspended. The Detention Center lobby area is limited to official business only. Each incoming detainee will be properly screened upon arrival and extra hygiene supplies have been distributed to detainees.

Cooperative Extension – Warren County Cooperative Extension will maintain regular office hours. The following Cooperative Extension events have been canceled: Master Gardener Spring Symposium (3/28), Five County Beef Tour (3/28), NC State Day of Giving (3/25), Teen Court (3/26), Small Farms Week (3/23 to 3/27).

The 4H Poultry Show and Sale is postponed till further notice. For more information, contact Cooperative Extension at 252-257-3640.

Parks and Recreation – Spring sports practice and all events at the Warren County Recreation Complex are suspended until further notice. The John Graham Gym is currently closed through April 6. Anyone needing to communicate with Parks and Recreation staff should first call 252-257-2272.

Effective March 23, the Parks and Recreation employees will be on-site and will answer phone calls and emails.

Tax Office – Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, the tax office will be closed to the public (appointments as necessary) until further notice from the County. All collections staff will report as normal and assist taxpayers with phone, online or telephonic payment of tax bills. All assessment staff will report as normal to assist taxpayers via phone, or email. Operations will continue as normal via phone, email, scan, fax and mail.

The Tax Office can be reached at 252-257-4158.

Veteran Services – Veteran Services has suspended in-person meetings. Clients submitting documentation can email or fax documents into the office. Interviews will take place over the telephone. To contact Veteran Services, please call 252-257-3385.

Animal Control – Effective March 23, kennel walk-throughs will be limited. Animals will be brought outside to the playground to have a one-on-one meeting with interested adopters. Potential adopters are referred to the shelter’s Facebook page @WarrenCountyAnimalArk. Visitors will not be allowed beyond the adoption rooms. Rabies vaccinations will stop until further notice.

Animal Control will be available Monday- Friday from 8:30 a.m to. 5 p.m. and on-call during weekends.

Register of Deeds – Effective March 23, public access to the Register of Deeds will be limited. There will be a drop box by the door so that documents can be dropped off for recording. This box will be checked frequently throughout the day. If customers need a Plat Map recorded, please call the Register of Deeds at 252-257-3265 to let staff know. Map and payment will be taken at the door. Customers will wait in the hallway while map is recorded.

The public is strongly encouraged to request certified copies of birth, death and marriage licenses by calling 252-257-3265, or go to www.warrenrod.org to complete an application and bring with them. To obtain a Marriage License, Renew Notary, and file military discharge, please call 252-257-3265 for further instructions.

Landfill/Transfer Station and Convenience Sites – The transfer station/landfill will be open normal hours (7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and convenience sites will operate on the regular schedule. Landfill customers should pick-up envelopes in the breezeway of Public Utilities and submit payments via the Public Utilities drop box on the side of the building. For more information, contact Public Works at 252-257-1948.

Finance – The Warren County Finance Office is closed to the public. Staff will be on-site to handle operations. The public should use the drop box as needed.

Soil and Water, Economic Development, and the County Manager’s Office will operate on a regular schedule. The public is encouraged to call before stopping in.

In addition to precautionary measures set in place by federal and state health agencies, all departments have been advised to implement a screening assessment prior to conducting face-to-face appointments. This includes asking visitors if they have a fever, are coughing, have shortness of breath, have recently traveled to high-risk areas, and if they have been in close contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19.

Warren County will be monitoring updates and advisories and will conduct weekly assessments to all changes in operations.

Updated information related to COVID-19 is posted online and on the Warren County Facebook page @WarrenCountyNCOfficial. For more information, contact the Warren County Manager’s Office at 252-
257-3115 Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. or visit www.warrencountync.com.

The Warren County COVID-19 Information Line is 252-257-7132 (operated Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.).

Bunn’s Town Hall Closed Due to Coronavirus Concerns

March 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Town of Bunn

Due to Coronavirus concerns and the safety of all personnel, Town Hall will be closed to the public, except the Town of Bunn Police department, beginning Monday, March 23, 2020.

Utility payments can be made via the Town of Bunn Online Bill Pay (www.townofbunn.org), Telephone (919-496-2992), and Town of Bunn Drop Box (located outside the door at the Police Dept.).

Important Note: All Debit/Credit Card Fees via the telephone will be waived.

If you wish to use the drop box at Town Hall, please use an envelope with name and address with Exact Change (any amount over will be applied to the next bill) and Check or Money Order made out to the Town of Bunn.

We will continue to take residential/commercial work orders and customer concerns by phone (919) 496-2992.

Vance Co. Sheriff’s Office Announces Procedure Adjustments

March 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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The purpose of this memo is to outline considerations with respect to law enforcement operations during this ongoing state of emergency. Although there are no known positive cases of coronavirus in Vance County, we must be proactive and take precautions now to mitigate the spread of the virus in our community.

Law enforcement, like healthcare, is going to be an essential function during the current state of emergency. In order to maintain a high level of public safety, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office will be implementing minor adjustments in our operating procedures to ensure that we can continue to provide the safety and core services to our community.

Effective immediately, many non–violent criminal reports will only be taken by telephone. These reports include, but are not limited to: misdemeanor theft, harassing communications, lost property, identity theft, computer/phone/mail scams.

Reports can be made with a Sheriff’s Office employee during normal operating hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) at 252–738–2200.

Our deputies were instructed to exercise discretion and avoid arrests for minor offenses that do not endanger others including property crimes. A concern for law enforcement is the spreading of Covid–19.

Our Emergency Management Center (911) will be asking more questions in order to obtain a wide range of information from callers who will be responding to calls. This is so that our deputies can take more proactive steps, and will not affect our response to your calls for service.

As we continue to receive information we may be asking victims to step out of their homes or businesses to conduct interviews in order to comply with social distancing to complete the call. Deputies may be seen wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE). This will not hinder the calls for service.

As we continue to receive information from the CDC and the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association, our goal is to continue to provide the same quality of service to the citizens of Vance County.

The front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office will only allow one person inside beginning March 23, 2020, until further notice.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the Vance County Jail to limit the exposure of the inmates and staff. We will be restricting visitation until further notice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff and inmates are met at the Detention Center.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Department will continue to do its part to serve you during these difficult times and want to assure you that that the safety of our community is our top priority.

Emergency Operations: Vance County Coronavirus Situation Report

March 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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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.

One Case of Coronavirus Confirmed in Granville County

March 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville Vance Public Health

As of March 20, 2020, there is one confirmed case of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Granville County. To protect privacy, no additional information about the individual will be shared by the health department. The affected person is currently in isolation at home.

“This is not a surprise, as we know what’s happening across the state and nation, said Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa Macon Harrison. “We expect there will be more cases as testing continues to increase. Residents should be prepared; not scared. We want to remind everyone to continue to practice prevention measures and social distancing as we try to contain the spread of COVID-19.”

Families of individuals who are confirmed positive for COVID-19 will be given information about isolation and quarantine and asked to monitor symptoms. Currently, across the state and nation, there is not enough access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or sample collection kits to test everyone across the district or state, so residents of Granville and Vance Counties are asked to not seek a test for Coronavirus unless they have symptoms of fever AND lower respiratory symptoms (cough or difficulty breathing). At this time, state guidance continues to require those symptoms be present in order to send in a sample for testing.

While the illness isn’t severe for most people, it can be really serious for some. GVPH is taking appropriate steps to stop its spread. “As seen in other countries and states with more cases, people often recover from Coronavirus,” Harrison says. “It is not yet understood why, but children tend to fare well, experiencing a lighter version of the virus and recovering more easily than adults from what is known so far.”

A global dashboard with real-time data is available on the GVPH web site at https://gvph.org/COVID-19/.

Granville Vance Public Health continues to work closely with partners across Granville and Vance counties, including hospitals, private providers, school systems, community health centers, senior centers, county and city governments, churches, emergency managers, and many others to provide education and guidance regarding mitigation efforts.

Please rely on accurate sources of information from the CDC (www.cdc.gov) and State Division of Public Health as well as your own local public health officials.

Granville Vance Public Health will provide the most up-to-date and accurate information for COVID-19 in our
district online at https://gvph.org/.

Troxler Applauds Homeland Security Guidance Deeming Agriculture Critical Infrastructure

March 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

As the state deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler applauds the guidance Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued in reiterating Food and Agriculture as being critical infrastructure industries to national security.

“Food is one of the most essential elements to survival and Homeland Security understands that. Keeping our nation’s food production and distribution systems operational even as we deal with this pandemic is critical to ensuring our food supply and our national security,” Troxler said. “I will continue to work with Gov. Cooper, state and national leaders to ensure agriculture and agribusiness continues to do its part to keep food safe, animals protected and businesses open.”

During the COVID-19 response, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines critical infrastructure industries to include healthcare services, pharmaceutical, and food supply. Workers in these industries are vital to maintaining this segment of the food and health industry – while following CDC and public health guidance to stay away if they are sick.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services continues to work diligently to ensure a safe and stable food supply. We are providing all of the services we can to ensure the continuation of food production, the food supply, veterinary services and commerce at this time.

Our Food Distribution Division is delivering USDA foods to schools and food banks across the state and has ordered additional resources to meet the growing need for assistance. Additionally, our four state-run farmers markets are open and still serving as valuable resources for fresh produce and meats.

“We are fortunate in North Carolina to have a strong agricultural industry, which means consumers have access to fresh local foods,” Troxler said. “We encourage local governments and decision-makers to consider the central role all these industries and businesses play in our state and local economies in their decision making.”

Link to the Homeland Security information: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c.pdf.

Four Franklin Co. Residents Test Positive for Coronavirus

March 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

As per the most recent information available, there are currently:

137 cases of the SARS–CoV–2 virus in NC;
0 deaths linked to SARS–CoV–2 in NC; Please note that given the sharp increases we anticipate, actual cases in a county may not initially register on the state‘s website–count for that county. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid–19–case–count–nc

Positive Virus Test Results: On March 20, 2020, the Franklin County Health Department was notified that there are four (4) Franklin County residents who have received presumptive positive test results for SARS–CoV–2. These individuals are currently under quarantine and isolation orders and contacts with them are being notified by our FCHD Communicable Disease Staff, working in conjunction with State and Federal Health Officials.

As with all counties across North Carolina, we anticipate that case numbers will increase.

Guidance for those with fever & upper respiratory symptoms: Everyone with fever and respiratory symptoms should isolate themselves until BOTH conditions below are met:

At least 7 days since symptom onset.

AND Over 72 hours after symptom resolution ( i.e. absence of fever without the use of fever-reducing medication and improvement of respiratory symptoms).

Close Contacts: Those with close contact to a person with fever or respiratory illness are encouraged to stay home to the extent possible, and to monitor themselves for symptoms.

Summary: At this point, Franklin County has four (4) presumptive positive cases of SARS–CoV–2. The County Health Department is working in conjunction with State and Federal health officials, and local providers to ensure all possible contacts with these individuals have been notified and provided with directions regarding quarantine and isolation requirements.

Recommendations:

Avoid touching your face;
Wash your hands frequently & thoroughly using warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice, or use your own tune)
Use hand sanitizers frequently;
Cough/sneeze into your arm, or if you use a tissue, immediately throw it out and wash your hands;
Avoid others if you’re sick;
Stay home from work/school if you’re sick.
Everyone needs to avoid vulnerable populations, including those over 65, those with underlying health conditions and/or weakened immune systems and those who are pregnant.

Not Identifying Individuals: While individuals may choose to release their own status to the community, we will continue to take the utmost care in balancing the community‘s need to know with individuals’ right to privacy.

Answers & Information: For up–to–date–as–possible coronavirus information:

Franklin-County-Specific Virus Information:

COVID–19 Phone Line: 919–496–8113

COVID 19 Email: coronavirus@franklincountync.us

Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Office Adopts Additional Restrictions Effective March 23

March 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

As COVID-19 continues to spread, law enforcement agencies are required to take additional steps to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus to our staff and the public. Sheriff Kent Winstead, along with his command staff, with recommendations from a variety of sources of federal, state, and local government agencies has adopted additional restrictions effective Monday, March 23, 2020.

The following restrictions are in effect until further notice or otherwise stated. We appreciate your cooperation and also the understanding of prioritizing the safety of our employees and the citizens of Franklin County.

New concealed carry applications will not be accepted at this time.
Concealed carry renewal applications that expire from now until June will be accepted. Any renewals for concealed carry permits that expire after June will need to apply for their renewal after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Change of address forms for concealed carry permits which the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is not the holder of will not be accepted at this time.
Fingerprinting will continue to be suspended.
Only two (2) persons will be permitted in the Sheriff’s Office lobby at any given time.
Requests for reports will be sent via email or postal carrier. Requests for report copies can still be made by calling (919) 496-2186.
Jail visitation is currently suspended.

Gifted Faithful Ministry Providing Items to Those in Need

March 19, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Mike Holland, Gifted Faithful

During this time of virus response, Gifted Faithful Ministry is glad to provide, based upon availability, items to those in need free of charge.

Available items include pasta, rice, cleaning supplies, soap, coffee, wipes, wash clothes, blanket, hygiene items and emergency/essential local transportation on a case-by-case basis.

If you have a need, please feel free to fill out a form <click here> and we will contact you about meeting these needs.

For more information about Gifted Faithful, visit their website at www.giftedfaithful.org.

SBA Grants Governor’s Disaster Declaration Request for NC Small Businesses

March 19, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

The U.S. Small Business Administration granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a disaster declaration for small businesses that are suffering economic losses due to the new Coronavirus, COVID-19.

“Many small businesses are desperate right now and this SBA approval will help,” said Governor Cooper. “Even more is needed and we will continue to push for additional assistance while we work to protect the health of North Carolinians.”

At the Governor’s request, the SBA granted a disaster declaration to small businesses across the state, allowing affected businesses to apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.

Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or 1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Loan application forms can also be downloaded at disasterloan.sba.gov.

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