Tag Archive for: #franklincountygovt

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Franklin County Offers New Fraud Detection Alert System

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County’s Register of Deeds Office now offers a new system to help citizens better combat fraudulent activity. Register of Deeds Brandi S. Brinson recently introduced the Fraud Detection Notification service to alert citizens when documents are recorded in the office matching their names. 

Citizens can sign up for this free monitoring service in just moments with ease by providing your name, email address and up to five names you wish to monitor for document filings.

Once registration is complete, the system will send alerts via email when any documents, such as powers of attorney or deeds, are filed with the Register of Deeds Office. In order to register for this free service, visit www.franklincountync.us/services/register-of-deeds and click on “Fraud Detection Notification.” 

For more information about the Fraud Detection Notification system, contact Brandi S. Brinson at (919) 496-3500.

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Franklin Co. Manager Announces New Structure for Office of Emergency Services

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

The Franklin County Office of Emergency Services is committed to its mission of providing for the public’s safety in our County. County Manager Angela L. Harris recently announced plans to restructure the department to ensure accomplishing the department’s mission remains uninterrupted in the face of the growth that has occurred in Franklin County. 

The department will be headed by an Emergency Services Director who will be responsible for a number of duties including the County’s Emergency Management responsibilities and will supervise an Emergency Medical Services Director. The Emergency Medical Services Director will be responsible for direct supervision of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff and manage EMS quality assurance and training requirements.

A Logistics Technician position and an Administrative Support Specialist III position will continue to report to the Emergency Services Director and assist with all departmental functions.

A Franklin County Fire Marshal position has been requested as part of the FY 2021 budget to become part of the Department beginning in January 2021. The Franklin County Fire Marshal will be responsible for conducting investigations, coordinating with other agencies and performing periodic inspections in occupied facilities as required by applicable State law. 

“The COVID-19 Crisis continues to illustrate the excellent job being done by Franklin County’s Emergency Services employees,” Harris said. “Ensuring departmental leadership is in place to meet the needs of our county’s growing population will ensure continued delivery of excellent services.” 

Postings for the positions of Emergency Services Director and Emergency Medical Services Director can be found on the Franklin County website at www.franklincountync.us.

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Franklin County Public Utilities Addresses May/June Water Billing Cycle

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County Public Utilities has received some questions regarding the May and June billing cycles. Due to COVID-19 safety procedures and Executive Order 124 issued by Governor Roy Cooper, Franklin County Public Utilities did not read water meters for the May billing cycle.

Most customers were only billed the base fee for the May billing and any usage above the minimum was included on the June billing. The base fee for water-only accounts is $30 and the base fee for accounts with both water and sewer is $65. 

The May billing cycle included service for the period from March 16, 2020, through April 15, 2020. Franklin County Public Utilities only billed for the base fee of 0-2,000 gallons, even if your usage was more than 2,000 gallons. A flyer was included with the billing to notify customers of this change. 

Franklin County Public Utilities staff read water meters for the June billing cycle which included service from April 15, 2020, through May 14, 2020, and any usage in excess of 2,000 gallons from the May billing was detected with this reading and included on the June billing. 

If you have any questions, please contact customer service at (919) 556-6177. Franklin County Public Utilities Department apologizes for any confusion that this may have caused.

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Franklin Co. Sees Largest Single-Day Community Coronavirus Case Increase

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Government

On Monday, May 11, 2020, the Franklin County Health Department received notice of seven (7) new coronavirus cases within the community. As of the date and time of this press release, this is the largest single–day increase in coronavirus cases for Franklin County since the onset of the pandemic within Franklin County on March 20, 2020, when the county reported four (4) initial cases.

While the county has had larger increases in total cases reported during the pandemic, these prior larger numbers were associated with facility outbreaks. The current seven (7) cases are NOT associated with any facility outbreak and are not linked together. This is a stark reminder that even though North Carolina has entered into “Phase 1” of re–opening, we must remain vigilant in our adherence to personal protective behaviors.

As North Carolina seems poised to enter Phase 2 of our state‘s phased re–opening on Friday, May 22, 2020, the Franklin County Health Department urges everyone to remember the virus has NOT left Franklin County, and there is still no vaccine.

“Flattening the Curve” simply means there is room for you in the hospital if you get very sick with the virus. The best way to ensure you and/or your loved–ones remain virus-free is to strictly adhere to: 

  • Wearing a face covering (i.e. surgical or cloth mask) when out in public.
  • Limiting your time out in public to only when absolutely necessary.
  • Maintaining six feet of physical distance between yourself and anyone who doesn‘t live with you, washing/sanitizing your hands frequently and not touching your face.

Look for more updates on this outbreak from the Franklin County COVID–19 EOC as more information becomes available.

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National Drinking Water Week: Franklin Co. Assures Residents Water is Safe

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assured consumers that drinking water was safe to use as normal. The consistent and reliable quality of drinking water is at the heart of the theme for this year’s Drinking Water Week, “There When You Need It” which is being held May 3-9 this year.

Franklin County Public Utilities and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) will observe Drinking Water Week by recognizing the vital role tap water plays in daily life, the infrastructure that is required to carry it to and from homes and businesses, and the important work of water professionals “behind the scenes.”

Many communities, including Franklin County, are fortunate to have reliable access to safe water when they turn on the tap. In large part, this stems from the regular testing Franklin County Public Utilities are subject to in order to ensure that regulatory standards for water quality are met. In fact, every water system must publish a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which details its water quality. The CCR will be available in June 2020 for the calendar year 2019.

“Shortly after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic, the EPA and CDC each reminded us that we should trust our tap water as we normally would for hygiene and hydration,” said AWWA CEO David LaFrance. “This proved to be extremely important because handwashing is an important way to stop the spread of the virus. We couldn’t do that without high-quality drinking water.”

To commemorate the week, water utilities, water organizations, government entities, environmental advocates, schools and other stakeholders throughout North America and beyond will encourage consumers to understand and appreciate their drinking water.

For more than 40 years, AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week, a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in daily lives.

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Franklin Co. Reports First Community (Non-Facility Based) COVID-19 Related Death

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Sadly, Franklin County has now recorded its first community COVID–19 related death. As of the date and time of this press release, this death is not associated with any congregate care outbreak. 

This brings Franklin County‘s current total number of COVID–19 related fatalities to nineteen (19), and this community loss is reflected in the NCDHHS numbers that were updated on May 1, 2020, which includes the report of 105 total lab–confirmed coronavirus cases in Franklin County. 

Please note that the NCDHHS COVID–19 website now contains maps that show “confirmed–cases by zip codes.” This is a new feature, and only includes results for zip codes where the population exceeds 500 people. Here is the link for this new feature: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public–health/covid19/covid–19–nc–case–count#zip–code–map 

Look for more updates from the Franklin COVID–19 EOC as more information becomes available.

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Franklin County to Impose Curfew Effective Sun., April 5

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government 

A public safety curfew will be imposed within the County of Franklin, NC daily from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m., beginning Sunday, April 5, 2020, at 9 p.m. and extending through the effective dates of the Governor’s Stay at Home Order (Executive Order 121) and any extensions enacted for that order for all persons.

During the effective curfew period, all persons except for those who are expressly exempt as essential businesses or operations as identified within the Governor’s Stay at Home Order (Executive Order 121), shall not be or travel upon any public street, alley or roadway or upon public property, unless in search of medical assistance, food or other commodity or service necessary to sustain the well-being of him/herself or his/her family.

To read the amended proclamation in its entirety, click here.

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Four Franklin Co. Residents Test Positive for Coronavirus

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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 

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Franklin County Government Makes Operational Adjustments

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County Government is taking precautionary measures by making the following operational changes in light of Corona Virus concerns:

Department of Aging
Louisburg and Franklinton Senior Centers are closed to the public for all classes, events, activities and congregate meals until further notice. Adult Day Care and Meals On Wheels will operate on normal schedule. Please call the center if you wish to purchase Ensure or Glucerna. The Louisburg Senior Center number is (919) 496-1131. The Franklinton Senior Center can be reached at (919) 496-5611.

Library
The number of attendees at meetings in meeting rooms will be limited to 10 persons (including the person organizing the meeting) at Franklinton, Youngsville and Bunn Libraries. Library patrons who have scheduled the Justice Street Annex in Louisburg will be limited to no more than 18 persons for the larger space in that building and no more than six persons in the conference room at one time.

Library programming for children is canceled indefinitely.

Parks & Recreation
Parks & Recreation programs and events are suspended until April 6, 2020. Any further modifications will be communicated to participants in a timely manner. Parks & Recreation facilities are open for public use. Reservations for picnic shelters and ballfield rentals are still being accepted. The department is asking everyone to follow the Governor’s
recommendations for gatherings including:

• Avoid being closer than six feet (or three feet at a minimum) for longer than 10 minutes with anyone, especially those who may be ill.
• No gathering of more than 75 people.

Additional Information Resources

Franklin County Corona Virus COVID-19 Joint Information Center (JIC)
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(919) 496-8113 (Franklin-County-Specific Virus Information)
Franklin County residents may also choose to email their questions/concerns to CoronaVirus@franklincountync.us.
https://www.franklincountync.us/services/health

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-northcarolina.

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Franklin County Responds to Coronavirus Concerns

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Effective March 11, 2020, and in consultation with the Franklin County Emergency Management Services, Sherriff’s Department, County Administration and the Louisburg Police Department, the Franklin County Health Department is opening the Franklin County Coronavirus & COVID-19 Joint Information Center (COVID-19 JIC) Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Purpose: This JIC will serve as the place for residents, businesses and other agencies to obtain timely, accurate, reliable and actionable Franklin County-specific information regarding the coronavirus and COVID-19 within Franklin County.  The Franklin County Health Department combines information from our regular updates with Federal and State Agencies, together with our local resources, to provide you and/or your organization with the best Franklin County-specific information available.

Local Virus Questions: If you want reliable information, please call: (919) 496 – 8113.

As more people become concerned about the coronavirus, it is vitally important to ensure that everyone has the most up-to-date, accurate and reliable information possible. The Franklin County Health Department, with our local communicable disease professionals and our epidemiology team, has been working with State and Federal Officials to ensure everyone in Franklin County receives properly vetted, accurate and actionable regional and local information regarding the coronavirus.

For the most up-to-date information on the virus, please use the NCDHHS website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina.

Please note that there are currently NO confirmed cases of the Novel Coronavirus (that causes COVID-19) in Franklin County. The Franklin County Health Department will keep our residents apprised of the situation as soon as accurate, reliable and actionable information becomes available.

Increased Available Testing: As the Novel Coronavirus continues to spread, and with relaxed testing guidelines and increasing numbers of test kits available, there will be individuals today who now meet the criteria for testing, who just a week ago did not. That will increase the number of people being tested, which is welcome news. However, increased testing is just one part of our prevention efforts.

Time of Year: Given the time of year, there are many illnesses that are at their peak in late February and early March in our area (i.e. influenza, strep, etc.), whose symptoms mimic COVID-19. As a result, many individuals who are sick with a variety of other ailments (i.e. flu) will now be able to “rule-out” coronavirus given these new standards and increased testing capabilities. Given that the modes of transmission for these other ailments are similar to the Novel Coronavirus, precautions already being used (given this time of year) to protect you from these other ailments will also protect you from COVID-19.

When More Actionable Information Becomes Available, We Will Get the Word Out: The Franklin County Health Department is in close contact with state and federal officials, our local hospital, Maria Parham Franklin, and all other Franklin County Healthcare providers, daycare centers, schools and other governmental agencies, to keep everyone updated with the most current information regarding the virus’ spread, and what we can do to protect ourselves.

As soon as there is any information available that the public, healthcare providers and/or other governmental agencies will need to enhance their own safety, we will get the information to you as soon as possible.

Current Status: There are numerous people across our region being monitored and/or tested for this virus. At this point in time, we have NO confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 in Franklin County. IF there were individuals who presented with symptoms that indicated the need for testing, all healthcare providers are aware of the protocols to implement in order to protect their staff and the public (i.e. quarantine and isolation procedures) while they test and treat anyone suspected of having the virus.

EMS staff and other first responders should already be practicing the same set of cleaning and personal protection measures designed to keep them safe from flu (given it is peak flu season), and those same measures will keep them safe from the novel coronavirus.

What Can You Do: Given the virus has been confirmed in Wake County, and will likely spread to surrounding counties at some point, everyone should practice personal protection measures to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe:

  • avoid touching your face (including eyes, mouth, nose and ears);
  • Wash your hands frequently & thoroughly (front & back) with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds AND if available, use hand sanitizers frequently;
  • cough/sneeze into your elbow/arm, and avoid any physical contact greetings (i.e. no handshakes, etc.);
  • avoid others if you’re sick;
  • stay home from work/school and don’t visit anyone (especially older adults & children and those with chronic conditions) if you’re sick;
  • If over the age of 60 and/or suffering from a chronic health condition, avoid large public gatherings (issued by CDC on 3-7-19);
  • Avoid being closer than 6 feet (or 3 feet at a minimum) for longer than 10 minutes with anyone, especially those who may be ill;
  • All agencies and businesses have been advised to practice their enhanced cleaning and personal protection protocols, as is normal practice for this time of year (given it is peak flu season).

Bottom line: The virus has not reached Franklin County yet, but it will likely be here eventually. Prepare yourself by practicing the steps above, and you can minimize the risk to your family and friends.

For additional information, please call the Franklin County Coronavirus COVID-19 Joint Information Center at 919-496-8113 or visit https://www.franklincountync.us/services/health.