Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

Bunn’s Town Hall Closed Due to Coronavirus Concerns

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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.

Franklin County Logo

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 

Franklin County Sheriff

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

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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.

  1. New concealed carry applications will not be accepted at this time.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Fingerprinting will continue to be suspended.
  5. Only two (2) persons will be permitted in the Sheriff’s Office lobby at any given time.
  6. Requests for reports will be sent via email or postal carrier. Requests for report copies can still be made by calling (919) 496-2186.
  7. Jail visitation is currently suspended.
Franklin County Schools

Franklin Co. Schools: New Meal Pickup Location Starts Friday at LMES

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-Press Release, Franklin County Schools

All Franklin County Schools are closed due to the Coronavirus through at least Friday, March 27, 2020. However, we are making every effort to ensure that nutrition services are available and convenient. To fulfill this mission, FCS will add an additional meal pickup location beginning Friday, March 20 at Laurel Mill Elementary School.

Meal packages are currently available Monday through Friday for pickup between 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. FCS’ School Nutrition Department is providing free “to-go” meal packages in a drive-through format for students in need.

The meal packages include breakfast, lunch and a snack.

The meals are available at Bunn High School, Louisburg High School, Franklinton Elementary School and Youngsville Elementary School now, and additionally at Laurel Mill Elementary School beginning Friday.

Thank you and stay well!

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Provides COVID-19 Policy Updates – March 17

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

As the situation regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, so does our hospital’s response. In addition to measures we’ve taken including restricting visitors, closing common areas, and adhering diligently to North Carolina State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, Maria Parham Health is taking more precautionary steps to help ensure the safety of our patients, employees and visitors.

Effective immediately, we will be limiting entry points to our facility, eliminating all visitor hours and screening everyone – employees, patients and the very limited permissible visitors currently allowed – who enters the building. The following provides additional detail about these safety measures:

  • Limited Entry Points: Until otherwise notified, everyone entering the facility should come through the Main Front Hospital entrance and the Emergency Department entrance. All other entry points will be closed until further notice.
  • Zero Visitor Policy: Maria Parham Health is eliminating all visitor hours, with the exception of the following:
  • One visitor for obstetrical patients
  • Two visitors for pediatric patients
  • One caregiver if necessary, for emergency department patients
    • No other visitors will be allowed at this time without approval from Administration. This includes outpatient treatment.
  • Screening Process: All patients, visitors and staff entering the facility will be screened with questions regarding respiratory symptoms and travel history, per CDC recommendations. Patients with symptoms will immediately be provided masks and managed per CDC guidelines. Based on the screening, visitors may also be asked to take their temperature, speak further with someone, or come back at a later date. Screening will occur upon every entry.

PLEASE NOTE, WE HAVE NOT LIMITED OR RESTRICTED SERVICES AT THIS TIME.

We know that these increased precautions may seem concerning. We do not want to cause alarm, but we do want to send a clear message to our community that we are prepared, responding appropriately and remain committed to protecting the well-being of our patients, visitors, employees and community.

These increased safety measures do NOT mean that you cannot access the hospital or your providers. Please seek medical care as needed. And if you are concerned you may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, call your provider in advance of going to his or her office. Of course, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Maria Parham Health values the trust our community places in us, and we appreciate your understanding as we shift our visitation policies during this time.

For details about our COVID-19 response, please visit mariaparham.com.

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

MPH Further Restricts Visitation, Limits the Number of Open Entrances

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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors. We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking the necessary steps to ensure we are fully prepared to care for patients, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with our local and state health departments.

In keeping with our commitment to public safety and security, we are implementing the following policies, effective immediately:

Maria Parham Health is eliminating all visitor hours, with the exception of the following:

• One visitor for obstetrical patients
• Two visitors for pediatric patients
• One caregiver if necessary, for emergency department patients

No other visitors will be allowed at this time without approval from Administration. This includes outpatient treatment.

Effective Tuesday, March 17, we are limiting the number of open entrances at the hospital to include the emergency department entrance, the front entrance, and the cancer center entrance. The emergency department entrance will be open 24 hours per day. The front entrance will remain open from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily.

At our Franklin facility, the emergency department and 20-bed behavioral health entrances will be open.

Staff will screen and log all staff, providers, and visitors at the designated entrances.

Please note, we have not limited or restricted services at this time.

These measures are in place to protect our facility and our community. Please know that our providers and clinical teams are well-trained and prepared to manage outbreaks of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses.

Please be reassured that our number one priority is the health and well-being of our community – and that includes you. We are prepared to manage an outbreak of respiratory illness, and we encourage you to follow the guidance above and stay tuned to updates from the CDC to help protect you and your loved ones. Keeping our community healthy is a community effort, and we are committed to doing everything we can to keep our community healthy today and for generations to come.

For more information and to stay abreast of the latest updates on COVID-19, you can visit https://www.mariaparham.com/coronavirus-covid-19-preparedne… and www.cdc.gov.

Franklin County Logo

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.

Franklin County Logo

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.

Maria Parham Franklin Celebrates Newly Expanded Behavioral Health Facility

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health, part of Duke LifePoint Healthcare, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday, February 20, 2020, to celebrate its newly expanded behavioral health facility at Maria Parham Franklin. Representatives from the hospital and Duke LifePoint Healthcare joined community leaders, elected officials, health care providers and other supporters to celebrate the completion of the project.

“This project has been a true partnership since the beginning, and I am grateful for our many partners – including Duke LifePoint Healthcare, as well as local, state and non-profit organizations for contributing their time and resources to expanding services at Maria Parham Franklin,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer (CEO) of Maria Parham Health. “Since opening our doors, this facility has provided care to thousands of patients, and we are so honored to continue serving the health needs of this community.”

Since October 2018, the hospital has operated its Maria Parham Franklin location, which provides 24/7 emergency care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services and a 13-bed inpatient geriatric behavioral health unit for adults 55 years and older. Spanning 14,900 square feet, the new 20-bed adult behavioral health unit adjoins the current facility and will serve patients 18 years and older.

“As Franklin County continues to advance and grow, a strong foundation for healthcare is critical for our long-term success,” said Sidney E. Dunston, Franklin County commissioner and chairman of the Commissioner’s Hospital Committee. “We are proud to be restoring critically needed healthcare services back to our community, while also adding new jobs and opportunities for growth.”

The expansion project cost for construction and equipment totaled more than $10 million. With both phases of the Maria Parham Franklin project now complete, the capital investment totals more than $16 million and was made possible by Duke LifePoint Healthcare, The Dorothea Dix Hospital Property Fund, The Golden Leaf Foundation and the North Carolina Department of Commerce through the North Carolina Community Development Block Grant.

“Access to high-quality behavioral health services is a growing need for communities across our nation, and Duke LifePoint Healthcare is proud to have been a part of restoring these essential health services to this region,” said Harry Phillips, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Duke LifePoint Healthcare. “This project underscores our commitment to engage patients and people, lead quality innovation and advance knowledge to improve health in the communities we serve.”