Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

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Public Health Update: Three Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Granville, Two in Vance

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-Press Release, Granville Vance Public Health

UPDATE: As of March 26, 2020, there were two additional known confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Granville County bringing the total number of cases to three. The two individuals are in the same household.

Vance County has a total of two known confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of March 26, 2020.

All individuals have cooperated with isolation restrictions since being tested and are currently in isolation at home. Families of individuals who are confirmed positive for COVID-19 have be given information about isolation and quarantine and asked to remain at home for 14 days.

Local public health officials will notify any individuals if they may have been at risk of being in contact with these individuals in accordance with North Carolina Division of Public Health Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Although the two family members traveled out of state recently, all of these cases are still considered community spread.

All 50 states have reported cases of COVID-19 to the CDC. Twenty-seven U.S. states are reporting some community spread of COVID-19. U.S. COVID-19 cases include:

  • Imported cases in travelers
  • Cases among close contacts of a known case
  • Community-acquired cases where the source of the infection is unknown

COVID-19 test results are coming from many different labs and provider offices. More than 13,000 lab tests have been completed across NC, and approximately 100 tests have been completed for residents of Granville and Vance Counties since March 11, 2020.

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/. You can also see the latest case counts, a map of affected counties, and new guidance for our state online at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc.

State guidance continues to require fever AND lower respiratory symptoms (cough or difficulty breathing) to be present in order to take a sample collection for testing. Although both counties have access to sample collection kits across different providers, testing is most important for people who are seriously ill, in the hospital, people in high-risk settings like nursing homes or long-term care facilities, and healthcare workers and other first responders who are caring for those with COVID-19.

Therefore, if you have mild symptoms such as fever and cough without shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, you should isolate yourself as if you have COVID-19. This will reduce the risk of making the people around you sick. You can call your doctor to see if you should be tested or need medical care.

If you are in isolation, you can stop isolating yourself when you answer YES to ALL three questions:

1. Has it been at least 7 days since you first had symptoms?
2. Have you been without fever for three days (72 hours) without any medicine for fever?
3. Are your other symptoms improved?

Call your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse or you have any concerns about your health. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve the most critically ill, so please do not use the emergency room unless you are very sick.

Town Talk 03/26/20: Dr. Stephen Pearson Provides Tips on Working From Home

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Dr. Stephen Pearson, co-owner and operator of Sadie’s Coffee Corner in downtown Henderson, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Pearson, who teaches classes online at UNC-Chapel Hill and Utica College, and holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in global business organization leadership, provided tips for working efficiently from home.

With many employees temporarily working remotely due to coronavirus-related business closures, Pearson’s advice is especially timely.

While working from home may seem exciting or “like a vacation” at first, Pearson said the biggest challenges in successfully making the transition are the distractions that are created by other family members, other home-based duties and social media.

“One of the biggest impediments of working from home is home life itself,” said Pearson. “There are a lot of distractions that take you away from the workplace.”

One way to keep yourself in the work mindset while at home is to stick with your normal “getting ready for work” routine. “I always tell people if you are going to work from home, treat it as a workday,” explained Pearson. “You get up, you shower, you shave, you eat breakfast, and then you go into an isolated area where you can shut the door and put a sign up that says ‘at work’ so that you aren’t distracted by the family.”

Pearson said this model will work more effectively if you discuss the need for privacy, take breaks throughout the day to interact with your family and leave your workspace at your usual stopping time.

On the other end of the spectrum, Pearson agreed it can be just as difficult for some employees to shut off work for the day while working from home. “Again, it’s all about the mindset. You have to make that mental transition between work and play.”

The bottom line, according to Pearson, is to “remember you are at work and have an obligation to your employer. Give them what they pay for and provide them with the service you would provide at the office.”

To hear the interview with Pearson in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Creates $1 Million COVID-19 Relief Fund

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-Information courtesy Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

COVID-19 Relief Fund

In this time of unprecedented crisis, Cardinal Innovations is committed to our members’ needs and those that care for them. The social and economic impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are real, and we are committed more than ever to ensuring that services and supports are available to those in need.

As part of our ongoing philosophy of community reinvestment, Cardinal Innovations has created the COVID-19 Relief Fund to support local responsiveness in a way that impacts the health, wellness and stability of vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19, particularly individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders. We are placing a particular emphasis on initiatives that will make an immediate impact on the availability of social services and increase the community’s overall ability to serve those who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Cardinal Innovations is committing an initial total fund amount of $1,000,000 to provide assistance where it is most needed. Requests for grants up to $20,000 will be accepted, with award amounts to be aligned with the number of people reached and overall impact.

In order to facilitate responsiveness to immediate needs, Cardinal Innovations will accept applications on an ongoing basis throughout the pandemic. We will deploy an expedited review process and make determinations as quickly as possible following grant submissions. Please contact Allison Stewart at allison.stewart@cardinalinnovations.org with any questions. Together we will continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Request for Grant Process Requirements and Guidelines:

  • Submissions can be completed online in the form below, or by sending this document (click here) by email to Allison.Stewart@cardinalinnovations.org.
  • The area of need should be explained, including how the investment will provide additional services and/or supports within the community, and how your proposal aligns with the mission of Cardinal Innovations Healthcare.
  • Proposals from the following 20 counties will be considered, and our goal is to distribute them as equitably as possible:
    • Alamance, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Orange, Person, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Union, Vance and Warren
  • The following entities may submit a proposal for consideration:
    • Counties
    • Local Public School Systems/Districts and/or Higher Education Institutions
    • Municipalities
    • Non-profit community-based organizations
    • Healthcare providers who are implementing new programs currently not available for members (Cardinal Innovations is working closely with providers and DHHS to bolster existing programs through enhanced rates, expanded service arrays, etc.)
  • Grant requests are limited to one page. Supplemental brochures and/or letters of support are not necessary but can be submitted as supporting material via email at Allison.Stewart@cardinalinnovations.org.
  • A budget form must be submitted with your proposal. (download a budget form) This form should itemize expenses and justify how final dollar amounts were determined. Requests for grants up to $20,000 will be accepted.
  • We will consider one request per entity per quarter. Please contact us directly if you are experiencing extenuating circumstances.
  • A report detailing how the funds were utilized and impactful in the community must be submitted to Cardinal Innovations Healthcare by June 30, 2020.
  • Clarification questions may be asked at any time by submitting questions via email to Allison Stewart at allison.stewart@cardinalinnovations.org.

To learn more or to apply, visit www.cardinalinnovations.org/covid19-relief-fund.

Vance Co. Schools Meal Pick Up Schedule for Week of March 30 – April 3

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Spring Break for Vance County Schools is scheduled for March 30 – April 3, 2020.

Meal pick up will take place on Tuesday, March 31 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. This will be the only meal distribution for the week and will include multiple meals.

Pick Up Sites for Spring Break Week include:

  • Clearview Church – 3485 US-158 Bus.
  • Divine Habitation Ministries – 227 Orville St.
  • First Baptist Church – 205 W. Winder St.
  • First Methodist Church – 114 W. Church St.
  • Gang Free – 940 County Home Rd.
  • Island Creek Baptist Church – 950 Stagecoach Rd.
  • New Life Baptist Church – 2174 Vicksboro Rd.
  • Salvation Army – 2292 Ross Mill Rd.
  • West End Baptist Church – 619 Dabney Dr.
  • Dickies Grove Baptist Church – 2996 Faulkner Town Rd.
  • South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church – 905 Americal Rd.
  • New Sandy Creek Baptist Church – 1699 Weldons Mill Rd.
  • Crossroads Pentecostal Holiness Church – 5256 Vicksboro Rd.

VCS is grateful for the churches and organizations assisting with these efforts to ensure our students’ needs are met over spring break!

VGCC Small Business Center Offering Free ‘Coronavirus Business Ready’ Webinars

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-Information courtesy Sheri Jones, Director, VGCC Small Business Center

In an effort to support our local businesses and offer encouragement and help where we can, the Small Business Center of Vance-Granville Community College has scheduled a 7-part series of free, live webinars entitled “Coronavirus Business Ready – Protecting Your Small Business.”

Each part addresses various areas of concern that all businesses are currently facing, including:

Prepare Your Business to Borrow Money Before Negative Economic Shifts –

March 31, 9:30 – 11 a.m. (Register)

Keeping Customers & Employees Safe During Unsettling Times –

April 2, 2 – 3 p.m. (Register)

Promoting Your Business & Products During a Crisis –

April 4, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Ideas to Keep Cash Flowing During a Pandemic Shutdown –

April 7, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

How to Manage Employees as Coronavirus Spreads –

April 9, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Business Planning & Strategizing as a Coronavirus Antidote –

April 14, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Communicating With Customers & Employees in Light of COVID-19 –

April 16, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Participants must register at least two days prior to each session with a valid email address in order to receive the webinar login information. After registering, the link will be sent approximately 24 hours before the event, and a reminder email will also be sent approximately an hour prior to the start time.

Please know that your VGCC Small Business Center is here to support you during this challenging time! We can be contacted via email at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.

Town Talk 03/25/20: Sheriff, Police Chief Discuss Procedures, Coronavirus Reaction

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame and Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Brame and Barrow explained that both the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and the Henderson Police Department have made adjustments in their operating procedures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

For example, many non-violent criminal reports will only be taken by telephone during the coronavirus pandemic. 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 Henderson Police Department employee during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F) at (252) 438-4141. Reports can be made with a Sheriff’s Office employee during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F) at (252) 738-2200.

The front lobby of the Police Department has been temporarily closed to the public, while the front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office will only allow one person at a time until further notice.

According to Brame, the Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the Vance County Detention Center to limit the exposure to inmates and staff; visitation is restricted until further notice.

“This [coronavirus] is having a huge impact on everyone in Vance County economically, especially small businesses and convenience stores,” said Brame. “We are all going to have to comply with executive orders from the governor and president. Right now, we are looking at ways that churches can still hold services and serve God while complying with orders concerning congregation numbers, but we are going to work it out.”

Governor Roy Cooper’s recent ban on gatherings larger than 50 people has prompted area churches to get creative with ways to still hold services. Brame said he has spoken with several local pastors and has heard suggestions ranging from online sermons to holding multiple services to keep the numbers below the threshold.

With updates coming from the governor and public health officials sometimes hourly, Barrow said law enforcement is facing the challenges head-on and adjusting accordingly. “We’ve been dealing with the unknown our entire careers. We live in the unknown. We took an oath to our office and our guys are prepared to take on whatever they need to take on.”

One of the challenges facing the department now, according to Brame, is securing enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for the staff. Brame said he is visiting several stores daily trying to gather enough face masks, hand sanitizer, gloves and other PPE for his deputies.

Both Brame and Barrow agreed that local City and County officials, as well as the general public, have been supportive and responsive during this time.

“I’m proud of our community,” said Barrow. “They’ve taken heed to the orders that have come down, for the most part, and we haven’t had any issues.”

To hear the interview with Brame and Barrow in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

United Way of Vance County Opens 2020 Grant Application Process

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-Press Release, United Way of Vance County

The United Way of Vance County grant application process for 2020 is now open.

We are accepting grant applications now through May 15, 2020, from local nonprofit agencies that seek to provide assistance to disadvantaged citizens in Vance and Warren counties in the areas of basic needs, health and education.

For those nonprofit agencies seeking to apply for funding, you may obtain an application from our website at www.unitedwayvance.org or by e-mail at unitedwayofvance@gmail.com.

If your agency plans to apply for grant allocations, we ask that you complete the application in its entirety. Any application that is not complete will not be accepted for consideration for grant funding. The completed application also must be received in our United Way of Vance County office no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2020.

Properly completed and signed grant applications can be provided to us through regular mail or by e-mail. For regular mail, send the application to United Way of Vance County, P.O. Box 1352, Henderson, N.C. 27536. For e-mail, send the application to unitedwayofvance@gmail.com.

Once applications are received, we will be contacting those agencies that apply on the status of their application and plans for presentations to our Funds Allocations Panel at a location and time to be determined.

Any questions about our grant application process can be sent to our United Way by email at the address above or by calling Terri Hedrick, treasurer/secretary, at (919) 702-4329.

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North Carolina Reports First COVID-19 Associated Deaths

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first COVID-19 associated deaths.

A person from Cabarrus County died on March 24 from complications associated with the virus. The patient was in their late seventies and had several underlying medical conditions. A second person in their sixties, from Virginia who was traveling through North Carolina, also died from COVID-19 complications. To protect the families’ privacy, no further information about these patients will be released.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones. This is a stark warning that for some people COVID-19 is a serious illness. All of us must do our part to stop the spread by staying at home as much as possible and practicing social distancing,” said Governor Roy Cooper.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 stay at home to the extent possible to decrease the chance of infection. On March 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated who is at high risk for severe illness. People at high risk include anyone who:

  • Is 65 years of age or older
  • Lives in a nursing home or long-term care facility
  • Has a high-risk condition that includes:
  • chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • heart disease with complications
  • compromised immune system
  • severe obesity – body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
  • other underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as diabetes, renal failure or liver disease

In addition, pregnant women should be monitored closely since they are known to be at risk for severe viral illness. However, data so far on COVID-19 has not shown an increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness in pregnant women.

While children are generally at lower risk for severe infection, some studies indicate a higher risk among infants.

Governor Cooper has taken several actions to protect the health of North Carolinians, including ordering all K-12 public schools in North Carolina to close through May 15, banning gatherings of more than 50 people, limiting bars and restaurants to only take-out or delivery service, restricting visitors to long-term care facilities, and promoting social distancing by closing businesses like movie theaters, gyms, nail salons, and several others.

For more information and additional guidance, please visit the NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus [click.icptrack.com] and CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus [click.icptrack.com].

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EDC Encourages Businesses to Prepare Now for Potential ‘Shelter in Place’ Order

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-Information courtesy Dennis Jarvis, Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Director

The Vance County Government, the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission and Chairman Tommy Hester are hopeful that the current situation facing Vance County, the State of North Carolina, and the United States will be a short time for all concerned.

During this period of uncertainty, we are learning that the value of planning and being prepared is essential for the continuation of business. A key economic sector for Vance County and the state is manufacturing. Other sectors are reliant for manufacturing to progress. Manufacturing in Vance County has and always will be a critical component of our economic health.

On Friday, March 20, 2020, Governor Roy Copper stated he is “not issuing a shelter in place order or an additional closure of businesses,” however, the current trends demonstrate that daily cycles are evolving and can change at any moment.

The Vance County EDC is being proactive with various local, state, and regional organizations to provide access to vital information for citizens and the business community. Our goal is to provide an ability to communicate to state leaders on how to define the essential role your business provides Vance County and the State of North Carolina.

We are asking every manufacturer in Vance County to email beoc@ncdps.gov with the following information:

  • Company Name;
  • Main point of contact for their Vance County operation;
    • Name / Title
    • Email address
    • Phone number(s) – direct office line and cellular
    • Address of the company
    • Number of company employees
  • Brief description of the company products and uses;
  • Please define how your products are utilized either directly or in support of critical operations (examples: medical, food, grocery, agriculture, health, machining, logistics, transportation, national defense, construction materials, hospital supply, textiles, etc.). Be creative and think of all the ways your products, processes or equipment are essential to keeping the critical needs of the community going or could be converted to creating essential products needed in this fight.
  • List of any essential customers that your operation supports or is capable of supporting;
  • Company website.

In the event Governor Cooper does order a “shelter in place,” taking this action NOW will help expedite the possibility that you may receive a letter/certificate for your employees to present to public safety representatives should the need arise in their commute to and from their place of work.

If your business does cease operations and has to furlough your staff, NC Works is able to provide a “Quick Response Team” to address the needs of your employees. The NC Works Career Center is continuing to offer Rapid Response services for companies and their employees that are going to be affected by layoffs. For assistance with a quick response team, contact Lou Grillo, Business Services Manager at Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board – lgrillo@kerrtarcog.org; Phone 252-436-2040 or 866-506-6223.

All industrial manufacturing, agri-business and distribution are ESSENTIAL. Your company is vital and valued in Vance County and the region. We appreciate all that you do for Vance County and the State of North Carolina.

If you have additional questions, please contact Dennis Jarvis at 252-492-2094 or by email: djarvis@vancecounty.org.

I Voted Sticker

Vance Co. Board of Elections; Please Call Ahead

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-Information courtesy Faye M. Gill, CERA, Elections Director, Vance County Board of Elections

UPDATED 03/27/20

Vance County Board of Elections — Public access to the Board of Elections office is controlled by the County Board of Elections. All members of the public are encouraged to call the office (492-3730) ahead of visiting should they have any questions or need anything like voter registration forms, reports, etc. The staff will report to work their normal business hours – 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. There is a drop-off mailbox outside of the Director’s office for mail. Email fgill@vancecounty.org for more information.

Per the board members for the Vance County Board of Elections, effective today, March 25, 2020, the Vance County Board of Elections office will be closed to the public until further notice. The staff will report to work for their normal business hours –  8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

There is a drop-off mailbox outside of the director’s office for mail. Should anyone need voter registration forms, reports, etc., please call the office at (252) 492-3730 or email fgill@vancecounty.org.

The staff will be available to assist you during this closure.

Public access to the Board of Elections office is controlled by the County Board of Elections staff. All members of the public are encouraged to call the office (492-3730) ahead of visiting should they have any questions or need anything like voter registration forms, reports, etc.