Clay County Students will attend classes two days a week
Clay County Schools, Community, News August 4, 2020
HAYESVILLE, N.C. – Clay County Schools have opted for a two cohort model once students return to class for the 2020-2021 year.
All schools except for the pre-k will follow an A/B schedule. Students will be broken into two groups. The A group will go to school on Monday and Tuesday while the B group attends class on Thursday and Friday. Wednesday will be a virtual learning day for students and a deep cleaning day at the school.
Parents and guardians can also select to place their children in entirely online learning.
At Hayesville Primary, elementary, and middle schools the teachers will change classes, not the students. Hayesville High School (HHS) students will be switching classes because the majority, 43.9 percent of parents voted for that option.
Homes with multiple school-age children will have those children placed in the same cohort so they can attend school on the same days. Cohorts will consist of 150 to 200 students.
School survey responses from parents and teachers.
With the two day model, students can receive two days of attending all their 90-minute learning blocks in a controlled environment. They also have access to all school amenities including teachers, high-speed internet, counseling, and tech support.
This model isn’t the safest option due to the potential exposure of 150 to 200 students twice a week. It also places the heaviest load on teachers who must create lessons for in-person and remote children.
Schools will release information about which Clay County students will be in Cohort A and Cohort B on Wednesday, August 5 at 4:00. Students in Cohort A will attend each week on Monday and Tuesday beginning August 17. Students in Cohort B will attend each week on Thursday and Friday beginning August 20.
33 percent of parents selected fully remote learning in the return to school survey.
As for faculty, 45 percent of HHS staff were in favor of fully remote, and 30 percent chose the two cohort model.
If the school or county reaches a five percent COVID-19 infection rate, a decision will be made about closing the school buildings again. Currently, Clay County is at a less than one percent infection rate.
All students attending in-person classes will always be required to wear a mask with scheduled outdoor breaks. Faculty and students will be given five masks from the state. They must wash masks at home and can decorate the masks.
During break times, students will separate and safely remove their masks. They won’t be allowed to congregate in groups at any time during the school day. Students will always be sat six feet apart.
Remote learning children will be locked into the program for five weeks at a time. Parents must contact the school by September 11 if they wish to transition their child back into in-person instruction. Students can switch from in-person to remote at any time. In both instances, the principal must be notified ahead of time.
The Pre-K school will be fully open five days a week.
Clay County Schools Superintendent Dale Cole reviewed this model with stakeholders and the Clay County Health Department and all felt comfortable moving forward with this model.
Confirmed Positive COVID-19 Test at the Clay County Care Center
Community, News, Press Release July 9, 2020
COVID-19 Numbers for Clay County
Lifestyle, News May 7, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, N.C. – As COVID-19 cases continue to grow, Clay County Health Department (CCHD) releases daily updates on its coronavirus-related numbers.
The following information is from the September 23rd update.
Confirmed cases in Clay remain low when compared to many surrounding counties with only 140 total positives according to the health department.
CCHD also releases recovery numbers and so far, 126 cases are no longer testing positive for COVID-19. Currently, there is 14 active case currently known in the county.
1,602 Clay residents have been tested and 1,519 were negative.
CCHD issues a disclaimer as well that the numbers won’t add up to the number tested because of pending results and confirmations.
Statewide the NCDHHS has confirmed 196,501 cases in 99 N.C. counties. 912 are currently hospitalized, and 3,345 have died.
If you become sick with a respiratory type illness and are in one of the following categories, please contact the CCHD at 828-389-8052 to speak to a provider to determine if you need to be tested.
Those suspected of having COVID-19 should isolate in an effort to stop the spread of this virus. Persons should remain isolated when sick until the following criteria are met:
- At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
If household or close contacts become sick during the 14 day monitoring period, it is advised that they then isolate until the criteria for discontinuation of isolation (listed above) are met.
N.C. Work First Cash Assistance families to receive economic aid
Community, Press Release, State & National May 22, 2020
RALEIGH — Today, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) began distributing a one-time supplemental payment to families enrolled in the Work First Cash Assistance program with one or more children. These payments are intended to help vulnerable families during the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So many North Carolina families are in need right now, with many people out of work or seeing a reduction in working hours,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “This one-time payment will provide thousands of our most economically vulnerable families with extra financial support to help pay for basic necessities.”
All Work First Cash Assistance families that received a benefit in April and had one or more children in their household will receive a supplement of $265 per child for a total of more than 17,000 children. Some families will receive the payment today on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, others will receive the payment on Monday via a direct deposit.
Work First is North Carolina’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The Work First program provides parents with short-term training and other services to help them become employed and move toward self-sufficiency. Families in which grandparents and relatives are caring for their relative children and legal guardians can receive services and support that prevent children from unnecessarily entering the foster care system.
To learn more about the Work First program, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/work-first-family-assistance.
To learn more about North Carolina’s broader COVID-19 response, visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov.
Clay County Schools establish end of year grading plans
Clay County Schools, Community May 5, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, N.C. – Clay County School System (CCS) implemented specialized policies in accordance with NCSBE for students’ end of year grading.
State leaders wanted the grading to positively impact students whose homes suddenly became their classrooms. As a result, students couldn’t receive a failing grade and assignments turned in after March 13 are held at a minimum. Only students who were previously failing before the schools closed and they made zero effort to bring up their grades.
How students will be assessed differs according to grade level. Kindergarten through Fifth will not receive a grade, but feedback on individual progress.
Middle schoolers (6-8) will receive passing or withdrawn course marks and can make up credits at a later date.
Ninth through Eleventh students will have an option on how they their grades are recording. Option One: they can receive their numeric grade as of March 13 or currently if that grade is higher.
Option Two: They can take a passing or withdrawn grade. Withdrawn scores won’t receive credit, but students have a make-up opportunity.
CCS counselors are creating recommendations for high school students and parents to review before they make a final decision.
For high school seniors, CCS pulled the grades from March 13 if those scores were essential for graduation. If they were failing, they could raise grades through online learning. Non-essential courses could receive a withdrawn mark. College courses fell under the college’s jurisdiction.
At this time, prom and graduation will hopefully be rescheduled for July depending on the state’s reopening plans.
“All of our students are given 13 years to master the standards to that are required to earn a diploma in the state of North Carolina,” said Superintendent Dale Cole. “A grade is nothing more than our attempt to measure progress.”
Superintendent Dale Cole during the Facebook Live meeting
Cole went on to say that he believed the state made a decision between “equity and accountability.” Grades are often used to compare student progress, but the school can’t control a student’s resources outside of their education.
“If we were going to going to grade kids based on work they were doing at home, and we don’t control the environment in which they’re working,” explained Cole. “There’s a lot of inequity. It would not be fair to give grades to students when they don’t have equal access resources or possibly an environment in which they can succeed.”
Phase One of reopening North Carolina begins on May 8
Business May 7, 2020
RALEIGH, N.C. – Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8, residents of N.C. will have certain restrictions lifted as the state moves toward reopening.
In Phase One, the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses is removed and individuals can leave their homes for any commercial activity that is open. Small outdoor gatherings are allowed, but gatherings more than 10 are still prohibited. Religious services and First Amendment activities are also allowed but must follow social distancing protocols. However, the 10-person limit doesn’t apply to these gatherings, but they should gather outside unless impossible.
“COVID-19 is still a serious threat to our state, and Phase 1 is designed to be a limited easing of restrictions that can boost parts of our economy while keeping important safety rules in place,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a careful and deliberate first step, guided by the data, and North Carolinians still must use caution while this virus is circulating.”
Those who do decide to go out they are encouraged to wear a face mask, carry hand sanitizer, wash their hands whenever possible, and regularly clean high-touch surfaces.
“When leaving home and wear it inside all public settings such as grocery stores, pharmacies, or other retail or public-serving businesses. A Face Covering should also be worn outdoors when you cannot maintain at least six (6) feet distancing from other people with the exception of family or household members. These coverings function to protect other people more than the wearer,” states the Executive Order.
Retail stores can operate at 50 percent capacity. Additionally, customers must stand six feet apart and retailers should provide hand sanitizer, screen employees, and frequently clean. NCDHHS is posting the screening questionnaire online.
Phase One summary from Gov. Cooper’s office.
Businesses that remain closed are bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms.
Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, takeout and delivery.
All employees are encouraged to wear face masks or coverings and Cooper still recommends teleworking whenever possible.
Long-term care facilities are still closed to visitors.
Parks are encouraged to open if they can accommodate social distancing, but playgrounds should remain closed.
Childcare facilities will be open to serve families who need the assistance. The organizations are required to follow strict cleaning protocols. Summer day camps can operate in compliance with NC DHHS guidelines.
In explaining the decision to move to Phase One, Cooper and Secretary Cohen reported North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:
- Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.
- Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over the last 14 days cases is slightly increasing.
- Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive over the last 14 days is decreasing.
- Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days – North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations over the last 14 days is level.
In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:
- Laboratory Testing – North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate.
- Tracing Capability – The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has received over 4,000 applications and is in the process of hiring 250 new contact tracers.
- Personal Protective Equipment – Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.
The order is in effect until 5 p,m, on Friday, May 22. However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase Two. Phase Two only start if data and indicators are in the right place.
Erlanger physicians takes extra measures to determine if Care Center employee has COVID-19
News, Press Release April 17, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, N.C. PRESS RELEASE – At 5:30 p.m. on April 16, 2020, the Clay County Health Department was made aware that a staff member of the Clay County Care Center had fallen ill and had presented to the Emergency Room at Erlanger Western Carolina with clinical symptoms consistent with COVID-19. A rapid COVID-19 test was given to the patient and that test was negative, however, the attending physician, as well as other consulting physicians, agreed that they were moving forward with this as a presumptive positive and sent off for a confirmatory COVID-19 test.
Following the most current guidance for presumptive positives as defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, all presumptive positives are handled as if they are true positives until a confirmatory test comes back as negative.
Due to the nature of this facility being a skilled nursing facility with multiple live-in residents; the Care Center’s Medical Director, Executive Director, and the Clay County Health Department Staff decided to err on the side of caution and be proactive in assuring we are doing what is best for the health of the community and doing preemptive COVID-19 testing for all staff and residents. Testing began within 5 hours of the initial notification from the hospital to the Health Department and extensive coordination happened in a tight time frame from all parties involved to assure all state guidance and recommendations are followed.
The Clay County Care Center has notified all employees and 98% of families where most appropriate – leaving messages for the rest. All contacted have been most appreciative of these efforts, and testing will be completed by the afternoon of April 17.
Scott Alexander, Executive Director for the Care Center, wants to stress that any families that might have any further questions can reach out at any time.
The Clay County Health Department is working diligently on this matter, and more information will be forthcoming.
For information about an asymptomatic patient who worked at The Local Market, click here.
Asymptomatic Towns County resident tests positive, worked at The Local Market
News, Press Release April 13, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, NC – An asymptomatic Towns County, GA resident that was working from March 28, 2020 – April 10, 2020 at The Local Market, otherwise known as “Aztec” or the “Bypass Store” in Clay County has tested positive for COVID-19 at an area hospital.
This individual is in isolation in Towns County and is doing well. All known contacts have been notified, and testing has either been completed or will occur tomorrow morning. All that have been tested have been given official isolation orders, and those that are being tested have been instructed to self-quarantine. No contacts have reported any symptoms. It is advised that if you went into this establishment during the dates above and had contact with anyone less than 6 feet from you for 10 minutes or longer, you quarantine yourself and monitor for symptoms of illness for 14 days from the date of potential exposure.
If you become sick during this time, you should isolate yourself and your household in an effort to stop the spread of this virus. Persons should remain isolated when sick until the following criteria are met:
- At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
If household or close contacts become sick during the 14 day monitoring period, it is advised that they then isolate until the criteria for discontinuation of isolation (listed above) are met.
If you become sick with a respiratory type illness and are in one of the following categories, please contact the Clay County Health Department at 828-389-8052 to speak to a provider to determine if you need to be tested:
- Healthcare worker
- 65 years and older
- Underlying health conditions such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma; serious heart conditions; people with weakened immune systems, severe obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, liver disease.
- First Responder
- Essential worker
For more information about Georgia cases visit DPH website.
Information about that previous Clay County case confirmed here.
For daily updates on N.C. and Ga cases, check out Fetch Your News’ daily update page.
Record visitation seen at N.C. public lands during COVID-19 pandemic
New Business, Press Release, State & National April 7, 2020RALEIGH, N.C. –Visitation at many state forests in North Carolina (N.C) is two and three times greater than what is typical for this time of year, which is stretching the resources of the sites and making it harder for people to practice proper social distancing. Visitors are asked to strictly follow social distancing guidelines to help keep public lands safe, available and open to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Public lands, including state forests and parks, and national forests are experiencing record-high attendance, making social distancing difficult to achieve,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “While public lands are a great natural resource, we are urging visitors to observe the CDC and public health’s recommendations of 6 feet of spacing between each other, frequent and thorough handwashing and staying home if you do not feel well.”
Many public lands have temporarily closed, restricting public access until further notice due to heavy visitation. N.C. Forest Service officials note that some visitors are following social distancing guidelines while others are not. Many state parks, state forests and national forests are experiencing large congregations of visitors in parking areas.
Information issued by the N.C. Forest Service.
For anyone planning to visit public lands during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some helpful social distancing guidelines to help you recreate responsibly:
- Stay close to home. Enjoy outdoor recreation in your neighborhood. Faraway places are wonderful but traveling long distances can increase your potential to spread illness.
- Pay close attention to guidance in your community before heading outside. Acknowledge any guidelines, restrictions or closures mandated by your local or state government.
- Expect closures. Use the restroom before leaving home.
- Avoid times and places of high use. Visit early in the day or in the middle of the week.
- Keep hiking groups to three people or less.
- Wash your hands and follow CDC guidelines carefully.
- Be a good steward for nature and the people around you.
To download Social Distancing Guidelines for N.C. State Forests and for updated information about public access to state forests during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit this link. For status of state parks, visit the state parks website. For a complete list of closures across the National Forests in N. C. please visit this link
Fourth Clay County resident tests positive for COVID-19, isolation at Area Hospital
News, Press Release April 9, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, N.C. – The Clay County Health Department received its fourth positive COVID-19 test result for a county resident early this evening. The individual is in isolation at a local hospital. All contacts have been notified, have no symptoms, and have been compliant with the stay-at-home orders since late last month. CCHD will perform in-home testing for the contacts and index case prior to society reintegration. Due to contact tracing, we believe this positive is a result of community spread, because the index case had no contact with a known positive. To protect individual privacy, no further information about this case will be released by the Clay County Health Department.
We have also received back four negative test results today, and have been diligent in continuing education and outreach on preventive measures, disinfection protocols and have kept contact with all current quarantine and isolated cases for our county.
The Clay County Health Department regularly updates our county call-in-line 828-389-8052 ext. 110 with information regarding COVID-19 as well, we encourage the public to call or see our Facebook page for up-to-date information. There is an additional local call line for the community at 828-835-4258 that is staffed from 9am-12 and 1pm-4pm. To receive messaging from the State text COVIDNC to 898211.
For more information about previous cases, click here.
Second and third COVID-19 cases in Clay County confirmed within 24 hours
Health, News April 1, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, N.C. – Clay County Health Department has reported two additional COVID-19 cases within 24 hours of each other.
The second individual was an attendee at the Folk School Dance on March 10th, and as a result of being present at that event where multiple other positive’s have been confirmed, specialized testing was performed in coordination with regional partnerships on March 24th for those attendees. This individual began quarantine since the day of the initial positive report on an attendee on March 18th and began isolation at the time of testing. The Clay County Health Department is following State guidance on the continuation of their isolation period for extra precaution. All potential contacts of this individual have been notified. This individual has maintained contact with their physician and health department staff, and is doing well. To protect individual privacy, no further information about this case will be released.
The third positive COVID-19 case has been determined for Clay County. This individual is doing well in recovery after experiencing only mild symptoms and has been in isolation since testing on March 24th. It has been determined through contact tracing that they are linked to the index case that attended an event at the Folk School. To protect individual privacy, no further information about this case will be released by the Clay County Health Department.
The Clay County Health Department has been utilizing various laboratories for our residents testing kits based on the criteria that is set forth by the State or by our Medical Director and providers. These laboratories all have been running off of different timelines for results, which we understand can cause anxiety. It is important to remember that regardless of what laboratory we use, everyone that is tested is issued isolation orders until we receive those tests back. When the results are received, we are able to give guidance on if the isolation time period needs to be extended – or if they are released from those orders to resume normal activities. Be mindful, that we are still receiving exponentially more negative test results back than positives, and those positive cases have been mild for our residents. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends impacted by the passing of our Cherokee County neighbor as a result of complications associated with COVID-19.
The Clay County Health Department regularly updates our county call-in-line 828-389-8052 ext. 110 with information regarding COVID-19 as well, we encourage the public to call or see our Facebook page for up-to-date information. There is an additional local call line for the community at 828-835-4258 that is staffed from 9am-12 and 1pm-4pm. To receive messaging from the State text COVIDNC to 898211
Teachers unite with Hayesville Brewing to provide student meals
News March 28, 2020
HAYESVILLE, NC – Classes are canceled at Clay County Schools, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but teachers continue their quest to ensure the well-being of their students during a difficult time. Many children rely on school meals for daily nutrition, and hunger won’t pause for the health crisis to pass. One such teacher is petitioning Clay County residents to kindly assist in the effort to keep local children fed.
Hayesville Brewing Company
“If anyone wants to help with our FREE BREAKFAST/LUNCH program during our closure of our schools, please go by today or call the HAYESVILLE BREWING COMPANY (across) from Jacky Jones Ford on Highway 64, and donate $12.00,” Tammy Jones Dills, the athletic director of Hayesville Middle School said. “The owners of the Brewery have graciously stepped up to help with this need. Your $12 donation will purchase a case of Styrofoam containers for the program, most cases have 150-250 containers in them, so that means you are helping feed that many children. Also, while you’re there pick up your lunch/dinner. The delivery company has graciously dropped their normal price of $19.50 a case to $12 a case after they found out it is for helping feed our students. If you live out of town and you still have those Hayesville roots running deep in your blood, you can send directly to the school, we are not set up to accept donations via credit or debit, but donations can be made by mailing a check or money order made payable to Clay County Schools.”
“Again thank you to all those that have donated and continue to donate towards this cause,” Dills said.
Clay County closes lodging in attempt to curb pandemic
News March 28, 2020
Clay County resident has tested positive for COVID-19, currently in isolation
Business March 30, 2020
CLAY COUNTY, N.C. PRESS RELEASE – The Clay County Health Department was notified early this morning that a Clay County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual has been in isolation, and the health department will continue to monitor them throughout the rest of their isolation time. The Clay County Health Department will continue necessary contact tracing on this patient in identifying other close contacts. To protect individual privacy, no further information about this case will be released.
Clay County has been vigilant in prevention efforts but has been preparing for the reality that we could reach this point eventually. The identification of this positive status does not detour us from our efforts, and we will continue to adapt to the guidelines as set forth by the State of North Carolina and the Federal Government as information becomes available. Our staff has planned, trained, and is fully prepared to take on any challenges that may come our way, but our resolve stands firm that we will work together for our citizens.
It is advised that anyone who becomes ill with a respiratory type illness should isolate until the following criteria are met:
- 7 days have passed since the onset of symptoms; AND
- At least 72 hours without a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and respiratory symptoms are improving
Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, individuals should take the same measures that health care providers recommend to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, staying home if you are sick and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow.
It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like the Clay County Health Department, CDC, and NCDHHS. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which will also include future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.
The Clay County Health Department regularly updates our county call-in-line 828-389-8052 ext. 110 with information regarding COVID-19 as well, we encourage the public to call or see our Facebook page for up-to-date information. There is an additional local call line for the community at 828-835-4258 that is staffed from 9 am-12 pm and 1 pm-4 pm.
Campground opening postponed as citizens demand action
News March 26, 2020
HAYESVILLE, NC – Clay County citizens took to social media in the days following the county’s State of Emergency declaration on March 24, voicing concern that the Clay County Board of Commissioners’ approach to the COVID-19 pandemic may be passive in response. FYN began looking into Clay County’s plans following citizen confusion as to whether the county campground would continue to welcome visitors in the midst of the national crisis.
“The Clay County Board of Commissioners has been continually monitoring developments on a national, state and local level and making rational decisions based on factual information,” Clay County Chairman Rob Peck said on Wednesday evening. “It has come to our attention that many have taken to social media to voice their displeasure as to our campground. What they don’t know is that our Commissioners have been in discussions as to how to proceed for the last two weeks. Each Commissioner was asked to provide their opinions to the Chairman by tonight so a decision could be announced tomorrow. This would allow two days for staff to contact those who have booked reservations as well as those who are seasonal renters. We have a great team who has been working tirelessly to prepare the campground for the season and provide an exceptional experience for our residents and visitors alike. We appreciate their effort! That said, the board has decided to take a reasonable and measured action of delaying the opening of our camping season until Saturday, April 18th. This applies to Gibson Cove and the Recreation Park adjacent to it. We will re-evaluate if necessary at the appropriate time. An emergency declaration is not needed to adjust dates and hours of operation.”
Peck stated that there are no plans for a “shelter in place” order for Clay County unless the State of North Carolina issues such. “Please understand that these shelter in place orders affect very little additional businesses (due to exemptions) then those already shut due to executive order,” Peck said.
North Carolina citizens can dial 211 or text COVIDNC to 898211 to sign up for updates on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Citizen information from Clay County residents can be submitted to FYN by emailing [email protected]
UPDATE: Cooper orders North Carolinians to stay home
News, State & National March 27, 2020
RALEIGH, N.C. – On Friday, March 27, Gov. Roy Cooper signed Executive order 121 instructing North Carolinians to remain in their homes except for essential activities and work. The order takes effect on Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. and ends on April 29, but can be extended or lifted early.
This is to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep local hospitals from being overwhelmed with infected patients.
Essential businesses include grocery stores, restaurants – take out and drive-thru only, ABC stores, healthcare providers, pharmacies, hardware stores, post offices, office supply stores, gas stations, convenience stores, veterinarians, pet supply stores, hotels, airlines, public transit, places of worship, child care providers that follow NCDHHS guidelines.
Individuals should stay in their residence except for essential activities, such as grocery shopping, medication, medical appointments, exercise – not in groups larger than 10, essential jobs, etc. At this time, Cooper is seeking voluntary cooperation from the public but can instate law enforcement protocols if necessary.
Social interaction should be limited. People can visit family members to help take care of their medical needs.
People can still go to parks if they remain open.
Businesses that aren’t listed as essential, but owners believe it is to the community, can apply for an exemption with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
Click here to read FAQs about the order.
Update from March 23 below:
Almost a week after Gov. Roy Cooper ordered restaurants to close all in-dining services, he has issued another order instructing all salons and gyms to close. The Monday, March 23rd conference also told the public that public K-12 schools will remain closed until May 15.
Schools will continue to offer remote instruction until the May date when the situation will be reevaluated.
A list of businesses closing on Wednesday, March 25 at 5 p.m. include gyms, salons, nail salons, barbershops, health clubs, movie theaters, and sweepstakes parlors. Casinos in the state closed last week.
Grocery stores remain open as do restaurants with curbside, takeout, delivery, or drive-thru options. Cooper urged North Carolinians to only buy what they need at the store and leave goods for others who might need it.
New updates and directives are as follows per Executive Order:
Mass Gatherings = 50+ Persons
The new Executive Order modifies Executive Order 117 to limit mass gatherings to no more than 50 people [was 100 people]. Section 1. a.1. of Executive Order 120 provides that a mass gathering is defined as any “event or convening that brings together more than fifty (50) persons in a single room or single space at the same time, such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space . . . [and includes] parades, fairs and festivals.” Not included in the definition of mass gatherings are normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, shopping malls and shopping centers. It also does not include office environments, factories, grocery stores and child care facilities.
If a church gathering has a coordinated event or convening for more than 50, such gathering would be prohibited under Section 1(a). If a church has more than 50 employees and they come to work, that would fall within the exemption of Section 1(b) because it functions as an office environment.
If a wedding ceremony or reception has more than 50 attendees, that activity would be prohibited under Section 1(a).
A funeral home can continue to conduct retail business in assisting clients with funeral arrangements. However, a funeral that has more than 50 attendees would be prohibited under Section 1(a).
The Executive Order provides that the above restriction on mass gatherings is a Class 2 misdemeanor and shall be enforced by State and local law enforcement officers.
Entertainment Facilities
Section 1.b. of Executive Order 120 requires the closure of entertainment facilities without a retail or dining component. Entertainment facilities that must close include bowling alleys, health clubs, indoor/outdoor pools, skating rinks, indoor exercise facilities, movie theaters, spas, bingo parlors, and gaming establishments.
Gaming establishments that must close include any “gaming and business establishments which allow gaming activities (e.g. video poker, gaming, sweepstakes, video games, arcade games, pinball machines or other computer, electronic or mechanical devices played for amusement.)” A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
If any of these entertainment facilities have a retail or dining component, those may continue to operate within current emergency restrictions. For example, if a spa has a deli or sandwich shop, they can continue to provide take-out food service to customers. In addition, if a health club has a gift shop, they can continue to sell T-shirts and other items from that retail gift shop.
Personal Care and Grooming Businesses
Section 1.c. also requires the closure of personal care and grooming businesses. This includes barber shops, beauty salons, hair salons, nail salons, massage parlors, and tattoo parlors. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Long Term Care Visitation Limitations
Executive Order 120 places restrictions on patient visitation in long term care facilities. For a more detailed description of this provision, please view the Executive Order.
Continued School Closure
All public schools are closed through Friday, May 15, 2020.
Original article from March 12 below:
In a March 12, 2020 press conference, Gov. Roy Cooper asked North Carolinians to stay away from gatherings of 100 people or more as Coronavirus cases continue to grow throughout the state.
The voluntary measures apply to conferences, assemblies, sporting events, concerts, and worship services. Cooper also stated these protocols could become mandatory if no one followed through with his suggestions.
Employers are also encouraged to allow employees to work from home.
Cooper willing to put mandatory measures in place if the public doesn’t follow through.
The measures go into effect on Friday, March 13.
“Although North Carolina has not seen as much widespread infection as some other states, I want to provide stronger statewide guidance now,” explained Cooper. “Health experts believe that it will protect the health and safety of North Carolinians and help prevent further spread of the virus. I strongly urge all North Carolinians to follow it and take it seriously.”
Don’t close schools just yet
One call to action differing from much of the rest of the county, state government isn’t calling for preemptive school closings. Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen expanded upon the reasoning during the press conference.
She listed multiple reasons, including children tend to gather other places when not in school, one of which is grandparent’s homes – who are labeled as high risk for catching the virus. Also, many children depend on free or reduced breakfast and lunch as their only meals throughout the school year.
“Those are all significant things that contribute to children’s health, and we want to make sure we’re thinking about that,” Cohen stated.
However, childcare and schools are recommended to cancel or reduce large extracurricular activities or events.
Cohen explained why schools should stay open for now.
Several universities in the state have moved to online classes, but students can remain on campus for now.
Cooper declared a state of emergency in North Carolina last week. As of Thursday, the state had 16 confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The new cases were reported in Wake, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Forsyth and Johnston counties.
Images courtesy of N.C. government.