 The Nantahala National Forest begins seasonal road closures on the Nantahala Ranger District. Closing roads to motorized vehicles seasonally helps reduce road maintenance costs. It also decreases wildlife disturbance so they can conserve energy while food is scarce. During long bouts of adverse weather, roads may be closed to protect public safety.
The following roads are temporarily closed until April 1, 2021:
Wayehutta Off-Highway Vehicle recreation area is closed for the season and will reopen on April 1, 2021. On all Forest Service roads, emergency closures due to weather or resource conditions can occur at any time. For current road conditions and status, contact the Nantahala Ranger District at 828-524-6441 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nfsnc) or Twitter (twitter.com/NFsNCarolina) for more news and features.  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today issued a Secretarial Directive telling North Carolinians to stay home except for essential activities and avoid gathering, especially indoors, with people who do not live with you.
The directive comes as the state reports 84 counties as red in the COVID-19 County Alert System released today, meaning most of the state has critical levels of viral spread. North Carolina also has experienced record high numbers on key metrics in recent weeks, including its highest number since the start of the pandemic of cases reported each day, the percent of tests that are positive and people hospitalized with COVID-19. “There is an alarming amount of virus everywhere in our state. We are in a very dangerous position,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “Every single North Carolinian needs to take immediate action to save lives and protect themselves and each other.” Today’s directive outlines immediate actions North Carolinians must take to save lives, slow the spread of the virus and protect hospital capacity across North Carolina to ensure medical care is available to anyone who may need it, whether for COVID-19 or for any other reason. The directive aligns with recent recommendations from the White House Coronavirus Task Force, the Governor’s Executive Orders on COVID-19 and the COVID-19 County Alert System for North Carolina. North Carolinians are directed to:
As recommended by the White House Coronavirus Task Force to North Carolina, the directive also says that if you have gathered with people who do not live with you, assume that you became infected with the virus and get tested for COVID-19. People should also get tested if they have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. COVID-19 is highly contagious, and more than half of North Carolinians are at high risk for serious illness. Studies are also finding that some people, including those who had mild illness, experience symptoms for weeks or months following infection. North Carolina's statewide mask requirement and Modified Stay at Home Order are in effect. This order requires people to stay at home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Businesses including restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care businesses, most retail stores and more, have capacity limits and are required to close by 10 p.m. In addition, all onsite alcohol consumption sales must end by 9 p.m. For more information on the Secretarial Directive, read the Frequently Asked Questions.  Modified Stay At Home Order extended as numbers continue to increase at alarming pace; 96 counties now designated as “red” or “orange” North Carolina National Guard mobilized, other efforts underway to support vaccine distribution Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen shared an update today on North Carolina’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support the vaccination effort currently underway.
Governor Cooper extended North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order that requires people to be at home from 10 pm – 5 am to last through at least Friday, January 29. Secretary Cohen also issued a Secretarial Directive with stark warnings for North Carolinians to avoid indoor spaces without masks and gatherings between households. Read here for more details on the Secretarial Directive. "We have turned the page on a new year – one that we’re hoping will bring better times. But as we know, the virus didn’t disappear at midnight on December 31," Governor Cooper said. "In fact, in North Carolina, we have seen some of our highest case counts, percent positives, hospitalizations and ICU bed usage numbers in the past few days. No matter where you live, work, worship or play, COVID-19 remains a deadly threat, and we must treat it that way." “We are in a very dangerous position. North Carolinians need to take immediate actions to save lives, slow the spread of the virus, and protect hospital capacity so that medical care is available to anyone who may need it, whether for COVID-19 or for any other reason,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. Dr. Cohen provided an update on North Carolina’s data and trends. Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
Testing
Dr. Cohen also provided an update on North Carolina’s COVID-19 County Alert System map. There are now 84 counties designated as red (critical community spread) and 12 counties that are yellow (substantial community spread). Read the update to see where each county stands and how the system was designed. Vaccine Efforts Underway Governor Cooper and Dr. Cohen also highlighted North Carolina’s efforts to support the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Governor Cooper has mobilized approximately 50 North Carolina National Guard personnel to support NCDHHS and North Carolina Emergency Management. The Guard will assist with administering the vaccine and logistics support for local entities. "As we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are also helping local hospitals and health departments to support their vaccine efforts. Getting the vaccine out quickly is the most urgent priority right now, and we will use everything and everyone needed to get the job done," Governor Cooper said. NCDHHS is onboarding more health care providers to administer the vaccine and sharing detailed guidance with providers to help them get the vaccine out more quickly. NCDHHS has also notified vaccine providers that future allocations will be based on how quickly they are able to get their supply out to eligible recipients. If an entity is not using their vaccine supply quickly enough or keeping the state database updated on their progress that will impact how much they are allocated going forward. As the state moves into Phase 1b, local hospitals and other vaccine providers can now begin administering vaccines to those over age 75. Individuals should call their local health department or hospital to see if they have started to schedule vaccine appointments. A comprehensive list of local health department contact numbers can be found here. Finally, NCDHHS and the state of North Carolina continue to work with communities around the state who may be hesitant to accept the vaccine when it is their turn. Governor Cooper and Dr. Cohen underscored that this vaccine was authorized after independent health experts reviewed the data from tens of thousands of trial participants. Read Executive Order No. 188. View the slides from today’s briefing. Today, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced that Food and Nutrition Services recipients will see a temporary increase in the amount of benefits they receive. This increase is part of the federal Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020.
"We know that COVID has created additional hardships and increased food insecurity for children and families,” said David Locklear, Deputy Director for Economic and Family Services. “We want to do everything possible to support North Carolinians who need help buying food, and increasing benefits for hundreds of thousands of families will be instrumental in meeting that need." The maximum benefit amount for households receiving FNS will increase by 15% until June 30, 2021. This increase will end on June 30, 2021, when benefit amounts will return to their current levels. Recipients can find out the amount of their benefits by using one of the methods below.
People can apply for FNS in English or Spanish online with ePASS, by filling out a paper application and mailing it to or dropping it off at their county Department of Social Services office or applying in person at their county DSS office.  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting new records for COVID-19 key metrics for Jan. 1 and Jan. 2, 2021.
On Jan. 1, 2021, North Carolina reported its highest one-day number of COVID-19 cases with 9,527 new cases reported, exceeding the state’s previous highest day set on Dec. 18, 2020 by more than 1,000. Cases remained high today, Jan. 2, with 9,356 new cases reported. Records were also set for the percent of tests that were positive and hospitalizations. On Jan. 2,15.5 percent of tests were positive, the highest rate since the start of the pandemic. In addition, 3,479 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 and 783 people were in the intensive care unit. “We begin 2021 in our most dangerous position in this pandemic. We have critically high rates of spread in much of our state,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “I encourage you to avoid getting together indoors with anyone who doesn’t live with you. If you plan to see other people keep it outside and very small. Wear a mask the whole time. We must do all that we can to protect one another.” Earlier this week, the White House Coronavirus Task Force issued stark warnings to North Carolinians, including:
COVID-19 is highly contagious, and more than half of North Carolinians are at high risk for serious illness. Studies are also finding that some people, including those who had mild illness, experience symptoms for weeks or months following infection. North Carolina's Modified Stay at Home Order is in effect. This order requires people to stay at home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Businesses including restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care businesses, most retail stores and more, are required to close by 10 p.m. In addition, all onsite alcohol consumption sales must end by 9 p.m. Today, Governor Roy Cooper and Secretary of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen shared updates on the COVID-19 County Alert System, warning that more than 90 percent of North Carolina counties are now designated as red or orange.
“North Carolina needs to drive down our numbers. To do that, we all need to change our holiday plans if you haven’t already,” Governor Cooper said. “The best and safest option is to connect virtually or by phone. But if you gather in-person, keep it small and do it outside. Get a COVID-19 test before you go. Spread out the tables and chairs. Follow the modified Stay at Home Order and be home by 10 PM. And, always, always wear a mask.” The County Alert System uses COVID-19 case rates, the percent of tests that are positive and hospital impact within the county to categorize counties into the following tiers:
There are currently 65 red counties, 27 orange counties and only 8 yellow counties. Read the updated report to see where each county stands and how the alert system was designed. “The county alert map shows how quickly things can escalate. As you think about the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays please avoid traveling and gathering. If you absolutely must, get tested ahead of time, wear a mask all the time, keep it small and keep it outdoors,” said Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. Governor Cooper and Dr. Cohen also highlighted updates on North Carolina’s distribution of two COVID-19 vaccines. The state expects to receive approximately 60,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 176,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. The Moderna vaccine does not require ultra-cold storage and is slated to go to 59 hospitals and 97 local health department sites. Governor Cooper and health officials warned against traveling and large gatherings ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Governor also reminded people that the statewide mask mandate and Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to be home between 10 PM and 5 AM will still be in effect through the holidays until at least January 8, 2021 Pastor Joseph Casteel from First United Methodist Church in Roanoke Rapids and Reverend James White from Christ Our King Community Church in Raleigh joined today’s briefing to discuss how critical it is for communities of faith to follow the safety measures while celebrating. They stress that the most important thing people can do for their communities this Christmas is taking the steps necessary to protect their communities, even if that means pausing or adapting traditions. "The opportunity for you and your family to remain safe, an opportunity not to put anyone else at risk and, the freedom for you to choose the time for meaningful worship that works for you. It’s a win-win. There will be a myriad of online opportunities for meaningful worship. It will be okay," Pastor Joseph Casteel said. "Pastors, Rabbis and other faith leaders are often expected to have words of hope. Maybe we are all appropriately lost for words. What is most needed are actions and perspectives that will lead to life now and in the future," Rev. James White said. "Perhaps we all need to figure out how to create celebrations in the midst of limitations. This is not as impossible as it may sound." The CDC is encouraging people to avoid traveling for the holidays. If continuing to gather, state officials urge North Carolinians to keep get togethers small and outside with social distancing and masks. People can also get a COVID-19 test ahead of gathering. Read the full holiday guidance from NCDHHS.  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today added data on people vaccinated to the NC COVID-19 Dashboard. Data will be provided for the total number of people statewide and by county of residence who have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Data for people who have received the second dose of the vaccine will be added in January.
Today’s dashboard reflects data through Tuesday, December 22 at 8 a.m. It shows less than a week of data for the state. Most hospitals in North Carolina did not receive their first shipment from Pfizer until Thursday, December 17 and continued ramping up vaccine administration through the weekend. There can be a 72-hour lag in data reported to state. Additional data reported after 8:00 a.m. December 22 will be reflected in the next dashboard update on December 29. In addition to counts, the dashboard will include statewide data on vaccinations by race, ethnicity, gender and age group. The data will provide insight into the total people vaccinated across the state and the different demographic groups that have received each dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The initial data will not include vaccinations in long-term care facilities as those are being managed by the federal government through a contract with CVS and Walgreens. NCDHHS is working with both companies to access and report this data. The vaccine data will be updated weekly on Tuesdays. NCDHHS will continue to expand the information provided as more people are vaccinated across the state. North Carolina’s information on people vaccinated comes from the COVID-19 Vaccine Management System (CVMS), a secure, web-based system provided for free to all who administer COVID-19 vaccinations. It helps vaccine providers know who has been vaccinated with which vaccine to make sure people get the second dose of the same vaccine at the right time. It also helps people register for vaccination at the appropriate time and allows the state to manage vaccine supply. Information on vaccination is confidential health information that is carefully managed to protect patient privacy. Information will not be shared except in accordance with state and federal law. Visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines for more information on the vaccines and vaccine distribution in North Carolina. NCDHHS Reports Highest One-Day Increase of COVID-19 Positive Tests; More than 8,000 Cases Reported12/18/2020
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the state’s highest one-day number of COVID-19 cases with 8,444 new cases reported today, doubling a record day reported just one month ago on Nov. 19 when the state reported 4,296 new cases.
"I am very worried for our state. Everyone must act right now to protect each other," said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. "Do not wait until it’s you or your loved sick with COVID-19 to wear a mask, wait apart from others and wash your hands often. Do not wait until it’s you or your loved one alone in a hospital bed. Do not wait until you’ve lost a loved one to this pandemic. Take personal responsibility for you, your loved ones and your community now." COVID-19 is highly contagious, and more than half of North Carolinians are at high risk for serious illness. Studies are also finding that some people, including those who had mild illness, experience symptoms for weeks or months following infection. State health officials advise people to avoid travel over the holiday season and only gather with people in your household. If you absolutely must travel or be with people you do not live with, get tested in advance, keep it small and outdoors, and always wear a mask. NCDHHS has issued guidance outlining steps to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, including getting tested three to four days ahead of time. A test can help someone know if they have COVID-19 even if they do not yet have symptoms. However, a test can miss some infections. Furthermore, a negative test only gives you information for that point in time. Community testing events and other testing sites are listed online at ncdhhs.gov/testingplace. People who have been recently diagnosed with COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around a person with COVID-19, should not host or participate in any in-person gatherings until they complete their isolation or quarantine period. For a full list of guidance about traveling and gathering during the holidays, along with a chart outlining low, medium and high-risk activities, see the NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Winter Holidays. North Carolina's Modified Stay at Home Order is in effect. This order requires people to stay at home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Businesses including restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care businesses, most retail stores and more, are required to close by 10 p.m. In addition, all onsite alcohol consumption sales must end by 9 p.m. During National Mentoring Month, make a difference by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister12/17/2020
 January is National Mentoring Month, and this year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is celebrating it by recruiting more adult and high school volunteers, as well as children and youth who need an extra someone on their side.
“One truth I know,” said Lelia Duncan, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina, “is that we are all called to take care of one another, to encourage, to uplift, to hold a space for others to be listened to and valued. There is nothing more important, nothing closer to the divine, than to be present and to take a moment to nurture those around us, especially children and youth.” Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC is especially effective in helping young people feel valued and heard. Surveys of school personnel in the 2018-2019 school year show that, among BBBSWNC Littles in community- and school/site-based programs ...
To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or a Big Sister in the 18 counties in BBBSWNC’s region, go to bbbswnc.org. About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, holds itself accountable to its “Littles” and supporters by measuring rates of success that include higher aspirations, better relationships, greater self-confidence and avoidance of risky behaviors. Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and other community members, BBBS carefully pairs children with screened volunteers and monitors and supports these mentoring matches. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that ignite their potential. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, has 10 branches in the mountain region, with plans to open several more in 2021.  Erlanger Health System announced Monday, Dec. 14, that LIFE FORCE, the health system’s critical care air medical program, has achieved re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS). “Earning and maintaining this accreditation for the past nine years displays the dedication of our employees and their passion for providing the highest level of critical care to the communities we serve,” said Robbie Tester, LIFE FORCE Senior Director. “I am incredibly proud of our team for achieving CAMTS accreditation yet again and providing such an admired level of care to our patients.” CAMTS is a collective of nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the quality and safety of medical transport services. The commission offers a voluntary program for evaluation of compliance with standards demonstrating the ability to deliver service of a specific quality. LIFE FORCE is committed to the standards set forth by CAMTS and continues to participate in the process.  Prior to the site survey, LIFE FORCE submitted information that included policies and procedures, meeting minutes, shift schedules, quality metric reports and education records. The program was reviewed on program management and corporate ethics, quality management, patient care, staff onboarding, continuing education, medical direction, communication standards, aviation standards and safety, and pilot and aviation mechanic standards and safety.
LIFE FORCE has been providing air medical transport to the Chattanooga region for the last 31 years. It operates six bases in Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina that covers over 50,000 square miles. LIFE FORCE is nationally ranked as one of the highest performing air medical programs in the country. On average, LIFE FORCE transports approximately 2,500 patients each year. It is the only air ambulance program in the region that carries ultrasound, blood, and plasma and is credentialed by physicians at Erlanger to perform emergency surgical procedures. All LIFE FORCE flight nurses and paramedics are board-certified in critical care transport. LIFE FORCE is one of only 5% of the country's programs that have achieved and maintains this standard. To learn more about LIFE FORCE, visit www.lifeforceairmed.com. |
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