 Stabilizing trends are good but fragile, and now is the time to double down on safety measures
Read the Executive Order Governor Roy Cooper today announced that North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 for another 5 weeks as students and staff return to schools, colleges and universities and the state doubles down on efforts to decrease COVID-19 numbers. “Other states that lifted restrictions quickly have had to go backward as their hospital capacity ran dangerously low and their cases jumped higher. We will not make that mistake in North Carolina,” said Governor Cooper. “In keeping with our dimmer switch approach with schools opening, and in order to push for decreasing numbers which will keep people healthier and boost our economy, North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 for 5 weeks.” Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shared an update on North Carolina’s data trends. Dr. Cohen explained that while some of North Carolina’s numbers have mostly leveled, any progress is fragile as other states have shown with sudden and devastating surges in viral spread. “While overall we are seeing signs of stability, we still have much work to do. Our recent trends show us what is possible when we commit to slowing the spread by wearing face coverings and following those simple but powerful 3Ws,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
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 While testing turnaround times have improved, the number of tests done has decreased over the past week. Testing is a priority for anyone who has symptoms or those who may have been exposed to COVID-19, including:
Tracing Capability We continue hiring contact tracers to bolster the efforts of local health departments. There are over 1,500 full-time and part-time staff supporting contact tracing efforts, including the 615 Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) contact tracers. Personal Protective Equipment
View the slides and graphs from today’s presentation. Read the Executive Order.  Tri-County Community College would like to congratulate the following students on being selected for academic honors on the President’s and Dean’s list for the spring and summer 2020 semesters. We are proud of our students for their dedication during an unprecedented year at TCCC.
Students are selected for the President’s list at the end of each semester in which they have earned 6 or more credit hours in a degree, diploma, or certificate program; have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or greater and a semester grade point average of 4.0; and have no grades of F, I, NM or U for that semester. Students are selected for the Dean’s list at the end of each semester in which they have earned 6 or more credit hours in a degree, diploma, or certificate program; have earned a current semester grade point average and cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or greater; and have no grades of F, I, NM or U for that semester. Printed certificates are available by request. Please email your name and mailing address to marketing@tricountycc.edu to request a certificate. Note: Requests must come from the student directly. Due to privacy laws, TCCC cannot release certificates to anyone but the student. Please allow up to 2 weeks to receive your certificate. The students who achieved President’s and Dean’s list status for the spring and summer 2020 semesters at Tri-County Community College are listed below. Spring 2020 President’s List: Abigail J. Odell, Adam S. Moore, Addisyn G. Hardin, Aidan K. Orlandi, Aidan L. Odell, Aleah J. Brown, Aleen M. Whyte, Alexander B. Huskins, Alexander E. Clevez, Alexander T. Crowder, Alexus A. Pittner, Alicia R. Teague, Allana C. Johnson, Allen S. Chambers, Allison C. Grove, Allison Thomas, Ally R. Ayers, Alyssa D. Smith, Alyssa H. Hawkins, Amanda I. Monroe, Amber J. Thompson, Amber K. Steele, Amy D. Smith, Andrew R. Monroe, Andrew S. Bryson, Andy Tatham, Ann K. Lukens, Anna T. Chandler, Annie D. Brooks, Annie K. Dalton, Ashley S. Hyde, Austin B. Zangara, Austin W. Scott, Ava E. Barlow, Ayana Yan, Azucena Renteria-Cortes, Bailey G. Johnson, Bethany G. Collins, Bethany W. Orr, Billie F. Cook, Braylee Miles, Brionna G. Sparks, Brittany A. Steele, Brittany L. Stainback, Brooklyn G. Taylor, Brooklynn D. Jones, Bryce E. Teesateskie, Cade R. Ward, Cameron R. Gray, Camron M. Turner, Carlee M. Catuto, Carlie A. Whidden, Carmelita H. Cote, Cassandra D. Patterson, Cassandra M. Schreiber, Cassie Lowrance, Chandler A. Jankiewicz, Chase A. Pierce, Chase C. Heier, Chase D. Roberts, Chloe Decker, Christopher J. Zangara, Jr., Ciara P. Elrod, Cody J. Bober, Collin D. Parker, Connor D. Davis, Cordelia G. Lamoureux, Cristal G. Resendiz, Cynthia A. Popular, Dalia L. Escobar, Dalson C. Jordan, David R. Hughes, Deborah L. Meigs, Deborah L. Smith, Deloris D. Carver, Derek M. Dicicco, Destiny B. Sneed, Destiny J. Teems, Devonne L. Martin, Dria Reed, Dylaina M. Hampton, Eleea A. Crowe, Elysse H. Byrd, Emily H. Barnes, Emily H. Tomczak, Emily L. Panehal, Emily L. Parker, Emily M. Shook, Emma F. Nichols, Emma G. Wiggins, Emma M. Simmons, Emma R. Jacobs, Erika D. Haney, Erika Franks, Erin D. Manuel, Erin I. Ledbetter, Ethan P. Beavers, Faith L. White, Grace K. Nelson, Gracie F. Ledford, Gracie Prohl, Gracie W. Mock, Grant M. Brewer, Hailey L. Rhoney, Hailey N. Bowman, Halee R. Anderson, Hana G. Rogers, Hannah L. Carroll, Hannah L. Norton, Hayley S. Bretsch, Heather L. Pratt, Heather L. Temple, Heaven M. Cordell, Hunter Anderson, Hunter W. Burrell, Isaac D. Penley, Isaac J. Brown, Izabella L. Hanold, Jackson D. Virtanen, Jacob M. Christiansen, Jaden A. Shorette, James F. Maennle, James P. Cable, James Parker, Jannah L. Pond, Jared D. Melillo, Jared Wills, Jasmine B. Weaver, Jeb C. Shuler, Jennifer L. Crocker, Jensen B. Carver, Jessica L. Amantiad, Jesse B. Kephart, Joe T. Moses, Jordan Phillips, Joseph C. Farmer, Joseph Keener, Joshua L. Stephenson, Jozef D. Rhea, Juliana K. Aiken, Juliette P. Martinez, Justice M. Dorsey, Kaitlyn A. Cabe, Kaitlyn E. Deeds, Kaitlynn Tant, Kaleb E. Laney, Kandee E. Stewart, Karlyn B. Matheson, Katherine A. Davis, Kathryn M. Peters, Kayla M. Murray, Kayla N. Clonts, Kayln E. Roberts, Kena J. Grindstaff, Kendyl N. Hohmann, Kennedy C. Colbert-Carr, Kennedy G. Cable, Kenneth B. Parker, Kenneth R. Geurts, Khrystyne Larson, Kiera E. Lewis, Kimberly N. Ledford, Koda W. Moody, Kolby P. Brooks, Kristian L. Romesberg, Krysta L. Morgan, Lacyn E. Miller, Lady-Guinevere Magers, Laguna P. Bateman, Lanie M. Stewart, Lauren E. Turner, Leah R. Cody, Leigha G. Nix, Leigha M. Beaver, Leland P. Larson, III, Leslie E. Hall, Lilah B. Terrell, Lillith M. Johnson, Linaysha Pagan, Lindsay E. Mays, Lindy S. Garrett, Lucille M. Crayton, Luis A. Ramirez-Jaime, MacKenzie A. Grove, Madeline P. Edwards, Madison A. Daniels, Madison C. Ellison, Madison G. Crawford, Madison P. Worley, Madison T. Sanchez, Maggie E. Plemmons, Maggie E. Thurmond, Makayla H. West, Makayla J. Kaiser, Mariah D. Austin, Marissa N. Wilson, Marlena Kelly, MaryRita C. Balogh, Matthew B. Lowe, Matthew C. Van Horn, Matthew J. Jones, Matthew L. White, Maureen J. Ryan, Meg T. Barton, Michael J. Sisum, Michaela A. Murphy, Michelle L. Hollifield, Monica E. Waldroup, Moriah E. Miller, Natalie E. Gray, Natalie K. Nicholson, Nataly F. Tomczak, Natasha Lequire, Nathan F. Collins, Nicholas H. Graham, Nicholas T. Selwyn, Nikki L. Darnell, Noah Spence, Pamela L. Shepard, Reagan L. Bunch, Rebekah A. Stewart, Ronald Shipman, Rosabella J. Debty, Ryan E. Brown, Rylee N. Jerez, Samantha J. Calascione, Samantha K. Buchanan, Sarah A. Ledford, Sarah A. Pullium, Sarah G. Zipperer-Price, Sarah S. Gibby, Savanna G. Annis, Savannah S. Coker, Sean W. Riley, Selah Werner, Seth C. Laney, Shawna F. Vasser, Shelby L. McDonald, Skylan C. Garcia, Sophia L. Hogsed, Spencer K. Guess, Stephanie M. Brendle, Sydney B. Bolyard, Sydney P. Patterson, Sydni L. Addison, Tammie E. Hanna, Tara D. Scott, Taylor E. Gibson, Tess E. Diffenderffer, Tierra N. Gibson, Tisha D. Paskanik, Torin A. Rogers, Townsend L. LaTulipe, Trina P. Chodos, Trinity A. Garrett, Trista L. Jones, Tyler L. Anderson, Tyler M. Adams, Verna M. Townson, Vina Bui, Weston C. Bryan, Wilhem D. Crisp, William B. Crayton, William E. Defee, Willow L. Trantham, Zane H. Hincke, Zeel Desai Dean’s List: Adam M. Fleischer, Aleayah F. Cox, Alyssa D. Jones, Alyssa K. Messer, Alyssa L. Daniel, Amy J. Ortiz, Andrew J. Martin, Angela M. Jones, Angelo V. Scionti, April V. Queen, Ashley M. Bartlett, Ashley N. Briggs, Audrey F. Prichard, Avery J. Taylor, Billy R. Almond, Bree E. Patterson, Breeanna J. Self, Brelynn R. Lovingood, Brianna D. Mitchell, Brody C. Holloway, Cambrie D. Lovin, Carissa P. Long, Caroline R. El-Khouri, Chase M. Sanders, Chloe E. Roe, Christian K. Gentry, Colby I. Davis, Collin S. Davis, Cortney J. Rhodes, Dalton R. West, Daniel Braybon, Daniel J. Avent, Dericka J. Farley, Dezeray K. Adams, Elijah S. Roberts, Elizabeth M. Selby, Gabrielle S. Mason, Gage J. Gillespie, Garrett H. Goins, Grace I. Henderson, Haleigh A. Thomasson, Haley M. Craig, Hannah B. Rudy, Hannah K. Bailey, Hannah N. Sullivan, Hannah R. Hatcher, Isabell D. Denny, Isabella S. Rogers, Isaiah D. Consolo, Ivy N. Anderson, Jacqueline I. Breazeale, Jade C. Stiles, Jeffrey W. Ramsey, Jennifer Baker, Jennifer H. Rayfield, Jesse B. Self, Jessica M. Sills, John D. McHan, Jr., Johnathan L. Hedden, Joseph N. Almond, Julie S. Reel, Kailey S. Graves, Kaitlin S. Odell, Kaitlyn B. Gibson, Kayley R. Sells, Kenneth B. Dockery, Kera S. Malin, Kolby P. Brooks, Kylan L. Bunch, Kyle D. Mullins, Lee A. Anderson, Leyla M. Hall, Lucas W. Buchanan, Madeline L. Davis, Madison M. Livingston, Madison M. Shepherd, Madison V. Lail, Maryanne B. Gottlieb, Matthew T. Morris, Max K. Smith, Michael G. Ledford, Morgan E. Glenn, Rachel A. Dockery, Raymond T. Hollenbeck, Rudy J. Seaker, Samantha L. Grant, Sarah J. Grubb, Shawn W. Jones, Shelby H. Cable, Spencer B. Bateman, Stacy L. Packer, Sydney F. Elliott, Taylor M. Brenna, Tiffany P. Trentham, Timothy S. Crawford, Trinity A. Wilkes, William V. Coffey, Zachariah C. Taylor, Zoie E. Lucksavage Summer 2020 President’s List: Aidan L. Odell, Alexander B. Huskins, Alyson R. Palmer, Alyssa D. Smith, Alyssa L. Daniel, Alyssa R. Hooper, Angela M. Jones, Angelo V. Scionti, Annie K. Dalton, Ava E. Barlow, Baylee Y. Parham, Billy R. Almond, Cameron R. Gray, Carrie J. Colwell, Chase A. Pierce, Chase C. Heier, Chloe Decker, Christian K. Gentry, Cortney J. Rhodes, Cristal G. Resendiz, Dalson C. Jordan, Danelle F. Whitaker, David R. Hughes, Dyanna L. Holloway, Dylaina M. Hampton, Elijah S. Roberts, Emily L. Parker, Emma D. Champion, Emma D. Grindstaff, Erika D. Haney, Faith L. White, Gracie W. Mock, Hallie A. Johnson, Hayley S. Bretsch, Heaven M. Cordell, Hunter W. Burrell, Isaac J. Brown, Jaden A. Shorette, James Parker, Jennifer Baker, Joe T. Moses, Jordan Phillips, Journie R. Newton, Kailey S. Graves, Kaitlin S. Odell, Kaitlyn E. Deeds, Kandee E. Stewart, Kenneth B. Dockery, Khrystyne Larson, Kiara T. Anderson, Kimberly J. Leitner, Kinsley R. Gunter, Kolby P. Brooks, Kolby R. Stiles, Krysta L. Morgan, Kyle D. Mullins, Lauren E. Turner, Lila G. Roberts, MacKenzie B. Stalcup, Madison P. Worley, Maggie E. Plemmons, Makayla H. West, Mariah D. Austin, Marissa N. Wilson, Mary E. Nicholson, Matthew J. Jones, Matthew T. Morris, Max K. Smith, Melissa G. Lowe, Michael G. Ledford, Nicholas H. Graham, Ravin B. Wright, Reagan E. Ditmore, Reagan L. Bunch, Robert E. Barnes, Ronald Shipman, Sabrina G. Jones, Sarah A. Ledford, Sean M. Lipes, Shannon D. Chastain, Shayla A. Bush, Spencer B. Bateman, Spencer K. Guess, Taylor A. Gayton, Taylor M. Brenna, Weston C. Bryan, William V. Coffey Dean’s List: Abbie E. Jones, Abigail S. Jacobs, Brianna J. Rickett, Brooke B. Phillips, Cassandra D. Patterson, Chase M. Sanders, Christopher J. Zangara, Jr., Dezeray K. Adams, Elizabeth F. Beck, Emma G. Wiggins, Heather L. Pratt, Ivy N. Anderson, James P. Cable, Joshua L. Jones, Julie S. Reel, Kaleb E. Laney, Kylan L. Bunch, Lacyn E. Miller, McKensie R. Pinder, Morgan E. Glenn, Rachel A. Dockery, Rhonda A. Warman, Savannah S. Coker, Willow L. Trantham, Xander D. Guyette, Zoe C. Titlebaum  Plans include considerations to keep people protected from COVID-19
North Carolina is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Isaias with plans including safeguards for COVID-19. Governor Roy Cooper and State Emergency Management leaders updated the public today, urging them to track the storm and prepare for wind and rain. In preparation for the storm, Governor Cooper declared a state of emergency to issue transportation waivers to allow trucks and supplies to move to where help is needed. The state Emergency Operations Center – already activated for COVID-19 – has activated for the storm as well, and state and local response teams are at the ready. “Although the track and arrival of the hurricane could still change, now is the time for North Carolinians to prepare,” said Governor Cooper. “Hurricane preparations will be different given the COVID-19 pandemic, and families need to keep that in mind as they get ready.” The current forecast is for Hurricane Isaias to increase in intensity over the next 24 hours. The storm shifted west Friday afternoon, and its speed and path indicate it could reach North Carolina as early as Monday, making its greatest impact Monday night and Tuesday. However, the state is already seeing signs of the storm with high risk of dangerous rip currents along the coast, and the danger of tropical storm force winds is increasing. North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM), NC National Guard (NCNG), and the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) are coordinating on where to stage Unmanned Aircraft Systems drone teams in the field based on the storm’s track to provide post-event damage assessments. The NCNG also has 75 guardsman and high water vehicles on standby should they be activated to respond. The NC Department of Transportation has more than 1,800 personnel, 1,550 pieces of equipment and more than 1,000 chainsaws ready to respond if needed. They have also suspended passenger ferry today, began voluntary evacuations of Ocracoke, waived tolls on evacuation routes, and are preparing facilities and mooring plans for vessels for storm conditions. Some local governments have already issued evacuation orders. While the state is still combating the COVID-19 pandemic, the state is urging people to make every effort to stay with family and friends, or even a hotel, as the first option. The state will coordinate shelters for those who need to evacuate and this will be an option for those who need it. People should follow local evacuation orders should they be issued. Evacuees may find that sheltering looks different this year. Some changes may include:
North Carolina has recently introduced the Know Your Zone program in the 20 North Carolina coastal counties. For more information or to learn your zone, visit knowyourzone.nc.gov. Read the Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency for Hurricane Isaias.  The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the N.C. Department of Public Instruction a $17.6 million grant to develop innovative instructional approaches to better meet student needs during disruptions to schooling such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
North Carolina is one of 11 states to share in $180 million under the federal Rethink K-12 Education Models Grant program to support states’ efforts to improve teaching and learning during the current crisis as well as others that may occur in the future. The other 10 states to be awarded grants, ranging from $6 million to $20 million are Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas. In North Carolina, the grant will fund an initiative to create a statewide “blended” instructional model that will combine both remote and in-person instruction. According to the state’s grant proposal, the effort is aimed at stabilizing or improving student achievement during disruptions to regular school, to better prepare teachers for digital-age instruction and to strengthen preparedness by schools and communities for events that may interrupt student learning. The effort will focus primarily on 45 of the state’s most rural and economically disadvantaged communities. “I appreciate the hard work of the staff at DPI to make this grant possible so that we can meet our students’ instructional needs,” said State Superintendent Mark Johnson. “These funds will go a long way to making sure that students and teachers in North Carolina are prepared despite the disruptions that could affect normal instruction and learning.” The state’s “Light the Way” blended instructional model will use grant funds to build teacher capacity through a high-quality professional development certification process, provide new standards-aligned virtual course content that focuses on grades kindergarten through eighth grade with a particular focus on both online and off-line learning options to reinforce equity of access. The effort aims also to provide mobile-friendly learning resources and technical assistance for parents. By the end of the North Carolina’s nearly three-year initiative, more than 50,000 teachers statewide – about half the state’s teaching force -- are projected to have received specialized support in the blended learning model. While all districts and charter schools will have open access to instructional training and content resources through the program, targeted assistance will be provided to the state’s 45 most economically distressed and rural counties. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said in a statement today that the coronavirus pandemic demands innovation from local education leaders with a clear focus on student needs. “This grant will help states adapt and overcome challenges to strengthen education both now and for the longer term,” DeVos said. “If we’ve learned anything from this pandemic, it’s that the antiquated one-size-fits-all approach to education is no longer tenable and education going forward must be more adaptable and student-centered. I want to congratulate today’s awardees for making the needed effort to rethink education on behalf of their students.” Applications were evaluated by a panel of independent peer reviewers, and the highest-scoring applications received funding. Given the nature of the national emergency, states with the highest coronavirus burden were prioritized.  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Nutrition Services Branch announces its annual participation in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), ensuring children and adults continue to have access to good nutrition. NCDHHS is committed to providing nutritious food especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and USDA flexibilities are in place to facilitate meeting participants’ needs during this challenging time. CACFP is a federal program that provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults who attend qualifying non-residential care facilities, such as child care centers, family child care homes and adult day care centers. The meals and snacks meet nutrition standards set by the USDA. Most participating child care centers and all family child care homes do not have separate meal fees for enrolled participants. Reimbursement rates for meals served are based on the household incomes of those enrolled for care. Each year, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) uses federal poverty information to update Income Eligibility Guidelines for CACFP. The guidelines determine an enrolled participant’s eligibility for free and reduced-price meals. The following guidelines are effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021:  Children who receive benefits through TANF, SNAP or Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or who are Head Start participants, homeless or migrants, are automatically eligible to receive free meal benefits. Adults who receive benefits through TANF, SNAP or FDPIR, or who participate in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, are also automatically eligible for free meal benefits.
To learn more about how CACFP and how the program contributes to the wellness, healthy growth and development of young children and adults, visit the DPH Nutrition Services Branch website at www.nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm. USDA Anti-Discrimination Policy In accordance with Federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. People with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. USDA Complaint Information To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at How to File a Complaint and at any USDA office. Complaints can also be submitted by letter, addressed to USDA, providing all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit completed forms or letters to USDA by: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 Fax: (202) 690-7442 Email: program.intake@usda.gov Phase 1 awards from Volkswagen settlement funds will grow zero-emission-vehicle fleets and infrastructure Governor Roy Cooper announced today that North Carolina has awarded nearly $30 million to replace 111 school buses and 16 transit buses and to install 33 zero emission vehicle (ZEV) fast charging stations across the state. The projects funded by Phase 1 of the Volkswagen Settlement Mitigation Plan will reduce 31.8 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions annually – which is equal to the annual NOx emissions of more than 51,000 passenger cars. “These awards not only put hundreds of children in safer school buses, they also reduce air pollution, encourage electric vehicle use, and advance North Carolina’s transition to a cleaner economy,” said Governor Roy Cooper. The awards are the first phase of North Carolina’s $92 million share of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s settlement with Volkswagen for unlawfully cheating on vehicle emissions. Gov. Cooper designated the Department of Environmental Quality to administer distribution of the settlement funds. The competitive application process resulted in 116 proposals for two grant programs: the Diesel Bus and Vehicle Program and the ZEV Infrastructure Program. The awards include:
In total, 54% of funding for Phase 1 went to projects in urban/suburban areas and 46% went to projects in rural areas. A total of 174 vehicles will receive full or partial funding for replacement or repower. To read more about the selected projects, the North Carolina mitigation plan for the VW settlement funds and the next steps for Phase 2, visit https://deq.nc.gov/vwsettlement. According to the North Carolina Division of Public Health (DPH), there have been 1,205 heat-related hospital emergency department visits reported since May 1, 2020. The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is encouraging people to take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses, especially on hot days.
Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to dehydration, overheating, heat illness or even death. From May 1 to Aug. 31, 2019, there were 3,692 emergency department visits for heat-related illness, similar to the summers of 2017 and 2018. Patients presenting at emergency departments with heat-related illnesses are mostly male, ages 45 to 64, and most have been seen in hospitals in North Carolina’s Piedmont and Coastal regions. Common activities noted in emergency department visits were working outdoors and recreation. NCDHHS public health experts encourage those who must be outdoors during the summer heat to take extra precautions by increasing fluid intake and reducing normal activity levels. Individuals should stay wary of signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms include muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, fainting, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Children, older individuals, outdoor workers and those with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable. To reduce the risk of heat-related illness:
There may be cooling assistance available for those who are eligible:
The heat report describes the number of emergency department visits as reported by NC DETECT, the state’s Disease Event Tracking and Epidemiologic Collection Tool. The statewide surveillance system was created in 2004 by DPH in collaboration with the Carolina Center for Health Informatics in the UNC Department of Emergency Medicine. For more information on how to prevent heat-related health issues, or to sign up to receive the weekly North Carolina Heat Report via email, go to epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/oee/climate/heat.html. Governor Roy Cooper Signs Executive Order No. 153 Limiting the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages After 11 pm
Read the Executive Order With actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 beginning to have impact, Governor Roy Cooper is doubling down on prevention measures with Executive Order 153 stopping the sale of alcoholic drinks in restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries at 11 pm. North Carolina bars that are currently closed will remain closed. This order will take effect Friday, July 31. “Slowing the spread of this virus requires targeted strategies that help lower the risk of transmission,” said Governor Cooper. “This will be particularly important as colleges and universities are scheduled to start, bringing people all over the country to our state. We have seen case numbers increase among younger people, and prevention is critical to slowing the spread of the virus.” The order will not apply to grocery stores, convenience stores or other entities permitted to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption. Local governments that have implemented orders that end alcohol sales before 11 pm or that apply to other entities remain in effect. Also today, NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen gave an update on North Carolina’s data trends. Dr. Cohen explained that while North Carolina’s numbers appear to be stabilizing, officials need more time to watch the data and current levels of cases and hospitalizations remain high. “Seeing glimmers of potential progress does not mean we can let up -- it means it’s time to double down,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, MD. “The positive signs in our trends should only strengthen our resolve to keep at it with those 3 Ws – wear a face covering, wait six feet apart, and wash your hands often.” Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
Laboratory Testing
Read the FAQs. Funding is now available to help North Carolinians in crisis pay cooling or heating bills or secure cooling or heating resources. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Crisis Intervention Program provides assistance to qualified, low-income households who are experiencing a cooling related crisis (or heating related crisis in the winter).
“We know many families are currently facing additional financial hardships due to COVID-19, and this program is designed to bring aid to those in crisis to alleviate cooling or heating emergencies,” said David Locklear, Deputy Director of Economic and Family Services in the Division of Social Services. “North Carolina is moving into its hottest months of the year, and we hope those eligible will take advantage of this program to help keep their families safe and healthy.” A household is in a crisis if it is experiencing or is in danger of experiencing a life-threatening or health related emergency and sufficient, timely and appropriate assistance is not available from any other source. A life-threatening emergency is defined as a household which has no heating or cooling source or has a past due notice for primary heating or cooling service, and the health or well-being of a household member would be in danger if the heating or cooling crisis was not alleviated. The Energy Programs Application form is available for download at https://epass.nc.gov for applicants to print and mail, fax, scan or drop off at a local DSS office after completion. Applications may also be made by calling the county department of social services or at county departments of social services offices, through June 30, 2021, while the funds are available. Households are individually evaluated by county departments of social services staff to determine whether there is a heating or cooling crisis. Benefits for families may vary, depending on the amount needed to alleviate the crisis. To be eligible, a household must have at least one person who meets certain criteria, including being income eligible, and have a heating or cooling related emergency. Full eligibility details are available online at www.ncdhhs.gov/crisis-intervention-program. The Crisis Intervention Program is funded federally by the Administration for Children and Families. The funds are distributed through county departments of social services directly to the vendor or utility company. During state fiscal year 2019-20, county departments of social services helped 137,850 North Carolina households experiencing a crisis by assisting with utility bills or securing fuel or cooling resources. New Immunization Rule to Protect Students from Meningitis Takes Effect in 2020-21 School Year7/27/2020
Effective Aug. 1, 2020, a booster dose of meningococcal conjugant vaccine (MenACWY) is required for students entering the 12th grade in public, private or religious schools in North Carolina. Students who do not meet this requirement may not be allowed to attend school until they receive the booster dose.
The MenACWY vaccine helps protect against four common strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W and Y) that cause diseases including infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia). “The MenACWY vaccine is the best protection against meningococcal disease, which most often affects young people," said Kelly Kimple, M.D., M.P.H., Chief of the Women’s and Children’s Health Section of the Division of Public Health. “It is vital that children and adolescents continue to receive all their immunizations on schedule to ensure they are fully protected against all vaccine-preventable diseases, including some of the major causes of meningitis.” All 11- through 12-year-old adolescents should receive one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine. A booster dose of MenACWY should be given at age 16 for adolescents entering the 12th grade or by 17 years of age, whichever comes first. Adolescents who receive their first dose of MenACWY on or after their 16th birthday do not need a booster dose. There are two age-appropriate vaccines that meet this requirement and provide the necessary protection, Menactra® and Menveo®. If unsure, parents are urged to ask their child’s immunizing provider if they are properly protected, or if an additional vaccine is needed. Teens and young adults are at increased risk for infection with meningococcal disease. Infection has two common outcomes: meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and sepsis (bloodstream infections). Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck. With bloodstream infection, symptoms also include a dark purple rash. About 1 of every 10 people who gets the disease dies from it. Even with treatment, an infection with meningococcal disease can lead to death within a few hours. In non-fatal cases, permanent disabilities can include loss of limbs, hearing loss and brain damage. The bacteria that cause this infection can spread when people have close contact with someone’s saliva, such as through kissing, coughing or sharing eating utensils and cups. Recognizing the importance of immunization, Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed July as Adolescent Immunization Awareness Month in North Carolina. Now, more than ever, public health reminds us of the importance of continued routine vaccination to keep children healthy and avoid the risk of vaccine-preventable disease. For additional information on meningococcal disease and the updated meningococcal immunization (MenACWY) booster requirement, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and our new fact sheet in English or en Español. For more information on all vaccine requirements for 12th graders in North Carolina, go to www.immunize.nc.gov/schools. |
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