 Since September, new COVID-19 cases have been increasing faster in rural counties, according to a new report by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
“It’s particularly worrisome to see high rates of COVID spread in our rural counties as healthcare can be harder to access. Most rural hospitals are small, and some are already feeling stretched to their capacity limits,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. The report, which looks at data since the start of the pandemic, found that since September 2020:
North Carolinians can slow the spread of COVID-19 by practicing the 3Ws: Wearing a face mask whenever they are with others that do not live in their household, waiting 6 feet apart and avoiding crowds, and washing hands often.  Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the state is providing COVID-19 tests to colleges and universities across North Carolina to help bolster schools’ student testing efforts in advance of Thanksgiving and holiday break.
NCDHHS is sending a total of 74,470 federally-funded rapid antigen tests to public and private colleges and universities across North Carolina, including historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), to test students before they travel home or celebrate the holidays with people who live outside their household. Additionally, NCDHHS is working with local health departments in Guilford, Harnett, New Hanover, Mecklenburg and Pitt counties to host community testing events near college and university campuses for students who need tests before the end of the semester. These testing efforts are part of an ongoing partnership with colleges, universities and HBCUs across the state. “Getting COVID-19 tests to college campuses is one way we can prevent more viral spread across the state as students go home,” Governor Cooper said. “However, wearing a mask and maintaining social distance continue to be our strongest weapons against this virus as we approach the winter holidays.” “We encourage everyone to plan ahead and get a COVID-19 test before they leave campus or gather with friends and family over the holidays,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, MD. “But even if a test result is negative, it’s not a guarantee. Tests represent a moment in time. So students and their families should still practice the 3Ws and wear a mask, wash hands often, and keep a distance of 6 feet from others.” North Carolina is experiencing high numbers of COVID-19 cases across the state, and NCDHHS urges caution when gathering for Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations. Limiting travel and gatherings with anyone outside a person’s household is the safest way to celebrate. For those who wish to travel or celebrate the holiday with people who do not live in their household, NCDHHS recommends a COVID-19 test three to four days in advance. NCDHHS also released guidance for students to help them have safer holiday breaks. This guidance includes recommendations for quarantining and isolation, precautions and preventive measures students can take while on holiday break, and recommendations for steps to take when returning to campus after the holidays. Since the spring, NCDHHS has communicated regularly with schools across the state and has conducted more intensive outreach to support schools with multiple clusters or outbreaks by providing guidance and resources such as surge testing and support for isolation and quarantine, contact tracing, and case investigations. NCDHHS Reports Highest One-Day Increase of COVID-19 Positive Tests; More than 3,000 Cases Reported11/11/2020
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the state’s highest one day number of COVID-19 cases with 3,119 cases reported. Other key metrics also increased with hospitalizations at 1,246 and the percent of tests that were positive climbing to 7.9 percent.
“This is not the milestone we want to be hitting, particularly as we head into holidays where people want to come together. I am asking North Carolinians to do what they do best, look out for each other. Wear a mask. Wait six feet apart. Wash your hands often. We’ve had more time to learn about this devastating virus and study after study shows that these three simple actions can help keep our family, friends and neighbors from getting sick,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. 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. Yesterday, Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina’s indoor mass gathering limit will be lowered to 10 people in an effort to drive down COVID-19 metrics. Executive Order 176 will go into effect on Friday, November 13 and will be in place through Friday, December 4. State health officials advise people to avoid travel over Thanksgiving and only gather with people in your household. For those that do plan to travel or get together with others, 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 Thanksgiving Holiday. Melissa Metcalf Le Roy believes her father, the late Oscar William Metcalf Jr., would have been the first to apply for membership in Western Carolina University’s new Veterans and Military Alumni Society. Metcalf, a decorated Vietnam War vet, died Oct. 18, at the age of 72 in Shelbyville, Tennessee. “He dearly loved Western,” said Le Roy. “He was proud of his alma mater, the opportunities it gave him. He went to college while working full time and raising a young family. The university supported him, and (his bachelor’s degree) really meant something.” With the nation’s annual observance of Veterans Day upon us, WCU’s Office of Alumni Engagement is launching a new alumni group designed to help former students with service in the U.S. Armed Forces connect with one another – and with their alma mater. The typical member of the alumni society would be anyone who has served or is serving in the military, said Elizabeth Qualls, coordinator of affinity programs for WCU Alumni Engagement. Both in-person and virtual events are planned for participants to socialize and find common bonds and support. “Since the society will be most successful when alumni are interested and participating, we will be taking suggestions from members for events and activities,” Qualls said. “The opportunities are endless. Our main goal is to have an alumni society where they can build a community and have events tailored to their interests. WCU will also provide mentoring opportunities and different ways for alumni to engage with the university.” Metcalf had been looking forward to such involvement, Le Roy said. He had been scheduled for an honor flight to Washington, D.C., that was unfortunately canceled because of the pandemic. A special ceremony prior to Veterans Day was scheduled for him at the Bedford County, Tennessee, courthouse on Sunday, Nov. 8. Even though Metcalf, an Asheville native, died from cancer prior to the ceremony, the event went ahead as planned, with his family being formally recognized. Among the medals and commemorative items presented was a Zippo lighter. “That was special. Dad had an inscribed USS America Zippo lighter during the war,” Le Roy said. “But when I was born, he was determined to quit smoking. So, one day, as he drove to Cullowhee for class and instinctively went to light a cigarette, he instead tossed the lighter and cigarette out the window. He successfully quit smoking, but later wished he done it without losing the lighter. This replica was to replace that keepsake.” A celebration of life for Metcalf’s friends and family in Western North Carolina will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, at Jackson Park in Hendersonville. For more information on the WCU Veterans and Military Alumni Society, contact Qualls at 828-227-7335 or equalls@wcu.edu.
 Governor Roy Cooper announced today that North Carolina’s indoor mass gathering limit will be lowered to 10 people in an effort to drive down North Carolina’s key COVID-19 metrics. Executive Order 176 will go into effect on Friday, November 13 and will be in place through Friday, December 4.
"This reduction in our indoor gathering limit aims to slow the spread and bring down our numbers," Governor Cooper said. "It also sends a serious signal to families, friends and neighbors across our state. Success in slowing the spread will help our businesses." As the weather gets colder, more people will be gathering indoors. Science has shown that indoor gatherings increase risk of transmission of COVID-19, and this Executive Order seeks to limit indoor gatherings that could rapidly and dangerously spread the virus. The Order does not change the reduced capacity limits for certain businesses that have already been laid out. For more on this, read the Frequently Asked Questions document. Governor Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen also underscored the need for people to wear a mask anytime they gather with people outside of their immediate household. As the holiday season approaches, NCDHHS released health guidance to help people celebrate as safely as possible without spreading the virus. “Let’s keep our friends, family, and loved ones safe this holiday season. If you are going to travel or get together, plan ahead to reduce the risk to your family and friends,” said NCDHHS Secretary Cohen. “Remember, it’s not how well you know someone when it comes to wearing a mask. If they don’t live with you, get behind the mask.“ Dr. Cohen also provided an update on North Carolina’s data and trends. Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days
Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days
Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days
In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread in testing, tracing and prevention. Testing
Tracing Capability
Personal Protective Equipment
Read Executive Order 176. Read a Frequently Asked Questions document about the Order. Read the slides from today’s briefing. Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief Program Expands Also today, Governor Cooper announced that full-service restaurants are now eligible for assistance through the Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief Program (MURR) administered by the NC Department of Commerce. These businesses may apply for up to 4 months of rent or mortgage interest capped at $20,000 per location for up to 2 locations. Businesses can learn more and apply by visiting www.nccommerce.com/murr.  Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital (EWCH) welcomes primary care Drs. Terry Fokakis, Stacie Gilmore and Jillian Irwin to Erlanger Medical Group. Drs. Fokakis and Gilmore are seeing patients at Erlanger Primary Care located in Murphy at 183 Ledford St. Dr. Irwin is accepting patients at the Hayesville office, located at 146 U.S. Highway 64 E. “The addition of new physicians to our community is the key to a healthier community,” said EWCH Chief of Staff Dr. Thomas Clayton. “More of our neighbors can now establish long-term medical relationships, schedule routine care close to home and maintain critical health history.” Dr. Fokakis is a board-certified family medicine physician who cares for patients of all ages. His clinical interests include office-based procedures, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, Opioid Use Disorder, colon cancer screenings, women’s health and family planning, HIV, and Hepatitis C. He earned a master’s degree in biomedical sciences before attending William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, Miss. Before joining Erlanger, Dr. Fokakis completed a family medicine residency at McLennan County Medical Education and Research Foundation in Waco, Texas. Dr. Gilmore is a family medicine physician who has experience in both hospital and clinic settings, helping patients of all ages manage a wide variety of chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, chronic lung disease, cholesterol and lipid disorders, arthritis, dementia, and many others. Prior to medical school, Dr. Gilmore trained as a cultural anthropologist. She decided to pursue medical training to help fill the need for dedicated rural physicians. She attended the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga., and completed family medicine residency training at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood, S.C. Dr. Irwin is a board-certified internal medicine physician who uses a holistic, patient-centered approach to create unique, individualized treatment plans in an effort to help patients reach their health goals. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian. Following her undergraduate education at Harvard University, Dr. Irwin attended the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. While there she also obtained a master’s degree in public health. She then completed an internal medicine residency at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where she served as a trustee to the Maryland Medical Society Board and was a resident leader and community liaison for the Johns Hopkins Medicine for the Greater Good Initiative. In addition to her primary care focus, Dr. Irwin’s interests include mental health and population health. “Erlanger heard the community when they asked for primary care physicians, and we continue to bring talented practitioners to the western North Carolina area in an effort to improve the region’s overall health,” said Erlanger Medical Group Senior Vice President Meridith O’Keefe. “Drs. Fokakis, Gilmore and Irwin are superb physicians who will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the community. They are eager to get to know their patients and the region.” To make an appointment with Dr. Fokakis or Dr. Gilmore in Murphy, please call 828-837-4712. To make an appointment with Dr. Irwin at the Hayesville location, please call 828-389-3608. To learn more about Erlanger Primary Care, visit erlanger.org/primarycare. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced it has upgraded the mobile-friendly ePASS website to include a Spanish language option. The enhancement to the state’s online application portal for Medicaid and Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) provides access to program information in Spanish, as well as the ability to complete the application process online in Spanish, which was previously only possible using a paper form.
"Removing language barriers helps meet the needs of a wider population, while continuing to support the practice of social distancing measures," said NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for NC Medicaid Dave Richard. "The entire application process can be accomplished from the safety and convenience of the home." Additional ePASS features that were updated in June 2020 include:
These improvements will remain in place beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and do not impact previously submitted applications. Questions about an existing application should still be directed to county departments of social services. To learn more about the new features of NC FAST’s ePASS upgrade, visit the Medicaid / NC Health Choice webpage or the NCDHHS Food and Nutrition Service webpage. -- NCDHHS publica aplicaciones en línea mejoradas para Medicaid y servicios de alimentación y nutrición El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte anunció hoy que se ha actualizado el sitio web ePASS para que sea compatible con dispositivos móviles que incluyen una opción al español. La modificación del portal de solicitud en línea para Medicaid y Servicios de Alimentos y Nutrición (conocido por sus siglas en inglés como FNS) provee acceso a la información del programa en español, así como la capacidad de completar el proceso de solicitud en español en línea. Anteriormente solo era posible mediante un formulario en papel. "Eliminando las barreras del idioma ayuda a satisfacer las necesidades de una población más amplia mientras continúa apoyando la práctica de medidas de distanciamiento social," dijo el secretario adjunto de NCDHHS, Dave Richard. "Todo el proceso de solicitud se puede realizar desde la seguridad y la comodidad del hogar." Adicional Las características de ePASS que se actualizaron en junio de 2020 incluyen:
Estas mejoras permanecerán vigentes más allá de la pandemia de COVID-19 y no afectarán las solicitudes enviadas anteriormente. Las preguntas sobre una solicitud existente deben dirigirse a los departamentos de servicios sociales del condado. Para obtener más información sobre las nuevas funciones de la actualización ePASS de NC FAST, visite la página web de Medicaid/NC Health Choice o la página web del Servicio de Alimentos y Nutrición de NCDHHS.  Renters suffering COVID-related financial hardship urged to apply by Nov. 11 The application period for the N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program will close at 6 p.m. on November 11th. Prior to the deadline, low- to moderate-income renters experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 are encouraged to apply online at nc211.org/hope or by calling 2-1-1 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Administered by the N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency in the Department of Public Safety, the HOPE Program promotes housing stability during the ongoing pandemic by providing rent and utility assistance to prevent evictions and utility disconnections. Since the application period opened on Oct. 15, more than 37,000 people have applied for assistance through the program, which is expected to deplete currently allotted funds. State officials are working to obtain additional funding to ensure that even more North Carolinians receive pandemic-related financial assistance. HOPE Program funding is provided to the state through U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant−Coronavirus Response and U.S. Department of Treasury Coronavirus Relief allocations. To date, North Carolina has directed $167 million to the HOPE Program and will close the application period to ensure necessary funds for current applicants. To be eligible for rent and/or utility assistance, renters must be at least one month behind on their rent or utilities when they apply, have a current household income that is 80 percent of the area median income or lower, and must have had their ability to pay rent or utilities affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Under Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 171 issued Oct. 28, initially eligible program applicants may not be evicted for non-payment through Dec. 31, 2020. Renters can apply for utility assistance, rent assistance or both programs. Once approved, rent will be paid to the landlord on behalf of the applicant, including overdue and future rent payments for up to six months. Utility payments will be made directly to the utility provider for up to six months of past due essential utilities, such as electricity, water, sewer/wastewater, natural gas and propane. To learn more about the HOPE Program, visit nc211.org/hope.  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released new guidance for Thanksgiving celebrations and Black Friday shopping to help North Carolinians gauge the risks, protect their friends and loved ones, and slow the spread of COVID-19.
"The best way to protect loved ones during Thanksgiving is to limit travel and gatherings with anyone who does not live in your household," said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. "If you do plan to get together, there are important steps you can take to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 to your family and friends." Because North Carolina is experiencing high numbers of COVID-19 cases across the state, NCDHHS urges caution when gathering for Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations, especially for gatherings that include people who are at a higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19, such as anyone over the age of 65. If people do plan on traveling or gathering, they should consider having a screening COVID-19 test three to four days ahead of time. A screening test can help someone know if they have COVID-19 even if they do not have yet have symptoms. However, a screening test can miss some infections. Furthermore, a negative test only gives you information for that point in time. Screening tests are available at state-funded community testing events. Call ahead to other testing sites to see if they offer screening tests at their locations. Community testing events and other testing sites are listed online at ncdhhs.gov/testingplace. "Consider getting a screening test ahead of your Thanksgiving travel or gathering. If you test positive, stay home and isolate. If you test negative, it’s not a free pass. Wear a mask and practice all 3Ws, including keeping 6 feet of distance from others and washing hand often," Secretary Cohen said. 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 Thanksgiving Holiday. During Black Friday shopping, it is strongly recommended individuals do not participate in any traditional Black Friday shopping where customers gather in large groups waiting for the store to open or are in crowded stores for extended times. Any large gathering of people poses an increased risk for spreading COVID-19. People at high risk for COVID-19 complications should limit in-person shopping. And people who have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19, have COVID-19 like symptoms or who have been exposed to COVID-19, should not shop in person until their isolation or quarantine period is over. Individuals who do shop in person should follow the 3Ws and remember stores are limited to 50 percent capacity. For further Black Friday guidance, including step-by-step tips for how to reduce risk while shopping, see the NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Black Friday Shopping. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the launch of NC Medicaid’s managed care enrollment website, www.ncmedicaidplans.gov, in preparation for the launch of Medicaid Managed Care scheduled for July 1, 2021.
The purpose of the enrollment website is to help Medicaid beneficiaries learn more about Medicaid Managed Care. In 2015, the NC General Assembly enacted legislation directing NCDHHS to transition Medicaid and NC Health Choice from a primarily fee-for-service delivery system to managed care. Under managed care, the state contracts with insurance companies, which are paid a predetermined set rate per enrolled person to provide all services. The enrollment website provides information about who will have to choose a health plan, who will stay in the traditional Medicaid program (NC Medicaid Direct) and who can choose between the two. It will also share the basic medical and behavioral health benefits that are offered. There will be a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help beneficiaries understand the changes. Most people currently receiving Medicaid benefits will need to enroll in Medicaid Managed Care. Open enrollment will begin March 15, 2021, and will continue through May 14, 2021. Medicaid beneficiaries will be able to choose from five health plans — WellCare, United HealthCare, Healthy Blue, AmeriHealth Caritas and Carolina Complete Health (serving regions 3, 4 and 5). Those who are federally recognized tribal members or qualify for Indian Health Services are exempt from managed care. Those who live in Cherokee, Graham, Haywood, Jackson or Swain counties or in a neighboring county may choose to enroll in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Tribal Option. A small number of people will not need to choose a Medicaid Managed Care health plan because of the type of health services they need. They will stay enrolled in NC Medicaid Direct. To learn more, beneficiaries can visit the NC Medicaid Direct services page on the enrollment website. Features that will be added to the Medicaid Managed Care enrollment website in January 2021 include:
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