Covid 19, Update 4
Governor Cooper Declares State Of Emergency To Respond To Coronavirus COVID-19
Raleigh
Mar 10, 2020
Governor Roy Cooper took the next step in the state’s coronavirus COVID-19 preparedness plan today and issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency. The declaration activates the Emergency Operations Center to help agencies coordinate from one location and makes it easier to purchase needed medical supplies, protect consumers from price gouging, and increase county health departments’ access to state funds.
In addition to Governor Cooper’s emergency declaration, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) is making several recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of people infected.
“The health and safety of North Carolinians is our top priority. We are taking the necessary steps to ensure that North Carolina is prepared and responding to this virus, and this order helps us do that,” said Governor Cooper. “Though we are still in the early stages in North Carolina, time is a valuable resource and we must work together to slow the spread while we can.”
Key provisions in the order are similar to those enacted in a natural disaster. The order will help with the cost burdens and supplies that may be difficult for providers and public health to access due to increased demand. It also increases the state public health department’s role in supporting local health departments, which have been tasked with monitoring quarantines, tracing exposure and administering testing.
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/governor-cooper-declares-state-emergency-respond-coronavirus-covid-19
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COVID-19 Mitigation Guidance
Raleigh
Mar 10, 2020
On Monday, March 9, 2020, NC DHHS confirmed 5 new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wake County, increasing the statewide total to 7. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) is taking proactive steps to protect the health of our community by making recommendations that are meant to slow the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak and reduce the number of people infected.
We understand these actions will have a significant impact on the lives of people in our communities. NC DHHS is making these recommendations based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), current actions by other States, and the most up-to-date epidemiologic information we have to protect the public’s health. This is a critical moment in the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in North Carolina when such measures can potentially impact the spread of the disease. The recommendations should be implemented immediately and extend through March 31, 2020. We are monitoring the situation closely to determine whether these recommendations will be extended beyond March 31st.
HIGH-RISK PERSONS
NC DHHS recommends that people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid large groups of people as much as possible. This includes gatherings such as concert venues, conventions, church services, sporting events, and crowded social events. People at high risk should also avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
People at high risk include anyone:
Over 65 years of age, or
with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, or
with weakened immune systems.
The following recommendations pertain to persons and establishments STATEWIDE.
1) CONGREGATE LIVING FACILITIES
NC DHHS recommends that all facilities that serve as residential establishments for high risk persons described above should limit visitors and restrict all visitors who have respiratory illness or potential exposure to COVID-19. These establishments include: nursing homes, independent and assisted living facilities, correctional facilities, and facilities that care for medically vulnerable children.
2) MASS GATHERING OR LARGE COMMUNITY EVENTS
NC DHHS recommends that event organizers:
Urge anyone who is sick to not attend.
Encourage those who are at high risk, described above, to not attend.
Adopt lenient refund policies for people who are high risk.
Find ways to give people more physical space to limit close contact as much as possible.
Encourage attendees to wash hands frequently.
Clean surfaces with standard cleaners.
3) ALL TRAVELERS
NC DHHS recommends that all travelers returning from countries and US states impacted by COVID-19 follow DHHS guidance on self-monitoring:
4) SCHOOLS
NC DHHS is NOT recommending pre-emptive closure of schools and childcare centers at this time.
The following recommendations pertain to persons and establishments in the TRIANGLE area.
5) WORKPLACE SETTINGS
NC DHHS recommends that employers and employees use teleworking technologies to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, employers should:
Urge employees to stay home when they are sick and maximize flexibility in sick leave benefits.
Consider staggering start and end times to reduce large numbers of people coming together at the same time.
6) MASS GATHERINGS, COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL EVENTS
NC DHHS recommends that organizers of mass gathering events that primarily draw high-risk persons, including those that attract older adults, should consider cancelling or postponing these events.
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/covid-19-mitigation-guidance
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After more COVID-19 cases reported, NC declares state of emergency
March 10, 2020
As coronavirus spreads, Gov. Roy Cooper urges people 65 and older to avoid large crowds. He also pressed the CDC for more materials to test more prospective patients.
By Anne Blythe
Gov. Roy Cooper declares state of emergency to respond to COVID-19 in North Carolina. Photo credit: Anne Blythe
Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency in North Carolina on Tuesday to respond to COVID-19, the coronavirus spreading around the world and across the country.
Health and Human Services Sec. Mandy Cohen speaks to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services on Tuesday morning to brief lawmakers on coronavirus. Photo credit: Rose Hoban
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Though Cooper has declared states of emergency in extreme weather events, he said this one is different in that it could go on for weeks and perhaps months.
In addition to providing more spending and response flexibility, the declaration gives the state more tools to fight price gouging.
“The state of emergency can help speed supplies and gives health care and emergency managers more flexibility,” Cooper said. “…It encourages insurers to make testing available for little or no cost and it expands the ability to use more health professionals who are working to respond to this virus.”
More at the link.
https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2020/03/10/after-more-covid-19-cases-reported-nc-declares-state-of-emergency/
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