Important Announcement: Covid-19 Update from Davie County Manager
Davie County Government is collaborating with state and federal officials to monitor the daily development of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Counties who have issued State of Emergency Declarations include Buncombe, Forsyth, Guilford, Henderson, Moore, Orange, Rockingham, Wake, and Wilkes. Should Davie County Government make a decision in the future to also issue a State of Emergency Declaration, we will take measures to notify our community members and residents.
The spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) should not be a surprise to us, as we have seen what has transpired in other countries, states, and now counties around us. While the general risk remains low in Davie County at this point, we should follow advice from health care experts, so fewer people will be infected or become ill.
Davie County Government is adhering to lessons learned from others who have dealt with this and is taking measures to contain it locally. As of this morning, there are now 32 confirmed cases in North Carolina. We need to be realistic that it is likely a matter of when, not if, we have a positive/confirmed case in Davie County. There are residents of Davie County who have been tested with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (results are pending), but at the time of this communication, there are no current confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county. To see a daily update of confirmed cases in North Carolina, please click here.
Obviously, we all would like to get back to our normal routines as soon as possible, but at this time we are on the upward trajectory of this disease. Things are evolving daily, and we need to remain calm, focus on the facts, and avoid assumptions due to anxiety and fear about the unknown.
People at high risk of COVID-19 include: infants; those over 65 years of age; or with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes; or with weakened immune systems. Symptomatic individuals should contact their primary care provider (PCP). Flu has to be ruled out, and other criteria must be met as determined by the PCP, before DCHHS can determine whether testing is needed. DCHHS is coordinating communication between the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Centers for Disease Control/Prevention (CDC), and testing facilities in our area.
It is our desire to keep residents informed. We are focusing on solutions to limit the contagion by reducing persons in close proximity (social distancing). Residents should practice everyday prevention measures like frequent hand washing, avoiding touching your face, staying home when sick, and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow. These measures are most effective when implemented early allowing us to avoid the spreading of COVID-19 present in nearby counties.
In addition to the Public Notice that was issued by Davie County Government on Friday, March 13, below are the measures Davie County Government is taking in response to both the state and federal emergency declarations:
- All Davie County Government related meetings/events/trips/programs have been canceled or postponed to avoid mass gatherings and the use of all public meeting rooms in our facilities used by non-governmental organizations and community organizations that are non-essential have been discontinued temporarily. Residents impacted by these activities continue to be notified.
- Out-of-county work-related travel for staff who provide non-emergency or non-mandated services has been halted.
- Signage has been placed on all county facility doors about COVID-19 offering call-in options for symptomatic citizens needing services.
- Leadership is assessing teleworking strategies and staggered shifts, when possible.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits containing masks, gloves, gowns, hand sanitizer, and disposable bags will be provided for staff members with home visitation responsibilities to use when necessary.
- Emergency Medical Service (EMS) is continually consulting with our medical director and North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Service (NCOEMS) officials regarding procedures aimed at reducing exposures to our public safety staff and first responders. Messages have been sent to applicable staff and first responders regarding our screening process with the goal of decreasing exposure. We will continue to update as we receive new information.
- Jail visitation is halted, with exceptions for attorney/client privilege. All persons entering the jail will be checked for well-being before entry; if they appear sick, they must be cleared by medical personnel.
- DCHHS staff has spent numerous hours educating and consulting with school personnel, medical providers, long term care facilities, and daycares.
- Public Health is awaiting collection kits (tests) from the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), so residents are being directed, per CDC guidance, to PCPs, emergency departments and urgent care facilities for testing. If a positive test is confirmed, the health department receives a notification and is mandated to provide appropriate follow up for contact tracing and investigation. While waiting on collection kits from the state, DCHHS staff is now actively planning in the event state guidance changes around testing. NCDHHS is working to improve the coordination of alternative screening, testing, and supportive medical care sites.
- Due to the impact on vulnerable populations, Senior Center operations will be closed to the public until we can reassess in April. Congregate and Meals on Wheels participants will be served through 5-day supplies of “shelf meals” for at least the next 30 days. Since public operations for Senior Services have been stopped, staff and/or volunteers will be responsible for Meals on Wheels deliveries as delivery routes were being manned by other seniors. Volunteers will be screened for health-related issues to ensure those delivering meals to the homes of our seniors are healthy.
- Veterans Services will continue to operate, but due to the vulnerable population determination and limited space for social distancing, veterans will be served through telephone meetings whenever possible until April.
- Davie County Public Utilities will not disconnect water through mid-April days because of non-payment so citizens can still wash their hands and remain hydrated.
- The Davie County Public Library will go fine-free for 30 days for books that are overdue starting Monday, March 16 through mid-April. This is to assure symptomatic persons do not need to come to the library.
- Davie County Recreation & Parks has canceled the Easter Eggstravaganza scheduled for April 4th. Athletic programs have been postponed until mid-April, and facility use at the Brock Recreation Center has been halted.
- Governor Roy Cooper has ordered all K-12 public schools in North Carolina to close for a minimum of two weeks in response to COVID-19 and also banned gatherings of more than 100 people. The Executive Order directs all public schools to close beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 for at least two weeks. The two-week period allows time for North Carolina to further understand the impact of COVID-19 across the state and develop a plan for continued learning for students should a longer closure be needed.
- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has provided the following guidance and resources for a range of issues for stakeholders including: businesses and employers, public-facing agencies, child care centers, colleges and universities, community organizations, faith-based organizations, events and mass gatherings, correctional facilities, first responders, health care providers, homeless shelters, schools, long-term care facilities, retail centers, transportation providers, farmers, restaurants, and assisting persons with disabilities.
Davie County has created a COVID-19 website for residents which has the most up-to-date information at www.daviecountync.gov. We will also post information on various social media sites and encourage residents to share information with others. We have also created a COVID-19 hotline, which is manned by Public Health Nurses at 336-753-6750.
The Board of County Commissioners and I are so proud of the Davie County Government staff and local professionals who are working tirelessly with state and federal officials in diligently managing this situation.
Together, our primary focus should be on the mitigation and prevention of COVID-19 in our community. Thanks to each of you who are playing an important role in assisting us with this goal.
We will continue to provide information and updates as they become available.
John Eller, County Manager
Davie County Government
123 S. Main Street
Mocksville, NC 27028
336.753.6003