Covid-19

BURGAW – In accordance with Governor Cooper’s Executive Order #021, and to ensure public engagement and participation is available to conduct county business, the following meetings have been canceled. Agenda items will be rescheduled for meetings to be held in the future:

• April 2 – the meeting of the Board of Equalization and Review (BOER) has been canceled.
• Planning Board – April 7 – Cancelled, case will roll over to next meeting;
• Board of Adjustment – April 15 – Cancelled, no hearings were scheduled;
• Tourism Development Authority – April 16 – Cancelled. Next meeting is May 23.
• All NC Cooperative Extension face to face meetings are cancelled as well. We will conduct any scheduled meetings or classes via Zoom webcast.

Events
• The Parks Foundation of Pender County Golf Outing scheduled for May 1, has been postponed till the fall. TBD.

PENDER COUNTY – With the spread of COVID-19 in Southeastern North Carolina, Pender County authorities declared a state of emergency effective Monday, March 30, beginning at 5 p.m.

“Pender County has carefully monitored the Coronavirus,” said George Brown, Pender County chairman of the board of county commissioners. “We are coordinating our efforts through our capable county health director, Carolyn Moser, and Carson Smith, our interim emergency manager.”

Brown signed a Pender County State of Emergency late Monday, following his statements made by video. The video is available for viewing on the Pender County website, pendercountync.gov and on the county’s Facebook pages.

Starting today, the Pender County State of Emergency declaration will closely adhere to Gov. Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 121, which mandates a Stay at Home policy through April.

“The Stay at Home order is vital to mitigating the spread of COVID-19,” said Carolyn Moser, Pender County director of health and human services.

All Pender County offices will remain open. Essential government work is being accomplished.

“The health department and human services are open and prepared to serve our citizens,” said Moser. “Our hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.”

“Pender County Emergency Management continues to monitor the situation and we support the health department during the pandemic,” said Carson Smith, interim emergency manager. “We urge everyone to follow the Stay at Home emergency declaration and Executive Order 121.”

For assistance call Pender County Health Department at 910-259-1230 or the EM office at 910- 259-1210.

Pender County Health and Human Services (PCHHS) continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working closely with state and federal officials and are following all guidelines and recommendations from the NC Department of Health & Human Services (NC DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Currently in the State of North Carolina 736 COVID-19 cases and three deaths have been reported. There have been no cases reported in Pender County to date.

According to the CDC, most people who get COVID-19 will recover without needing medical care. For that reason, people who think they have COVID-19 showing mild symptoms such as fever and cough without shortness of breath or difficulty breathing are encouraged to isolate themselves at home, separate themselves from others in their home as much as possible, and call their medical provider for advice.

People can stop isolating themselves when they have met the following:
• It has been at least 7 days since you first had symptoms
• You have had no fever for three days (72 hours) without any fever reducing medication
• Your other symptoms have improved

We urge our residents to stay informed. The CDC and the NC DHHS provides factual information and recommendations.

We strongly encourage our residents to follow the recommended safe hygiene practices and social distancing.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 – a cough, fever, and shortness of breath – please contact your health care provider. It is extremely important for people at higher risk of getting sick to call their medical provider if they develop symptoms of fever or cough. High-risk individuals include: those 65 years or older; someone with a high-risk condition like heart or lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, a compromised immune system, diabetes, or severe obesity, and pregnant women.

The Pender County Health Department clinic is open Mondays through Fridays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary. We have COVID-19 testing kits and are following the testing criteria provided by NC DHHS and the CDC.

Pender County Health and Human Services is actively working to keep you informed. If you should have questions, please call the Pender County Health Department at 910-259-1230. The website, pendercountync.gov, features a COVID-19 microsite with information. For the latest information on COVID-19, visit reliable websites such as the NC Department of Health and Human Services https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/ and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

NC 2-1-1 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina. Families and individuals can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services and resources within their community.

Governor Cooper Announces Statewide Stay at Home Order Until April 29

Essential businesses may remain open, social distancing mandated

Executive Order No. 121 can be found here

RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper ordered people in the state of North Carolina to stay at home for 30 days, until April 29, 2020, in another step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Governor Cooper’s Executive Order No. 121 takes effect on Monday, March 30 at 5:00 PM and reduces the size of gatherings to 10 people. The Order provides for essential businesses to continue to operate while prioritizing social distancing measures. The Order has the force of law and will be enforced in all 100 counties statewide.

“To continue our aggressive battle against COVID-19, I have signed a Stay at Home Order for the entire state of North Carolina. Though it is difficult we must do this to slow the disease spread,” said Governor Cooper. “We need our medical system to be able to care for the friends and family we know will become seriously ill from the virus.”

The Governor noted today that three North Carolinians have died due to COVID-19 and the state has 763 confirmed cases of the virus in 60 counties. He called on all North Carolinians to protect themselves by staying home and following social distancing guidelines. North Carolina is now considered to have widespread transmission of the virus, which means people who have tested positive cannot trace where they were exposed to the virus.

The Order directs people to stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors or to help a family member. Specifically, the order bans gatherings of more than 10 people and directs everyone to physically stay at least six feet apart from others.

“I know this order may lead to even more hardship and heartache. Although we are physically apart, we must take this step together in spirit,” Governor Cooper said.

Unless noted in the order, previous closures and orders stand as written as do local government orders in cities and counties. Frequently Asked Questions about the Order can be found here.

If you do not think your business is included in the list of the essential services, and you think it should be, you may apply online at the NC Department of Revenue to be designated essential https://www.ncdor.gov/home/ncdor-actions-covid-19/covid-19-essential-businesses. Until your exemption is reviewed, you may operate as long as your business can accommodate social distancing in your workplace.

For more information about health recommendations and who is designated at high risk for becoming seriously ill, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.

Burgaw – Pender County Parks and Recreation department’s playground equipment remains open at this time, but Pender County officials are advising residents to bring sanitizing wipes with them to wipe down any playground equipment before it is used.

“Pender County staff have been cleaning and disinfecting the playground equipment at the three county-owned parks, following the recommendations from the CDC, “said Zach White, Parks and Recreation supervisor. “Staff will continue to clean and disinfect the equipment twice per week.”

“COVID-19 spread can occur from touching your mouth, nose or possibly eyes after having contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, according to the CDC,” said Carolyn Moser, Pender County health director.

Residents should be prepared to wipe down playground surfaces with recommended cleaning products, if they choose to use county-owned playground equipment.

Here are some recommendations to help limit the spread of COVID-19:
• Follow social distancing: gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, under the NC State of Emergency, and individuals are encouraged to maintain 6-feet of distance from others.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched (like your phone, tablet, countertops and daily work surfaces).
• Stay home and away from others when you are sick.

Burgaw – Pender County Board of Commissioners remind Pender County citizens that the Atkinson, Burgaw, and Hampstead libraries will continue to provide FREE public Wi-Fi Internet access.

“Under the recommendations of state health officials, social distancing is a must,” said Erik Harvey, Pender County IT director. “This FREE resource is available for both students and citizens who don’t have Internet access to stay connected and informed of the latest news on COVID-19.”

Available locations for wireless networks:
Atkinson Municipal Library
300 W Henry St.
Atkinson, NC 28421

Pender County Burgaw Library
103 S. Cowan St.
Burgaw, NC 28425

Pender County Hampstead Library
75 Library Dr.
Hampstead, NC 28443

Here’s what you need to know to access the Pender County Library Wi-Fi:

• Provide your own Wi-Fi enabled laptop or device
• Power on your own computer
• Select and connect to the appropriate Wi-Fi wireless network
• Open your Internet browser

Additionally, Spectrum is providing free Internet Service at all their hotspot locations. To locate a Spectrum hotspot in nearest you, go to https://www.ncbroadband.gov/covid19broadband/ and type in your address.

Starting on Tuesday, March 24, Pender County Schools will have designated “hotspots” for students to utilize in school parking lots.

For the safety of the public, the Pender County Sheriff’s Department will routinely patrol the area’s “hotspots.”

“We are working to bring better Internet connectivity to our county,” said Harvey. “In the interim, we urge our students and residents to utilize these free resources to stay connected to school and county updates.”

Helpful links for your business

Wednesdy, March 25, 2-3:30 p.m. take a free online class from the Small Business Center entitled “Preparing Your Business for the Threat of Coronavirus.”

You must register online for this online panel discussion. Access is limited, so please, register today.

If COVID-19 has impacted your business, there’s assistance available.

Businesses and individuals may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or 1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.  Here’s a link for more information on low interest loans.

Be sure to visit SCORE, a free service with helpful links designed for your success.

The Small Business Administration offers information for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Click here for the link.

Misinformation and panic are two viruses you can control. Be informed. When in doubt, go to the CDC  or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for COVID-19 information.

NC 2-1-1 is an information and referral service that families and individuals can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services resources within their community.

“Services like NC 2-1-1 are critical during times of emergency,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “North Carolinians can now call 2-1-1 to get the information they need while we continue working together to prevent the spread of this virus.”

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in North Carolina, go to ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.

Due to anticipated high call volume, those seeking general information about COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to sign up for texts. People who are trying to locate specific services would benefit by calling. To learn more about NC 2-1-1, visit nc211.org.

North Carolinians can text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19. Sign up now to get regular alerts on the rapidly evolving situation and North Carolina’s response.

U.S. Small Business Administration Grants Governor Cooper’s Request for Disaster Declaration to Support Small Businesses

RALEIGH: The U.S. Small Business Administration granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a disaster declaration for small businesses that are suffering economic losses due to the new Coronavirus, COVID-19.

“Many small businesses are desperate right now and this SBA approval will help,” said Governor Cooper. “Even more is needed and we will continue to push for additional assistance while we work to protect the health of North Carolinians.”

At the Governor’s request, the SBA granted a disaster declaration to small businesses across the state, allowing affected businesses to apply for low interest SBA disaster loans.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.

Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or 1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.
Loan application forms can also be downloaded at disasterloan.sba.gov.