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Alamance County Health Department Identifies COVID-19 Cluster at School

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, Covid-19, General News, Health.

BURLINGTON – Alamance County Health Department has identified a COVID-19 cluster at Hillcrest Elementary in Burlington. Currently, five (5) cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed among four (4) staff and one (1) child. The cases will be included on the biweekly Child Care and School Settings report for NC DHHS. NC DHHS defines a cluster as minimum of five laboratory-confirmed cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases.

“Alamance-Burlington Schools relies heavily on the expert health and safety guidance provided by ACHD staff,” remarked Bruce Benson, ABSS Superintendent. “We sincerely appreciate their public health expertise as our schools continue to navigate the complexities of the covid-19 virus. Our ability to open and operate schools successfully is a tribute to the strong leadership and experience of our local health department professionals.”

“Alamance County Health Department worked closely with ABSS to identify cases and responded quickly to mitigate the cluster,” stated Health Director Tony Lo Giudice. “We will continue to offer guidance to ensure the safety of staff, children, and the community.”

Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20, 2020. Since then, a total of 17,730 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 17,059 have been released from isolation and 413 remain active and in isolation. Included in those active cases, 5 individuals are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been 258 COVID-19 related deaths. COVID-related deaths include only patients who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, and who died without fully recovering from the disease.

COVID-19 vaccinations are available to all residents ages 16 and older. Anyone age 16 and older desiring an appointment can go to vaccinatealamance.com or call 336-290-0650. Although the percent of positive COVID-19 cases has decreased in the county, we still need to be mindful that COVID-19 is still prevalent. It is important to take steps to reduce your risks of contracting COVID-19, specifically wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distance and avoiding crowds, and washing your hands and cleaning commonly used surfaces regularly. These steps are imperative to control the spread of COVID-19. The health of you, your loved ones, and the community are what matters.

Alamance County Health Department Will Begin Vaccinations of All Essential Workers

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, Covid-19, General News, Health, Public Events.

BURLINGTON – On March 3, NC DHHS updated their COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan to include all essential workers. At the time, Alamance County Health Department chose to take the remainder of the week to complete vaccinations for pre-K-12 school staff and childcare workers. After reviewing the vaccinations given thus far, as well as our forthcoming vaccine supply and the increase in vaccination providers in the county, Alamance County Health Department has determined that effective March 8 we will transition to vaccinating all essential workers, as defined by NC DHHS.

COVID-19 vaccination appointments can be made through the new online appointment system https://www.vaccinatealamance.com beginning March 8 at 8:30 am. For those without internet access, the COVID-19 vaccine call center will open on March 8 at 08:30 am to begin scheduling appointments. The number to call for an appointment is 336-290-0650.

The Health Department fills appointments based on its current vaccine supply. If you make an appointment and are unable to keep it, or if you choose to receive your vaccination elsewhere, please call 336-290-0655 to cancel the appointment. This will help to alleviate the possibility of vacant appointment times. This number is for cancellations only; do not call this number for appointments.

The public will be informed of any changes and updates through the Health Department website, social media, and the local news media.

Alamance County Health Department COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Change Online Option Available Through Vaccinate Alamance Site

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, Covid-19, General News, Health, Website Announcements.

– Persons seeking to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine now have two convenient options. Beginning March 1, COVID-19 vaccination appointments can be made online at https://www.vaccinatealamance.com. The online appointment system will go live at 8:30am and will remain open until all appointments are filled. We will continue to schedule appointments through the COVID-19 Vaccination Call Center. The call center will open March 1 at 8:30am and remain open until 4:30pm, or until all available appointments are filled. The number to call for an appointment is 336-290-0650.

Online and phone appointments are available for Group1- Healthcare Workers, Group 2- Adults 65 years and older. Appointments for Group 3- Pre-K-12 School Staff and Childcare Staff are being made directly with the school system and/or facility employers.

As a reminder, available appointments are based on current vaccine supply. The public will be informed of any changes and updates through the Health Department website, social media, and the local news media

Vaccinate Alamance! – Alamance County and Cone Health to Open a COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Clinic

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, Covid-19, General News, Health, Public Events.

On Saturday, Feb. 27, the Alamance County Health Department and Cone Health will open a new facility designed to provide COVID-19 vaccines daily to eligible residents. Appointments are required.

The new facility is located at 2401 Eric Lane, Unit 100, Burlington, NC 27215. Its immediate focus will be on vaccination of healthcare workers and persons 65 and over, but will also incorporate vaccinating employees of childcare centers and pre-K-12 schools as more vaccine becomes available. The site will service new populations become eligible for vaccination. Both Alamance County and Cone Health are providing all vaccine doses provided to them each week by the state to those eligible.

“Alamance County and Cone Health have had a long-standing partnership, and we are excited about the continued collaboration between our local county health department and Cone Health to get our residents vaccinated for COVID-19”, stated Commissioner Chair John Paisley. “It is important that we’re able to make the vaccine available and accessible to as many people that want to receive it. We are appreciative to all of the staff and volunteers that have devoted many hours to this initiative.” 

APPOINTMENTS FOR THOSE 65 AND OVER
The process to schedule appointments for those 65 and over includes two options:

  • Join Cone Health’s COVID-19 vaccine wait list by online registration at conehealth.com/vaccine
  • Contact the Alamance County Health Department by phone to schedule an appointment, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or until all appointment slots are filled. Call 336-290-0650. Please exercise patience as call volumes will be high. More information is available here.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE EDUCATION WORKFORCE
In preparation to vaccinate eligible pre-K-12 school staff and childcare workers, the Alamance County Health Department is working directly with Alamance-Burlington School System, private schools and childcare centers throughout the county to ensure that any staff person that wants a vaccine can receive a vaccine. Cone Health is providing clinical staff to vaccinate members of the education workforce.

On Friday, Feb. 26, Cone Health will move its COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Alamance County, currently located at 2363 Corporation Parkway in Burlington to the new site. All vaccine appointments at the Corporation Parkway site through Thursday, Feb. 25 will still take place there. Cone Health will continue to offer COVID-19 testing at the Corporation Parkway site, with hours of operation and test scheduling available here. Similarly, Alamance County Health Department will also move its COVID-19 vaccine clinic located at the Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) in Burlington to the new Eric Lane site on February 26. This move affects the CTEC site only; second dose vaccinations will continue at the Burlington Athletic Park.

(Edit 3/31/21 to correct ZIP Code)

Alamance County Health Department Will Begin Vaccinations of Adults 65 and Over

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, County News, Covid-19, General News, Health, Public Events, Public Safety.

On January 14, NC DHHS updated their COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan to include adults 65 and older. At that time, Secretary Cohen also stated “We strongly recommend that vaccine providers prioritize people 75 years or older if local demand for vaccination is greater than vaccine supply.” At that time, it was necessary to continue only providing vaccinations to adults 75 and older due to the current vaccine supply and demand. After reviewing the vaccinations given thus far, as well as our forthcoming vaccine supply and the increase in vaccination providers, Alamance County Health Department has determined that effective February 8 we will transition to vaccinating adults 65 and older.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Line will open on February 8 at 08:30am to begin scheduling appointments for February 9 through February 15, until all appointments are filled. The number to call for an appointment is 336-290-0650. The Health Department fills appointments based on its current vaccine supply. Between February 9 and February 15 we will fill 1,875 appointments. If you make an appointment and are unable to keep it, or if you choose to receive your vaccination elsewhere, please contact the Health Department’s general appointment line at 336-570-6459 to cancel the appointment. This will help to alleviate the possibility of vacant appointment times.

The public will be informed of any changes and updates through the Health Department website, social media, and the local news media.

Alamance County Health Department Identifies COVID-19 Outbreakat Three Assisted Living Facilities

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in County News, Covid-19, General News, Health.

BURLINGTON – Alamance County Health Department has identified a COVID-19 outbreak at three long-term care facilities in the county, Mebane Ridge Assisted Living in Mebane, Brookdale Senior Living and Alamance House Assisted Living, both in Burlington. NC DHHS defines an outbreak as two laboratory-confirmed cases in a period of 28 days within a congregate living or long-term care facility. Regular testing is required through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in order to provide surveillance as protective factor for both staff and residents.
At Mebane Ridge Assisted Living, three (3) cases have been identified among three (3) staff members.

Jill McMinn, Executive Director at Mebane Ridge, stated, “We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from the Alamance County Health Department COVID team. Their guidance has been invaluable. No senior living community wants to have to deal with an outbreak like this, but we’re thankful it’s been limited to a small number of our team members, all of whom seem to be tolerating the virus well. We’re confident that we have the right protocols, processes, and protective equipment to keep those who live and work at Mebane Ridge safe and well.”

This is the second COVID-19 outbreak identified at Brookdale Senior Living. Currently, seven (7) cases have been confirmed among five (5) residents and two (2) staff.

Heather Hunter, Communications Director for Brookdale Assisted Living, stated, “Brookdale’s top priority is the health and safety of our residents, patients, and associates. We have informed residents, their family members, and associates of Brookdale Burlington Assisted Living of this matter. We are diligently monitoring our residents and associates for signs and symptoms, and we continue to work directly with local health officials to help ensure our residents and associates have the appropriate and necessary medical support. We will continue to follow the guidance of the health departments throughout this situation. Additionally, we have been closely following our established policies and procedures for contagious illnesses and are also closely following the guidance and protocols recommended by the local and state health departments and the CDC.”
At Alamance House, five (5) cases have been identified among four (4) residents and one (1) staff member.

Meladie Capers-Adams, Executive Director at Alamance House, stated, “Our community has been resilient amidst adversity and we continue to work tirelessly to recover from this virus. If you are reading this, my message to you is: Get vaccinated. Take your Covid-19 vaccination and help us end this pandemic in its tracks. Residents and staff of long-term care facilities have shouldered an incredible burden this year and we want to get back to normal; welcoming families back into our communities, hugging our loved ones, and living a life without fear of infection. We value our friends, family, and partners in Burlington and appreciate the prayers and support at this time – we can’t wait to see you again!”

Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since then, a total of 14,818 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 13,537 have been released from isolation and 1068 remain active and in isolation. Included in those active cases, 42 individuals are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been 213 COVID-19 related deaths. COVID-related deaths include only patients who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, and who died without fully recovering from the disease.

Although the percent of positive COVID-19 cases has decreased in the county, we still need to be mindful that COVID-19 is still prevalent. It is important to take steps to reduce your risks of contracting COVID-19, specifically wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distance and avoiding crowds, and washing your hands and cleaning commonly used surfaces regularly. Also, when your time comes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please do so. These steps are imperative to control the spread of COVID-19. The health of you, your loved ones, and the community are what matters.

Alamance County Health Department Identifies COVID-19 Outbreak

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in County News, Covid-19, General News, Health, Public Safety.

BURLINGTON – A second COVID-19 outbreak has been identified at the long-term care facility Home Place of Burlington. Currently, four (4) cases have been confirmed among three (3) residents and one (1) staff. NC DHHS defines an outbreak as two laboratory-confirmed cases in a period of 28 days within a congregate living or long-term care facility. Regular testing is required through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in order to provide surveillance as protective factor for both staff and residents.

“The health and safety of our residents and team members remains our top priority, and our experienced professionals continue working tirelessly to minimize opportunities for exposure to the virus,” said Bonnie Thompson, Executive Director of Home Place of Burlington. “Our latest round of testing found three positive cases among residents and one positive case among team members. Residents who have tested positive are under quarantine in designated areas within the community and are being closely monitored. The affected team member is self-quarantining away from the community. All of these individuals are receiving appropriate medical care.”

Ms. Thompson continued, “While this is a challenging time for our community, we are pleased to have held our first vaccination clinic on January 12. We are scheduled to hold additional clinics for residents and team members to complete their vaccination series on February 9 and March 9 and expect nearly 100% of the community to be vaccinated following those clinics. We are committed to our ongoing practice of community-wide weekly testing, and will continue to follow all guidelines prescribed by the CDC, state and local health authorities.”

Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since then, a total of 13,566 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 12,004 have been released from isolation and 1364 remain active and in isolation. Included in those active cases, 64 individuals are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been 198 COVID-19 related deaths. COVID-related deaths include only patients who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, and who died without fully recovering from the disease.

COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise in Alamance and surrounding counties. Currently, the number of active COVID-19 cases are at an all-time high. It is important to take steps to reduce your risks of contracting COVID-19, specifically wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distance and avoiding crowds, and washing your hands and cleaning commonly used surfaces regularly. These steps are imperative to control the spread of COVID-19. The health of you, your loved ones, and the community are what matters.

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Scheduling at Alamance County Health Department

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, Covid-19, General News, Health, Public Events.

Alamance County Health Department is currently offering COVID-19 vaccinations to people 75 and older, and those first responders and healthcare workers that have not yet been vaccinated, by appointment only. Beginning Wednesday, January 20, multi-day appointments can be made for Thursday, January 21 through Tuesday, January 26. Callers will be assigned a specific day and time. Interested persons should call 336-290-0650 to make an appointment. The COVID-19 vaccine appointment line is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, or until all appointment slots are full.

Expect high call volumes and wait times. Please exercise patience.

Alamance County Health Department Will Continue Vaccination of Adults 75 and Over

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, County News, Covid-19, General News, Health.

In planning phase in preparation for addition of Adults 65 and Over

BURLINGTON – In light of the current vaccine supply, Alamance County Health Department will continue its current operations of vaccinating adults age 75 and older. Following guidance from NC DHHS, the Health Department will continue in the planning process in preparation for adding individuals age 65 and older to its vaccination rollout. In the coming weeks, as more vaccine becomes available, the Health Department will begin accepting appointments from persons age 65 and older. Until further notice, we will only be accepting appointments for people 75 and older, and those first responders and healthcare workers that have not yet been vaccinated.

Alamance County Health Department will reevaluate this decision on a weekly basis, starting Friday, January 22, and will continue each Friday thereafter as the Health Department’s weekly vaccine allocation is released by NC DHHS.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Line will reopen on January 19 at 08:30am to schedule appointments for January 20 until all appointments are filled. The Health Department fills appointments based on its current vaccine supply. Appointments are only being made for first responders and healthcare workers, and adults 75 and older at this time.

The public will be informed of changes and appointment options through the Health Department website, social media, and the local news media.

First Rabies Case of 2021 Confirmed in Alamance County

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in County News, Environmental Health, General News, Health, Public Safety.

BURLINGTON – On January 11, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s first case of rabies for the year.

On January 7, Alamance County Animal Control was notified of a skunk that bit a dog on Fernway Drive. Alamance County Animal Control sent the skunk to the North Carolina State Laboratory for Public Health for rabies testing and the skunk was positive for rabies. Because the dog was not up-to-date on vaccinations, it was initially quarantined; it has since been euthanized. The Health Department did not identify any human exposure to the skunk.

If you live in this area and have outside pets, the Health Department encourages you to examine them for any wounds that may have come from contact with this dog and notify Alamance County Animal Control, 336-570-6302, or the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if you have questions or concerns.

It is North Carolina law that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination should occur when the dog or cat is no more than 4 months of age; the second vaccination is required no more than a year later and then again every three years.

If you are bitten by any animal:

  • Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
  • Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department.
  • Do not try to catch any wild or stray animal

Last year, Alamance County had three confirmed animal cases of rabies.

For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.