As of Monday, March 16th the Alamance County Public Libraries will be suspending all library programs and public meeting rooms use. For the safety of the public, under social distancing guidelines we are limiting the services that draw groups of people together in our spaces. For these same reasons, the Mobile Café will also be suspending their routes.
All library locations will be open their normal operating hours, but keep in mind that this may change as the situation changes. That being said, now may be the time to stock up on library materials and always remember that our electronic and online resources are available.
Administrative Order Alamance
County North Carolina
Effective immediately, any Defendant who has been Court-ordered to serve an intermittent sentence involving weekends or weekdays, will not report to the Alamance County Jail to serve such sentences through April 30, 2020. All intermittent sentences will recommence beginning Friday May 1, 2020.
By order of: D. Thomas Lambeth,
Jr.
Senior Resident Superior Court
Judge
You may contact Probation/Parole
for more information
Help develop a plan to address and guide anticipated growth in a way that will preserve community and rural character, foster economic development, and recognize the County’s natural and cultural assets. Attend any of the upcoming meetings beginning next week to provide input for the Alamance County Land Development Plan.
Upcoming Public Meetings:
March 17 – Pleasant Grove Community Center 5-7 pm
March 18 – Altamahaw-Ossipee VFD Community Room 5-7 pm
March 24 – Eli Whitney Fire Dept Community Room 5-7 pm
The health and safety of participants is our priority. The Alamance County Land Development Plan workshops are currently scheduled to occur as planned. For the latest updates, please consult the County’s website www.alamance-nc.com/covid19/ or the project website www.alamancecountyplan.com/. The meeting venues will provide hand sanitizer, antibacterial soap, and paper towels. We will not shake hands to greet you. Please do not attend a meeting if you are sick.
Alamance County Board of Commissioners Chair Amy Scott Galey urges residents to take steps to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and to make preparations to check on or care for those who are at higher risk for infection. The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) recommends that those over 65 years of age, or those with underlying health conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, or those with weakened immune systems, to avoid crowds and stay home to prevent the risk of infection.
“While there have been no confirmed coronavirus cases in Alamance at this time, County Government, along with the Alamance Health Department and Emergency Management, have been monitoring the situation and taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our residents and employees,” says Chair Amy Scott Galey. “Our local health department, as part of their daily responsibilities, plan, prepare, and practice for these types of situations. All of our county employees are working hard to ensure continuity of services for our residents.”
At this time, the county has been communicating with employees to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines in taking precautions to protect themselves and others to limit the spread of infection.
The County will be activating the Emergency Operations Center and will continue to meet and update partner organizations and stakeholders to communicate any changes or recommendations regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The County is currently evaluating all scheduled programs and events.
Please visit www.alamance-nc.com/covid19 for the most updated information regarding any cancellations. A Coronavirus (COVID-19) Call Center will be available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 7 pm beginning on Monday, March 16. Residents and organizations are encouraged to call 336-290-0361 for general Coronavirus (COVID-19) questions or information regarding the County’s response.
The County encourages residents to follow the NCDHHS and CDC guidelines to minimize the spread of infection:
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.
If you develop symptoms or suspect you may have Coronavirus (COVID-19), please contact your health care provider. For the most current state and national information or recommendations regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit cdc.gov/coronavirus or ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus. Residents are also encouraged to visit www.alamance-nc.com/covid19 for Alamance County information, cancellations, or updates.
BURLINGTON – On October 22, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s seventh case of rabies for the year.
On October 18, Burlington Animal Services was notified that a raccoon and two dogs were in an altercation on Fairview Street in Burlington. Alamance County Animal Control sent the raccoon to the State Laboratory for Public Health for testing and the raccoon was positive for rabies. The two dogs were up-to-date on vaccinations and received a post-exposure booster. One adult was exposed to the raccoon and is receiving post-exposure treatment.
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 cat and notify Animal Control or the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if you have questions or concerns.
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
Alamance County Environmental Health Office, located at 209 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, is offering a rabies vaccination clinic on November 9, 9am-12pm. The cost is $5. Please have all cats in carriers and dogs on leashes.
Last year, Alamance County had five 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.
BURLINGTON – Flu season is upon us and the Alamance County Health Department wants you to protect yourself and your family. Monday, October 7, the health department began offering seasonal flu shots to the public.
This year, the health department will be providing the following vaccine options to the public:
Quadrivalent flu vaccine injection which covers four strains of influenza
Flublok flu vaccine injection which is recommended for people with egg allergies that are ages 18 years and older
High Dose Trivalent vaccine which covers three strains and is recommended for people over 65 years
The vaccine is available while supplies last. One shot is all most people will need. Children under age 9, who have not previously been vaccinated against the flu, may need two doses.
The cost of the Quadrivalent vaccine is $35.00. The cost of the Flublok and High Dose Trivalent is $65.00. Uninsured children less than 19 years old are eligible for free vaccine. Insured children less than 19 years old whose insurance does not cover the cost of a flu shot may be eligible for free flu vaccine, pending certain qualifications.
The health department can bill Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurances. The flu vaccine will be available by appointment only at the following times:
Monday – Friday (excluding holidays)
8:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Increase your chances of keeping the flu away by getting the vaccine. Also, remember to wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick to help stop the spread of illness. For an appointment or more information, call the health department at 336-570-6459.
BURLINGTON- Three additional cases have tested positive for mumps, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to six.
“We continue to implement our local public health response which has included up to this point offering vaccinations to the university population, identifying individuals with possible symptoms and supporting the university in increasing awareness”, says Alamance County Health Director Stacie Saunders. “We are grateful for Elon’s quick communication with our health department and their continued proactive participation in the response.”
Throughout the month of October the health department will work with the university to offer MMR vaccinations to Elon students, faculty, and staff at Student Health Services by appointment. Vaccination appointments can be made by calling 336-278-7230 during operational hours. Between the open clinics held on campus and vaccinations given at Student Health Services, nearly 800 individuals have received an additional dose of MMR vaccine, which further reduces the risk of contracting mumps and is recommended by health officials in a situation like the one we are experiencing.
Students exhibiting symptoms or those with medical concerns should contact the Student Health Center at 336-278-7230. Faculty and staff with medical questions should contact their primary care provider or the Faculty & Staff Wellness Clinic at 336-278-5569. Community members may call their primary care provider or the Alamance County Health Department at 336-516-7715 to speak with a public health nurse.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend two doses of the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps and complications caused by the disease. The recommended two doses of the vaccine provides approximately 88 percent protection against infection. According to the CDC, mumps outbreaks can still occur in highly vaccinated U.S. communities, particularly in close-contact settings like college campuses. High vaccination coverage helps limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks. Elon enforces the State of North Carolina requirement that all incoming students provide evidence of two vaccinations against mumps or proof of immunity against mumps. Nearly all students at Elon have had both of their mumps vaccines, which are administered as a combination vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) as part of the childhood recommended vaccines.
Health Department and Elon University partnering to address illness
BURLINGTON- Alamance County Health Department received notification on September 23 of a single confirmed case of mumps in a student who attends of Elon University. At this time, the cause of the infection is unknown and no other cases have been identified. The individual had previously received age-appropriate MMR vaccinations.
Health Director Stacie Saunders stated, “We are working with our university and state public health partners to identify those who may have had contact with the confirmed case and will provide assessment and additional vaccine, as needed.”
Mumps is a viral illness best known for causing parotitis, a swelling of the salivary glands below the ears and above the jaw. Other common symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. The virus is spread through close contact, like kissing, drinking after someone else, coughing or sneezing.
Students who are exhibiting symptoms consistent with mumps should make an appointment with Elon Student Health Services. Appointments can be made by calling 336-278-7230. Members of the community who are concerned about symptoms are encouraged to contact their primary health care providers or urgent care. Community members may also call the Alamance County Health Department at 336-516-7715 to speak with a public health nurse.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend two doses of the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps and complications caused by the disease. The recommended two doses of the vaccine provides approximately 88 percent protection against infection. According to the CDC, mumps outbreaks can still occur in highly vaccinated U.S. communities, particularly in close-contact settings like college campuses. High vaccination coverage helps limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks. Elon enforces the State of North Carolina requirement that all incoming students provide evidence of two vaccinations against mumps or proof of immunity against mumps. Nearly all students at Elon have had both of their mumps vaccines, which are administered as a combination vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) as part of the childhood recommended vaccines.
Alamance County has not had a confirmed case of mumps in the last 10 years.
The combination of high temperatures and humidity will result in heat index values reaching 109°F in some areas Thursday afternoon and evening. Prolonged high temperatures and humidity are expected to remain through the weekend.
A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 7PM this evening for many areas within the Piedmont including Alamance County.
An Excessive Heat Watch will go into effect Saturday and Sunday for the county.
Consecutive days of high heat and minimal cooling at night will result in dangerous conditions
Heat index values may reach 112°F during the afternoon/evening over the weekend and only drop into the 80s and 90s at night
Low temperatures will remain in the upper 70s to lower 80s for the county over the weekend
Prolonged exposure to heat could lead to dehydration, overheating, or heat illness
Take extra precautions and limit any outside work or activities
Drink plenty of water
Wear light weight, light colored, and loose fitting clothing
Take numerous breaks in the shade if possible while outdoors
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across the region Thursday afternoon with most storms diminishing this evening
The primary threats with any storm that develops:
Damaging wind gusts
Brief, heavy rainfall
Dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning
A weather pattern change is expected next week as cooler air will move in Monday increasing the chances for showers and thunderstorms
If you should need to take shelter due to the high heat index please go to:
ACAC – Allied Churches of Alamance County 206 N. Fisher Street Burlington, NC 27217
They also severe hot meals Monday – Friday for families in need.
For further questions, please contact the Alamance County Emergency Management Department at 336-227-1365.