February 19, 2021:
Due to anticipated hazardous weather conditions, County Offices will operate on a two-hour delay for Friday, Feb. 19th.
DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, severe winter weather 02/18/21 -Alamance County; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the above-described emergency, I have determined that there is an imminent threat of, or existing conditions have caused or will cause, widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property, and public safety authorities will be unable to maintain public order or afford adequate protection for lives or property; and
WHEREAS, declaring a State of Emergency and imposing the restrictions and prohibitions ordered herein is necessary to maintain order and protect public health, safety, and welfare, and to secure property.
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as the County Board of Commissioner Chair of Alamance County under Article IA of Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes, specifically Chapter 166A-19 .22.
ection 1. A State of Emergency is hereby declared within Alamance County as more particularly described in Section 2.
Section 2. The emergency area covered by this state of emergency shall be: ~ All areas within the jurisdiction of Alamance County.
Section 3. The following restrictions and prohibitions are imposed: D Evacuation: D Curfew: D Restricted Access: D Business Operations: 0 Alcohol: D Dangerous Weapons & Gasoline: D Other: ~ No restrictions or prohibitions are imposed at this time, but may be addressed in a subsequent declaration or modification.
Section 4. I hereby order all Alamance County law enforcement officers and employees and all other emergency management personnel subject to our control to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of this Declaration, all applicable local ordinances, state and federal laws, and the Alamance County Emergency Operations Plan.
Section 5. I hereby order this declaration: (a) to be distributed to the news media and other organizations calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public; (b) to be filed with Clerk to the Alamance County Board of Commissioners and (c) to be distributed to others as necessary to ensure proper implementation of this declaration.
Section 6. This declaration shall take effect on 02/18/21 at 6:00 a.m., and shall remain in effect for fifteen days unless further modified or rescinded.
DECLARED this the 2/18/21 at 6:00 a.m.
Alamance County Health Department Will Begin Vaccinations of Adults 65 and Over
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 Outbreak
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.
First Rabies Case of 2021 Confirmed in Alamance County
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.
Alamance County Offering Vaccine Appointments for those 75 or Older
The Alamance County Health Department will begin taking appointments for those in Phase1b, Group 1 – Adults 75 and over and any first responders and healthcare workers that were unable to get vaccinated during Phase 1a.
Due to the overwhelming demand for the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 75 and older, the Health Department has revised the vaccination process.
Starting Friday, January 8, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., the County will open a COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Hotline. Going forward all takers will be available Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at 336-290-0650 to schedule vaccine appointments.
Only those adults 75 or older along with first responders and health care workers with appointments will be vaccinated at this time. Vaccines will no longer be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Vaccinations are administered at the Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) located at 2550 Buckingham Road in Burlington.
As a reminder the Health Department will not be administering vaccines tomorrow, Friday, January 8, 2021, at the Career and Technical Education Center due to forecasted hazardous weather conditions.
The Health Department and Alamance County Government asks for patience as everyone is working extremely hard to streamline this process.
Updated vaccination information will be available at www.alamance-nc.com.
Alamance County Vaccine Site Closed Friday, January 8
The Alamance County Health Department will not be administering vaccines tomorrow, Friday, January 8, 2020, at the Career and Technical Education Center due to forecasted hazardous weather conditions.
Please be reminded that vaccines are only provided for Phase 1b, Group 1 – Adults 75 and over and any first responders and healthcare workers that were unable to get vaccinated during Phase 1a at this time.
County Government and local agencies are working hard to streamline the vaccination process, and we ask that you exercise patience. Updated vaccination information will be available at www.alamance-nc.com.
ALAMANCE COUNTY CLOSES REMOTE RECYCLING CENTERS TEMPORARILY
Due to Covid-19 related staffing issues, both Alamance County remote Recycling Centers will close effective Wednesday, January 6th. The two recycling centers, located at Pleasant Grove Recreation Center and at 3479 Danieley Waterwheel Road, both in Burlington, will be closed until further notice.
The Recycling Center located at the Alamance County Landfill, 2701 Austin Quarter Road, Graham, will remain open. The Graham location accepts corrugated cardboard, newspaper, plastic bottles, aluminum & steel cans, mixed paper and glass bottles & jars at no charge.
For more information about Alamance County Landfill services and operations, visit www.alamance-nc.com/landfill or call us at 336-376-8902.
NORTH PARK LIBRARY CLOSED AS OF 10:00 A.M., MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021
Due to a positive Covid-19 test result amongst staff, the North Park Library will be closed until further notice. While building cleaning is underway, the branch will remain closed out of an abundance of caution. Alamance County Health Department was notified of the possible COVID-19 case(s) at North Park Library and is currently in the process of investigating the findings. The Health Department will continue to work with Alamance County Public Libraries, and North Park Library specifically, to offer testing and contact tracing guidance.
Public Wi-Fi will remain available from outside the library building and book drops will remain open.
Operations at the May Memorial, Mebane and Graham branches remains unaffected. For more information about ACPL services and operations, visit www.alamancelibraries.org and follow us on Facebook (AlamanceLibraries), Twitter (ACLibraries), Instagram (alamancelibraries), and YouTube (Alamance County Public Libraries).
Third Rabies Case of 2020 Confirmed in Alamance County
BURLINGTON – On December 23, the North Carolina Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (NCVDL) in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s third case of rabies for the year.
On December 23, Alamance County Animal Control was notified of a dog bite involving three people on or around Hester Road in Burlington. After picking the dog up, Alamance County Animal Control surrendered the dog to Burlington Animal Services. Burlington Animal Services euthanized the dog for humane reasons, and sent the dog to NCVDL for testing; the dog was positive for rabies. Of the four other dogs involved in the incident, two were up-to-date on vaccinations; they received two vaccination boosters and are currently under a 45-day quarantine. The remaining two dogs were not up-to-date on vaccinations and are currently under strict quarantine; euthanasia may be required. There were also seven cases of human exposure to the dog. The health department is assisting the individuals with accessing 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 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 seven 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.