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Alamance County Identifies First Case of COVID-19

BURLINGTON – On March 20, Alamance County Health Department received notification of their first positive case of COVID-19. The affected individual is currently in isolation at home and is doing well. To protect the individual’s privacy, no further information about them will be released. Alamance County Health Department is identifying close contacts to the affected individual. A close contact is defined as anyone who was within six feet of the individual for 10 minutes or more.

“We have been preparing and planning for cases in Alamance County. Our public health response team has been in contact with the individual and they are complying with all control measures and orders,” said Health Director Stacie Saunders. “It is likely we will see other confirmed cases in the community. We urge the community to continue to practice social distancing and general precautions in order to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our neighbors.”

Alamance County Health Department is continuing to collaborate with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), Alamance County Emergency Management, Alamance County leadership, municipal leaders, and other community partners to respond to the situation and prepare for any future potential cases.

The Health Department urges individuals to take the following standard precautions to help protect themselves and others from this respiratory illness:

  • Practice social distancing by keeping more space between individuals and avoid large gatherings
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water 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 & stay at home if you are sick
  • 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
  • Have a plan in case you need to miss work or other responsibilities due to personal illness or to care for a sick family member
  • People over 65 or who have chronic health conditions or with compromised immune systems are at highest risk of severe illness from the virus and are advised to avoid large gatherings

Alamance County residents are encouraged to use reputable sources of information to learn more about COVID-19 such as the CDC or NC DHHS. Alamance County residents may also contact the Alamance County COVID-19 Call Center at 336-290-0361 for general questions regarding COVID-19, and visit Alamance County Government social media accounts for updates as well.

Alamance County COVID-19 Update

In response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations to limit large events and mass gatherings along with the White House guidelines that advise people to refrain from any gatherings of more than ten people, County Manager Bryan Hagood implemented COVID-19 protective procedures for County Departments effective immediately.

County Management, in conjunction with Emergency Management and Alamance County Public Health, directed departments to create work and staffing schedules that maintain service provision to residents while protecting the public and employees. County employees are encouraged to use a hybrid model of staggered shifts and remote working options that follow social distancing recommendations. While all county departments remain open, residents are asked to limit person-to-person contact and use online resources and services or call in to conduct county business.

For updated COVID-19 Alamance County program or event cancellations or changes, please visit https://www.alamance-nc.com/covid19/. The County COVID-19 Call Center is also available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 7 pm. Residents and organizations are encouraged to call 336-290-0361 for general Coronavirus (COVID-19) questions or information regarding the County’s response.

For the most current state and national information or recommendations regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov/coronavirus or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.

ALAMANCE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES WILL BE CLOSED AS OF 5:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18TH FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE

As of 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, the Alamance County Public Libraries will be closed to the public. This decision was made due to the nature of the library as a gathering point for the community as well as recommendations to practice social distancing.

While closed, libraries will be instituting a new curbside service beginning Monday, March 23 at three of the main library locations (May Memorial, Graham, and Mebane libraries). The North Park Library, inside the Mayco-Bigelow Community Center, is closed per a City of Burlington mandate.

This new curbside service will adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Patrons may place items on hold via phone and the website
  • Once items have been pulled, you will be notified by text, email, or phone (whichever you have chosen)
  • Patrons should call the library when they arrive outside the designated doors
    • Mebane Public Library: staff entrance on the right-hand side of the building
    • Graham Public Library: staff entrance on the right-hand side of the building near the Graham Police Department
    • May Memorial Library: the entrance to the right of the front doors near the carousel horse
  • Items may be picked up Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Be prepared to show your library card or photo I.D. when picking up items
  • Late fees are being suspended until the libraries reopens
  • Please do not use this service if you think you are sick

All Alamance Parks Programming Is Suspended Through April 6

Beginning Monday, March 16th Alamance Parks will be suspending all recreation programming. This includes open gym and fitness center hours. This action is being taken following social distancing guidelines for the safety of the public.

All park locations including Cedarock Park, Haw River Trail, and the Pleasant Grove and Eli Whitney Community Centers will remain open during their normal operating hours. Park opening status may change as the situation evolves.

Alamance Libraries – All programming, mobile cafe, and meeting room services are suspended

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.

Defendants Serving Intermittent Sentences Are Not To Report To The Alamance County Jail Until May 1st

March 13, 2020

Graham, NC-

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

Alamance County Land Development Plan Meetings

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
  • April 23 – Sylvan Elementary School Gym 6-8 pm

Take the survey

You can participate in the project from the convenience of your home by taking the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/AlamanceCoSurvey

Potential Meeting Changes

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.

County Offers Guidance on COVID-19 Preparations

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.

Seventh Rabies Case of 2019 Confirmed in Alamance County

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.