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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.

PUBLIC NOTICE OFTHE ALAMANCE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2021

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

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Alamance County Board of Commissioners’ Regular Meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 1, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room located on the 2nd floor of the County Office Building, 124 West Elm Street, Graham, NC 27253. 

The health and safety of its residents continues to be the highest priority of Alamance County.  Under the Governor’s Executive Order 141 Section 7, governmental operations are exempt from the prohibition on Mass Gatherings.  In recognition of the Governor’s Recommendations to Promote Social Distancing and Reduce Transmission, there will be no meeting place where the members of the public can be physically present.  In order to ensure the health and safety of the Board, staff and general public, access to the regular meeting is available in the following 3 ways:

Public Comments – On Sunday, January 31st from 12:00 pm to 9:00 p.m. citizens are encouraged to submit public comments online for the February 1st  9:30 a.m. County Commissioners’ meeting by two optional ways (Please click here https://www.alamance-nc.com/commissioners/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/01/Public-Comment-policy-Revised-1-22-19.pdf  to review the Public Comment Policy): 

  1. A public comment form will be available on the Alamance County website on January 31st from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for any persons wishing to submit written comments prior to the start of the meeting.  These written comments will be read at the February 1st  Regular Meeting.; or
  2. Persons wishing to participate in public comments by telephone should call 336-290-8677 at 9:30 a.m. on the morning of the meeting. Please be patient and stay on the line as your call will be answered in the order it was received.  Public comments are taken by the Board of Commissioners at the beginning and end of this meeting, so there may be an extensive hold time.  Please know that your time to give comments to the Board will be limited to no more than three minutes.  Each public comment time period will be no more than 30 minutes total, so if there are many callers you may not be able to comment at this meeting.  If you are watching the county commissioner meeting live on another device you may have to mute that device during the public comments period to avoid feedback.

All County policies regarding the 3-minute limit per comment and number of public comments in the 30-minute period will apply.  A copy of this Notice shall be posted on the bulletin board located outside of the Commissioners’ Meeting Room on the 2nd Floor of the County Office Building.  A copy of the Notice shall be sent to all parties who have requested and receives notification of any changes in the Commissioners’ Regular Meeting schedule.

This 27th day of January 2021.

___________________________________________

John Paisley, Jr., Chairman

Alamance County Board of Commissioners

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.

FCC Seeks Input on Providing Broadband Service and Devices to Low-Income Households by February 16

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

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking to provide broadband service and devices to low-income households. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directed the FCC to create the program, which would reimburse participating companies for providing discounted broadband service and connected devices to eligible households during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The program will pay up to $50 for a broadband connection per qualifying household. On Tribal lands, that monthly discount may be up to $75 per month. The program will also purchase a device (such as a phone, laptop, or tablet) to connect to the Internet up to $100 of the cost of the device so long as the household contributes no less than $10 and no more than $50 for the device. Participating providers will receive reimbursement from the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program for the discounts provided. 

Find more information about this request for comment.

Comments are due by February 16. 

All filings should refer to WC Docket No. 20-445. Filings must be addressed to the Commission’s Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. Comments may be filed by paper or by using the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). Comments and replies may be filed electronically via ECFS: http://www.fcc.gov/ecfs.

Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and one copy of each filing. 

  • Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701.
  • U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail must be addressed to 45 L St, NE, Washington, DC 20554.
  • People with Disabilities. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice) or (202) 418-0432 (tty).

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE ALAMANCE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021

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

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Alamance County Board of Commissioners’ Regular Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room located on the 2nd floor of the County Office Building, 124 West Elm Street, Graham, NC 27253. 

The health and safety of its residents continues to be the highest priority of Alamance County.  Under the Governor’s Executive Order 141 Section 7, governmental operations are exempt from the prohibition on Mass Gatherings.  In recognition of the Governor’s Recommendations to Promote Social Distancing and Reduce Transmission, there will be limited seating available.  Seating will be limited to 20 members of the public.  In order to ensure the health and safety of the Board, staff and general public, access to the regular meeting is available in the following 3 ways:

Public Comments – On Sunday, January 17th from 12:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. citizens are encouraged to submit public comments online for the January 19th 7:00 p.m. County Commissioners’ meeting by two optional ways (Please click here https://www.alamance-nc.com/commissioners/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/01/Public-Comment-policy-Revised-1-22-19.pdf  to review the Public Comment Policy): 

  • A public comment form will be available on the Alamance County website on January 17th from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for any persons wishing to submit written comments prior to the start of the meeting.  These written comments will be read at the January 19th Regular Meeting.; or
  • Persons wishing to participate in public comments by telephone should call 336-290-8677 at 7:00 p.m. on the evening of the meeting. Please be patient and stay on the line as your call will be answered in the order it was received.  Please know that your time to give comments to the Board will be limited to no more than three minutes.  The entire public comment time period will be no more than 30 minutes total, so if there are many callers you may not be able to comment at this meeting.  If you are watching the county commissioner meeting live on another device you may have to mute that device during the public comments period to avoid feedback.

All County policies regarding the 3-minute limit per comment and number of public comments in the 30-minute period will apply.  A copy of this Notice shall be posted on the bulletin board located outside of the Commissioners’ Meeting Room on the 2nd Floor of the County Office Building.  A copy of the Notice shall be sent to all parties who have requested and receives notification of any changes in the Commissioners’ Regular Meeting schedule.

This 13th day of January 2021.

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.

Media Advisory- COVID-19 Vaccination Scheduling Update

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

Alamance County Health Department is currently offering COVID-19 vaccinations to persons in Phase 1b, Group 1- Adults age 75 and over, by appointment only. Beginning Wednesday, January 13, multi-day appointments can be made for Thursday, January 14 through Tuesday, January 19. 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.