COVID-19 Updates: April, 17 2020
Orange County Press Releases
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Reliable Information
The Orange County Health Department is now providing a weekly summary of cases on Fridays, starting this week. The state updates its COVID-19 case count dashboard daily at 11 a.m.
For the latest information and guidance relating to Orange County’s COVID-19 response:
- Visit www.orangecountync.gov/coronavirus.
- Receive daily text updates on the crisis by texting 888-777 with OCNCHEALTH for English speakers and OCNCSALUD for Spanish speakers.
- Sign up for a twice weekly e-newsletter about the COVID-19 response via the county website.
- Follow the Orange County Health Department on Facebook and Twitter.
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MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kristin Prelipp, Communications Manager and Public Information Officer kprelipp@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2462 LINK TO MEDIA RELEASE Leaders across Orange County Encourage the Public to Continue Social Distancing HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. April 16, 2020 ? With the number of COVID-19 cases in North Carolina surpassing 5,000, officials across Orange County remind the public of the need to continue practicing social distancing. Orange County Board of Commissioners Chair Penny Rich credits the public’s efforts so far at helping to flatten the curve but warns that now is not the time to ease up. “I want to thank the community for adhering to the stay at home order," she said. "I recognize that physical distancing is a major interruption in our daily lives and livelihoods, but it is slowing the spread of the disease. The next several weeks are critical in reducing infection rates. To that end, please be aware that gatherings of any size increase the risk of exposure and will effectively undo the sacrifices we have all made thus far.” While hospitalizations and fatalities continue to rise, the rate of acceleration is slowing, said Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. “The doubling rate is extending, and that’s a good thing,” she said at a Tuesday afternoon news conference. “That tells us that we’re slowing the rate of acceleration. And it tells us that all the hard work we’re doing to stay at home is working.” Before North Carolina can begin to emerge from the pandemic, it must reach a peak in the number of reported cases, the state health director said. The modeling does not yet show when the virus’s spread will abate, she said. While a return to normalcy is desired, leaders across the county urge the community to continue social distancing, to avoid gatherings of any size, and to participate in recreational activities safely. “As the virus approaches its surge point in our state, it is more important than ever that everyone stay at home and practice physical distancing as much as possible,” said Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle, Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger and Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver in a joint statement. “All these safety measures are saving lives, and it is crucial we maintain these policies. We are all so grateful to our health care professionals and other essential personnel working on the front lines to keep us safe." The county stay at home order is in effect through April 30. Governor Roy Cooper has instituted a statewide stay-at-home order through April 29. It is unknown if either of these will be extended or modified. Continue Social DistancingThe goal of social distancing, also called physical distancing, is to flatten the curve, so hospitals and the system overall do not become overwhelmed. “So far we have done a great job of this in Orange County, which is why we have not had a surge nor seen hospitals with patients on the floor,” Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart said. “This is a great thing!” Practice social distancing by: - Staying home as much as possible, except for essential travel.
- Maintaining at least 6 feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public and with crowds of any size.
- Avoiding any gatherings.
Note that staying 6 feet from others should be adhered to even when wearing a cloth face covering. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends use of a cloth face covering for everyone, particularly if you are in an environment where social distancing is difficult, such as grocery stores or pharmacies. Recreate SafelyDuring the stay at home order, getting exercise and enjoying the outdoors is allowed and is especially important for mental and physical health. The public is encouraged to take a walk, ride a bike, hike, and jog. A cloth face covering can be brought along during outings in case there are areas where it is not possible to keep at least 6 feet away from others. When participating in recreational activities, be aware that sharing equipment can transmit the virus. This is why playgrounds have been closed. Viruses that cause illnesses such as COVID-19 and the seasonal flu are often spread via direct exposure to respiratory droplets expelled in the sneezes or coughs of a sick person, but they can also live on surfaces and inanimate objects for days at a time. Disease transmission also can occur before any symptoms are shown. Additional Tips to Flatten the CurveTo lower the risk of spreading respiratory infections, including COVID-19, the Orange County Health Department also encourages everyone to: - Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Call your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms.
Reliable InformationThe Orange County Health Department is now providing a weekly summary of cases on Fridays, starting this week. The state updates its COVID-19 case count dashboard daily at 11 a.m. For the latest information and guidance relating to Orange County’s COVID-19 response: - Visit www.orangecountync.gov/coronavirus.
- Receive daily text updates on the crisis by texting 888-777 with OCNCHEALTH for English speakers and OCNCSALUD for Spanish speakers.
- Sign up for a twice weekly e-newsletter about the COVID-19 response via the county website.
- Follow the Orange County Health Department on Facebook and Twitter.
Link to this release: https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10671/Leaders-across-Orange-County-Encourage-the-Public-to-Continue-Social-Distancing-April-16-2020 |
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Viruses Do Not Discriminate...But Our Country Does
The Black Community and COVID-19
Equity Series: Employment and Health
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The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has had devastating effects on people globally, nationally, and locally. There has also been a lot of discussion on who or which communities have been affected at higher rates by the virus. In Orange County to date, there have been 175 positive cases and 3 deaths. On Monday, April 13th, the Orange County Health Department began publishing demographic data regarding coronavirus cases.
The department will be writing a series of articles to help our community understand the underlying conditions that have historically impacted communities of color and why no one should be surprised that communities of color are once again vulnerable to a major public health crisis. The department has a deep understanding of how the racialized history of the U.S. has been detrimental to everyone, particularly the black community. Institutional and systemic racism in policies, practices, and procedures in education and employment have left communities of color exposed to many difficult barriers and COVID-19 is no exception. Without this context, the fear is that we will interpret COVID-19 disparities as being caused by the individual behaviors of black people instead of the structural racism that drives these health disparities; the so-called “blame the victim” phenomena.
Currently, Orange County’s positive cases are small in number compared to neighbors like Durham and Wake Counties and a 30-40% discrepancy in racial demographic data (23% discrepancy for NC) means at this time we cannot confirm whether or not one racial group fares worse than another. The Orange County Health Department has been on a journey to becoming an equitable organization for three years and due to these efforts, the department understands and acknowledges that marginalized communities are exceptionally vulnerable to COVID-19. COVID-19 in Orange County, the rest of the state, nation, and the globe has caused several major shifts in our economy. Many businesses and organizations are either closed, have the resources for staff to work from home, or are considered an essential service in which they cannot close (eg. healthcare, post office, grocery stores, sanitation, fast food, etc.).
Understand, that those who are privileged to be able to stay home during this pandemic, experience less risk because they are at home and may only expose themselves briefly for exercise outdoors or runs for essential items. Those who work in essential services are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 because of the increased exposure to other individuals who may have tested positive for COVID-19 or may not know they are positive. This report highlights how people of color are overrepresented in low wage jobs that make up many of the essential worker categories such as supermarket workers, home health care aides, aides in long term care facilities and trash collectors.
There are many reasons that people of color are overrepresented in low wage jobs; many of which have to do with the structural and institutional racism of the education and employment systems seen in most businesses and organizations locally, statewide, and nationally. Segregation in the education system didn’t end until 1954 with the passing of the Supreme Court’s Brown vs. Board of Education decision and it wasn’t until 1968 (14 years later) that schools were integrated in Orange County. So when white people had hundreds of years to access higher education institutions and resources, black people experienced the hardships of integration including less access to advanced courses, less access to teachers who look like them, less resources to prepare for standardized testing designed for white children to succeed, and less guidance to attend higher learning institutions. But discrimination didn’t end with integration in schools. Many schools still remain majority segregated due to practices such as redlining. In 2018, 62% of white people in Orange County had a Bachelor’s degree or higher compared to only 26% of black people, 75.2% of Asians, and 24% of Hispanic or Latino people1. This huge education disparity gives white people access to higher-wage jobs, positions of power in organizations, and better health insurance. Having access to these things during COVID-19 is a major factor in being able to stay protected from the virus. Given the racial history of education and the consequences racism had in the black community, many black people went into trade or acquired jobs that do not require a college degree. Jobs at the post office, transportation, or solid waste has served as a pathway for middle class living; other jobs such as those in fast food or retail have kept black people in poverty and potentially exposed to the virus.
According to McKinsey and Company, Black Americans’ economic circumstances can elevate their odds of contracting the coronavirus. Despite shelter-in-place and stay-home orders, only 20% of black workers can work from home, compared with 30% of white workers and 37% of Asian workers. Analysis reveals that black Americans are overrepresented in all jobs that are considered essential during the pandemic: 15% of that entire workforce, and 20% of the workforce in nine of the ten lowest-wage, high-contact essential service occupations (Exhibit 2). In addition, representation in front-line healthcare occupations is especially high: black people are at least a third of nursing assistants, orderlies, and psychiatric aides. Black workers are putting their lives and health on the line for goods and services that matter to society, particularly in healthcare.
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Other historical practices that keep many people of color working in essential jobs include discrimination in hiring practices. Hiring discrimination against a person of color’s name, zip code, or historically black college degree has kept even those with college degrees from being able to obtain a high-wage job. These factors may be why black people in Orange County have the highest rate of unemployment at 8.1%, compared to white people, 3.8%, Asians, 3.7%, and those of Hispanic or Latino origin, 3.6%2.
In this novel time in our country, we need to remember the past. This is the time to acknowledge our racial history and the effects it continues to have on the outcomes of black and brown people. How we respond to this novel virus and how we move forward when this is over should be planned and executed using a racial equity lens. It is time to prioritize communities of color and to not only include them in decision-making rooms but to lift up their voices in the room. Local government can play a major role by taking the time to listen to the community and prioritizing funding for people of color who have lost jobs, for businesses of color who are struggling to stay afloat, for immigrant and undocumented individuals and others who did not receive stimulus relief , and for our children to continue to get a sound education through technology and internet connection.
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Myth: During the stay at home order we are not allowed to go outside at all, even to exercise.
Fact: Getting exercise and enjoying the outdoors is allowed and is especially important for your mental and physical health. Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog. |
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North Carolina COVID-19 CasesThe North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reports 5,859 COVID-19 cases, 429 hospitalizations and 152 deaths as of April 17, 2020. For more information regarding live updates (NCDHHS updates the site every morning at 11 a.m.), please visit the NCDHHS website.There are currently 175 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Orange County, and 3 deaths.Orange County will not be sharing any patient demographics about positive COVID-19 cases. Information that identifies a person who has or may have COVID-19 is protected by NC’s communicable disease confidentiality law, G.S. 130A-143. When the information is maintained by a local health department, it is protected by HIPAA as well. The address alone is sufficient to make the information individually identifiable, even without the name. Therefore, the information must be managed in a way that complies with these laws. We will not ever share race, age, sex or zip code. Social distancing is extremely important to limit the spread of COVID-19. Included below are infographics in English, Spanish and Chinese that give tips on social distancing. Orange County encourages residents to practice social distancing along with other steps, such as proper hand washing, to combat the spread. Spanish, Chinese, Kinyarwanda, Chinese and Karen versions of the graphics below are available here. |
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Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
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The CDC recommends everyone wear a face covering when they go out in public. This will keep COVID-19 positive individuals who are asymptomatic and may be unaware they are infected from spreading the virus. The virus spreads between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. • Face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Please continue to observe these measures (staying six feet apart while in line) to help slow the spread. • Cloth face coverings can be fashioned from household items such as scarfs and t-shirts for personal use. • Cloth face coverings help preserve the supply of surgical face coverings or N-95 respirators. Those critical supplies must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders. • Wash your cloth covering regularly, after each use if possible, and exercise care when removing the face covering. Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing. A washing machine using hot water and regular laundry detergent should suffice in properly washing a face covering. • The guidance for cloth face coverings applies to everyone in the community. As a community, we must also reflect on the criminalization and persecution of face and head coverings for communities of color and certain faith communities. Therefore, this guidance may create some fear, hesitancy, and anxiety for some members of our faith and communities of color. • Wearing a face covering and social distancing will especially help those who have underlying health issues, particularly African-American and other communities of color, who typically experience higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma. For more information, please visit our website. |
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Orange County Health Department: Operation Changes
As of April 15th, 2020, the dental Clinic will be temporarily suspending operations. We made this decision based on a low supply of mask and gowns.
We anticipate opening once we are able to get more supplies for our staff. If you are currently a patient at our clinic, we will be contacting you if your appointment will need to be rescheduled. There is no need to call the clinic. If you do have a question or dental concern, please call our office at (919) 245-2435 and leave a message. Messages will be checked every morning and afternoon and your phone call will be returned within 24 hours. We look forward to reopening when we are able to continue to serve our patients in a safe and effective manner.
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DonationsThe Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is requesting donations to support the COVID-19 response. We know that our community members want to support this effort, and you may be able to help in a safe way. We are not asking the community to go out to shop for these items, but rather to donate materials that you already have. More information is linked here. |
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COVID-19 Community Resources
For more information on COVID-19 community resources in the county, please visit our webpage. Resources on specific topic areas, such as food access, education, housing, and others, are all accessible on our website, or at the links below.
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