COVID-19 Updates: November 11, 2020 |
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Orange County Press Release |
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Orange County Health Department Offers Guidance on Safer Holiday Breaks |
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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: https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13645/guidance-for-holiday-gatherings-FINAL
Orange County Health Department Offers Guidance on Safer Holiday Breaks
HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. Nov. 9, 2020
Any scenario in which people gather together poses a risk for COVID-19 transmission.
The Orange County Health Department offers information on how to gather more safely during the holidays, including guidance for students leaving college campuses and others traveling.
“We encourage hosts and guests of private gatherings to follow this guidance so we can all help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart.
A COVID-19 Clusters in North Carolina report shows trends of increasing clusters from social and community gatherings. A cluster is defined as a minimum of five cases with a common epidemiological link.
“Staying connected with friends and family during the holidays is incredibly important for all of our well-being,” Stewart said. “But this year it will be safer to stay connected via telephone or video chat. We want people to keep in mind that the best gift you can give is the gift of health this holiday season.”
Main Ways to Decrease Risk
The best ways to reduce your risk of viral transmission is to:
- Limit travel during the holidays.
- Limit physical contact with people who do not live in your household.
Whenever gathering with anyone outside your household, you should remember the 3Ws: - Wear a face covering.
- Wait 6 feet apart or maintain 6 feet of social distancing.
- Wash hands well.
The 3Ws are even more important if you are getting together with someone at high risk of complications with COVID-19. Travel and Leaving CampusThe following guidance is for anyone traveling or planning to be with family members they do not live. This includes college students who may be returning home or visiting others during the holidays. - Get a screening COVID-19 test prior to travel or attending family gatherings. If you have a screening test, note:
- A negative test result only gives you information for that point in time. It does not mean you will remain negative after the test.
- Screening tests may miss some infections, particularly if done using rapid or “point of care” tests.
- Even if you have a negative test result, you should wear a mask, physically distance, avoid crowds and indoor crowded places, wash your hands frequently, monitor yourself for symptoms, and minimize contact with people at high risk of complications of COVID-19.
- Avoid contact with people outside your household for 14 days before traveling or gathering. See the quarantining and isolating criteria below.
- Quarantining for Widespread Transmission: If you are leaving a campus or county that is experiencing widespread transmission or has clusters of COVID-19 cases, you should quarantine for 14 days and monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to leaving the area or upon arrival to your destination.
- Quarantining for Symptomatic Individuals: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 you should quarantine and get tested. You can contact your health care provider to get tested or locate a testing site using Find My Testing Place. If you test positive, you should follow the isolation criteria below.
- Quarantining for Known Exposure: If you have been identified as a close contact to a known positive case, you should quarantine and get tested for COVID-19. If you test positive and/or develop symptoms, follow the isolation criteria for symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals described below. Even if you test negative and do not develop symptoms, you should remain in quarantine for 14 days after your last known exposure.
- Isolation for Symptomatic Individuals: If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and have symptoms, or are presumed positive by a medical professional due to symptoms, you should isolate until all of the following conditions are met:
- You have no fever for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medicine).
- Your other symptoms have improved (such as coughing or shortness of breath).
- At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms began.
- Isolation for Asymptomatic Individuals: If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 but do not have symptoms, you should isolate until 10 days have passed since the date of your first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test. If you develop symptoms, follow the isolation criteria for symptomatic individuals described above.
Quarantine keeps someone who might have been exposed to the virus away from others. When quarantining, you should stay home, separate from others, monitor your health, and follow directions from the state or local health department. Isolation keeps someone who is infected with the virus away from others, even in their home. When isolating, you should stay home and separate yourself from others in your home by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom if available. Basic Guidelines for GatheringDo not host or attend a gathering if experiencing any of the following: - You have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
- You are waiting for COVID-19 test results.
- You are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
- You have been told by the local health department to quarantine or isolate.
- You may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Gatherings should not exceed North Carolina’s current mass gathering limits of 10 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Outdoor activities are preferred over indoor because it is easier to stay apart and there is more wind and air to help reduce the spread of the virus. If you are planning in-person holiday gatherings with people who do not live in your household: - Consider asking all guests to strictly avoid contact with people outside of their households for 14 days before the gathering.
- Remind invited guests to stay home if they have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days or are showing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces (such as door handles, sink handles and bathroom surfaces) before guests come over and between uses.
- Keep the guest list small. When deciding how many people to invite, consider the amount of space you have and the ability to maintain social distancing during the event.
- Higher risk guests should consider attending events virtually, so they can remain safely at home.
- If higher risk individuals attend gatherings in person, ensure the 3Ws are practiced by all guests and limit the number of other guests in attendance as much as possible.
- All guests should screen for symptoms the day before the event and stay home from the event if they are not feeling well.
SlowCOVIDNC App
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched a COVID-19 Exposure Notification app called ‘SlowCOVIDNC’. The app will help North Carolinians slow the spread of the virus by alerting them when they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. It is completely anonymous and does not collect, store or share personal information or location data.
To learn more about SlowCOVIDNC and to download the app, visit https://www.covid19.ncdhhs.gov/slowcovidnc, which also includes an FAQ.
Graphic: https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13647/HolidayGatherings-11-2020-Website |
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North Carolina Lowers Indoor Gathering Limit to 10 to Slow Spread of COVID-19 |
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Governor Roy Cooper announced today that North Carolina’s indoor mass gathering limit will be lowered to 10 people in an effort to drive down North Carolina’s key COVID-19 metrics. Executive Order 176 will go into effect on Friday, November 13 and will be in place through Friday, December 4.
"This reduction in our indoor gathering limit aims to slow the spread and bring down our numbers," Governor Cooper said. "It also sends a serious signal to families, friends and neighbors across our state. Success in slowing the spread will help our businesses."
As the weather gets colder, more people will be gathering indoors. Science has shown that indoor gatherings increase risk of transmission of COVID-19, and this Executive Order seeks to limit indoor gatherings that could rapidly and dangerously spread the virus.
The Order does not change the reduced capacity limits for certain businesses that have already been laid out. For more on this, read the Frequently Asked Questions document.
Governor Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen also underscored the need for people to wear a mask anytime they gather with people outside of their immediate household. As the holiday season approaches, NCDHHS released health guidance to help people celebrate as safely as possible without spreading the virus.
“Let’s keep our friends, family, and loved ones safe this holiday season. If you are going to travel or get together, plan ahead to reduce the risk to your family and friends,” said NCDHHS Secretary Cohen. “Remember, it’s not how well you know someone when it comes to wearing a mask. If they don’t live with you, get behind the mask.“
Dr. Cohen also provided an update on North Carolina’s data and trends.
Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days - North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing but still elevated.
Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days - ·North Carolina’s trajectory of cases is increasing.
Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days - North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is level but above 5 percent.
Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days - North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is level but high.
In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread in testing, tracing and prevention. Testing Tracing Capability - The state is continuing to hire contact tracers to bolster the efforts of local health departments.
- There have been almost 350,000 downloads of the exposure notification app, SlowCOVIDNC.
Personal Protective Equipment - North Carolina’s personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.
Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief Program Expands
Also today, Governor Cooper announced that full-service restaurants are now eligible for assistance through the Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief Program (MURR) administered by the NC Department of Commerce.
These businesses may apply for up to 4 months of rent or mortgage interest capped at $20,000 per location for up to 2 locations. Businesses can learn more and apply by visiting www.nccommerce.com/murr.
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NCDHHS Releases New Guidance for Thanksgiving Celebrations, Black Friday Shopping |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 9, 2020
Contact: news@dhhs.nc.gov
919-855-4840
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released new guidance for Thanksgiving celebrations and Black Friday shopping to help North Carolinians gauge the risks, protect their friends and loved ones, and slow the spread of COVID-19.
"The best way to protect loved ones during Thanksgiving is to limit travel and gatherings with anyone who does not live in your household," said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. "If you do plan to get together, there are important steps you can take to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 to your family and friends."
Because North Carolina is experiencing high numbers of COVID-19 cases across the state, NCDHHS urges caution when gathering for Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations, especially for gatherings that include people who are at a higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19, such as anyone over the age of 65.
If people do plan on traveling or gathering, they should consider having a screening COVID-19 test three to four days ahead of time. A screening test can help someone know if they have COVID-19 even if they do not have yet have symptoms. However, a screening test can miss some infections. Furthermore, a negative test only gives you information for that point in time. Screening tests are available at state-funded community testing events. Call ahead to other testing sites to see if they offer screening tests at their locations. Community testing events and other testing sites are listed online at ncdhhs.gov/testingplace.
"Consider getting a screening test ahead of your Thanksgiving travel or gathering. If you test positive, stay home and isolate. If you test negative, it’s not a free pass. Wear a mask and practice all 3Ws, including keeping 6 feet of distance from others and washing hand often," Secretary Cohen said.
People who have been recently diagnosed with COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around a person with COVID-19, should not host or participate in any in-person gatherings until they complete their isolation or quarantine period.
For a full list of guidance about traveling and gathering during the holidays, along with a chart outlining low, medium and high-risk activities, see the NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Thanksgiving Holiday.
During Black Friday shopping, it is strongly recommended individuals do not participate in any traditional Black Friday shopping where customers gather in large groups waiting for the store to open or are in crowded stores for extended times.
Any large gathering of people poses an increased risk for spreading COVID-19. People at high risk for COVID-19 complications should limit in-person shopping. And people who have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19, have COVID-19 like symptoms or who have been exposed to COVID-19, should not shop in person until their isolation or quarantine period is over.
Individuals who do shop in person should follow the 3Ws and remember stores are limited to 50 percent capacity. For further Black Friday guidance, including step-by-step tips for how to reduce risk while shopping, see the NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Black Friday Shopping. |
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Thanksgiving Dining in Orange County, NC in 2020
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Thanksgiving is around the corner. Here are some Orange County, NC area restaurants, markets and other venues to help you plan your 2020 Thanksgiving Meal. Included are Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough dine-in and carry-out options. Visit the websites or call to check out reservation requirements and pre-ordering meal deadlines. Check back often as this list is updated.
For more info, visit this link. |
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Monday through Friday from 9 to 5 in Hillsborough
Where: Whitted Human Services Building
300 W. Tryon St.
Hillsborough, NC 27278
When: Every weekday. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
COVID-19 testing hosted by the Orange County Health Department has no out of pocket cost (insurance will be charged).
Pre-registration is encouraged and can be completed here: https://unityphm.com/campaigns/starmed. Be sure to choose Orange County as your preferred testing location.
Weekday Testing Flyers: There will be a a few exceptions to weekday testing. In November, there will be no testing on November 26th (Thanksgiving).
Testing could also be cancelled due to bad weather.
Testing Update:
The testing event at the R-7 Parking lot in Chapel Hill is CANCELLED due to rain today. The daily testing at the Whitted Building in Hillsborough is still happening. The tests are taking place in the Parks and Rec gym at the same address. You may find the most up to date testing information here: https://www.orangecountync.gov/2451/Testing |
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What we know about the Pfizer vaccine |
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From CNN's Stephanie Halasz
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US drugmaker Pfizer's announcement Monday that it believes its Covid-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective has triggered a wave of optimism around the world, parts of which are under a second round of lockdown, desperately looking for a way out.
Pfizer's announcement, based on early data from its Phase 3 trial, was much better than expected and some experts are saying doses could be produced and distributed in the next month. The trial of the vaccine, made in partnership with Germany's BioNTech, has enrolled more than 43,500 participants since July 27. - Timeline: Dr. Anthony Fauci, the US government's top infectious disease expert, says doses could be given to people "by the end of November, the beginning of December."
- Global doses: The US drugmaker believes it could make up to 50 million doses available globally this year, and 1.3 billion doses in 2021.
- Caveats: While the development has been welcome around the world, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told CNN: "How long this protection lasts is something we don't know."
- Challenges: US State health officials have expressed concerns about the requirements for handling Pfizer’s vaccine, which must be stored at the extremely cold temperature of minus-75 degrees Celsius (minus-103 Fahrenheit), far below the capacity of standard freezers.
- Safety: Pfizer says “no corners were cut” in the vaccine's development, saying there are no safety concerns.
- Progress: As of Sunday, 38,955 of the volunteers in the Pfizer trial have received a second dose. The company says 42% of international trial sites and 30% of US trial sites involve volunteers of racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds.
- Market reaction: The news on Pfizer triggered a rally Monday, but global stocks petered out Tuesday, with some major indexes still inching up.
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Mobilizing Public Health to Achieve Environmental Justice |
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Tuesday, Nov. 17 2 – 3:30 p.m. ET |
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The final webinar in the APHA Advancing Racial Equity series will raise awareness of the ongoing impact of environmental racism on?the health and well-being of Black, Indigenous and people of color in the U.S.?
Presenters will: - Address historic and systemic issues (e.g., redlining, toxic waste siting, zoning policies) that have disproportionally impacted BIPOC communities, including social, economic, and health implications of these practices.
- Discuss the importance of environmental justice initiatives to mitigate inequity and how public health professionals can address environmental racism.
- Present strategies and frameworks to address environmental racism, such as health-in-all-policies, just transition, and cumulative impacts policies to curtail future health disparities.
The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session with the webinar audience.
Closed captioning will be provided.
To register, please visit this link.Webinar participants can earn 1.5 CPH, CME, CNE, or CHES continuing education credits. The webinar will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing on APHA’s website within a week of the live event. New to the topic of environmental justice? Review these resources before the webinar: If you missed the Housing is a Human Right webinar, check out the recording, slides and transcript from this examination of structural racism in housing. See all of the Advancing Racial Equity webinars. |
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Spanish Healthy Homes and COVID-19 Virtual Class |
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Free Spanish Healthy Homes Virtual Class!
Does your child have asthma? Breathe easier knowing your home is healthier with our Healthy Homes class!
Learn about:
- Potential environmental triggers in the home, green cleaning principles, and home injury prevention tips!
- Free Green Cleaning Kit that includes a mask, and items to do class exercises, that can also be utilized for personal use. Examples of items included in the kit:
· Baking soda
· Castile soap
· Peroxide
· Vinegar
· Bucket
· Microfiber cloth
This is a free 1 hour class offered in Spanish (for all age groups) that meets on November 19, 2020 from 5PM – 6PM via GO TO Meeting:
Registration Deadline: Friday November 16, 2020.
To register call Krishnaveni Balakrishnan at 919-621-3818 or via email at kbalakrishnan@orangecountync.gov
Please include: name, address, and the email you will be using to participate in the class. |
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November Food Distribution Info |
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Thanksgiving is just three weeks away! Make it a goal to maintain your weight this holiday season by participating in the, “Maintain, don’t gain!” Holiday Challenge. All Orange County employees who turn in a completed log sheet (attached) will be entered into a drawing for great prizes!
How do I enter? It is easy! Just register at this link: https://esmmweighless.com/sign/
Send Emily Hernandez a screenshot of your registration confirmation. It looks like this: |
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North Carolina COVID-19 Cases
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reports 300,561 COVID-19 cases, 4,698 deaths, and 1246 hospitalizations, as of November 11, 2020. For more information regarding live updates (NCDHHS updates the site every day at noon), please visit the NCDHHS website.
Orange County Health Department also has a COVID-19 dashboard webpage, with information on COVID-19 data in the county. The dashboard will be updated every Tuesday and Thursday.
There are currently 3,375 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Orange County, and 60 deaths.
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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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