Our President and Owner, Scott Carr, shared the following information with our employees in regards to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in North Carolina. Even though this has given us tremendous hope, he also reminds us that we can’t let our guard down.  Employees must make sure they are taking care of themselves if they feel sick, and HR has options for assistance.

As many of you have heard, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan has been set in motion in North Carolina.  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has announced that it is partnering with health systems, local health departments, and community health centers across our state to host large community vaccine events.  These are being held in conjunction with counties and will be free of charge, regardless of access to health insurance or legal status. 

The NCDHSS has also launched theYou Have a Spot. Take Your Shot campaign for individuals to learn more about vaccine groups as well as location options.  I would encourage you to visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines to learn more and find out when you may be eligible to get your vaccine.

Now, even though the vaccine has given us tremendous hope, we can’t let our guard down. COVID-19 case counts are still high and it continues to affect the workload at many of our facilities.  It is amazing to me to see the commitment of so many to step up to make sure the work gets done. But this can’t be done at the expense of your own health. 

I want to make it very clear that you have got to make sure to take care of yourself if you are feeling sick.  I understand this means you will not be able to come in and help get the work done; but I would rather ensure you are in good health than risk further hurting yourself or exposing others to any illnesses.

As a reminder, below are some of the symptoms to be aware of when it comes to COVID-19.  If you feel you have any of these, let your Supervisor or Manager know so they can put you in touch with HR.  Also, know that HR has several options available to help you get by while you are out.  We’ll be happy and excited to have you back when you are able to return to work.

COVID-19 Symptoms

– Cough – Congestion or runny nose – Fever or chills – Shortness of breath – Loss of taste or smell

– Tiredness – Headache – Muscle or body aches – Sore throat – Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Executive orders for “to-go” or delivery sales of mixed beverages and evictions moratorium also extended

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order, requiring people to be at home from 10 pm – 5 am, will be extended. Face covering requirements and restrictions on individuals gathering in both indoor and outdoor settings are still in place. Executive Order No. 189 will be in effect through at least Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. 

The extension of Executive Order No. 190 allowing for the sale of “to-go” or delivery of mixed beverages will continue to help businesses that are struggling right now. The extension of Executive Order No. 191 will help families have the ability to stay in their homes, a critical component of slowing the spread of the virus. 

Read the entire press release at the link below.

https://governor.nc.gov/news/north-carolina-extends-modified-stay-home-order-numbers-begin-stabilize-effort-continue-slow

State Close to Exhausting Supply of First Doses

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services launched a new online tool to help North Carolinians know when they will be eligible to get their vaccine. Find My Vaccine Group walks users through a series of questions to determine which vaccine group they are in. People can then sign up to be notified when their group can get vaccinated.

“Given the very limited supplies we currently have, there may be wait times, but every North Carolinian has a spot. A spot for accurate information. A spot in line. A spot to take their shot,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.

North Carolina’s goal is to vaccinate as many people as quickly and equitably as possible. Local vaccine providers have worked tirelessly to ramp up and vaccinate people under difficult circumstances. This past week, in response to indications that the federal government might base future allocations on the supply states have on hand, the state and providers worked to rapidly administer vaccinations and exhaust North Carolina’s current supply of first doses. 

Read the entire press release at the link below.

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/ncdhhs-launches-%E2%80%9Cfind-my-vaccine-group%E2%80%9D-help-north-carolinians-know-when-they

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is partnering with health systems, local health departments and community health centers across the state to host large community vaccine events for people currently eligible to be vaccinated. More than 45,000 vaccines are expected to be given through these events.

“The state will continue to support our local health departments and hospitals to get shots in arms faster,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “These partners were selected because they were able to rapidly increase the number of vaccines they could deliver as part of this effort.”

Read the entire press release at the link below.

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/ncdhhs-partnering-health-systems-large-scale-vaccine-events

Modified Stay At Home Order extended as numbers continue to increase at alarming pace; 96 counties now designated as “red” or “orange”; North Carolina National Guard mobilized, other efforts underway to support vaccine distribution

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen shared an update today on North Carolina’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support the vaccination effort currently underway. 

Governor Cooper extended North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order that requires people to be at home from 10 pm – 5 am to last through at least Friday, January 29. Secretary Cohen also issued a Secretarial Directive with stark warnings for North Carolinians to avoid indoor spaces without masks and gatherings between households.

Read the entire press release at the link below.

https://governor.nc.gov/news/governor-cooper-extends-modified-stay-home-order-amid-rising-case-counts