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Thursday, 19 November 2020 20:49 |
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Cooper keeps N.C. in Phase 3 restrictions until Dec. 4
From Staff Reports
RALEIGH — Governor Roy Cooper announced on Nov. 10 that North Carolina’s indoor mass gathering limit will be lowered to 10 people — from the previous maximum of 25 people — in an effort to drive down North Carolina’s key COVID-19 metrics.
Executive Order 176, which continues to “pause” the state in Phase 3, went into effect on Nov. 13 and will remain in place through 5 p.m. Dec. 4.“
This reduction in our indoor gathering limit aims to slow the spread and bring down our numbers,” Cooper said. at the briefing “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, a press release from the governor’s office on the event stated, adding that science has shown that indoor gatherings increase risk of transmission of COVID-19, and the 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, the release noted.
Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, the state DHHS secretary, 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.
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Thursday, 19 November 2020 20:48 |
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From Staff Reports
The Asheville Police Department, which has experienced a surge in resignations this year, recently acknowledged that the exodus of offiers is continuing as 14 more resignations have been received since Sept. 16.
“For the year, the APD has received 49 resignations by sworn officers, 45 of which have been submitted since June 1,” the Asheville Citizen Times reported on Nov. 6.
Only 20 officers quit the force for the entire year in 2019.
“Of the 14 officers who have resigned since mid-September, 12 were senior officers and had a combined 85 years of experience on the force,” the ACT noted.
“Since June 1, the APD has lost 28 senior officers and two sergeants for a combined total of more than 230 years of experience.”
City spokeswoman Christina Hallingse was quoted by the ACT as saying, “The Human Resources Department and the Asheville Police Department are working closely together to develop strategies to fill every vacant police officer position. These essential positions are not included in the hiring freeze currently in place within the City of Asheville.” |
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Thursday, 19 November 2020 20:47 |
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From Staff Reports
The Asheville Fire Department has 25 firefighters in quarantine as of mid-month, with 17 testing positive for COVID-19 and eight others quarantined for close contact with someone testing positive for coronavirus, Asheville Fire Chief Scott Burnette announced recently.
“One (positive test) is one too many,” Burnette was quoted as saying in the Nov. 16 edition of the Asheville Citizen Times.
“... We are seeing nationally and at a state level an unbelievable increase in COVID cases. So, for us to also have an increase, unfortunately, is not surpising.” |
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Thursday, 19 November 2020 20:45 |
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From Staff Reports
RALEIGH — As of Nov. 14, according to state health officials, at least 309,118 people in North Carolina have tested positive for COVID-19 and 4,756 have died, the Raleigh News & Observer reported.
“The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Saturday (Nov. 14) reported 3,885 new COVID-19 cases, far higher than the 1,779 new cases reported on Friday and 2,893 on Thursday,” the Raleigh newspaper noted.
It added, “Saturday’s number set a single-day record in North Carolina for the largest jump reported in new infections. Wednesday’s daily case count (3,119) was the previously highest reported in the state since the start of the pandemic.”
The jump to 209,118 confirmed cases in the state follows on the heels of a new executive order on Nov. 10 from Gov. Roy Cooper, lowering the indoor gathering limit to 10 people, starting at 5 p.m. Nov. 13 and extending to 5 p.m. Dec. 4.
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Thursday, 19 November 2020 20:44 |
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From Staff Reports
Following the state trend, Asheville-based Mission Health system experienced a record of COVID-19 hospitalizations durng the second week of November.
“We’ve seen increased numbers in our regional hospitals. We’ve seen a rise at Mission Hospital,” Dr. William Hathaway, chief medical officer at Mission Hospital, was quoted as saying by Asheville television station WLOS (News 13).
As of the morning of Nov. 13, Mission Health system reported 56 lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 patient hospitalizations, News 13 reported, adding that “that number is up by 17 just from Monday (Nov. 9).” The numbers are a record high for the system overall.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it increased,” Hathaway said, according to News 13.
Overall, Mission Hospital recorded 41 COVID-19 cases, Angel Medical Center, two; Blue Ridge Regional, five; and Mission Hospital McDowell, eight.
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