HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOH Agenda 111820ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
MEETING AGENDA
DATE: November 18, 2020
TIME: 7:00 P.M.
PLACE: Go To Meeting
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TIME ITEM
7:00 p.m. I. Welcome New Employees
7:00 – 7:05 II. Public Comment for Items NOT on Printed Agenda.
Public Comment for Items ON Printed Agenda will be handled during that agenda item.
(Please sign up for both on the chat section of the screen.)
Please limit your comments to 3 minutes.
7:05 – 7:10 III. Approval of November 18, 2020 Agenda
7:10 – 7:20 IV. Actions Items (Consent)
A. Minutes of October 28, 2020 Jessica Frega
B. 2021 Board of Health Schedule Jessica Frega
7:20 – 7:50 V. Educational Sessions
A. Customer Satisfaction Survey Dr. Stephanie George
(20 Minutes) and Victoria Hudson
B. Mobile Dental Van Update Dr. Meng-Haggerty (10 minutes)
7:50 – 8:00 VI. Action Items (Non-Consent)
A. Elections (Chair & Vice-Chair) Jessica Frega
8:00 – 8:20 VII. Reports and Discussion with Possible Action
A. Health Director Report Quintana Stewart
B. COVID-19 Update Quintana Stewart
C. Media Items Kristin Prelipp
8:20 – 8:50 VIII. Closed Session to Discuss Health Director’s Annual Review
Closed Session (ref. NCGS 143-318.11(a)6) to consider the qualifications, competence performance,
fitness, conditions of appointment, of an individual public officer or employee, or prospective public officer
or employee; or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge, or grievance by or against an individual public
officer or employee.
8:50 – 8:50 IX. Adjourn to Open Session
8:50 – 8:55 X. Board Comments
8:55 XI. Adjournment
BOARD MEMBERS: To ensure a quorum, SEND E-MAIL to lstrange@orangecountync.gov advising her of your attendance at this meeting OR
CALL 919-245-2411.
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the Immigrant and Refugee Health Program Manager at 919.245.2387 to request an interpreter or other accommodation.
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arreglos o adaptaciones.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
October 28, 2020
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ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT: To enhance the quality
[of life, promote the health, and preserve the environment for all people in the Orange County
community.
THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH MET ON October 28, 2020 virtually via Go To
Meeting.
BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS PRESENT: Jessica Frega – Chair, Sam Lasris – Vice-Chair,
Keith Bagby, Bruce Baldwin, Brian Crandell, Aparna Jonnal, Commissioner Earl McKee, Lee
Pickett, Shielda Rodgers, Timothy Smith and Alison Stuebe.
BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Quintana Stewart, Health Director; Rebecca Crawford, Financial and
Administrative Services Director; Karen Graham, PHN II - CD; Victoria Hudson, Environmental
Health Director; Jennifer Jensen, PHN II – Preparedness Coordinator; Donna King, Health
Promotion & Education Services Director; Kristin Prelipp, Communications Manager; Beverly
Scurry, BOH Strategic Plan Manager; and La Toya Strange, Administrative Support I.
GUESTS PRESENT: Mikayla Gaspary, Community Engagement Manager, NCCARE360 and
Unite Us.
I. Welcome New Employees
Jessica Frega, Chair, called the meeting to order. Ms. Stewart, Health Director, introduced the
new employees in attendance, Karen Graham and Jennifer Jensen.
II. Public Comment for Items NOT on Printed Agenda: None.
III. Approval of the October 28, 2020 Agenda
Motion was made by Timothy Smith to approve the agenda, seconded by Bruce Baldwin
and carried without dissent.
IV. Action Items (Consent)
A. Minutes of September 23, 2020 Meeting
Motion was made by Aparna Jonnal to approve the minutes of September 2020 with the
edit of changing Ms. Bagby to Mr. Bagby on page 6 of the minutes, seconded by Bruce
Baldwin and carried without dissent.
V. Educational Sessions
A. NCCARE360
Mikayla Gaspary, Community Engagement Manager, NCCARE360 and Unite Us, gave a
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
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presentation on NCCARE360, its network status update and how to get involved. Below are
some highlights.
• NCCARE360, which was rolled out in 2019, is the first statewide electronic referral
network that unites healthcare and human services organizations and enables a
coordinated, community-oriented, person-centered approach for delivering case
management in NC. Any organization that is providing services that impact health or the
social determinants of health can onboard to the platform to better streamline their
referral process. Partners include the NC DHHS (the brainchild behind NCCARE360),
the Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation (provided the funding), Unite Us
(developed the network platform), NC 211 and the United Way.
• The main goal of the network is to make sure that North Carolinians are getting
connected to the agencies that can help them and are ultimately getting the help that
best fits their needs.
• There are over 200 service types in the platform.
• NCCARE360’s referral process is different from the traditional referral process in that:
o Information is stored and transferred on United Us’ HIPPA, FERPA, FIPS, VAWA
and 42 CFR Part 2-compliant platform. All data is encrypted, secure and compliant
with security and data storage standards and breach and enforcement rules.
o Informed consent is requested by the system once before the first referral is made
which gives their consent to have their information shared in order to receive
services from network partners.
o Clients are matched with the provider(s) they qualify for.
o Providers have insight into the entire client journey.
o Longitudinal data is tracked to allow for informed decision-making by community care
teams. Reports can be pulled to understand information about the clients you serve,
services you provide and the referrals you send and receive.
o If the client wants to be notified of their referral(s) status, once they give permission,
they can be enrolled to receive notifications whether via phone or email.
o Clients also have the option of looking for resources themselves. They’re able to do
so and the referral request is sent to NC 211.
• There are entities that are required to use NCCARE360 for their referrals including
Healthy Opportunities Pilot grantees, PHPs for Medicaid Transformation and community
health workers.
• Network status update:
o NCCARE360 is live in all 100 counties in NC.
o There are over 1,700 organizations onboarded, over 4,134 users and over 5,600
referrals have been sent.
• To become a partner:
o You’ll need to submit a partner registration form.
o Determine how you want your organization to be set up in the network.
o There are webinars every Tuesday at 2pm, self-guided and in-person trainings
available.
B. 1ST Quarter Financial Reports & Billing Dashboards
Rebecca Crawford, Financial & Administrative Services Director, gave a report on the 1st quarter
revenue and billing accuracy in FY 20-21. Her report is as follows:
• Total Health Department Budget vs. Actuals:
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Average YTD monthly revenue in FY20-21 after the first quarter is $195k/month or
$584k YTD, representing 17% of our overall budgeted revenue for the year. As usual
though, the total first quarter revenue is skewed down due to the majority of state funds
not eligible to be drawn in July (this is typical) and allocations of Medicaid Max funds will
not be transferred into our budget until the end of the fiscal year. Revenues were only
slightly below this point last fiscal year (FY 19-20 1st Quarter YTD: $216k). Expenses
are in line with revenues, at 18% of the overall budget.
• Dental Earned Revenue by Source:
The FY 20-21 average monthly revenue ($31.3k/month) for the first quarter is below our
budget projection ($41k/month) and our FY 19-20 average of $39.7k/month due to
longer than anticipated dental clinic closures during the pandemic and the Dental
Division Director vacancy. PPE shortages had a negative impact on the dental clinic and
its ability to re-open to increased capacity, as Dental staff are required to wear a higher
level of PPE for most procedures. The clinic is working with Duke Hospital to sanitize
N95 masks, which have allowed staff to see more patients. FY 20-21 dental earned
revenue totaled $94k at the end of the first quarter compared to $160k at the end of the
FY 19-20 first quarter.
• Medical Earned Revenue by Source:
Medical earned revenue is currently above the budgeted projection for FY 20-21
($33k/month) at $44.3k/month due to greater than anticipated revenue during the
pandemic. Telehealth visits have been very successful and allowed the clinic to continue
to see patients and bill for services even as in-person visits were limited. Billing staff
have also worked diligently to collect as much revenue as possible from Medicaid and
insurance companies from older accounts. We anticipate this trend toward increased
revenue will continue to improve as the medical clinic gradually adds more in-person
visits based on PPE availability and staff capacity. Medical clinic revenue totals $133k
for first quarter FY 20-21 compared to $130k in first quarter FY 19-20.
• Environmental Health Earned Revenue by Source:
Environmental Health earned revenue is slightly below the budgeted projection for FY
20-21 ($53k/month) at $48.4k/month. It is a seasonal trend to see lower revenue in the
first quarter of the year than in later quarters due to spring pool inspections. EH staff
have worked hard to continue OSWP inspections during the pandemic with little to no in-
person required of residents.
• Grants Fund Revenue:
FSA has drawn $200k of the multi-year Kenan grant. Expenditures are tracking as
anticipated and will continue to increase as we fill the vacant Navigator position in
November.
The BOH members had questions and comments that were addressed by Ms. Crawford
and Ms. Stewart.
C. Advisory Board Update
Beverly Scurry, Board of Health Strategic Plan Manager, made reference to the Advisory Report
and stated that COVID-19 related issues were a topic of discussion for most boards. She
directed the Board to review the Advisory Report and asked if there were any questions. The
Board had none.
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VI. Reports and Discussion with Possible Action
A. BOH Chair and Vice-Chair Slate
The Board members shall elect a Chair and Vice-Chair by majority vote each year at the last
meeting of the calendar year. It is customary for the current Vice-Chair to occupy the Chair
position because of the experience gained as Vice-Chair. There was a nomination for Bruce
Baldwin for Vice-Chair. Ms. Frega informed the Board to email her if there are any other
nominations. The vote for Chair and Vice-Chair will take place, next month, at the November
18th meeting.
B. Health Director Annual Evaluation
Jessica Frega, Chair, reviewed this year’s process for the annual review. Ms. Stewart will send
her send her updated work plan to Ms. Frega. Ms. Frega will be in contact with the County
Manager and human resources. A survey will be sent to Ms. Stewart’s direct reports and a
random sampling of staff at the OCHD. The annual review will occur during a closed session at
the November 18th meeting where the results will be discussed as well as her performance. Ms.
Strange will create a new Go To Meeting link for the closed session.
C. Health Director Report
In addition to her report, Ms. Stewart spoke briefly on the items below beginning with a brief
overview of the information displayed in the COVID Dashboard created by Ms. Crawford as well
as took questions and comments from the Board.
• The Medical Clinic patient encounters for October were low. One of the reasons may be
attributed to a new clinic schedule that began this month that only has one clinic location
operable per day. The SHSC and Whitted locations alternate days in which they are
open. The schedule was instituted out of caution and patient safety as we were short
staffed. We are currently in the process of hiring and orienting additional staff.
• In-house COVID testing numbers decreased which correlates with our increased
community testing opportunities across the county while working with state partners.
• The Communication team continues to be responsive to community questions and
requests even though call line volume and email activity has decreased a little.
• As a result of Mr. Bagby’s request at the last Board meeting for a COVID update for the
community, a Public Health Chat series was created with a plan to do one monthly. It
started last month with Ms. Stewart and others including EMS director, Dinah Jeffries,
participating. Kudos was given to Ms. Prelipp for her excellent video editing skills. Ms.
Prelipp also facilitated another video that involved Ms. Stewart, the mayor of Chapel Hill
and the UNC Chancellor that encouraged safety while enjoying Halloween.
• The OCHD has had some key staff, the Dental Director and the Personal Health
Services Director, retire. A departmental reorganization was recently implemented.
There are still five divisions. There were no changes in the Environmental Health and
Financial and Administrative Services divisions. There was a minor change in the
Dental Clinic. Carla Julian served a dual role as our Compliance & Quality Assurance
(QA) manager and Dental Clinic manager. Now, her full-time focus is on compliance &
QA. She is also the liaison for the congregate facilities in reference to COVID as well as
the supervisor for our interpreters as Susan Clifford has made the transition to Human
Rights and Relations due to the County Manager’s vision of making the work Susan
does available on a countywide level vs only at the OCHD. Personal Health Services
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now consists of the medical clinic, communicable disease and nutrition teams. The
newly created Community Health Services division consists of family home visiting,
Family Success Alliance and Health Promotion & Education Services. A new director
will be hired for this division.
• Ms. Stewart congratulated Victoria Hudson on receiving the Bill Broadway award from
the NCPHA. Ms. Hudson expressed her appreciation for being honored with the award
and thanked Ms. Frega for the kind words she provided in the nomination packet.
• The new Dental Director, Dr. Monica Meng-Haggerty, will be joining the OCHD sooner
than expected. She will be starting on November 9th.
D. COVID-19 Update
Quintana Stewart, Health Director, gave an update on the COVID-19 status in Orange County
(OC) as well as took questions from the Board. Some highlights are below.
• As of today,
o There are 3,088 confirmed cases and 58 deaths in OC.
o There were 111 new cases in the last 7 days, an average of 15-16 cases daily.
• We’ve seen a steady increase in cases; however, they’re widespread all across the
county in both rural and urban areas. There are no potential clusters or indication of a
single source that we’re aware of based on the information we’re getting from case
investigations. The increase has mostly been with the younger population and working
age groups, specifically the 18-24 year olds with the 25-49 year old age group following
slightly behind.
• There are some new outbreaks in long term care facilities with most of them being
employees.
• There’s a steady increase in hospitalizations in OC and the state. UNC Main is at 95%
capacity.
• The percent positive tests percentage for OC is currently at 3% which is below the ideal
percentage of 5% or less; however, OC has been as low as 1.3%.
• There have been 64,372 tests conducted. This does not translate into the number of
individuals tested because some community members have been tested multiple times.
Roughly 44% of the population, an increase of 3%, has been tested in Orange County.
• We are attempting to make sure there are assessible testing sites in all parts of the
county. StarMed consistently sets up a Wednesday testing site in the Chapel Hill area.
Through state resources, we’ve also onboarded a new vendor, Optum Health, which will
focus on testing in the Efland area. We also have testing in the northern part of the
county in Hurdle Mills. The fourth Saturday of the month, we’re testing in Chapel Hill at
St. Thomas More. This Sunday, there is a testing event at McDougle Elementary School
in Carrboro. This week, we’ve started daily testing at the OCHD in Hillsborough at the
Whitted site. All testing is free. We’ve also offered free flu shots at some of the
community COVID testing events. So far, 412 flu shots have been administered.
• At today’s Governor’s press update, the eviction moratorium was extended until the end
of the year for those unable to pay their rent. It was announced last week that the HOPE
(Housing Opportunity to Prevent Evictions) federal funds are another resource that can
assist with some emergency housing needs. For our community members that are
undocumented, they are not eligible for those funds. Our housing director is aware of
this and is in the process of requesting some additional resources to support community
members not eligible for the HOPE funds.
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• Also at the Governor’s briefing, they debuted a new PSA about the importance of
wearing masks especially as there will be more family gatherings due to the holidays.
The question isn’t how well you know someone, it’s whether this person a part of my
immediate household. If the answer is no, you’ll need to wear a mask.
E. Media Items
Kristin Prelipp, Communications Manager, mentioned that the articles in the Board packet were
just a selection of the numerous COVID-19-related articles. Included in the Board’s packet were
articles regarding UNC-Chapel Hill’s fall reopening, the Hurdle Mills COVID-19 testing and
Halloween health guidance.
Media items were in the packet which focused on Orange County’s events and our
involvement in various efforts.
VII. Board Comments
Mr. Bagby stated that he’d completed the orientation with the Family Success Alliance. Ms.
Stewart thanked him for being the Board’s liaison. Ms. Stuebe and Ms. Pickett stated that the
County’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) training in which they participated was great.
VIII. Adjournment
Bruce Baldwin moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:48pm and Alison Stuebe seconded.
The next Board of Health Meeting will be held November 18, 2020 at 7:00pm via Go To
Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Quintana Stewart, MPA
Orange County Health Director
Secretary to the Board
2021 BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING SCHEDULE
Whitted Human Services Center
Board of Health Conference Room
Building 3rd Floor Room A 305
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Contact Person La Toya Strange 919-245-2411
January 29, 2021
February 24, 2021
March 24, 2021
April 28, 2021
May 26, 2021
June 23, 2021
August 25, 2021
September 22, 2021
October 27, 2021
November 17, 2021
All meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the meeting months and at the
Whitted Human Services Center, Hillsborough unless noted otherwise.
Agenda Item Number:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: November 18, 2020
Agenda Item Subject: Customer Satisfaction Surveys – Environmental Health and
Dental Clinic
Attachment(s): PowerPoint
Staff or Board Member Reporting: Victoria Hudson and Dr. Stephanie George
Purpose: ____ Action
_ X Information only
____ Information with possible action
Summary Information:
Per Board of Health Policy and Accreditation standards, annually staff will present to the
Board of Health results of patient and client input on services received, including any
corrective actions deemed necessary to improve services
Recommended Action: ___Approve
___Approve & forward to Board of Commissioners for action
___Approve & forward to ___________________________
_X_Accept as information
___Revise & schedule for future action
___Other (detail):
Customer
Satisfaction Survey
Reports 2020
Dental and Environmental
Dr. Stephanie George and
Victoria Hudson
November 18, 2020
Dental Health Patient Satisfaction Surveys
1.Ongoing through Solutionreach Patient
Engagement Software
Sent by text or email one day after visit
11% Response Rate
51 Responses Since 5-2020
2.Paper Spanish and English Surveys
Conducted Aug. 25- Sept. 1
Provided at Checkout
19 Spanish
20 English
Dental Health Patient Satisfaction Surveys
•Spanish Paper Survey Results: Aug 2019
–95% satisfied with overall experience
–100% agreed front desk staff and dentists were courteous and responsive to needs
–100% agreed dental assistants or hygienists were courteous and responsive to needs
–95% satisfied with interpretation services
–Mostly positive open-ended survey responses, such as “Great care” and “their kindness.”
–Two needs improvement comments:
•“Having more available appointments for when someone needs them.
•“I understand that the assistants do their job. Just a small observation: Some of them should be a little patient with children, and try making them feel safe and not afraid. I hope it does not bother you. Thanks for everything- .”
Dental Health Patient Satisfaction Surveys
•English Paper Survey Results: Aug 2019
–95% satisfied with overall experience
–100% agreed front desk staff and dentists were courteous
and responsive to needs
–100% agreed dental assistants or hygienists were courteous
and responsive to needs
–Mostly positive open-ended survey responses, such as
“Prompt,” “Professional,” “Friendly”, and “Great Care”
–One Needs Improvement Comment
•“If we don’t have to wait long for an appointment, that would be
better. Not complaining, we understand. Thank you all so much.”
Questions?
Stephanie George
sgeorge@orangecountync.gov
919-245-2043
www.OrangeCountyNC.gov/Health
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION 2019-2020
89 RESPONDENTS
GENERAL STATISFACTION = 100%
90% EXCELLENT
10% GOOD
UNIFORM DISTRIBUTION OF
SURVEYS COMPLETED AS
SHOWN BY
THE QUARTER
-FLUCTUATES WEEKLY
-LESS FLI PROGRAM
RESPONDENTS
-SAME AVAILABILITY OF THE
SURVEY AS THE PAST 10 YEARS
RESPONSE TIME
•Response time
–Initial evaluation of the application for accuracy
and completeness
–Background research
–Field visits/ evaluations/ investigations
–Examination of premises plus adjacents
–Legal analysis of proposed operations
–Time to write, draft, draw, or otherwise generate a
reports and site plans
How would you rate staff promptness and
response time?
AVAILABILITY-
THE GOAL WAS
TO MAKE THE DELIVERY
OF SERVICES AS
SEAMLESS AS POSSIBLE
AFTER COVID RESPONSE
•IMPROVE PERCEPTIONS ABOUT RESPONSE
TIME BY 25%
•ENHANCE THE APPLICATION EXPERIENCE
NOW THE LMCPS IS VERY FUNCTIONAL & CSS
IS MORE POSSIBLE THAN EVER
•INCREASE SUBMITTAL RATE BY 10% FOR OSWP
•INCREASE SUBMITTAL RATE BY 25% FOR FLI
TARGETS FOR 2020-2021
Questions?
VICTORIA HUDSON
vhudson@orangecountync.gov
919-245-2365
www.OrangeCountyNC.gov/Health
Agenda Item Number:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: 11/18/2020
Agenda Item Subject: Update on the Mobile Dental Clinic
Attachment(s): N/A
Staff or Board Member Reporting: Dr. Monica Meng-Haggerty
Purpose: ____ Action
_ x_ Information only
____ Information with possible action
Summary Information:
An update on the status of the Mobile Dental Clinic will be provided by Dr. Monica
Meng-Haggerty, the new Dental Director. The update will include status on what still
needs to be completed for the Mobile Clinic to be operational, as well as the plans and
timeline for the parking area for the Mobile Clinic at Southern Health and Human
Services. Dr. Meng-Haggerty will also provide an estimate of when the MDC will be
ready for use.
Recommended Action: ___Approve
___Approve & forward to Board of Commissioners for action
___Approve & forward to ___________________________
_X_Accept as information
___Revise & schedule for future action
___Other (detail):
Agenda Item Number:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: November 18, 2020
Agenda Item Subject: Elections (Chair & Vice-Chair)
Attachment(s): None
Staff or Board Member Reporting: Jessica Frega
Purpose: __X_ Action
_ __ Information only
____ Information with possible action
Summary Information:
Per the Board of Health Policies and Procedures, the Board shall elect a Chair and
Vice-Chair by majority vote each year at the last meeting of the calendar year.
Recommended Action: _X_Approve
___Approve & forward to Board of Commissioners for action
___Approve & forward to ___________________________
___Accept as information
___Revise & schedule for future action
___Other (detail):
Health Director’s Report
November 2020
• October 30, 2020 – Orange County Cost Recovery Training facilitated by Haggerty Consulting, Inc.
(Virtual)
• November 4, 2020- NC InCK Partnership Council Meeting (Virtual)
• November 5, 2020 – Orange County Department Directors Meeting (Virtual)
• November 5, 2020 – Town of Chapel Hill Emergency Manager & Town Manager COVID Q&A
(Virtual)
• November 6, 2020 - Partner Information Sharing Group (formerly MAC group) meeting (Virtual)
• November 6, 2020- OCHD hosted UNC Public Health Students for the Annual UNC Phield Trip. UNC
PHield Trip – a way of introducing incoming public health students from UNC to local governmental
public health; Krishnaveni Balakrishnan, Healthy Homes Coordinator, coordinated and facilitated the
event this year. There were 23 students and 10 staff in attendance. Due to COVID-19, it was held in a
virtual format rather than in person as traditionally done. Krishnaveni gave a comprehensive overview
of the Orange County Health Department highlighting the important racial equity work of the
department and the impact of systemic racism on health disparities. She made a clear connection of this
as evidenced by the impact of COVID-19 on historically marginalized communities. Students had an
opportunity to go into breakout rooms to hear from health department staff in an intimate setting to ask
questions and hear more about department programs and initiatives. Special thanks to Donna King,
Kristin Prelipp, Ana Salas, Asuka Nakamura, Rita Krosner, Cathy York, Jennifer Jensen, Dana Crews,
and Angela Sowers for their participation and assistance in making the event a success.
• November 9, 2020 – Large/High Impact County COVID-19 Call (Virtual)
• November 13, 2020 - NCALHD New Health Director Orientation (Virtual)
• November 13, 2020 - Campus & Community Collaborative Fall Meeting
• November 13, 2020 –Management Team Meeting; PERFORM training with Human Resources (Virtual)
• The team and I continue to work with UNC, both the school districts, and several community agencies
to discuss COVID re-opening plans.
• We recorded Public Health Chat #2 this month. In addition to the COVID update we featured the School
Superintendents from both school districts (Dr. Monique Felder – OCS and Dr. Jim Causby (Interim) –
CHCCS to discuss school reopening plans and preparation.
• On November 10th, Governor Cooper announced that NC would remain in Phase 3 until December 4,
2020. He also announced that the mass gathering limit for indoors will decrease to 10 maximum. As we
see cases increase across the State, it is largely due to social, community and family gatherings. The
change to the mass gathering limit is an effort to suppress the spread of the virus as we head into the
upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday when many may gather indoors to share a meal.
• On November 12, 2020 BOCC Chair, Penny Rich, signed an Amendment to the Declaration of State of
Emergency in Orange County to align with the Governor’s Executive Order 176 issued on November
10, 2020.
• As of Friday, November 13, 2020, NCDHHS will be making a change to the NC COVID-19 Dashboard
that will result in an increase in hospitalizations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revised the criteria for reporting COVID-19
hospitalizations. Previously, the CDC required that hospitals report patients only when they were under
isolation precautions, which is typically a maximum of 21 days. Because patients may suffer the effects
of COVID-19 for a longer period of time, the CDC now requires that hospitalizations be reported for the
entire length of stay.
It is anticipated that we will see an increase in the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations being reported
as this metric will now include patients that are still hospitalized due to COVID-19 but are no longer
under isolation precautions. We will likely have a one-time increase on November 13th and then longer
term we may see a higher more sustained number of COVID-19 hospitalizations.
• Please note that NCDHHS is modifying the time that the data is pulled for the dashboard. As a result,
there will be a one-time artificial decrease in the number of tests, cases and deaths on November 13,
2020 as the data will cover 10 hours as opposed to the standard 24 hours. Future data will cover the
standard 24-hour period.
Upcoming Testing Events
• Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm – OCHD, Whitted Building, 300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC
27278
• NEW Daily Weekday Testing!
We will begin working with a new vendor, Optum, to increase our testing efforts in the county.
Beginning Monday, November 16, 2020, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (closed for a hour break for
lunch) - R7 Parking Lot, 725 Martin Luther King Blvd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514
• Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 11am – 3pm - Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 200 Buckhorn Road,
Mebane, NC 27302
• Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 3pm - 7pm - Nash Parking Lot Wilson Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
• Saturday, November 2, 2020, 10 am - 2pm - Lattisville Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1701 Jimmy
Ed Road, Hurdle Mills, NC 27541
Agenda Item Number:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: November 18, 2020
Agenda Item Subject: COVID-19 Update
Attachment(s):
Staff or Board Member Reporting: Quintana Stewart
Purpose: ____ Action
_ X Information only
____ Information with possible action
Summary Information:
Quintana Stewart will give an update on COVID-19 status in Orange County.
Recommended Action: ___Approve
___Approve & forward to Board of Commissioners for action
___Approve & forward to ___________________________
_X_Accept as information
___Revise & schedule for future action
___Other (detail):
11/11/20, 6:21 PMOrange County Courthouse Closes Due to COVID-19 Exposure - Chapelboro.com
Page 1 of 6https://chapelboro.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19/orange-county-courthouse-closes-due-to-covid-19-exposure
___
Orange County
Courthouse Closes Due to
COVID-19 Exposure
Posted by Brighton McConnell | Oct 28, 2020 |
COVID-19, Local Government
The Orange County Courthouse will temporarily close
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11/11/20, 6:21 PMOrange County Courthouse Closes Due to COVID-19 Exposure - Chapelboro.com
Page 2 of 6https://chapelboro.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19/orange-county-courthouse-closes-due-to-covid-19-exposure
to the public following “an exposure” to COVID-19.
Court o!cials for the Hillsborough facility announced
the closure on Tuesday, citing a recent threat to the
public and court employees’ safety from the
coronavirus. According to a release from the North
Carolina Judicial Branch, those working at the
courthouse have been coordinating a response with
Orange County Health o!cials.
“We are working quickly to protect the health of those
who work in the building as well as the people that we
serve,” said Senior Resident Superior Court Judge
Allen Baddour in the release. “We’re grateful for the
quick response by the Orange County Public Health
Department and the County’s Environmental Services
Department.”
The release from the state judicial branch did not
specify whether the “exposure” came from a positive
COVID-19 case in a community member or
courthouse sta" member.
Orange County court o!cials say the courthouse will
be closed through at least Friday, November 6, with
the exception of some operations. First appearances
for in-custody defendants, emergency domestic
violence matters and emergency #lings will still occur
in-person. Criminal Superior Court matters and Civil
District Court matters will be conducted remotely
when possible, according to Tuesday’s release. Other
matters, including tra!c court and criminal district
court, will be rescheduled automatically. Orange
County court o!cials said those with such cases will
soon receive a letter about a new court date.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch said the Orange
11/11/20, 6:21 PMOrange County Courthouse Closes Due to COVID-19 Exposure - Chapelboro.com
Page 3 of 6https://chapelboro.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19/orange-county-courthouse-closes-due-to-covid-19-exposure
County Grand Jury scheduled to meet on Monday,
November 2, will be postponed to November 30.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in the
state, North Carolina Chief Justice Cheri Beasley
announced most non-criminal proceedings in court
would be conducted remotely. In June, guidance from
the state court system led the Orange County
Courthouse to resume more in-person operations in a
limited fashion, implementing several requirements
to visitors to protect public health.
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11/11/20, 6:11 PMRaleigh & Durham areas’ COVID-19 cases spike along with NC | Raleigh News & Observer
Page 1 of 9https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article247060012.html
CORONAVIRUS
COVID-19 cases climbing in Triangle, but rate is
lower than in rural parts of NC
BY ADAM WAGNER
NOVEMBER 08, 2020 05:34 PM !"#$
Just like the rest of North Carolina and much of the country, the Triangle has seen its
number of COVID-19 cases rise quickly in recent weeks.
According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Wake County’s 2,393
newly confirmed cases over the last two weeks are second in North Carolina only to
Mecklenburg’s 3,246 cases. During that same period, Durham County has added 881
and Orange 262 cases.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the NC DHHS, said during a briefing Nov. 5, 2020, if you are planning on a
gathering over the holidays, these are steps you can take during the coronavirus pandemic to do it as safely as
possible. BY UNC-TV
Listen to this article now
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11/11/20, 6:11 PMRaleigh & Durham areas’ COVID-19 cases spike along with NC | Raleigh News & Observer
Page 2 of 9https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article247060012.html
The number of cases per capita in the Triangle trails those in other parts of the state
over the last two weeks, with more rural parts of North Carolina typically having the
state’s highest rates. For instance, Alexander County, slightly east of Boone, has the
state’s highest rate with 872 cases per 100,000 residents.
TOP ARTICLES
By comparison, Durham leads the Triangle over the past two weeks with 274 cases
per 100,000 residents — a rate below that of nearly 60 of the state’s 100 counties.
Wake County’s rate is 215 cases per 100,000 residents, while Orange County’s is 176
per 100,000.
Wake County’s highest single-day total recently was 257 cases on Friday, the county’s
second-highest day since the pandemic began. The same day, Durham County
reported 120 cases, its third-highest day during the pandemic.
Orange County saw its highest numbers in August when UNC-Chapel Hill tried
unsuccessfully to return students to campus. While the county is seeing its seven-day
average for new cases steadily trend upward, it is now nearing 25 new cases a day,
much lower than the roughly 80 it topped out at in August.
COVID-19 IN SCHOOLS
Schools throughout the Triangle are reopening gradually, even as case counts mount.
Thursday, Dr. Betsey Cuervo Tilson, the state health director, said cases among
children are not “a big driver” of the state’s escalating COVID-19 cases.
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11/11/20, 6:11 PMRaleigh & Durham areas’ COVID-19 cases spike along with NC | Raleigh News & Observer
Page 3 of 9https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article247060012.html
Wake County reported 20 cases at its schools this week.
On Monday, some middle school students will return to in-person learning in Wake
County. The News & Observer previously reported that an estimated 6,000 of the
district’s 160,000 students will be on campus Monday. Like PreK-3 and K-12 special-
education students in regional programs before them, middle schools students will
return to classes in a rotation of one week in school and two weeks of remote
learning.
Wake County PreK-3 students and K-12 special-education students will begin daily
in-person classes on Nov. 16, while fourth and fifth graders will start the three-week
rotation.
Staff and students must cover their faces, undergo temperature screenings and stay
6 feet apart whenever possible.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools moved last week to start returning a very small
number of students to classrooms. About 60 students with disabilities who attend
adaptive classes are set to return to the classroom on Dec. 7, with in-person classes
in the morning and remote classes in the afternoon, The News & Observer reported.
Some working students who take evening classes could also soon return to the
classroom.
The district also announced that K-12 students will continue virtual learning until at
least Jan. 15.
At Orange County Schools, preschool and special-education students returned to the
classroom Oct. 27, while most K-12 students are scheduled to return in small groups
beginning January 2021.
Students at Durham Public Schools are also scheduled to begin returning in January.
COVID-19 IN JAILS, NURSING HOMES
On Friday, Franklin County announced that its jail is undergoing a COVID-19
outbreak. As of 2 p.m. Friday, 30 inmates and two staff members had tested positive
for COVID-19 at the Louisburg facility.
In a press release, the Franklin County Health Department said it is working with
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11/11/20, 6:11 PMRaleigh & Durham areas’ COVID-19 cases spike along with NC | Raleigh News & Observer
Page 4 of 9https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article247060012.html
DHHS and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to test both incarcerated people and
jail staff, as well as conducting contact tracing efforts and quarantining people who
have tested positive.
According to DHHS’ latest outbreak report, released Friday, there are 12 other
county jails with ongoing outbreaks. An outbreak is defined as two or more cases in
a congregant living setting. Outbreaks are considered over four weeks after the last
person with COVID-19 linked to the outbreak either tested positive or had symptoms
develop.
Around the Triangle, there are ongoing outbreaks at the Johnston County jail, where
18 inmates and five staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, as well as the
Wake County jail, where 39 inmates and a staff member have tested positive.
DHHS also identified multiple outbreaks in Triangle nursing homes and long-term
care facilities. There are a dozen ongoing outbreaks at facilities in Durham, three at
facilities in Orange County and six at Wake County facilities.
The DHHS report does not include an outbreak at Garner’s The Laurels of Forest
Glen that was reported Wednesday by Wake County. The outbreak is the second at
The Laurels of Forest Glen, which, according to Wake County, means the facility
must increase its restrictions, including not having visitors for four weeks.
Source: N&O analysis of NC DHHS data • Get the data
NC CORONAVIRUS CASES AND TESTINGNC CORONAVIRUS CASES AND TESTING
The chart below shows confirmed cases, completed tests and percent positive rates for the last 14 days. Select variables from
the dropdown menu for more information.
Total Cases
Oct 31 Nov 03 05 07 09 11
50k
100k
150k
200k
250k
300k 269k 271.8k 274.6k 276.7k 278k 280.4k 282.8k 285.7k 288.6k 291.2k 293.3k 294.9k 297.4k 300.6k
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NC health official: COVID-19 steps to take for a safer
holiday gathering
Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the NC DHHS, said during abriefing Nov. 5, 2020, if you are planning on a gathering over the
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11/11/20, 6:11 PMRaleigh & Durham areas’ COVID-19 cases spike along with NC | Raleigh News & Observer
Page 5 of 9https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article247060012.html
Map: David Raynor • Get the data
NC CORONAVIRUS CASESNC CORONAVIRUS CASES
Number of reported coronavirus cases by county as reported by NC DHHS. Not all cases of COVID-19 are tested, so
this does not represent the total number of people who have or had the virus.
< 1505 1505–3829 3829–7953 7953–23727 ≥ 23727
202420242024
659665966596
312931293129
243724372437
115811581158 156115611561
152215221522
237272372723727
299229922992
399939993999
635063506350
442544254425
214021402140
179179179
259225922592
162116211621
768768768
209820982098
245524552455
462746274627
133591335913359
795379537953 140414041404
674467446744
657665766576
331933193319
436243624362
244924492449
424642464246
190919091909 506050605060
842842842
650650650
371623716237162
382938293829
325325325
225322532253
783783783
223022302230
465446544654
813813813
308830883088
219921992199
125512551255
164616461646
122812281228
156915691569
292729272927
218218218
364036403640833833833
709709709
842842842
352352352
150515051505
532532532
583458345834
574574574 697697697
134134134
534353435343
102961029610296
259825982598
786786786
168316831683
337533753375
341341341
170517051705
468468468
279279279
344634463446
271827182718 849584958495
896896896 181181181
120512051205
173917391739
153215321532
407407407
281628162816264264264
259259259
905905905120912091209
223322332233
273273273
421421421
255255255
586658665866
Case totals for the following counties include state and federal prisons where positive tests have been reported: Granville, Greene, Halifax,
Hertford, Johnston, Pasquotank, Wayne.
f f
inin
Map: David Raynor • Get the data
NC CORONAVIRUS DEATHSNC CORONAVIRUS DEATHS
Number of reported deaths due to COVID-19 by county as reported by NC DHHS.
Under 10 10 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 99 100 or more
676767
102102102
323232
545454
191919 171717
474747
280280280
555555
353535
696969
717171
434343
555
656565
323232
212121
636363
575757
111111111
216216216
108108108 777
444444
666666
767676
353535
191919
484848
717171 101101101
363636
222222
410410410
868686
555
393939
131313
535353
122122122
888
606060
666666
393939
323232
888
353535
212121
151515
939393151515 333
202020
131313
777
343434
777
939393
333 666
333
676767
137137137
747474
101010
454545
606060
333
282828
999
888
727272
686868 979797156156156
363636 333
121212
333333
666
222
161616101010
103103103
444
474747
101010
181818
121212
242424
444
333
222
131313
222
353535
444
333
464646
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inin
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holidays, these are steps you can take during the coronaviruspandemic to do it as safely as possible. BY UNC-TV %
11/11/20, 6:11 PMRaleigh & Durham areas’ COVID-19 cases spike along with NC | Raleigh News & Observer
Page 6 of 9https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article247060012.html
Chart: David Raynor • Get the data
CORONAVIRUS CASES BY DAYCORONAVIRUS CASES BY DAY
"Total Cases" shows the cumulative number of positive cases from molecular and antigen tests. "New Cases" shows the
number of new cases by day. "7-Day Rolling Average" shows a 7-day average of new cases in order to account for the lag-
time of how cases are reported by county health departments to the state. On Sept. 25, the state Department of Health and
Human Services started including the cases and deaths diagnosed via antigen tests and the number of antigen tests
completed. The spike of more than 6,140 cases over one day on Sept. 25 reflect a one-time addition of new information as
the state backfilled data through May 20, when the first antigen positive case was reported, a DHHS spokesperson said. We
flatten the curve by reducing the number of new cases per day.
Total CasesTotal Cases New Cases 7 Day Average Cases Recoveries
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
100k
200k
300k
Data is from the NC DHHS daily updates. Not all cases of COVID-19 are tested, so this does not represent the total number of people who have or
had the virus. The number of recovered patients is reported each Monday by DHHS.
FOLLOW MORE OF OUR REPORTING ON CORONAVIRUS IN NORTH CAROLINA
SEE ALL STORIES ➔➔
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NOVEMBER 08, 2020 11:42 AM
11/11/20, 6:27 PMSafety tips to make Halloween less frightful | Arts & Entertainment | newsoforange.com
Page 1 of 2https://www.newsoforange.com/arts_and_entertainment/article_1830e96c-153c-11eb-a9a2-cf64ca29fb15.html
https://www.newsoforange.com/arts_and_entertainment/article_1830e96c-153c-11eb-a9a2-cf64ca29fb15.html
FEATURED
Safety tips to make Halloween less frightful
Dale Edwards/News of Orange
Oct 23, 2020
Be safe and have fun on Halloween
Courtesy of the Orange County Department of Health
The Orange County Health Department is echoing the words from the Centers for Disease Control
and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services in urging residents to forgo traditional
Halloween activities because of concerns for spreading COVID-19.
But that doesn’t mean all hope for having a good time this year is lost.
“We want people to have a good time because people need a bit of a release and to have some fun,”
said Kristin Prelipp, communications manager and public information o!cer with the Orange
County Health Department. “That makes you healthy, too. We’re just hoping that whatever people
do Halloween night, then two weeks later we’re not all paying the price for that.”
Prelipp said the OCHD took guidance from the CDC and N.C. DHHS, which broke down Halloween
activities into risk categories. Door-to-door trick-or-treating and large costume parties are
considered high risk because of the potential for many hands touching the same surface.
“If you happen to have one person in that crowd that is sick, it’s just so contagious,” Prelipp said.
“We’re trying to encourage people that if they’re going to do these activities, at least know what are
the riskiest parts. In general, we’re looking at things in more of a risk-reduction model. We can’t stay
home forever. You have to be able to go out and live your life. Many of these activities, like Trunk-or-
Treat, or door-to-door Trick-or-Treating are in the high-risk category.”
11/11/20, 6:27 PMSafety tips to make Halloween less frightful | Arts & Entertainment | newsoforange.com
Page 2 of 2https://www.newsoforange.com/arts_and_entertainment/article_1830e96c-153c-11eb-a9a2-cf64ca29fb15.html
In a typical year, OCHD emphasizes the importance of Halloween candy-seekers being seen, wearing
bright colors, using crosswalks, being aware of moving cars and trick-or-treating in groups. The germ
aspect was never much of an issue.
COVID also has changed how treats should be given out.
“We have guidance on how to structure one way trick-or-treating,” Prelipp said. “We also have
signage you can print out that’s in English and Spanish to help. One way trick-or-treating with
individually wrapped goodie bags, and they’re lined up for families to take and go so you don’t have
that shared bowl of candy. The idea is that you could have that set up at the edge of your driveway
or the edge of your yard. Whoever is preparing the goodie bags would have to follow the same
hand-hygiene guidelines of washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before
and after preparing the bags.”
Another point is the importance of social distancing and continuing to wear cloth face masks, even if
you’re wearing a costume mask. Prelipp said the cloth masks should not be worn under the costume
masks as it could be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breath. People could consider
using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
“There are a lot of cool masks out there,” she said.
Lower risk alternatives to trick-or-treating include — if you’re sticking with your household members
— decorating pumpkins, decorating your home and yard, and some people are doing a Halloween
scavenger hunt for the kids. Also virtual Halloween costume contests and Halloween movie night.
“If you’re going to do the moderate risk activities, just make sure you go into it knowing the parts
that are more risky,” Prelipp said. “For instance, let’s say there’s a lot of local places o"ering a
haunted attraction that you can walk through, if you’re going to be really afraid, you typically shout
or scream. When you do that, more of the virus that might be in you goes out.”
11/11/20, 6:27 PMScreening the key to breast cancer prevention, treatment | Community | newsoforange.com
Page 1 of 2https://www.newsoforange.com/community/article_b9a83da0-14b4-11eb-8e13-a3ed26349c17.html
https://www.newsoforange.com/community/article_b9a83da0-14b4-11eb-8e13-a3ed26349c17.html
FEATURED
Screening the key to breast cancer prevention, treatment
Dale Edwards/News of Orange
Oct 22, 2020
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Vecteezy.com
It’s not often that breast cancer is overshadowed by another health crisis, but such is life in
pandemic times. But what should never take a backseat where breast cancer is concerned is the
importance of screening and prevention.
“Screening for breast cancer is really important because, while it is quite common and can be
deadly, when caught early it is much more treatable and less deadly,” said Christy Bridges, a
physician’s assistant with the Orange County Health Department in Hillsborough. “The idea for doing
a screening is your looking at someone who doesn’t have any symptoms and looking for a concern
or a problem. Because you would only screen if you could do something about it. Breast cancer is a
cancer we can do something about by screening.”
The most-commonly used tool for breast cancer screening is the mammogram. It is recommend
women of average risk for breast cancer start discussing screening with their care provider at age
40. Between ages 40 and 50 there’s not a strong base of evidence showing any real bene!t in
undergoing a mammogram. After reaching age 50 the evidence is more clear that breast cancer
screening with mammogram is e"ective. The recommendation of screening every two years with a
mammogram starts at age 50.
Health care providers will order a mammogram for a patient. Many health care facilities, like UNC
Healthcare, do mammogram screenings at multiple locations. The patient goes in for the
mammogram and is given the results through a letter, or if there is a determination that additional
follow up is needed, then that can be done either at the time of the screening or at a follow up
appointment.
11/11/20, 6:27 PMScreening the key to breast cancer prevention, treatment | Community | newsoforange.com
Page 2 of 2https://www.newsoforange.com/community/article_b9a83da0-14b4-11eb-8e13-a3ed26349c17.html
It’s often believed that family history is a big factor in the likelihood of being diagnosed with breast
cancer. But this is not necessarily so, said Bridges.
“Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history. For women who
have a family history of breast cancer, we want to discuss that and it’s good for us to know that so
we can determine if they would bene!t from a speci!c, like targeted testing to determine if they
have a genetic marker that makes them more of a risk. But the vast number of women who are
diagnosed with breast cancer don’t have a genetic history. While it is a risk factor, it’s not the only
one.”
As far as types of cancer, breast cancer is the most common of new cancer cases in North Carolina,
according to 2017 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, making it more common than lung
and colon cancers. It is less deadly than lung cancer, but it still is the second-leading cause of cancer
deaths in the state.
While there may not be much di"erence in the number of breast cancer cases, minorities often face
a higher mortality rate.
“What we unfortunately see sometimes is that breast cancer is diagnosed at a later stage in African
American or Latino women,” Bridges said. “If you’re diagnosed at a later stage, or a more advanced
stage of breast cancer, that decreases your likelihood of surviving it. Women-of-color should take
any breast cancer concerns seriously and take any opportunity for screening.
Surgery and surgery with radiation is the most common treatment for breast cancer, if it is caught
early enough and before it has spread beyond the breast. If the cancer is a more spread, then
chemotherapy can be used. Other treatments include hormonal therapy and targeted therapy.
Although there are many layers of treatment for breast cancer, the message health professionals
want to make clear is the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the easier the treatment tends to be.
For some risk factors, like age and family history, little can be done to decrease the the chance of a
cancer diagnosis. But there are steps that can be taken to cut down on other risk factors.
“Things you do have control over that are risk factors for breast cancer that someone can alter or
change include not being physically active,” Bridges said. “Increasing your physical activity is
protective from breast cancer. Being overweight is a risk factor. Keeping your weight to a healthy
level is protective. Alcohol can be a risk factor. Hormonal therapy, like post-menopausal hormone
replacement therapy that can be useful in certain instances, can also have some risks. That’s worth a
discussion with your care provider.”
One of the biggest risk factors is for women who are not connected with a health care provider, or
are underinsured. One program that the Orange County Health Department participates in is the
Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program, or the BCCCP, which is a federal and state program
with funding to help screen women for breast and cervical cancer who are underinsured or
uninsured. The Orange County Health Department participates in the program to help women who
may not have a health care provider or be connected to care.
11/11/20, 6:18 PM‘Unsanctioned’ NC festival leads to executive order violations | Raleigh News & Observer
Page 1 of 7https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article246818712.html
Comfo!, Rede"ned
Giesswein USA
NEW HOT NEW NEW
CORONAVIRUS
Two charged with breaking COVID-19 rules
after sheriff busts music festival in NC field
BY HAYLEY FOWLER
OCTOBER 29, 2020 08:31 PM !"#$
An event promoter and a property owner face criminal charges after sheriff’s
deputies were called to an “unsanctioned music festival” in rural North Carolina
over the weekend, according to local law enforcement.
Almost 1,000 people were expected to attend, though when deputies arrived, there
were more than 125 people, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday in a
news release.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Oct. 21, 2020, extended Phase 3 of the pandemic reopening plan until Nov.
13, as COVID-19 coronavirus cases and hospitalizations reach highs not seen since the summer’s worst weeks.
BY UNC-TV
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11/11/20, 6:18 PM‘Unsanctioned’ NC festival leads to executive order violations | Raleigh News & Observer
Page 2 of 7https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article246818712.html
Karl Wilkins and Patricia Roberts were charged with violating Gov. Roy Cooper’s
executive order requiring certain COVID-19 safety precautions — a misdemeanor,
the news release said.
TOP ARTICLES
Wilkins is the owner of V Block Entertainment, which promoted the event, and
Roberts is accused of renting out the land where the event was held on Saturday, the
sheriff’s office said.
Orange County Sheriff's Office
about 2 weeks ago
NOISE COMPLAINTS LEAD TO CHARGES AGAINST TWO FOR VIOLATION OF
GOVERNOR’S ORDER
Hillsborough, NC (October 29, 2020) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office obtained
criminal summonses against two people, charging them with a violation of Governor
Cooper’s Executive Order 121, which details emergency prohibitions and
restrictions. The individuals hosted an unsanctioned music festival in a field off
Gregg Street. The charges came after Orange Communications (911) received
multiple...See More
87 39 48
Under North Carolina’s Phase 3 executive order, music halls and entertainment
venues with seating are allowed to be open, but must comply with mass gathering
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11/11/20, 6:18 PM‘Unsanctioned’ NC festival leads to executive order violations | Raleigh News & Observer
Page 3 of 7https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article246818712.html
limits of 25 people indoors and 50 outdoors.
Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and
Human Services, have pushed for local law enforcement to help enforce COVID-19
rules as case numbers across the state rise.
Officials sent letters last week to 36 counties where the virus is spreading quickly.
The letters suggest they enforce stricter measures, such as fines or orders to
temporarily shut downs businesses that present a safety threat. Other suggested
actions could include lowering mass gathering limits or stopping the sale of alcohol
earlier than the current time of 11 p.m.
Wake County received one of the letters, but Orange County did not.
“We’re hoping all of that can help us stem the tide that we see coming at us,” Cooper
said at a news conference Oct. 21.
NOISE COMPLAINTS PROMPT CALL
On Saturday, the sheriff’s office said multiple noise complaints prompted deputies to
visit a field off Highway 70 West in Efland, about 45 minutes northwest of Raleigh.
Deputies found more than 125 people attending OxFest Music Festival, the release
said. It was advertised online as a “family friendly benefit concert in aid of family
homelessness” with tickets costing between $20 and $25 in advance.
“Organizers reportedly expected 1,000 people to be in attendance; 300 tickets were
sold at the gate,” the sheriff’s office said.
The event was hosted by Coco Filipina, the host of “The Culture” show every Sunday
from 3 to 6 p.m. on 97.9FM, according to the radio station’s website.
Pictures of the event shared on social media showed a few dozen people in the
crowd, many of whom weren’t wearing masks.
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11/11/20, 6:18 PM‘Unsanctioned’ NC festival leads to executive order violations | Raleigh News & Observer
Page 4 of 7https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article246818712.html
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Sheriff’s deputies in Orange County charged two people with violating the governor’s executive order after
they said 125 people attended an “unsanctioned music festival” near Mebane on Oct. 24, 2020.
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