Category: Covid-19

The City of Goldsboro is taking proactive steps in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the spread of infection, avoid excessive strain on our health care system and potentially save lives. As such, the following precautions are in place.

City Facilities: City of Goldsboro government facilities are open to the public without the need for an appointment. Residents and visitors are still encouraged to conduct business with our departments through email, phone, mail, and website resources as much as possible to help maintain social distancing guidelines. Those who do visit our facilities are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while inside.

Paramount Theatre: The Paramount is open to the public by appointment and during public events. The theatre can accommodate public audiences of up to 150. A listing of all upcoming performances and current information is available at http://www.goldsboroparamount.com/. The Goldsboro Event Center is open to the public for events with up to 185 attendees. For more information, contact the Paramount at 919-583-8432 or the Event Center at 919-735-4075.

Parks and Recreation: All parks are open each day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with certain restrictions in place. Playgrounds are open.

Find additional details and the most up-to-date information at http://www.goldsboroparksandrec.com/.

Police Department: Fingerprinting services will be provided on Wednesdays from 8-10 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. by appointment. The cost is $10, cash only, and picture ID is required. Applicants will be required to make an appointment, wash or sanitize hands upon entering the facility, and wear a face mask.To make an appointment, please call the Goldsboro Police Departments Community Police Services Division at 919-580-4245.

If you have any questions about fingerprinting or other community policing services contact the Community Police Services Division at 919-580-4238 or 919-580-4252.

Public Works: Some of the normal operating procedures have been modified. As a result, Solid Waste services may take longer or be delayed including Yard and Bulk Waste pickup. Residents should leave containers out an extra day if they are not serviced as scheduled.

Utility Bill Payments: Residents are encouraged to use the following payment options:

You will need your account number and the last four digits of the phone number attached to the account.

Please contact Customer Service at 919-580-4340 to confirm or update your account number or phone number if you experience any issues using these payment options.

There is NO additional charge to use these safe and secure payment convenience methods. You can make your payment anytime using the Online or Pay By Phone method.

Important Information for Utility Customers

Customers who are having difficulties paying their utility bills during this time should contact Customer Service at 919-580-4340.

Memo to Utility Customers

COVID-19 Vaccine

Wayne County COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Information for Business Owners

NC Department of Labor Industry Guidance

Local: Wayne County COVID-19 Information

State: NCDHHS COVID-19 Response in North Carolina

National: CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019

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COVID-19 Response City of Goldsboro

Montpelier, Vt. - Governor Phil Scott today announced that when 80% of Vermonts eligible population - those age 12 and older - have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the state will enter Step 4 of the Vermont Forward plan currently slated for July 4 and remove its remaining restrictions.

On May 14, Vermont moved into the penultimate step of the Vermont Forward plan after hitting its June 1 vaccination target more than two weeks ahead of schedule.

Vermont currently ranks first in the nation in rate of vaccination, with over 70% of the eligible population having received at least on dose. As of Friday morning, to reach the 80% threshold to remove restrictions early, an additional 27,954 need to be vaccinated.

The Scott Administration will regularly update Vermonters on its progress towards the 80% goal.

It has never been easier to get your COVID-19 vaccine. All Vermonters age 12 and older can find the schedule for daily walk-in clinics, or can register for an appointment, at healthvermont.gov/myvaccine.

A transcript of the Governors remarks announcing the acceleration threshold can be found below:

Governor Scott: As you know, Vermont continues to be a national and global leader in vaccinations. This is due to the hard work of hundreds of people, including volunteers, staff at AHS, the departments of Health and Public Safety, EMS teams, the National Guard, local partners, businesses and so many others.

Most importantly, it is because Vermonters have stepped up to do the right thing. As a result, last week we were able to move into Step 3 of the Vermont Forward plan more than two weeks ahead of schedule.

We were also able to adopt the CDCs updated guidance for those who are vaccinated, and as I said on Tuesday, no state was in a better position to do so than Vermont.

With every step we have taken during this long and difficult struggle, I have been inspired by Vermonters and their willingness to help one-another, and their communities.

We are getting close to the end of this race with just a few more hurdles to overcome before we shift from emergency response to long term recovery and normalcy.

***

In early April, when we outlined how the Vermont Forward plan would methodically ease restrictions and work our way back to normal, we were in a much different place than we are today.

In just weeks, as our vaccination rate increased, cases fell about 75%. And more importantly, hospitalizations and deaths have reduced significantly.

Why? Because vaccines work and we are vaccinating faster than I think anyone would have imagined.

We originally calculated that all restrictions could be lifted by the Fourth of July based on projected vaccination rates, and because by then, anybody who wanted to be vaccinated could be.

And because Vermonters have answered the call, today I am announcing an opportunity to eliminate all restrictions sooner than originally planned.

***

Right now, we lead the nation with over 70% of the eligible population (those 12 and older having received at least one dose of the vaccine). That is over 400,000 Vermonters.

So, here is my challenge to Vermonters: If we hit 80%, I will lift any remaining restrictions and mandates that day.

Admittedly, this would be an ambitious goal for mostand to be honest, most states will not come close to reaching it. But I believe Vermont can. We can show the country how it is done.

To reach 80%, we will need to vaccinate 27,954 more Vermonters.

So, if you are on the fence, or have not gotten around to making your appointment yet, now is the time. Because we have a chance to get back to normal faster and it has never been easier to get vaccinated.

To those who have already been vaccinated, you can still help. It could be a simple as offering someone a ride, helping them find the closest vaccination site or telling them your story as to why you got yours.

Employers, you can help by offering an incentive or at least a few hours off to employees so they can get their vaccines, or by asking us to bring the vaccine to your worksite.

The State will do its part as well. As you have heard us say, we are bringing the vaccine to the people. Whether it is Church Street, North Beach, pop-ups and walk-in clinics from the NEK to Southern Vermont, job sites, colleges and more. We are working to make it as easy as possible.

***

Now, the people who can help us accelerate this timeline the most are those between the ages of 18 and 29, who have lagged in vaccination rates.

I understand why some might not have felt the urgency yet, but now is your time to do the right thing. We are counting on you to help us lift restrictions early, including gathering sizes, masks, social distancing, the curfew at bars, and the rest.

Now is your time to lead us to the finish line.

***

To be clear, we will be dropping all restrictions as planned by the Fourth of July either way because at that point, every eligible person in Vermont who wants a vaccine will have had the opportunity to get one.

Right now, our seven-day average is about 2,500, which has dropped about 30% in the past week.

So, for example, if from here on out we average 1,500 people a day, we will be able to lift remaining restrictions by June 8.

Lets keep our momentum going. Lets finish strong. Lets continue to show the nation, and the world, what this brave little state is capable of.

###

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Governor Phil Scott Announces Threshold to Remove All Covid-19 Restrictions - Office of Governor Phil Scott

The first COVID-19 vaccines to become available are not yet approved for use in young children. The clinical trials conducted to date by Pfizer tested its vaccines safety and efficacy in patients 16 years of age and older. Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)s vaccines were tested in patients 18 years of age and older.

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FREE COVID Vaccine in Goldsboro, North Carolina | CVS

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of May 21, 2021, there have been 2,870,079 total confirmatory laboratory results received for COVID-19, with 159,735 total cases and 2,772 deaths.

DHHR has confirmed the deaths of a 60-year old female from Fayette County, an 86-year old female from McDowell County, and a 74-year old female from Gilmer County.

Our hearts go out to these West Virginians and their families, said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary. Lets continue taking every precaution we can to stop the spread of this disease, including scheduling a COVID-19 vaccination for yourself and all eligible family members.

CASES PER COUNTY: Barbour (1,469), Berkeley (12,540), Boone (2,096), Braxton (965), Brooke (2,204), Cabell (8,770), Calhoun (362), Clay (534), Doddridge (611), Fayette (3,482), Gilmer (872), Grant (1,278), Greenbrier (2,841), Hampshire (1,883), Hancock (2,823), Hardy (1,550), Harrison (5,837), Jackson (2,158), Jefferson (4,654), Kanawha (15,136), Lewis (1,241), Lincoln (1,513), Logan (3,177), Marion (4,510), Marshall (3,492), Mason (2,025), McDowell (1,581), Mercer (4,962), Mineral (2,891), Mingo (2,637), Monongalia (9,277), Monroe (1,149), Morgan (1,205), Nicholas (1,792), Ohio (4,255), Pendleton (704), Pleasants (933), Pocahontas (665), Preston (2,915), Putnam (5,232), Raleigh (6,898), Randolph (2,698), Ritchie (725), Roane (644), Summers (829), Taylor (1,237), Tucker (534), Tyler (729), Upshur (1,899), Wayne (3,140), Webster (505), Wetzel (1,370), Wirt (440), Wood (7,850), Wyoming (2,016).

Delays may be experienced with the reporting of information from the local health department to DHHR. As case surveillance continues at the local health department level, it may reveal that those tested in a certain county may not be a resident of that county, or even the state as an individual in question may have crossed the state border to be tested. Such is the case of Monroe County in this report.

Free pop-up COVID-19 testing is available today in Barbour, Berkeley, Grant, Jefferson, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Mineral, Monongalia, Morgan, Putnam, and Wayne counties.

Barbour County

9:00 AM 11:00 AM, Barbour County Health Department, 109 Wabash Avenue, Philippi, WV

1:00 PM 5:00 PM, Junior Volunteer Fire Department, 331 Row Avenue, Junior, WV

Berkeley County

10:00 AM 5:00 PM, 891 Auto Parts Place, Martinsburg, WV

10:00 AM 5:00 PM, Ambrose Park, 25404 Mall Drive, Martinsburg, WV

Grant County

Jefferson County

10:00 AM 6:00 PM, Hollywood Casino, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, WV

12:00 PM 5:00 PM, Shepherd University Wellness Center Parking Lot, 164 University Drive, Shepherdstown, WV

Lincoln County

Logan County

12:00 PM 5:00 PM, Old 84 Lumber Building, 100 Recovery Road, Peach Creek, WV

Marshall County

12:00 PM 6:00 PM, Benwood City Building, 430 Main Street, Benwood, WV

Mineral County

Monongalia County

9:00 AM 12:00 PM, WVU Recreation Center, Lower Level, 2001 Rec Center Drive, Morgantown, WV

Morgan County

11:00 AM 4:00 PM, Valley Health War Memorial Hospital, 1 Health Way, Berkeley Springs, WV

Putnam County

Wayne County

10:00 AM 2:00 PM, Wayne Community Center, 11580 Rt. 152, Wayne, WV

See more here:

WV DHHR: COVID-19 Daily Update 5-21-2021 - West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources

The City of Cambridge today announcedthat,withthe Commonwealth's State of Emergency endingon June 15, 2021,and the significant improvements in public health metrics,it willalignwith theCommonwealthin liftingthe Citysremaining COVID-19 restrictions on Saturday, May 29, 2021and will rescindits March 19, 2020 Declarationof Public Health Emergencyin Cambridgeeffective June 15, 2021.Due totherescission oftheCitysDeclarationof Public HealthEmergency,theCitysTemporaryEvictionMoratoriumas amended on July 23, 2020willalsobe rescinded,effectiveJune 15, 2021.

"Ourdata driveninterventionswere designed to get us to this point of turning a corner on thepandemic and beginning to establish a new normal,"said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale."Cambridges7-day moving average of cases per 100,000 residents is currently under 3 cases.Ourpercent positivity for COVID-19 tests is 0.11%, and 68% of our residents have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine. These numbers reflect the hard work that we have collectively engaged in over the past year.I want to thank ourresidents and businessesfor theirsacrificesand our staff for theirdedication.Ilook forward toour communitymoving forwardsafelyand furthering itsrecovery from the impacts of this globalpandemic.

Cambridge residents have demonstrated their resilience over the past 15 months of this pandemic, and our low case rate together with strong vaccination rates is testamentto that.I ampleasedthat we are able to celebrate this milestone as we move forward. I urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated,and remind residents that they may still wear a mask if they choose, said Claude A. Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer.

Our ability to reopen in alignment with the states reopening plan is a true testament of the hard work from our Cambridge community, said Mayor Siddiqui. We have a long road ahead to recover from the pandemics effects, but this is the first step in returning to normalcy in Cambridge. I want to thank everyone for doing their part and remind folks to reach out if they need assistance with vaccinations and resources related to the eviction moratorium.

Effective May 29, theCity of Cambridge will follow theMassachusettsDepartment of PublicHealthsnew face-covering advisoryconsistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions updated guidance, and will not require the use of face masks in Cambridge.However, residents are encouraged to follow the Massachusetts andCDC recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated people,and businessesare reminded that they may continue to require the use of face masks inside their establishments if they wish.

"While I am delighted that Cambridge's vaccination rates are high and that our case numbers continue to decline, we must remain vigilant. I stronglyrecommendthatunvaccinated youth continue wearing masks when participating in sports and when outdoors and unable to be at least 6 feet apart from one another. This important mitigation practice shouldbe continuedat leastuntilthe public health emergency is lifted on June 15, and I ask that all parents, caregivers, coaches, and teachersencourageunvaccinated youthtocontinuewearingmasks untilthattime," said Assaad J. Sayah, M.D., Commissioner of Public Health.

Allresidentsare encouraged to getvaccinatedand are reminded that the City of Cambridge provides free COVID-19 testing at various sites across the city. Appointments and additional information aboutthe testingprogram are available atwww.cambridgema.gov/testing.

For more information and regular COVID-19 updates, visitwww.cambridgema.gov/covid19tosign up fordailyCityemail updates.

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City of Cambridge to Lift Remaining COVID-19 Restrictions on Saturday, May 29, 2021; Eviction Moratorium to End on June 15, 2021 - the City of...

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has confirmed the states first two identified cases of the SARS-CoV-2 virus known as the India B.1.617 variant.

TheB.1.617 cases were detected in individuals in Region 7 (Northwest Louisiana), though the variant had already been circulating in neighboring states. Although these are the first reported cases of theB.1.617 variant in Louisiana, it is likely that there are additional undetected cases circulating.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified theB.1.617 variant as a variant of concern. It is potentially associated with increased transmissibility. Current COVID-19 vaccines are effective against this variant strain.

There are now multiple variants of concern circulating in Louisiana: B.1.1.7 (U.K.), B.1.427/429 (California), P.1 (Brazil) and B.1.617 (India). The COVID-19 vaccines are the best protection against these and other strains of SARS-CoV-2, including variants that may spread more easily or cause more severe disease. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can also help prevent new variants from emerging: every infection that is prevented means the virus has one less chance to mutate.

Everyone 12 years of age and above is currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Information about vaccination locations can be foundhereor by calling the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 855-453-0774. The hotline can also connect individuals with medical professionals to answer questions about the vaccines or help callers schedule vaccine appointments and homebound vaccinations.

Read more:

Health Department confirms two cases of the India COVID-19 variant in Louisiana | Department of Health | State of Louisiana - Louisiana Department of...

Official death tolls from the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to be a "significant undercount", the World Health Organization said on Friday, estimating that the true figure of direct and indirect deaths could be two to three times higher.

Presenting its annual World Health Statistics report, the WHO estimated that total deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 were at least 3 million or 1.2 million more than 1.8 million figure officially reported.

"We are likely facing a significant undercount of total deaths directly and indirectly attributed to COVID-19," the U.N. agency said.

By May 20 2021, WHO statistics showed around 3.4 million people had died globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, although the real figure could be much higher, the WHO said.

With the rising death toll in Latin America and in Asia as new variants spread, the death toll "would truly be two to three times higher," said Samira Asma, WHO's Assistant Director-General in its data and analytics division.

"So I think safely about 6 to 8 million deaths could be an estimate on a cautionary note," Asma told a virtual press briefing.

The WHO cited the lack of reliable systems to log deaths in many countries, while in many cases people had died from COVID-19 before they had been tested for the virus.

WHO data analyst William Msemburi said the raised estimates included both unreported COVID-19 deaths as well as indirect deaths such as patients not seeking healthcare for other conditions due to the lack of hospital capacity and restrictions on movements, among other factors.

Even in regions with relatively reliable reporting systems, undercounts were likely. The WHO estimated 1.1 to 1.2 million excess deaths in the European region during 2020, double the 600,000 reported COVID-19 deaths.

In the Americas, the number of excess deaths was 1.3 to 1.5 million during 2020, 60% higher then the reported 900,000 COVID-19 death toll in that region.

"The challenge is that the reported COVID-19 [death toll figures] is an undercount of that full impact," Msemburi said.

The WHO did not give a breakdown of the figure, referred to by health experts as "excess mortality."

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Real COVID-19 death toll could be 'two to three' times above official stats: WHO - Reuters

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg waits for Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Vilnius, Lithuania September 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

Norway will allow larger groups of people to meet from next week and let most bars and restaurants serve alcohol up to midnight as it takes its next major step in unwinding COVID-19 curbs, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Friday.

The capital Oslo and its surrounding region will also relax some of its stricter localised restrictions, allowing gyms, cinemas, theatres and restaurants to reopen and children to resume indoor sports, authorities added.

"We're ending the social lockdown of Oslo that has lasted since early November," city council chief Raymond Johansen told a news conference.

"This will allow many people to get back to work," he said.

Norway has had some of Europe's lowest rates of infections and deaths since the start of the pandemic. But it tightened measures after a rapid increase in hospitalisations in March triggered by more contagious variants of the coronavirus.

Since then, rates of new infections have declined steadily, raising hopes that a third wave of infections has been brought under control.

The relaxations are the second phase of a four-step plan to unwind the national lockdown. read more

From May 27 in most of Norway, up to 200 people will be allowed to attend indoor events with fixed seats, up from the current 100, the government said.

Many restrictions on participation in recreational sports will also be lifted.

"This means that we can advance the work of getting Norway back up to speed," Solberg told a news conference.

The stricter localised restrictions covering Oslo and its region will be eased a day earlier from May 26.

There, bars and restaurants will now be allowed to serve alcohol until 10 p.m., and up to 20 people to meet for indoors events, ending a ban on such gatherings.

National advice against domestic travel will be lifted immediately on Friday, the government said.

Norway is not part of the European Union but is part of the single European market and of the Schengen travel zone.

About one in three adults have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and roughly 15% of adults are fully vaccinated, according to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Norway to ease COVID-19 restrictions further next week - Reuters

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Beginning with the fall 2021 semester, the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all Indiana University students, faculty and staff. This new requirement will allow the university to lift most restrictions on masking and physical distancing this fall. Knowing that the vast majority of the IU community is vaccinated is the only way the university can confidently return to in-person classes, more in-person events and a more typical university experience.

All students, faculty and staff should have their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by July 1 in order to meet the university's requirement. They will need to be fully vaccinated (all doses of a vaccine plus two weeks from the final dose) by Aug. 15 or when they first return to campus, whichever is earlier. This requirement applies to all IU campuses, including IUPUI.

"The COVID-19 vaccines that are currently authorized by the FDA are extremely safe and effective," said Dr. Lana Dbeibo, director of vaccine initiatives for IU's Medical Response Team and assistant professor of infectious diseases in the IU School of Medicine. "There are very, very few medical reasons a person would not be able to receive this vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is available throughout the U.S., and now those 12 years old and above are eligible. I recommend, unless you have a medical contraindication, to schedule and get the vaccine as soon as you can -- not only for yourself, but for those you love as well."

Students, faculty and staff will need to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine requirement in order to interact with the IU community in any way. This includes being on campus, taking or teaching courses, being employed and/or participating in activities.

While an exemption request process will be available by June 15, the university is strongly encouraging everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Exemptions will be strictly limited to a very narrow set of criteria, including medical exemptions, and documented and significant religious exemptions.

"Since the pandemic began more than a year ago, one of our main goals has been to make it safer to be a part of the IU community than not," said Michael A. McRobbie, president of Indiana University. "We continue to plan for an in-person fall 2021 semester and expect that we'll return to mostly normal operations. Requiring the COVID-19 vaccine among our students, faculty and staff continues to extend the university's comprehensive and thoughtful approach to managing and mitigating the pandemic on our campuses and brings us one step closer to making a 'return to normal' a reality."

Those who have already submitted their vaccine status to the university will not need to resubmit after this requirement is in effect. Students, faculty and staff who need to provide their vaccination information will complete a secure form with the dates of their vaccine doses along with a photo or scan of their vaccine documentation, such as a CDC card.

The university has outlined strong consequences for those who choose not to meet the COVID-19 vaccine requirement and do not receive an exemption. For students, they will see their class registration canceled, CrimsonCard access terminated and access to IU systems such as Canvas and email terminated, and they will not be allowed to participate in any on-campus activity. Faculty and staff who choose not to meet the requirement will no longer be able to be employed by Indiana University. Working remotely and not meeting the COVID-19 vaccine requirement is not an option.

Indiana University will continue to share information about the COVID-19 vaccine requirement over the summer via a dedicated page on the university's COVID-19 website as well as to students, faculty and staff through their IU email addresses.

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COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all at Indiana University - IU Newsroom

Michael Binparuis (15) of Nesconsit, New York, receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Northwell Health's Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York, U.S., May 13, 2021.

Shannon Stapleton | Reuters

The U.S. is reporting an average of fewer than 30,000 new Covid cases per day for the first time in nearly a year.

The seven-day average of new infections is about 29,100 as of Thursday, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. This marks the first time the average has dipped below 30,000 since June 22, 2020.

Federal data shows the country is reporting 1.8 million daily vaccinations on average over the past week, with 48% of the population having received one shot or more.

Following roughly 30,100 reported cases on Thursday, the nationwide average of daily new infections stands at 29,100. The country had reported fewer than 30,000 cases for five straight days through Wednesday, another milestone not seen since last summer.

The pace of daily infections is down 18% from one week ago, and a CNBC analysis of Hopkins data shows that daily case counts have declined by 5% or more in 40 states and the District of Columbia over the past week.

The U.S. is seeing an average of 552 Covid deaths per day, according to Hopkins data, the lowest level since July.

More than 588,000 Covid deaths have been reported in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows the U.S. is reporting an average of 1.8 million shots per day over the past week.

The daily average is down 12% from a week ago, but has increased slightly in recent days. The CDC signed off last week on expanded usage ofPfizerandBioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds, which could help boost the vaccination numbers.

About 48% of the U.S. population has received one shot of a vaccine or more, with 38% of the population fully vaccinated.

Of those aged 18 and older, 60.5% are at least partially vaccinated.

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U.S. is recording fewer than 30,000 daily new Covid cases for the first time in nearly a year - CNBC