Community News

Throughout the wake of COVID-19 and practicing social distancing, information and resources will be posted here under “What You Need to Know: COVID-19 in Buncombe County”

According to Governor Roy Cooper, although Buncombe County’s recently enacted stay-at-home order is set to expire Thursday, April 9, residents shouldn’t expect to resume business as usual once that date arrives. At a March 27 press conference, Cooper announced that throughout North Carolina the stay-at-home will stay in effect until Wednesday, April 29, in an effort to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.

A violation of the state order is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

During a briefing on March 26, Fletcher Tove, Buncombe County’s emergency preparedness coordinator explained the definition of an essential business in the wake of a supplemental state of emergency declaration, that was signed by Board of Commissioners Chair Brownie Newman on March 25, ordering all nonessential operations closed as of 8 p.m. March 26 to combat the spread of COVID-19.

 He noted that the county had since received over 600 requests to be exempted from the order, most of them from business owners whose work was already listed as essential.

Tove encouraged all residents to read the order itself and the county’s interpretive guidance, but he singled out several specific businesses for clarification during the briefing. 

Some Key Points: 

• Lawn care companies and in-person real estate showings are not considered essential,
• Credit unions, construction, housecleaning and babysitting are all allowed.
• Workers at essential businesses will not be required to show any documentation of their employment as they travel to and from their jobs. Those employed outside of Buncombe will also be allowed to go to work. 
• The county is not setting up checkpoints or roadblocks.
• Following Buncombe County’s declaration, Haywood County issued its own stay-home order to go into effect at 5 p.m. March 26. The declaration is valid through Thursday, April 16, making its duration a week longer than that of Buncombe’s mandate.
• After previously restricting visitors to its gardens and grounds on March 18, the Biltmore Estate announced that it would close entirely at 5 p.m. on March 26 and remain closed until further notice. “In this unprecedented and unsettling time, we must make unprecedented decisions,” said Bill Cecil Jr., president and CEO of The Biltmore Co.
• Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, using her recently granted emergency powers for the first time, relaxed city regulations on food truck locations and restaurant signage. According to a city press release, the move aimed “to increase access to safe dining options during the course of this COVID-19 public health emergency.”

To review other important points of the order, click here.

In a briefing on March 31, Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order that prohibits utilities from disconnecting customers who are unable to pay for the next 60 days. Under the order, electric, gas, water and wastewater services can not be shut off. The order directs utilities to give residential customers at least six months to pay outstanding bills and prohibits them from collecting fees, penalties or interest for late payment. 

While the order is legally binding for utility companies, the governor also included provisions that “urge” telecommunications companies including phone, cable and internet services to follow the same rules. 

“Additionally, the order encourages banks not to charge customers for overdraft fees, late fees and other penalties,” the press release said. “Landlords are strongly encouraged in the Order to follow the spirit of Chief Justice Cheri Beasley’s Order and delay any evictions that are already entered in the court system.”

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/03/31/coronavirus-governor-cooper-prohibits-utility-disconnections/5098070002/

FAQs for Housing during Coronavirus (provided by Pisgah Legal)

To learn more about your rights if you are concerned about not being able to pay your rent, call Pisgah Legal Services at (828) 253-0406. 

Can rent be deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic?

No.

At this time, landlords can still require that rent be paid each month, even if you have had to stop working because of business closures or shelter in place orders. There may be some relief available through local agencies such as Eblen Charities or the Salvation Army. If you are worried that you will not be able to pay your rent because of a recent job loss, you should contact your landlord as soon as possible. Your landlord may be willing to defer some of your rent or set up a payment plan. 

What happens if I can’t pay my rent? Can I still be evicted during the COVID-19 pandemic?

At this time, North Carolina courthouses are still open to accept new filings and hear some select cases. However, the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court has ordered that almost all nonemergency court cases be postponed until at least April 17. That means that your landlord could still go to the courthouse and file an eviction against you. However, your court hearing will not be scheduled until after the postponement period has ended.

I thought the court was closed, why did I get served with a summary ejectment?

Though your hearing date will be delayed, you may still be served with summary ejectment or eviction papers by the Sheriff. 

If you are served with eviction papers, please contact Pisgah Legal Services right away. Even though your court hearing will be delayed, you have the same rights and defenses you may otherwise have under North Carolina law.

My landlord locked me out without filing for eviction, what do I do?

Call law enforcement immediately, then call Pisgah Legal Services. Even if you are behind on your rent, your landlord must still give you proper notice, file for an eviction in court, and be granted possession of the unit before you can be removed. If your landlord does anything to force you to leave your unit (changing the locks, turning off the water or electricity, etc.) without going through the court process, that is an unlawful “self-help” eviction and you should call local law enforcement immediately. Pisgah Legal Services may also be able to help get you back into your unit.

My case is pending appeal to the District Court, how do I pay my rent bond each month?

At this time, the courthouse and clerk’s offices are still open to accept filings and other payments. If you currently pay a rent bond each month, you can pay that rent bond in the clerk’s office as you normally would. Some clerk’s offices will also accept payment by mail if you are paying with a certified check. Be sure to call your county’s civil clerk’s office ahead of time to ensure they will accept payment for your rent bond by mail.

I live in subsidized housing, am I protected if I can’t pay my rent?

If you live in subsidized housing, you should report any change in income to your landlord right away. Because your rent is based on your income, you are obligated to tell your landlord any time your income changes, either up or down. If you lose your job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you should notify your landlord immediately and ask that your rent be recalculated.

At this time, there is not a federal moratorium on evictions in public housing.

I have already been evicted, can the Sheriff lock me out?

At this time, the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court has issued an order stating,

“I order that all pleadings, motions, notices, and other documents and papers that were or are due to be filed in any county of this state on or after 16 March 2020 and before the close of business on 17 April 2020 in civil actions, criminal actions, estates, and special proceedings shall be deemed to be timely filed if they are filed before the close of business on 17 April 2020.” This order extends the deadline for filing summary ejectment appeals or other filings until April 17, 2020. Many clerk’s offices have interpreted that order to mean that landlords cannot apply for writs of possession during this time, unless they were eligible to apply for the writ before March 16, 2020. 

If you have questions about how to file an appeal or your specific legal issue, please contact Pisgah Legal Services.

What about my utility bills?

Duke Energy has currently put a moratorium on electricity shut offs. Additionally, some water utility companies have done the same. Duke Energy is also waiving late payment, return payment, and other fees for its customers. If you are having trouble paying your utility bills, you should contact your utility provider immediately. You may also be eligible for assistance through your local Department of Social Services and other agencies.

Funds: 

• On March 25, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina awarded $286,800 in emergency grants to WNC nonprofits responding to COVID-19. A total of 38 organizations, including BeLoved Asheville, the Vecinos Farmworker Health Program and Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, received up to $10,000 in funding each.
• New Belgium Brewing has established a relief fund for laid-off and furloughed employees of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, music halls and stadiums in its main markets of Asheville and Fort Collins, Colo. The company has donated $50,000 and will match an additional $50,000 of community contributions; sidelined service workers can apply for grants of $350.
• The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association launched a relief fund to provide cash support for restaurant and hotel employees experiencing financial difficulty as the industry cuts back on staffing due to COVID-19. Qualified applicants can apply for up for $500 in direct assistance to help with immediate expenses.

As of late March 25, the U.S. government considers the entire state of North Carolina to be under a major disaster due to COVID-19. Mike Sprayberry, the state’s director of emergency management, shared the news during a March 26 press briefing.

Both state and local governments, Sprayberry explained, will now be able to seek reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for up to 75% of their expenses related to COVID-19 response.

He noted that federal disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling, disaster case management and additional assistance from the Small Business Administration remain under review but could be approved as the situation changes.

The rapid relief fund approved on March 24 by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is now open for business. Tim Love, the county’s director of intergovernmental relations, announced during a March 27 press conference that OneBuncombe.org was available online to accept community donations to and requests for assistance from the One Buncombe Fund.

Love said the fund, overseen by a seven-member board of directors with representatives from the government, business, banking and philanthropic communities, would begin disbursing money next week. 

Individuals can apply for direct assistance grants to cover needs such as rent and utilities, while businesses can apply for low-interest loans of up to $10,000 to serve as “bridge” financing until federal and state resources become available.

Kit Cramer, president and CEO of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and chair of the new fund, said its balance currently sat at just over $500,000.

https://mountainx.com/news/state-stay-at-home-order-to-last-until-april-29/

The third disbursement from the federal Strategic National Stockpile of medical personal protective equipment that was supposed to arrive on March 30 and 31 has not yet found their way into the hands of local health care workers.

North Carolina has requested “half a million” each of N-95 masks, procedure masks, gowns, gloves, face shields and coveralls, Sprayberry said.

The Strategic National Stockpile — an approximately $8 billion trove of medical supplies, including critical items such as masks and gowns, overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — is meant to help local governments stay equipped during public health emergencies. 

During a press question and answer session on April 1, Tove said he wasn’t aware of any deliveries from the stockpile within Buncombe County.

Less than a third of the requested gloves, and less than 1% of the requested coveralls, have been received.

Closing schools and curtailing public services has put a strain on many in our community, especially those living at or below the poverty line. Hands On Asheville has provided the following links of urgent volunteer needs in our community:

• 4/1/ Food Packaging Volunteers
• 4/2/ Drive-up Emergency Market
• Meals on Wheels Drivers
• MANNA support

Opportunities are updated on the Hands On Asheville website daily, please check out all COVID-19 volunteer opportunities here. If you are looking to support in-kind donations needs, please click here. 

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer? Please click this link to connect with some health and safety guidelines when it comes to volunteering. 

Throughout the wake of COVID-19 and practicing social distancing, information and resources will be posted here under “What You Need to Know: COVID-19 in Buncombe County”

On March 29, Buncombe County Health and Human Services reported the first COVID-19 associated death in a Buncombe County resident.

According to a state posted on the county’s website, on March 28 at Mission Hospital an elderly individual died from complications associated with the virus. To protect the privacy of the family, no further information about this patient will be released by BCHHS.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) people at high risk for severe medical consequences, including death, include anyone who: 

• Is 65 years of age or older 
• Has a high-risk condition that includes:
  • Chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • Heart disease with complications 
  • Weakened immune system 
  • Severe obesity – body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher 
  • Other underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as diabetes, kidney failure or liver disease
• Pregnant women should be followed closely by their healthcare providers since they are known to be at risk for severe viral illness.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/03/29/coronavirus-buncombe-announces-first-covid-19-death-county-resident/2935518001/

Governor Roy Cooper issued a statement on March 29, saying that the first coronavirus-related unemployment payments will be paid starting this week. 

According to officials, the state has received approximately 270,000 claims in the past two weeks, most of them related to COVID-19 as businesses close or scale back. By comparison, the state received about 7,500 claims in the first two weeks of March.

In order to receive unemployment insurance payments workers must complete their weekly certifications. The weekly certification is a series of ‘yes or no’ questions that helps to determine a person’s eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits each week. If a person does not complete a weekly certification, they will not receive a payment for that week. 

The weekly certification must be completed through the individual’s online account at https://des.nc.gov/.

As of March 29, North Carolina health officials have reported that there were around 1,000 positive cases statewide as of Sunday morning, including five deaths and about 90 hospitalizations.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/03/29/coronavirus-nc-covid-19-unemployment-payments-starting-go-out/2936442001/

Due to large crowds of hikers continuing to congregate on the Appalachian Trail, the U.S. Forest Service has temporarily shut down trailhead facilities and other access points in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in North Carolina, and the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee to protect public health and safety during the coronavirus pandemic.

The following popular access sites are affected by these changes:

• Max Patch – Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests
• Roan Mountain/Carvers Gap – Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests
• Lovers Leap – Pisgah National Forest
• Wayah Bald – Nantahala National Forest
• Cheoah Bald – Nantahala National Forest
• Hampton and Dennis Cove Trailheads (Laurel Falls) – Cherokee National Forest
• Osborne Farm – Cherokee National Forest

Forest Service managers remind visitors to recreate responsibly by maintaining a distance of 6 feet from others, avoiding gathering in groups of more than 10 people and not engaging in high-risk activities, like rock climbing, that increase the chance of injury or distress.

Law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2020/03/28/coronavirus-leads-forest-service-close-appalachian-trail-wnc/2933872001/

As COVID-19 cases rise, local health care experts anticipate a surge of patients to Western North Carolina hospitals. Antony Chiang, CEO at Dogwood Health Trust, estimated that more than 1,000 confirmed positive cases in Western North Carolina would “push our health system into stress.”

Mission, Pardee, AdventHealth and Charles George VA Medical Center are each developing contingency plans to increase capacity if and when cases spike. 

Among other hospitals Mission Hospital shared their plans on bed space, personnel and ventilators with the Citizen-Times: 

• Current Capacity: 1,091 beds across campuses, 84 ventilators.
• Plans to meet demand: 
  • Bed space: Should the need arise, Mission will also open access to unused space in its St. Joseph building in Asheville, which includes a 14-bed intensive care unit and an old Emergency Department. Mission will also convert general hospital beds into ICU beds as needed.
  • Mission spokeswoman Nancy Lindell said Mission Health would consider directing less ill patients to its five secondary hospitals across Western North Carolina, leaving Mission Hospital in Asheville with more space to treat any critically ill patients. 
  • Personnel: According to Lindell, hospitals will consider “emergency credentialing” of nurses and physicians who are not currently employed by Mission. The hospital will continue to hire traveling staff as well. 
  • Ventilators: Mission anticipates increased demand for ventilators, and Lindell says the company will continue to try to secure more to meet this potential demand.

Other hospitals plans can be found at: 

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/03/28/coronavirus-mission-pardee-adventhealth-nc-share-covid-19-plans/2917842001/

North Carolina will be under a “stay-at-home” order beginning 5 p.m. March 30. Gov. Roy Cooper made the announcement days before in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The order will be in place for 30 days. There are at least 20 other states that have similar orders in place, affecting millions of Americans. 

The executive order instructs residents to stay at home and travel outside their residence only for a handful of reasons. They include going out to obtain medical supplies or services, picking up groceries or other necessary products, and going out to public spaces to engage in activities.

What you can do:

• Seeking emergency services
• Obtaining medical supplies or medication
• Visiting health care professional or veterinarians
• To assist others
• Going to weddings and funerals
• Going to pick up groceries or food
• Buy auto supplies or other products to maintain safety, sanitation and essential operations of homes or businesses
• Going out to walk, hike, run, golf or bike 
• Going to parks or other outdoor recreation areas (some playgrounds remain closed)
• Going to places of worship
• Volunteering with organizations that provide charitable or social services
• Going to work that is authorized to remain open

Essential Businesses: 

• Non-profits working in CISA sectors
• Health care operations
• Human services operations (nursing home, child care centers, etc)
• Food and beverage production and distribution, farmers
• Construction and public transportation sectors
• Building and ground management and maintenance
• Utility operations
• Cybersecurity operations
• Grocery stores and pharmacies
• Trash and recycling collection
• Telecommunication systems
• Media
• First responders, emergency management, law enforcement and courts and judges
• Gas stations
• Religious facilities
• Banks and other financial instructions
• Hardware supply stores
• Post offices, other shipping, delivery services
• Liquor stores
• Pet stores
• Schools (for the purposes of providing remote learning)
• Laundry services
• Restaurants that provide delivery or takeout options
• Office supply stores
• Transportation services
• Legal, accounting and insurance services
• Manufacturing
• Hotels

If you disregard the order, law enforcement has the right to prosecute those who violate the order. Such a violation could result in a Class 2 misdemeanor which could lead to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2020/03/27/nc-coronavirus-stay-home-order-essential-businesses-lockdown/2929942001/

Several community organizations are reaching out to help those in need during the pandemic.

• Food Connection is redirecting surplus food from area restaurants to local distribution sites.
• Haywood Street Congregation, First Baptist Church, ABCCM, WNC Rescue Mission and Church of the Advocate continue to offer bagged lunches and hot to-go meals on alternating days.
• The Humane Society is offering dog and cat food and flea treatments.
• Dale Fell Community Health Center staff are at AHOPE each week to perform wellness checks and to provide continuing support for individuals who have chronic health conditions 
• Homeward Bound’s greatest supply needs continue to be: masks, hand sanitizer, sleeping bags, blankets, tents, socks, underwear (men and women sizes M-XL) and heavy duty waterproof tarps that are at least 8 feet.

It is encouraging and heartwarming to see our community come together to help our neighbors in need. 

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/opinion/2020/03/29/coronavirus-homeless-asheville-community-helpers-our-heroes-opinion/2917696001/

Here is an interactive coronavirus map created by Citizen Times – https://data.citizen-times.com/coronavirus/

Throughout the wake of COVID-19 and practicing social distancing, information and resources will be posted here under “What You Need to Know: COVID-19 in Buncombe County”

North Carolina had 636 cases of coronavirus confirmed by Thursday evening. Two NC residents have died from complications associated with the virus, a Cabarrus County resident in their 70s with several underlying health conditions and a Harnett County resident in their late 30s.

Effective immediately all City of Asheville parks, including dog parks, playgrounds, and outdoor courts, are closed until further notice.

A UNC Asheville student has tested positive for COVID-19. The school said the student hadn’t been on campus since March 6 and was now in self-quarantine. UNCA extended spring break through March 20 and students are now having remote lessons this week.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused the Biltmore Estate to temporarily close. This popular destination and the large-scale employer will issue refunds for guests with tickets or reservations during the impacted time.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/03/27/coronavirus-what-you-need-know-asheville-wnc-march-27/2922712001/

Buncombe County issued a “Stay Home – Stay Safe” Supplemental Declaration that will be in effect tonight Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 8 pm and will be valid through Thursday, April 29, 2020, at 6 am but will be regularly monitored and evaluated which may lead to revision, amendment or extension. 

All current Buncombe County residents, including Woodfin, Black Mountain, Weaverville, Biltmore Forest, Montreat and Asheville citizens, are ordered to stay in place at their residence and to limit movements outside of their homes that are not deemed essential.

The intent of the declaration is to further minimize all opportunities for exposure and transmission of COVID-19 across the jurisdiction.

Only those lines and/or business operations that are necessary to support the essential services, supplies, or support are exempt from the restrictions. 

The declaration states that:

• All non-essential businesses must cease. 
• Essential businesses must still comply with the social distancing guidelines; 6 feet apart and takeout, delivery and/or drive-through only. 
• If you work in Buncombe County, then your business/employer must comply with this order. You are allowed to travel through Buncombe County and conduct essential activities within Buncombe County and to return home. 
• Religious services must only meet via video or telecom. And there must be less than 10 people at the establishment to perform the service. 
• All elective medical procedures have been prohibited in Buncombe County. 
• You are allowed to travel for purposes of essential business and essential activities
• While engaging in outdoor activities remember to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from all others.
• The houseless are exempt from this restriction but are urged to find shelter.
• Essential businesses or entities, including any for-profit or non-profit, regardless of the nature of the service, the function they perform, or it’s corporate or entity structure, are not subject to these restrictions. Essential Businesses must continue to comply with the guidance and directives for maintaining a clean and safe work environment issued by the Department of Health i.e. social distancing and sanitation practices.
• Skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers and other related construction firms and professionals for essential infrastructure, including public works, roads and bridges, or for emergency repair and safety purposes, are also exempt from the declaration. 

Under a Stay Home declaration, residents can still perform essential services and conduct essential travel. To review what Buncombe County Citizens can do and should not do, the essential and non-essential travel, what businesses are deemed essential vs. non-essential visit the Buncombe County website.

Buncombe County residents can:

• Go to the grocery and convenience store
• Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and healthcare necessities
• Visit a health care facility for medical services that cannot be provided virtually (call first!)
• Go to a restaurant, for take-out, delivery, or drive-thru service only
• Care for or support a friend, family member, or pet
• Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog (as long as social distancing measures are maintained)
• Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian
• Help others to get necessary supplies
• Receive deliveries from any business that delivers

Buncombe County residents should NOT: 

• Go out at all if they are sick
• Go to work, unless providing essential services as defined by this order
• Visit friends and family if there is no specific, urgent need
• Be closer than 6 feet from others if out in public
• Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skill nursing facilities, or other residential care facilities, except for limited exceptions as provided by the specific facility
• Travel, except for essential travel and activities.
• Engage in door-to-door solicitation
• Engage in public or private social gatherings (any amount of people)

Essential Activities: 

• For health and safety
• To get necessary supplies and services
• For outdoor activities (walking, hiking, golfing, running, cycling, using greenways)
• For work for essential businesses/operations
• To take care of others

Essential Travel:

• Any travel related to the provision of or access to essential activities, essential governmental functions, essential businesses and operations, or minimum basic operations.
• Travel to care for the elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons
• Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and other related services
• Travel to return to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction
• Travel required by law enforcement or court order, including to transport children pursuant to a custody agreement
• Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the County. Individuals are strongly encouraged to verify that their transportation out of the County remains available and functional prior to commencing such travel

https://www.buncombecounty.org/countycenter/news-detail.aspx?id=18580

FCOVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented challenge—for our community and for people everywhere. There are many in our community who are working hard to ensure all our neighbors are cared for. This is a quickly evolving situation and many of our community partners are still determining how they can best use volunteers.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is connecting community partners in Buncombe County with the resources they need to effectively serve individuals and families.  The work of their volunteer center, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, serves as a dynamic inventory of volunteer opportunities that address relief efforts. The content will be updated as opportunities are developed in the days and weeks to come.

If you wish to volunteer in response to COVID-19

Before you begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

• Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.
• If you are an older adult or have a chronic medical condition, we suggest you stay at home and look for remote volunteer opportunities as they arise.

If you are well enough and wish to connect with the United Way for volunteer opportunities, please complete the steps below:

• Sign-up for volunteer opportunity alerts here. Most up-to-date information will be shared via this link.
• Sign-up for COVID-19 volunteer opportunities as they are listed on United Way’s website.

For help:

The first resource is United Way 211, a free and confidential phone service that helps people across North America find the local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call 24/7 if you have questions about general community support services. NC 211 is a valuable source of information and referrals for individuals and families experiencing hardship as a result of school and business closures. Right now, United Way is updating the resources in its database to reflect community response efforts and preparing for a dramatic spike in call volume as a result of the crisis. They’ve also created a special page of Buncombe County resources that you can find on their website at https://www.unitedwayabc.org/

Throughout the wake of COVID-19 and practicing social distancing, information and resources will be posted here under “What You Need to Know: COVID-19 in Buncombe County”

As of Wednesday, March 25, there are 13 positive cases of COVID-19 in Buncombe County. According to officials, 10 of those patients have already recovered and have been released from health care providers. And the 5 out of state travelers who visited Buncombe County who tested positive for the virus have also recovered and been released.

Since the start of the outbreak in Buncombe County, health care officials have conducted 14 tests, 13 of those tests have come back and one tested positive for the virus. During last week’s community testing sites, over 350 were tested for the virus. In the first two days, 256 people were tested, 5 of those tests came back positive. On the last day of testing 100 more tests were given; those results are still pending but are expected soon.

Over 700 other tests have been conducted by other health care providers in Buncombe County since the start of the outbreak – the Buncombe Health Department will be notified of positive tests as they come.

On March 25, Buncombe County issued a “Stay Home – Stay Safe” Supplemental Declaration that will go into effect Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 8 pm and will be valid through Thursday, April 9, 2020, at 6 am but will be regularly monitored and evaluated which may lead to revision, amendment or extension. 

All current Buncombe County residents, including Woodfin, Black Mountain, Weaverville, Biltmore Forest, Montreat and Asheville citizens, are ordered to stay in place at their residence and to limit movements outside of their homes that are not deemed essential. Only those lines and/or business operations that are necessary to support the essential services, supplies, or support are exempt from the restrictions. 

The intent of the declaration is to further minimize all opportunities for exposure and transmission of COVID-19 across the jurisdiction.

The declaration states that:

• All non-essential businesses must cease. 
• Essential businesses must still comply with the social distancing guidelines; 6 feet apart and takeout, delivery and/or drive-through only. 
• If you work in Buncombe County, then your business/employer must comply with this order.
• You are allowed to travel through Buncombe County and conduct essential activities within Buncombe County and to return home. 
• Religious services must only meet via video or telecom; there must be less than 10 people at the establishment to perform the service. 
• All elective medical procedures have been prohibited in Buncombe County. 
• You are allowed to travel for purposes of essential business and essential activities
• While engaging in outdoor activities remember to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from all others.
• The houseless are exempt from this restriction but are urged to find shelter.
• Essential businesses or entities, including any for-profit or non-profit, regardless of the nature of the service, the function they perform, or it’s corporate or entity structure, are not subject to these restrictions.
• Essential Businesses must continue to comply with the guidance and directives for maintaining a clean and safe work environment issued by the Department of Health i.e. social distancing and sanitation practices.
• Skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers and other related construction firms and professionals for essential infrastructure, including public works, roads and bridges, or for emergency repair and safety purposes, are also exempt from the declaration. 

Under a “Stay Home” declaration, residents can still perform essential services and conduct essential travel. To review what Buncombe County Citizens can do and should not do, what consists of essential and non-essential travel and what businesses are deemed essential vs. non-essential visit the Buncombe County website.

Buncombe County residents CAN:

• Go to the grocery and convenience store
• Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and healthcare necessities
• Visit a health care facility for medical services that cannot be provided virtually (call first!)
• Go to a restaurant, for take-out, delivery, or drive-thru service only
• Care for or support a friend, family member, or pet
• Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog (as long as social distancing measures are maintained)
• Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian
• Help others to get necessary supplies
• Receive deliveries from any business that delivers

Buncombe County residents SHOULD NOT: 

• Go out at all if they are sick
• Go to work, unless providing essential services as defined by this order
• Visit friends and family if there is no specific, urgent need
• Be closer than 6 feet from others if out in public
• Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skill nursing facilities, or other residential care facilities, except for limited exceptions as provided by the specific facility
• Travel, except for essential travel and activities.
• Engage in door-to-door solicitation
• Engage in public or private social gatherings (any amount of people)

Essential Activities: 

• For health and safety
• To get necessary supplies and services
• For outdoor activities (walking, hiking, golfing, running, cycling, using greenways)
• For work for essential businesses/operations
• To take care of others

Essential Travel:

• Any travel related to the provision of or access to essential activities, essential governmental functions, essential businesses and operations, or minimum basic operations.
• Travel to care for the elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons
• Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and other related services
• Travel to return to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction
• Travel required by law enforcement or court order, including to transport children pursuant to a custody agreement
• Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the County. Individuals are strongly encouraged to verify that their transportation out of the County remains available and functional prior to commencing such travel

Essential Businesses: 

Essential Health Care Operations:

• Research and laboratory services
• Hospitals
• Walk-in-care health facilities
• Emergency veterinary and livestock services
• Eldercare
• Medical wholesale and distribution
• Home health care workers or aides for the elderly
• Doctor and emergency dental
• Nursing homes, or residential health care facilities or congregate care facilities
• Medical supplies and equipment manufacturers and providers
• Blood drive and blood collection sites

Essential Infrastructure:

• Utilities including power generation, fuel supply and transmission
• Public water and wastewater
• Telecommunications and data centers
• Airports/airlines
• Transportation infrastructure such as roads, bus, rail, or for-hire vehicles, garages
• Hotels and places of accommodation 

Essential Manufacturing:

• Food processing, manufacturing agents, including all foods and beverages
• Chemicals
• Medical equipment/instruments
• Pharmaceuticals
• Sanitary products
• Telecommunications
• Microelectronics/semi-conductor
• Agriculture/farms
• Household paper products

Essential Retail:

• Grocery stores including all food and beverage stores
• Pharmacies
• Convenience stores
• Farmer’s markets
• Gas stations
• Restaurants/bars (but only for take-out/delivery)
• Hardware and building material stores
• Pawnshops

Essential Services:

• Trash and recycling collection, processing and disposal
• Mail and shipping services
• Laundromats
• Building cleaning and maintenance
• Child care services
• Auto repair
• Warehouse/distribution and fulfillment
• Funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries
• Storage for essential businesses
• Animal shelters
• News Media
• Banks
• Insurance
• Payroll
• Accounting
• Notary public
• Services related to financial markets
• Logistics
• Technology support for online services
• Child care programs and services
• Government-owned or leased buildings
• Essential government services

Providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations are also exempt from this declaration, including: 

• Homeless shelters and congregate care facilities
• Food banks
• Human services providers whose function includes the direct care of patients in state-licensed or funded voluntary programs; the care, protection, custody and oversight of individuals both in the community and in state-licensed residential facilities; those operating community shelters and other critical human services agencies providing direct care or support

Essential Services Necessary to Maintain the Safety, Sanitation and Essential Operations of Residences or Other Essential Businesses, including:

• Defense and national security-related operations supporting the U.S. Government or a contractor to the US government, to include the Defense Industry Base’s (DIB) Essential Critical Infrastructure
• Law enforcement
• Fire prevention and response
• Building code enforcement
• Security
• Emergency management and response
• Building cleaners or janitors
• General maintenance whether employed by the entity directly or a vendor
• Automotive repair
• Disinfection

If the function of your business is not covered above, but you believe that it is essential or it is an entity providing essential services or functions, you may request designation as an essential business from Buncombe County Government. Send email to [email protected].

In the email, provide the following:

• Business Name
• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Nature of their business and why they should be deemed essential
• Business website address

Please be aware that this is a new process and Buncombe County is experiencing a high volume of requests, so the response could be delayed. Requests by businesses to be designated an essential function as described above should only be made if they are NOT covered by the guidance.

https://www.buncombecounty.org/countycenter/news-detail.aspx?id=18580

To help support businesses and employees who are struggling during the COVID-19 crisis, Asheville Grown Business Alliance has created a COVID-19 Resources page with helpful links along with a community-sourced list of FAQ’s. The page will be updated as frequently as possible.

Unemployment Insurance

Business Insurance notes

Families First Act

SBA & Mountain BizWorks Loan Information

Tax Information

General Business Assistance

Gig Workers Assistance

Restaurant Workers Assistance

Musicians, Artists and Event Producers Assistance

Nonprofit Assistance

Mortgage, lease, rent relief for Residents and Businesses

Child Care Assistance

Census Jobs

Coronavirus Información en Español

Follow Asheville Grown on Instagram and Facebook and share your own updates using #GoLocalAsheville and #AshevilleStrong.

The Blue Ridge Humane Society is offering several resources and services to pet owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. BRHS seeks to not only find new loving homes for pets in need, but also help keep pets with their owners, according to a news release from BRHS. Pet owners are encouraged to reach out to BRHS if they are in need.

While the humane society’s adoption center is closed to the public, those interested in adopting a pet can fill out an application online and will be contacted to complete an advising session over the phone. After that, a meeting time can be scheduled. A list of adoptable pets can be found at www.blueridgehumane.org/adopt/.

Foster homes are also needed for the animals. For more information on fostering and to apply, go to www.blueridgehumane.org/get-involved/foster/.

The following programs, resources, and support are in place to assist the public pet owners as funds and staffing allow:

Pet Helpline: For concerns about keeping a pet, vet assistance, litter box problems, housing issues, dog training tips, stray neighborhood cats, suspected abuse/neglect and more, call 828-393-5832. Leave a message and BRHS staff will get back in touch.

Behavior questions can also be submitted online for the BRHS Training and Behavior Manager to offer assistance with at www.blueridgehumane.org/community-services/helpline/.

Community pet food assistance: BRHS is partnering with local food banks to help supply litter, pet food and treats to clients. o find a list of participating banks visit blueridgehumane.org/community-services/community-pet-food

Emergency vet assistance: Though BRHS is not able to assist with existing medical bills they are offering Emergency Veterinary Assistance in times of economic distress. BRHS is providing medical vouchers to help with emergency veterinary visits prior to the visit.

For more information or to find out if you qualify, call 828-393-5832. Delays may be experienced on holidays. Listings of additional assistance groups can be found at www.blueridgehumane.org/community-services/emergency-vet-assistance/.

BRHS Lost and Found Pet Facebook group: Join the BRHS Lost and Found Pet Facebook group by searching for Blue Ridge Humane on Facebook and going under groups. This group allows people to not only post if a lost pet but also helps reunite any pets someone may find that have become separated from their families and keep pets in a temporary loving home while waiting to be reunited with their owner.

Re-Homing: For owners that have found themselves in the unfortunate situation of having to find a new home for their pet, BRHS urges them to try re-homing. This takes the load off the local animal shelter and keeps the animal out of a shelter environment, allowing limited resources to be used for other animals like stays or abuse cases.

BRHS has partnered with Adopt-a-Pet.com to provide a courtesy re-homing listing for those who would like to find a loving home for a pet without surrendering them to an animal shelter. For those considering adopting, check the re-homing listing as well as the local shelter.

Access to the re-homing page can be found at www.blueridgehumane.org/community-services/pet-re-homing-listing/.

For additional information about the humane society or to make a donation, go to www.blueridgehumane.org or call 828-692-2639.

Throughout the wake of COVID-19 and practicing social distancing, information and resources will be posted here under “What You Need to Know: COVID-19 in Buncombe County”.

As of today, March 25, there are 13 positive cases of COVID-19 in Buncombe County. According to officials, 10 of those patients have already recovered and have been released from health care providers. And the 5 out of state travelers who visited Buncombe County who tested positive for the virus have also recovered and been released.

Since the start of the outbreak in Buncombe County, health care officials have conducted 14 tests, 13 of those tests have come back and one tested positive for the virus.

During last week’s community testing sites, over 350 were tested for the virus – In the first two days, 256 people were tested, 5 of those tests came back positive. On the last day of testing 100 more tests were given; those results are still pending but are expected soon.

Over 700 other tests have been conducted by other health care providers in Buncombe County since the start of the outbreak – the Buncombe Health Department will be notified of positive tests as they come.

On March 24, the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) implemented a 10-person maximum (including the driver) per bus that went into effect earlier today, March 25, and will continue until further notice. In order to accommodate this need, more buses will be added to the busiest routes, therefore, beginning Wednesday, March 25, Route 170 until further notice will NOT run a 7:30 am or 9:30 am trip. 

As a reminder, ART bus service is operating fare-free for now. This measure minimizes possible exposure to drivers, riders and money handlers. Transit is a critical service and ART will attempt to do what they can to keep their drivers and riders healthy. 

ART has implemented preventive control measures on buses, including:

• Riders are now required to get on and off the bus using the rear door only, with some exceptions for ability purposes. 
• Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed in all buses. Additional dispensers are also placed in the station.
• Interior cleaning of buses and the station is occurring daily at a minimum, focusing on disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.  For example, cleaning of buses interiors is focusing on stop request push buttons, poles, handles, fareboxes, door handles, etc.  
• CDC COVID-19 informational posters have been put up in all buses in English and Spanish, as well as at the transit station.

As the COVID-19 public health emergency evolves, City transit and ART staff have been monitoring transit usage on all routes and evaluating options in order to minimize any impacts on the system and our riders. Additional changes are likely to occur over the coming days as ridership is monitored.

The police department is modifying patrol response procedures in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect officers, personnel and residents from infection.

Effective immediately, all non-emergency calls for service will be handled by an officer of the phone, according to APD officials.

Some examples of non-emergency calls are:

• Stolen property of a value less than $1000, not including residential or commercial breaking and entering, stolen firearms or stolen motor vehicles
• Minimal damage to property
• Harassing phone calls
• Fraud, scams or identity theft
• Lost property
• Information-only reports that don’t require immediate action

For most other calls for service, APD officers will practice social distancing when providing on-scene responses by maintaining a 6-foot distance from other individuals when possible.