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”. 

As of March 23rd, there are now 8 positive cases in Buncombe County. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has counted 398 cases among North Carolina residents, up 101 from the day before. Eleven people have been hospitalized and there have been no deaths reported thus far.

Community homeless shelters have begun lock-down protocols. Governor Roy Cooper has announced that all K-12 schools have been formally closed until at least May 15th. He said it’s possible students might not return to physical classrooms until the fall, but said he’s “not ready to give up on this year of school.” State standardized testing will most likely be cancelled and there will be no spring sports.

Park managers closed all Great Smoky Mountains National Park areas, except the Foothills Parkway and the Spur, on the far western Tennessee side of the park, with plans to reopen April 6.

Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order that limited restaurant options to takeout and delivery have local establishments struggling and many staff have been laid off.

Find out what restaurants are open for takeout and delivery here.

Madison County has declared a ‘shelter-in-place’ recommendation to its residents on March 23. People are asked to remain in their homes or on their property unless it’s essential to leave for groceries, prescriptions or other medical care.

On March 24, Governor Cooper directed $50 million in school funding flexibility to help public schools to serve students during the COVID-19 crisis. This allotment consists of unused funds from the current and previous school years as well as the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund. 

To read the School Budget Flexibility Memo click here. For more DPI school resources as systems work to serve their students throughout the school closure, click here. 

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/governor-cooper-directs-funding-schools-teach-and-feed-students-during-covid-19

On March 24, Governor Roy Cooper requested a major disaster declaration for the State of North Carolina in a letter to President Trump. Among other requests, the letter asks the federal government to provide individual assistance for those affected, including crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance and Small Business Administration assistance, due to the continuing impacts of COVID-19. California, New York and Washington have already received major disaster declarations for COVID-19. To read the Governor’s request click here.

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/governor-cooper-requests-major-disaster-declaration-covid-19

On March 24, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Child Care Resource and Referral launched a hotline for critical workers who are seeking child care options due to COVID-19 closures. Families who have flexible working arrangements are encouraged to stay at home with their children. Workers who need care may call 1-888-600-1685 to receive information about local options for children from infants through age 12. The hotline is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm. The hotline will be staffed by CCR&R, which partners with the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education and the fourteen NC CCR&R regions to support a strong child care resource and referral system statewide.

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”. 

New Info:

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recorded 255 state residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 as of today, March 22nd.

Buncombe County health officials announced a county resident tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is currently quarantining at home and was tested at Mission Hospital earlier this week.

“We know that there is already community spread in North Carolina,” Dr Jennifer Mullendore, interim health director told Asheville Citizen Times. “It is critical that the public follow our guidance regarding social distancing and staying home when you are sick.”

Cherokee County Health Department announced the first reported cases in Western North Carolina residents. The health department reported in a Facebook post that three Cherokee County residents (plus a fourth individual who is an Illinois resident) tested positive for COVID-19.

North Carolina’s tax season will be extended at least three months. The North Carolina Department of Revenue announced the deadline to file individual income, corporate income, and franchise taxes will move from April 15 to July 15. This state-level decision follows the IRS’s own deadline extension.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/03/22/coronavirus-what-you-need-know-asheville-wnc-march-22/2891186001/

In Case You Missed It:

Buncombe County has closed its two test sites at Biltmore Church in Arden and UNC Asheville just after three days of drive thru testing. Dr. Mullendore said during a March 20 press conference that the decision was made primarily to conserve resources for “the long haul” in Buncombe’s management of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Businesses required to close – The order specifically names gyms, fitness centers, exercise facilities, indoor pools, spas, beauty salons, barbershops, movie theaters, live performance venues and arcades as being affected by the order.

According to the county, gyms and fitness centers include:

• Martial arts studios
• Crossfit gyms
• Dance studios

Spas include:

• Massage parlors
• Medical spas
• Nail salons
• Beauty parlors
• Hairdressers
• Barber shops 
• Tattoo parlors

Arcades include: 

• Bowling alleys
• Indoor recreation centers
• Climbing gyms
• Trampoline parks
• Escape rooms

Businesses that are excluded in the mandate: 

• Grocery stores
• Pharmacies
• Convenience stores
• Hardware stores
• Gas stations
• Farmers markets
• Food distribution sites selling prepared food
• Auto dealerships

Public Health officials want to remind individuals to practice social distancing and not stand within six feet of each other for 10 minutes or more while visiting these sites. 

The limitation on gatherings (10 people or more) does not include:

• Normal operations at medical facilities
• Recovery groups
• Airports
• Bus and train stations
• Shopping malls
• Office environments
• Factories
• Child care centers.
• Essential health and safety services also are exempt

Buncombe officials said the order is part of an effort to “be proactive and save lives” by increasing and encouraging social distancing in the county. “This next week is absolutely critical in Buncombe County’s fight against the spread of COVID-19,” the release states. “These enhanced measures we are implementing now are vital in reducing the impact the disease will have on our community in the long-term.” Buncombe County Public Health will reevaluate the measure March 27. 

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/03/20/coronavirus-wnc-what-buncombe-businesses-required-close-gyms-salons-barber-shops-tattoo-parlors/2882891001/

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”. 

March 20, 2020

According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association along with the World Health Organization, there is no evidence that companion animals can be infected with or spread COVID-19. But as this is a rapidly evolving situation, they suggest that people with confirmed COVID-19 should avoid contact with other people as well as pets. 

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue has joined the Humane Society of the United States and The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement in suggesting community members create their preparedness plans, not only for themself, but for their pets as well. 

Brother Wolf has listed some suggestions when it comes to making a preparedness plan for your pets:

• Identify a trusted family member or friend to care for your pets if someone in your household becomes ill or is hospitalized.
• Make sure your pets have identification including a collar with current identification tags and a microchip with up-to-date registration information.
• Research potential boarding facilities to utilize in the event boarding your pet becomes necessary.
• All animal vaccines should be up to date in the event boarding becomes necessary. Compile your animals’ vaccination records in one place with easy access.
• Have crates, food and extra supplies for your pet on hand in case moving them becomes necessary or if the disease spreads in the community and it becomes necessary to reduce social exposure. 
• Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering instructions. Including the prescription from the prescribing veterinarian is also helpful in case someone besides yourself has to refill the prescription.

During this time, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue also wants to remind the community that the animals don’t stop needing our help. Brother Wolf encourages community members to inquire about fostering animals. Email [email protected] to get involved.

Brother Wolf is also encouraging community members to donate to assist the animals of Brother Wolf. To donate visit their Facebook page @Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. More information can be found at www.bwar.org/ways-to-give.

For up-to-date information about Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s operations in relation to COVID-19, you can visit their website here.

https://www.bwar.org/rescue-encourages-including-pets-amid-covid-19-concerns/?fbclid=IwAR2MEyx4M7AC2DvmUnYLOhFbzvN3oiYbzZVCfJP8idg1gfo9EedaJWCQ8z4

In a mandate issued in the late evening on March 19 by Buncombe County officials, specifics of the closure of certain businesses and prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more people have been specified. 

• Outdoor gatherings of 10 or more are prohibited, regardless of available space. 
• Businesses are required to close – The order specifically names gyms, fitness centers, exercise facilities, indoor pools, spas, beauty salons, barbershops, movie theaters, live performance venues and arcades as being affected by the order.

According to the county, gyms and fitness centers include:

• Martial arts studios
• Crossfit gyms
• Dance studios

Spas include:

• Massage parlors
• Medical spas
• Nail salons
• Beauty parlors
• Hairdressers
• Barber shops 
• Tattoo parlors

Arcades include: 

• Bowling alleys
• Indoor recreation centers
• Climbing gyms
• Trampoline parks
• Escape rooms

Businesses that are excluded in the mandate: 

• Grocery stores
• Pharmacies
• Convenience stores
• Hardware stores
• Gas stations
• Farmers markets
• Food distribution sites selling prepared food
• Auto dealerships

Public Health officials want to remind individuals to practice social distancing and not stand within six feet of each other for 10 minutes or more while visiting these sites. 

The limitation on gatherings (10 people or more) does not include:

• Normal operations at medical facilities
• Recovery groups
• Airports
• Bus and train stations
• Shopping malls
• Office environments
• Factories
• Child care centers.
• Essential health and safety services also are exempt.

Buncombe officials said the order is part of an effort to “be proactive and save lives” by increasing and encouraging social distancing in the county. “This next week is absolutely critical in Buncombe County’s fight against the spread of COVID-19,” the release states. “These enhanced measures we are implementing now are vital in reducing the impact the disease will have on our community in the long-term.” Buncombe County Public Health will reevaluate the measure March 27. 

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/03/20/coronavirus-wnc-what-buncombe-businesses-required-close-gyms-salons-barber-shops-tattoo-parlors/2882891001/

On March 20, Buncombe County officials announced on Twitter that the two drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites would not be opening that day. 

The two testing locations – Biltmore Church in Arden and the UNC Asheville Campus – first became available March 17, and since have collected 370 samples. According to Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, the samples are now being sent to labs for testing and the results are expected early the week of March 23. 

But County officials said it’s possible the sites will not be opening next week – In the coming weeks, Mullendore said, testing will focus more heavily on those who are hospitalized, in health care and people in congregant living settings like nursing homes and jails. 

“We want to make sure that we are using our resources wisely and that we have them for the long haul, essentially,” she said.

Officials urge those with mild illness to recover at home and to contact their health care provider if their condition worsens. 

Testing is still available in Buncombe County through local health care providers and urgent care facilities for those most in need. 

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/03/20/buncombe-test-sites-closed-march-20/2884594001/

Local musicians are suffering financially during this COVID-19 crisis, but local music advocate Jessica Tomisan, founder of Asheville Music Professionals is trying to help. Earlier today she spoke with News Team Correspondent, KP Whaley, about a fund established to help musicians who’ve lost money due to COVID-19 cancelations.

The Asheville Music Professionals is asking that individuals in the music industry please email [email protected] for support if you have lost income due to COVID-19. 

The MusiCares Relief Fund was created by The Recording Academy and its affiliated charitable foundation, MusiCares, to established a COVID-19 fund to help the struggling music community. 

Listen to the full interview here:

To donate to the fund please go to grammy.com/musicares 

Follow @Asheville Music Professionals on Facebook for more information.

News Team Correspondent, KP Whaley spoke to Brandon Cordery of VAE Raleigh to discuss the group’s efforts to help the arts community during COVID-19 cancellations.

Cordery, from VAE Raleigh, discussed the NC Artist Relief Fund created by a collaboration of organizations including, Artspace, PineCone, United Arts Council, and VAE Raleigh to support artists and the arts. The fund is a money-in money-out fund and it will be dispersed as donations come in.  

Any artist, arts presenter, or arts venue in need of support due to cancellations from the outbreak of COVID-19 is encouraged to fill out the application in the link here: 

• Applications will be reviewed by a panel of staff from all collaborating organizations.
• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• The fund will not award money based on “merit.”
• Priority will be given to artists in the Triangle region and the most vulnerable artists among us: artists of color, queer artists, and artists with disabilities. (note: we will try to help as many artists with need in North Carolina as we can).
• The fund will be open as long as artists have financial needs related to the outbreak of COVID-19 and donations are being made.

Listen to the full interview here:

March 19 Updates on COVID-19 in Asheville (According to a post created by Jasmine Beach Ferrera on Asheville Politics) –

1) Our school systems have delivered more than 10,000 free meals in two days – tremendous leadership and effort have gone into making this possible. School Social Workers are also staffing food pick up locations to support families around other needs.

2) Almost 200 people have been tested for COVID-19 at the county’s new drive through testing sites (Biltmore Church and UNC-A). Thank you to everyone who has led this effort. This ramp up of testing means that in 3-4 days, a lot of people will be getting results and can get the care they need. We’ll also know more about the current status of COVID-19 in Buncombe County at that time: https://www.buncombecounty.org/countycenter/news-detail.aspx?id=18547

3) More people in our community are going to need help as we start to feel the secondary economic impacts. For a current list of resources and services (e.g. unemployment benefits, public assistance), go to this county page: https://www.buncombecounty.org/countycenter/news-detail.aspx?id=18552.

Also, please remember, water and power will not be cut off and you cannot be evicted at this time.

4) The county is preparing an order to mandate the closure of gyms, spas, and pools, expected to be finalized tomorrow. This is the next step in social distancing and mitigation efforts to flatten the curve. Any place where people are congregating is increasing the risk of transmission and although each of these decisions is tough, it is the right thing to do to protect community health.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported 97 cases of COVID-19 statewide as of March 19, an increase of 34 from the day before. Cases closest to Buncombe are in Watauga and Lincoln counties. The department updates the number once daily.

Here’s the latest on the impact to Asheville, Buncombe County and WNC:

• state officials said they are not ruling out a shelter-in-place order, now consider pregnant women a high-risk group and are not sure how many people infected with the virus have been hospitalized.

• the American Red Cross is reporting a severe shortage of blood due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Healthy individuals are urged to donate blood. If you have traveled overseas, you should wait 28 days following said travel to donate. People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or who have had contact with anyone with a suspected or confirmed case, also cannot donate blood at this time.

• all restaurants and bars in North Carolina must limit operations to take-out and delivery only. This went into effect at 5 p.m. March 17.

• Buncombe County Health and Human Services is now operating two drive-through COVID-19 testing sites at Biltmore Church (35 Clayton Road, Arden) and UNC Asheville Campus (in parking lot P28 on University Heights off W.T. Weaver Boulevard).

  BCDHHS said in an email the sites will operate 2-6 p.m. on March 18.

  Testing is available to all members of the community, regardless of income or ability to pay.

  Tests will be done on those who:

  • Have a fever combined with either a cough or shortness of breath or
  • Have contact with someone with known COVID-19 and are experiencing any of the symptoms: fever, cough or shortness of breath.

  The sites opened March 17 and will operate weekdays based on the availability of supplies.

  https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/03/18/asheville-coronavirus-update-need-know-wnc-march-18/5072894002/

Blood donors are urgently needed!

The American Red Cross is reporting a severe shortage of blood due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during the coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are urged to donate blood, though overseas travelers should wait 28 days following travel to donate. People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or who have had contact with anyone with a suspected or confirmed case, also cannot donate blood at this time.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/03/19/coronavirus-what-you-need-know-asheville-wnc-march-19/2867511001/

Grocery stores across WNC are changing their hours to implement new cleaning procedures, protect the safety of their employees and give seniors a safer time to shop. The Citizen-Times created a master list of each chain’s policies:

Ingles: All stores close at 10 p.m., with 24-hour stores opening at 6 a.m.

• Starbucks locations are open, but close at 8 p.m.
• Staff will use the additional time to clean and stock.
• Freeman said management is considering offering special hours for seniors.

Publix: As of March 17, all Publix locations are open 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

• Effective March 24, Publix will designate Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, 7-8 a.m., as hours for customers aged 65 and older. The pharmacy will also be open to seniors at that time.

Harris Teeter: Stores close at 9 p.m. nightly for cleaning and restocking.

French Broad Food Co-op: Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. until further notice, giving employees time to clean and stock.

Whole Foods Markets: Whole Foods stores nationwide will allow customers aged 60 and older to enter one hour before stores regularly open to the general public.

• Whole Foods will close up to two hours early to give employees more time to restock shelves, sanitize stores and rest.
• Stores will remain open for pickup and to fulfill Prime delivery orders.

Prime delivery has been greatly delayed, but there’s a plan for that, said a Whole Foods spokeswoman in an email. She said the company plans to hire 100,000 full- and part-time positions across the fulfillment and delivery network.

citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/03/19/coronzavirus-what-you-need-to-know-asheville-wnc-march-19/2867511001

For questions and concerns regarding the virus you can contact the NC COVID-19 hotline at (866) 462-3821.