Here is today’s situation report. We are pleased to report there are no confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. Pender County Health Department knows of 71 residents of Pender County who have been tested for the virus. Of those, 62 were confirmed negative, while 9 tests are currently pending.
Pender County’s leading industry is agriculture, followed by tourism.
Here are resources and information for farmers and agribusinesses from PPEs in the field to seed sharing.
The Pender County Extension Office telephone number is 910-259-1235.
Here is today’s Situation Report. We are pleased to report there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pender County. We urge our residents to Stay Home to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus.
Today’s Situation Report. On this report, you will see the new Executive Order which prohibits utility shut offs and more. You will also see 67 Pender resident in 52 negative results and 15 tests pending.
Please help us dispel rumors and misinformation circulating in our community. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis.
We want to help you distinguish between rumors and facts regarding Pender County’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
We ask that you do your part to curb rumors by doing 3 things:
1. don’t believe the rumors,
2. don’t pass them along and
3. go to trusted sources of information to get the facts about the coronavirus response.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Pender County Health Department websites are reliable resources.
Rumor #1 Pender County is not prepared – FALSE.
Pender County Health Department is working closely with all county departments, providers and the hospital to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community. We are following all guidance and recommendations from the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The Pender County Health Department is currently screening and testing anyone who meets the criteria established by DHHS. Our local health care providers in the county are also screening and testing.
Rumor #2 Pender County Health Department is closed – FALSE.
The Pender County Health Department is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. We see walk-ins and take appointments. We accept all insurances, Medicaid and offer a sliding fee scale for anyone without insurance.
Rumor #3 Pender County Health Department currently has no known COVID-19 cases because they only have 12 test kits – FALSE.
The health department and providers in the county have test kits and are evaluating and testing those individuals who meet the established testing criteria.
Rumor #4 I want to go to the beach, but I can’t – TRUE.
While sunshine is good for your health, beach accesses, public parking, and public parks at the Pender beaches are closed. This is to discourage large gatherings of people so the virus doesn’t spread. According to the World Health Organization and based on evidence so far, the coronavirus can be transmitted in all climates.
Rumor #5 I’m stuck inside my house and I’m not permitted to drive anywhere – FALSE.
You are allowed to move around for essential services, including your job, food shopping, doctor’s appointments, medicine pick-up, and outdoor exercise. We encourage regular exercise. Take a walk, jog or bike. It is TRUE that health clubs and gyms are closed to deter the spread of COVID-19.
Rumor #6 Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, post offices and hardware stores are open. – TRUE.
While shopping for necessities, we urge to you to wipe down the handles of a shopping cart with a disinfectant, which is generally provided by the retailer at the door. Keep a 6 ft distance from everyone you encounter as much as possible. Use hand sanitizer if available. Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Rumor #7 Only the elderly can get COVID-19 – FALSE
Everyone, including children, are vulnerable to COVID-19. It is extremely important for people at higher risk of getting sick to call their medical provider if they develop symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath. High-risk individuals include: those 65 years or older; someone with a high-risk condition like heart or lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, a compromised immune system, diabetes, or severe obesity, and pregnant women. People in these categories are more at risk for serious illness and hospitalization.
Rumor #8 I can get tested for COVID-19 if I don’t have any symptoms – FALSE
There are certain criteria to be tested for COVID-19. You must have symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath to be considered eligible for testing. If you are experiencing symptoms, please call ahead to your healthcare provider so they can prepare for your visit and limit the exposure to others.
Rumor #9 Pender County Board of Commissioners enacted a state of emergency – TRUE
A State of Emergency declaration is issued by elected officials of a county and/or municipality. The declaration gives property authorities additional power to do such things as close beach accesses, move livestock, close public parks, etc. The health director does not have the authority to issue a state of emergency. In the unincorporated areas of Pender County, a state of emergency declaration is issued by the chairman.
Rumor #10 If I get COVID-19 I will need to be hospitalized. – FALSE
According to the CDC, most people who get COVID-19 will recover without needing medical care. For that reason, people who think they have COVID-19 showing mild symptoms such as fever and cough without shortness of breath or difficulty breathing are encouraged to isolate themselves at home, separate themselves from others in their home as much as possible, and call their medical provider for advice. People can stop isolating themselves when they have met the following:
• It has been at least 7 days since you first had symptoms.
• You have had no fever for three days (72 hours) without any fever reducing medication
• Your other symptoms have improved
Rumor #11 Facebook is a trusted source of factual information. – FALSE
We urge our residents to stay informed. The CDC and the NC DHHS provides factual information and recommendations. Pender County offers factual information on the website pendercountync.gov as well as our Pender County Emergency Management and Pender County Facebook pages. We monitor those for non-factual comments.
Rumor #12 Safe hygiene and social distancing can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. – TRUE
We strongly encourage our residents to follow the recommended safe hygiene practices and social distancing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 – a cough, fever, and shortness of breath – please contact your health care provider. It is extremely important for people at higher risk of getting sick to call their medical provider if they develop symptoms of fever or cough. High-risk individuals include: those 65 years or older; someone with a high-risk condition like heart or lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, a compromised immune system or severe obesity, and pregnant women.
Resources with factual information:
Pender County Health Department website, pendercountync.gov, features a COVID-19 microsite with information.
NC Department of Health and Human Services website https://ww.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
We will continue to identify rumors in the community and provide more accurate information as this pandemic evolves.
Here are more rumor/myth busters from the World Health Organization https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
Please help us dispel rumors and misinformation circulating in our community. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis.
We want to help you distinguish between rumors and facts regarding Pender County’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
We ask that you do your part to curb rumors by doing 3 things:
1. don’t believe the rumors,
2. don’t pass them along and
3. go to trusted sources of information to get the facts about the coronavirus response.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Pender County Health Department websites are reliable resources.
Rumor #1 Pender County is not prepared – FALSE.
Pender County Health Department is working closely with all county departments, providers and the hospital to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community. We are following all guidance and recommendations from the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The Pender County Health Department is currently screening and testing anyone who meets the criteria established by DHHS. Our local health care providers in the county are also screening and testing.
Rumor #2 Pender County Health Department is closed – FALSE.
The Pender County Health Department is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. We see walk-ins and take appointments. We accept all insurances, Medicaid and offer a sliding fee scale for anyone without insurance.
Rumor #3 Pender County Health Department currently has no known COVID-19 cases because they only have 12 test kits – FALSE.
The health department and providers in the county have test kits and are evaluating and testing those individuals who meet the established testing criteria.
Rumor #4 I want to go to the beach, but I can’t – TRUE.
While sunshine is good for your health, beach accesses, public parking, and public parks at the Pender beaches are closed. This is to discourage large gatherings of people so the virus doesn’t spread. According to the World Health Organization and based on evidence so far, the coronavirus can be transmitted in all climates.
Rumor #5 I’m stuck inside my house and I’m not permitted to drive anywhere – FALSE.
You are allowed to move around for essential services, including your job, food shopping, doctor’s appointments, medicine pick-up, and outdoor exercise. We encourage regular exercise. Take a walk, jog or bike. It is TRUE that health clubs and gyms are closed to deter the spread of COVID-19.
Rumor #6 Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, post offices and hardware stores are open. – TRUE.
While shopping for necessities, we urge to you to wipe down the handles of a shopping cart with a disinfectant, which is generally provided by the retailer at the door. Keep a 6 ft distance from everyone you encounter as much as possible. Use hand sanitizer if available. Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Rumor #7 Only the elderly can get COVID-19 – FALSE
Everyone, including children, are vulnerable to COVID-19. It is extremely important for people at higher risk of getting sick to call their medical provider if they develop symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath. High-risk individuals include: those 65 years or older; someone with a high-risk condition like heart or lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, a compromised immune system, diabetes, or severe obesity, and pregnant women. People in these categories are more at risk for serious illness and hospitalization.
Rumor #8 I can get tested for COVID-19 if I don’t have any symptoms – FALSE
There are certain criteria to be tested for COVID-19. You must have symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath to be considered eligible for testing. If you are experiencing symptoms, please call ahead to your healthcare provider so they can prepare for your visit and limit the exposure to others.
Rumor #9 Pender County Board of Commissioners enacted a state of emergency – TRUE
A State of Emergency declaration is issued by elected officials of a county and/or municipality. The declaration gives property authorities additional power to do such things as close beach accesses, move livestock, close public parks, etc. The health director does not have the authority to issue a state of emergency. In the unincorporated areas of Pender County, a state of emergency declaration is issued by the chairman.
Rumor #10 If I get COVID-19 I will need to be hospitalized. – FALSE
According to the CDC, most people who get COVID-19 will recover without needing medical care. For that reason, people who think they have COVID-19 showing mild symptoms such as fever and cough without shortness of breath or difficulty breathing are encouraged to isolate themselves at home, separate themselves from others in their home as much as possible, and call their medical provider for advice. People can stop isolating themselves when they have met the following:
• It has been at least 7 days since you first had symptoms.
• You have had no fever for three days (72 hours) without any fever reducing medication
• Your other symptoms have improved
Rumor #11 Facebook is a trusted source of factual information. – FALSE
We urge our residents to stay informed. The CDC and the NC DHHS provides factual information and recommendations. Pender County offers factual information on the website pendercountync.gov as well as our Pender County Emergency Management and Pender County Facebook pages. We monitor those for non-factual comments.
Rumor #12 Safe hygiene and social distancing can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. – TRUE
We strongly encourage our residents to follow the recommended safe hygiene practices and social distancing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 – a cough, fever, and shortness of breath – please contact your health care provider. It is extremely important for people at higher risk of getting sick to call their medical provider if they develop symptoms of fever or cough. High-risk individuals include: those 65 years or older; someone with a high-risk condition like heart or lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, a compromised immune system or severe obesity, and pregnant women.
Resources with factual information:
Pender County Health Department website, pendercountync.gov, features a COVID-19 microsite with information.
NC Department of Health and Human Services website https://ww.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
We will continue to identify rumors in the community and provide more accurate information as this pandemic evolves.
Here are more rumor/myth busters from the World Health Organization https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
PENDER COUNTY – With the spread of COVID-19 in Southeastern North Carolina, Pender County authorities declared a state of emergency effective Monday, March 30, beginning at 5 p.m.
“Pender County has carefully monitored the Coronavirus,” said George Brown, Pender County chairman of the board of county commissioners. “We are coordinating our efforts through our capable county health director, Carolyn Moser, and Carson Smith, our interim emergency manager.”
Brown signed a Pender County State of Emergency late Monday, following his statements made by video. The video is available for viewing on the Pender County website, pendercountync.gov and on the county’s Facebook pages.
Starting today, the Pender County State of Emergency declaration will closely adhere to Gov. Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 121, which mandates a Stay at Home policy through April.
“The Stay at Home order is vital to mitigating the spread of COVID-19,” said Carolyn Moser, Pender County director of health and human services.
All Pender County offices will remain open. Essential government work is being accomplished.
“The health department and human services are open and prepared to serve our citizens,” said Moser. “Our hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.”
“Pender County Emergency Management continues to monitor the situation and we support the health department during the pandemic,” said Carson Smith, interim emergency manager. “We urge everyone to follow the Stay at Home emergency declaration and Executive Order 121.”
For assistance call Pender County Health Department at 910-259-1230 or the EM office at 910- 259-1210.
Click here to read the State of Emergency.
BURGAW – State Representative Carson Smith will return to his former post as Pender County Emergency Manager as an interim director, effective March 26.
“Carson will be the stabilizing force to lead Emergency Management through this pandemic,” George Brown, chairman of the Pender County Board of Commissioners, said. “Our Emergency Management and Public Health both have vital leadership roles as they work together to help guide our county through this event.”
Carson attended Topsail schools where he began working in many different aspects of public safety including Pender East EMS, Hampstead Volunteer Fire Department, and Scott’s Hill Fire Department. Following his college education and training as a North Carolina Highway Patrolman, Smith returned to Pender County in the 90s to take the position of Emergency Management Coordinator. Shortly after taking the job, Pender County began facing many challenges created from the unusually high hurricane activity we saw in the mid and late 90’s. There were five Presidential Disaster Declarations due to hurricanes during his time as Coordinator including: Bertha ’96, Fran ’96, Bonnie ’98, Dennis ’99, and Floyd ’99. Smith served as Emergency Manager until he was elected sheriff in Pender County in 2002. He served as Pender County Sheriff for 16 years before running for office as a NC State Representative.
Smith will oversee the day-to-day operations of the emergency operations center as the interim director. He will replace Charles Tear, who resigned, effective March 24.
Helpful links for your business
Wednesdy, March 25, 2-3:30 p.m. take a free online class from the Small Business Center entitled “Preparing Your Business for the Threat of Coronavirus.”
You must register online for this online panel discussion. Access is limited, so please, register today.
If COVID-19 has impacted your business, there’s assistance available.
Businesses and individuals may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or 1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan application forms can also be downloaded at disasterloan.sba.gov. Here’s a link for more information on low interest loans.
Be sure to visit SCORE, a free service with helpful links designed for your success.
The Small Business Administration offers information for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Click here for the link.
Misinformation and panic are two viruses you can control. Be informed. When in doubt, go to the CDC or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for COVID-19 information.
The Pender County Board of Commissioners are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety and health of Pender County residents and employees are of great concern.
Pender County officials continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. As of this morning, there are 33 cases of COVID-19 in the State of North Carolina. Currently there are no cases in Pender County.
Pender County Health and Human Services is monitoring the pandemic and providing updated information to our communications personnel.
Consistent with state and CDC guidance, Pender County officials are following protocols to prevent the impact of COVID-19.
County operations and events
Pender County Government business will continue to operate, but several programs and services are impacted in order to help reduce risk to our community:
• All county-sponsored group activities and events have been suspended.
• All organized sports in Pender County parks have been suspended. Parks are not yet closed to the public, but that is a day to day situation to monitor.
• The facilities department is paying special attention to disinfecting all doorknobs, surfaces, etc. Each employee is also responsible for their cleansing workspace and equipment.
• Pender Fire and EMS has issued protective measures for personnel.
• At this time, the Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, and most other official government meetings will continue as scheduled.
• Additionally, county employees will not travel out of town for business, will hold meetings, as much as possible, by conference call, webinar or a virtual platform.
• Visitation in the Pender County Jail has been suspended until further notice.
• Cooperative Extension will postpone all educational programs until the end of April. The state is encouraging the department to work from home.
• Utilities and solid waste will continue normal and emergency staffing.
• The Board of Commissioners authorized Pender County Utilities to temporarily suspend cutoffs during this event however, late fees and penalties will still accrue.
• The Pender County Sheriff offers a wellness check service called “Are You Okay?” To request a wellness check through the Sheriff’s Department call 910-259-1212.
• The Pender County Tax Office urges anyone paying business or personal property taxes to use the return envelope to mail in payments. The return address is Mt. Airy, which is where the county’s print vendor is located, which will in turn report all payments to Pender County.
• Pender County Housing will continue by appointment only. All waiting lists are closed. All paperwork needed for housing assistance is available near the housing department entrance. Completed paperwork should be left in the drop box in front of the housing department office.
• PAS-TRAN will run medical appointments only for transportation, effective March 20. This will be in effect until April 2, unless otherwise notified.
• Pender Adult Services are suspending all senior center activities effective March 19. The last congregate meal will be served March 18 and Shelf Meals will be provided for the remainder of the week for Home Delivered Meals. Effective March 24, one hot meal will be provided for current congregate meal clients on a drive-thru basis only. Call PAS for information at 910-259-9119.
• Home Delivered Meal clients through Pender Adult Services and van rider congregate clients will receive one hot and one cold meal delivered with shelf meals for the week, effective March 24 and each following Tuesday until further notice. For questions call 910259-9119.
Visit CDC.gov for more information. The State of North Carolina has set up a Coronavirus hotline at 1-866-462-3821. Watch the Pender County Government website at pendercountync.gov for local updates and information.