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The original item was published from 9/16/2020 8:37:46 AM to 1/1/2021 12:00:04 AM.

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COVID-19 Media Releases

Posted on: September 16, 2020

[ARCHIVED] Media Release COVID-19 - September 16, 2020

For Immediate Release

09/16/2020                        

Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/covid-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov

Rowan County Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub

Hurricane Season during the COVID-19 pandemic


The COVID-19 pandemic will add additional challenges and changes to the 2020 hurricane season, which we are currently in and runs through November 30, 2020.

Plan: Where will you go?

  • Make a plan to stay with family or friends, if you need to evacuate.
  • Staying at a storm shelter is not a good option during the COVID-19 pandemic and should only be considered as a last resort.
  • Staying with family, friends, or at a hotel will reduce the chances of you being exposed to, or transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

Prepare: What else will you need?

  • Be sure to include additional supplies in your emergency kit to stay healthy: masks, hand sanitizer, cleaning products, sanitizing wipes.
  • Visit ReadyNC.org to learn how to create a family emergency plan and build your emergency supplies kit.

Stay Informed: Who has reliable information?

  • Visit ReadyNC.org to learn about local hazards that could impact your area.
  • Register for emergency alerts from your local government.
  • Follow your local government social media channels.
  • Subscribe to National Weather Service updates.
  • Follow North Carolina Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook

Evacuation 

  • Protecting yourself from the physical dangers of a hurricane, like storm surge, flooding and high winds, will always take priority over the concerns about COVID-19.
  • If your area is ordered to evacuate – do so quickly and calmly. Don’t forget your emergency kit.
  • If you are visiting a coastal community be sure to Know Your Zone. Find out if you are staying in a predetermined coastal evacuation zone. Many coastal counties will use these new zones to order evacuations. Take time now to review your evacuation routes, and plan for a primary route and an alternate before starting your vacation.

Sheltering

  • Social distancing will reduce the capacity at shelters this year. Shelter space in many counties will be limited and should be only considered as a last resort.
  • Non-congregate sheltering options like dormitories, campgrounds or other facilities where people can maintain distance may be in use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow your local government website and social media channels for sheltering information.
  • Shelters may not offer cots for sleeping and may only be a safe refuge until a storm passes. Plan to bring you own amenities like food and bedding.

If you must go to a shelter, follow the CDC guidance to lower the risk of spreading infection:

  • Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people outside of your household.
  • Wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and follow shelter policies for wearing cloth face coverings. Avoid sharing food and drink with anyone if possible.
  • Follow disaster shelter policies and procedures designed to protect everyone in the shelter, particularly older adults (65 and older) and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions. These people are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
  • Avoid touching high-touch surfaces, such as handrails, as much as possible. If not possible, wash hands or use hand sanitizers immediately after you touch these surfaces.
  • Keep your living area clean and disinfect frequently-touched items such as toys, cellphones, and other electronics.
  • If you feel sick when you arrive at the shelter or start to feel sick while sheltering, tell shelter staff immediately.

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Contact:
TJ Brown
704-216-8918
tj.brown@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release COVID-19 - September 16, 2020 (PDF)

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