20/11/2020
Press Release / 19 Nov 2020 / Wilkesboro, NC:
Wilkesboro Mayor Mike Inscore, North Wilkesboro Mayor Robert Johnson and Eddie Settle, chairman of the Wilkes County commissioners, jointly released a statement Thursday afternoon urging Wilkes residents to take COVID-19-related precautions included in Gov. Roy Cooper executive orders.
The three local leaders said these include wearing masks in public when social distancing isn’t possible, engaging in social distancing around people other than immediate household members, washing hands frequently and complying with crowd limits. Social distancing is staying about six feet away from another person.
Settle also said he has no plans for action forcing compliance with these precautions.
North Wilkesboro Town Manager Wilson Hooper released a statement Thursday identified as being on behalf of North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro in response to Wilkes being included among “red” counties in a new COVID-19 County Alert System announced Wednesday. Under the system, red counties are those with “critical community spread” (the worst of three levels) of COVID-19.
The categorization is based on factors that include new COVID-19 cases the prior two weeks in each county, which for Wilkes is nearly 400. Only four counties had more then. The percent of positive tests in Wilkes since the pandemic started is 10.5%, with only seven counties having a higher percentage.
The statement Hooper released said, “North Carolina municipalities have the legal ability to impose additional restrictions beyond the governor's executive order with some limited exceptions. Municipalities are authorized to enforce the provisions of the governor's executive order in accordance with North Carolina criminal law. The towns have not elected to implement additional measures at this time, but reserve the right to do so if trends do not improve.”
It continued, “Notwithstanding the severe public health danger that a prolonged pandemic poses, the economic and community impact will be crippling for years to come. As long as the current conditions exist, businesses will not be able to fully reopen, schools will be at risk for closure, large gatherings will remain prohibited, and the rhythms of day-to-day life will continue to be interrupted. Focused action by all residents is required now to s***f out community spread and bring the virus back under control.”
Wilkes Health Director Rachel Willard stated Thursday, “In an effort to slow the spread, I am urging everyone over the next four weeks to truly limit interactions to those within your immediate household. While the holidays are upon us, I insist that people try to keep it virtual and only go out for essential trips or work.”
Willard continued, “While I discourage gathering with others, I understand sometimes it is necessary. If you have to gather with others, I ask that you take the following steps to ensure the health and safety for you and our community: keep it small, keep it outdoors, keep mask on at all times, and go get tested ahead of time. Testing is widely available throughout the county. Please call Wilkes Health at 336-651-7449 or your local provider to schedule a test.”
The statement Hooper released on behalf of the two towns concluded that COVID-19 metrics indicate Wilkes has entered a dangerous new phase of the pandemic.
“Hospitalizations and deaths, indicators that usually lag behind new cases, will increase in the coming weeks. Case counts, hospitalizations, and deaths will all continue to increase unimpeded unless residents change their behaviors.
“The three Ws (wearing a face covering, waiting six feet apart, washing hands frequently) are critical but insufficient on their own. Residents must also avoid gathering with anyone outside their immediate household, isolate if experiencing symptoms, and stay home as much as possible. Residents who have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms must get tested so that health authorities can swiftly identify others whom they might have exposed, and advise them on how to isolate safely and break the chain of transmission.”
Settle also said he asks people to use precautions if they are sick and remain at home if they have a fever.
