Agenda - 04-07-20; 8-a - Minutes

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2 1 Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) Member Tim Hoke introduced Cassie Lipton: 2 Cassie Lipton is a senior at Orange High School. She enjoys writing, and recently won a Silver 3 Key in Poetry from the Scholastic Art and Writing awards. She is a dedicated member of the 4 band program at Orange High School, participating in the Orange Panther Regiment Marching 5 Band and the OHS Jazz Ensemble. She also participates in many honors ensembles 6 throughout the area including the Central District Band and the North Carolina Youth Wind 7 Ensemble. In the fall of 2020, she will be attending the University of Virginia where she plans on 8 double-majoring in Mathematics and Music Performance. 9 Cassie Lipton read a piece entitled, "What civil discourse means". 10 11 Quintana Stewart and Kirby Sanders made a presentation on COVID-19, due to the 12 state of emergency being issued. 13 Quintana Stewart said the Governor declared a state of emergency, and there are 7 14 presumptive positive cases. She said the Governor and others held a press conference today 15 about the most vulnerable populations: those 65 years of age or older and those with underlying 16 health conditions. She said the Governor shared the following recommendations to be 17 implemented statewide: limit visitors to congregate living facilities; limit large gatherings; 18 be mindful to stay home if sick; keep physical distance between people at gatherings. She said 19 it is important to clean surfaces and wash hands, with great regularity. She said those returning 20 from travel to impacted countries, as well as domestic areas with significant cases, should self- 21 quarantine for 14 days. She said employers have been urged to promote telecommuting, to 22 minimize physical contact. She said testing procedures have been expanded on a case-by- 23 case basis as testing supplies are becoming more readily available. She said her department is 24 working closely with its local partners, other health departments, and the State. 25 Kirby Sanders, ES Communications, said there is currently no state of emergency in 26 Orange County, and he covered some highlights in the state of emergency from the Governor. 27 He said, locally, a policy group has been activated, and an Orange County coronavirus task 28 force has been created. He said the following are high priorities: monitor public health, with the 29 emphasis on the most vulnerable populations; joint information system is activated; clear, 30 precise, and accurate information; working with all community partners to contain and mitigate 31 the expansion of the virus; and are prepared to activate the Emergency Operations Center 32 (EOC), if necessary. 33 Travis Myren reviewed some guidance emails that were sent to County employees 34 earlier today: 35 • Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP Plans). 36 • Potential recession: planning for a possible recession scenario with the finance 37 department. 38 • Advisory Boards: work with departments to make sure there is a teleconference option. 39 This is also true for the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). 40 • No blanket travel restrictions as of now. 41 • Caution against stigmatizing against individuals. 42 43 Commissioner Greene referred to the sales tax, and asked if this information is reported 44 with scheduled frequency. 45 Travis Myren said it is reported monthly, but there is about a 3-month lag. He said if 46 retail establishments start to have reduced activity, a dip in sales tax is a likely consequence. 47 Commissioner Price referred to the price of medical supplies, and asked if the state will 48 supply certain items, like hand sanitizer or masks. She said she has heard that people are 49 taking advantage of the situation, and buying supplies in excess. 50 Kirby Sanders said she is correct, and sellers are taking advantage of the situation.