Minutes 03-10-2020 Business Meeting

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