Orange State of Emergency Declaration - March 7 2022

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g. As of February 28, 2022 vaccination rates in Orange County are at the highest level in the state with approximately 76% of the population fully vaccinated, and 78% of the population having received at least one dose of vaccine; and h. Although masking is beneficial in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, on February 17, 2022 Governor Roy Cooper, in consultation with Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley, encouraged "schools and local governments to end their mask mandates;" and i. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services ("NCDHHS") has, pursuant to current trends and metrics, issued the following guidance related to Face Coverings, "North Carolina's COVID-19 metrics are moving in the right direction. If trends continue to improve, NCDHHS recommends schools and local governments consider moving to voluntary masking beginning March 7, 2022. Because well-fitting masks provide extra protection, you may still choose to wear one. Businesses should make the best decisions for their employees and customers. Please be respectful of others who choose to wear a mask. Masks are still required in places like health care, long-term care and public transportation like airplanes. This is because of the setting or federal regulations;" and j. By both the CDC and NCDHHS metrics Orange County has a moderate COVID-19 Community Leve 1. Sec. 3. In consideration of all available data, trends, and metrics related to the impacts of COVID-19 in Orange County, and particularly the Orange County-specific metrics, the undersigned, in consultation with the Orange County Health Director, hereby determines it is in the best interest of the residents of Orange County to leave in place the declaration of emergency. Pursuant to factors set out above, the available data, trends, and metrics related to the impacts of COVID-19 in Orange County, guidance from both the CDC and NCDHHS, and the recommendation of the Orange County Health Director, the Orange County Declaration of Emergency related to COVID-19 is hereby amended as follows: a. The State of Emergency in Orange County is amended as stated herein and continues until such time as it is rescinded or terminated by the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners; and b. Save and except for Section 3 of the August 11, 2021 Amendment to the Orange County Declaration of Emergency, which remains in effect, and the terms and changes implemented in this Amendment, all prior Orange County specific requirements and terms of the Original Declaration as amended are repealed; and c. In addition to the current terms of the COVID-19 related gubernatorial declaration of emergency, the following shall apply throughout Orange County; i. It is recommended that all residents of Orange County wear Face Coverings in indoor settings in Orange County. "Face Covering" means a complete covering of the nose and mouth that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears and fits snugly against the side of a person's face. A Face Covering may be www.orangecountync.gov Protecting and preserving—People,Resources,Quality of Life Orange County,North Carolina—You Count! (919)245-2130 •FAX(919)644-0246