COVID-19
CDC tips for celebrating Thanksgiving this season!
Phase 3 Extension
On Nov. 10, 2020, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order No. 176 extending Phase 3 until Dec. 4, due to a rise in COVID-19 cases.
The governor has also reduced the limit on indoor gatherings from 25 people to 10. Outdoor gathering limits will remain at 50 people.
COVID-19 North Carolina Dashboard
What we are doing:
City of High Point staff has been meeting with County and State Health officials and monitoring the spread of COVID-19, the Coronavirus. The City is taking recommended precautions and is following the guidelines outlined by the CDC. Additionally, we are taking proactive measures to promote the safety of patrons, participants, staff and our community.
Governor Cooper has declared Phase 2 of reopening will continue for another three weeks, meaning we will not be moving to Phase 3 this Friday, as previously planned. The Governor and NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen have determined the data analyzed was not where it should be to lift restrictions further.
Bars, gyms, movie theaters and bowling alleys remain closed. Gatherings are still restricted to no more than 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors. Restaurants’ dine-in services can continue at 50 percent capacity. Personal care businesses like salons and barbershops can also remain open at 50 percent capacity. These businesses will continue to have face covering and cleaning requirements and reduced numbers of people in waiting areas. Swimming pools can remain open at 50 percent capacity, and overnight and day camps can remain open with safety rules. Childcare facilities remain open and can enroll all children.
Governor Cooper also stated people must wear face coverings in public places, both indoors and outdoors, and where physical distancing is not possible. Exceptions include people with medical conditions, children under 11, people at home and people who are walking and others otherwise exercising outside when not within six feet of others.
Governor Cooper has declared Phase 3 of reopening will begin this Friday, Oct. 2, 2020. The Governor and NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen have determined that the data indicates we can move forward to the final step of Cooper's three-part plan to reopen businesses and resume social activities during the pandemic.
Beginning Friday, large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 can operate at 7 percent capacity. Bars, nightclubs and dance halls can operate outdoors only at 30 percent capacity or 100 customers, whichever is less. Music halls and venues for live performances can operate at 30 percent capacity or 100 customers, whichever is less. Movie theaters can operate at 30 percent capacity or 100 customers per movie screening, whichever is less. Finally, the outdoor parts of amusement parks can operate at 30 percent capacity.
Alcohol sales for on-site consumption remain banned after 11 p.m., and mass gathering limits remain at 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Additionally, the North Carolina face mask mandate is still in place.
On Nov. 10, 2020, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order No. 176 extending Phase 3 until Dec. 4, due to a rise in COVID-19 cases.
The governor has also reduced the limit on indoor gatherings from 25 people to 10. Outdoor gathering limits will remain at 50 people.
This is the Third Amendment to the City of High Point Declaration of a State of Emergency “Stay at Home” that was declared by Mayor Wagner and effective on April 10, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. It shall remain in effect through the 16th day of April, 2020 until 12:01 a.m., but will be regularly reviewed and evaluated and may be revised, amended, or extended accordingly, based upon existing evidence and recommendations by the appropriate authorities.
The Third Amendment to the City of High Point State of Emergency Declaration acknowledges and incorporates Guilford County’s Third Revised Proclamation also effective on April 10, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. It is hereby incorporated into the Third Amendment to the City of High Point’s State of Emergency Declaration that was effective on April 10, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. as well as the Guilford County Guidelines regarding Automobile Dealers and ‘Drive- In’ Religious Services.
The City of High Point transitions to the statewide stay at home restrictions.
Mayor Jay Wagner will allow the City’s Stay At Home Order issued on March 26, 2020, to expire today, April 16, 2020, in conjunction with the Guilford County order. The State order is still in effect and applies to all High Point residents.
Gov. Cooper announces N.C. schools to remain closed to in-person instruction for rest of 19-20 year
Phase 1 of Govenor Coopers’s reopening will begin Friday, May 8, 2020, at 5 p.m. To see the official order click here.
To learn more about the order and to find more information about reopening visit: https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/staying-ahead-curve
High Point Transit System has suspended all of our fixed route transit services indefinitely due to a confirmed positive COVID-19 case. All routes, including HPTS Access will not be in operation starting Monday, June 1. HPTS will continue service to those individuals who need transportation for dialysis treatments.
We are working as hard as possible to clean, sanitize and take every step possible to put our fleet back into operation as soon as possible.
Passengers who have questions regarding service alternatives may call the Piedmont Triad Transit Resource Center at 336.889.7433.
- Stay at home order CoHP
- Planning & Inspections
- Updated Stay at Home order
- Utility Payment Drive-thru
- Parks closes basketball courts
The City of High Point in conjunction with Guilford County and the City of Greensboro has issued a Stay-at-Home order for High Point residents, effective Friday, March 27 at 5 pm. The order is in effect through Thursday, April 16.
You can view the order here.
Inspections Services Department, Permit Center and Planning & Development Department
In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the City of High Point Inspections Services Department, Permit Center and Planning & Development Department office at City Hall is closed to the public effective Wednesday, April 1, 2020, until further notice.
Only online applications and requests for services can be accommodated while the office is closed to the public.
The City of High Point will continue to monitor and adjust operations as needed. Additional information and updates concerning COVID-19 and the City’s response can be found at www.highpointnc.gov/COVID-19.
Permit applications are accepted online through Accela Citizen Access (ACA). Construction and land development plan reviews continue as normal, and online submittals are also accepted through ACA. Field inspections can be scheduled through either ACA or the Hello System IVR (PDF) as normal. Please respect that inspectors will be following some procedural changes on the job site to ensure public health.
Staff is working remotely during this period and are available via telephone and email as normal. Meetings with customers are being held through various methods of remote communication. Department and staff contact information is available on the City of High Point’s website
Click here for the Second Amended Declaration of a State of Emergency “Stay at Home” Order that was signed by Mayor Wagner today, March 30, 2020 at 4:59 p.m.
In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the City of High Point will open the “utility payment drive-thru” located at 309 E Green Drive (adjacent to the USPS office).
The drive-thru will open on Friday, April 3, 2020, at 8 a.m. Until further notice, the hours of operation will be Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (excluding holidays). This location can be accessed by turning onto Commerce Ct. from E. Commerce Ave.
Safety is our highest priority at this time. In order to continue our efforts to decrease the spread of COVID-19, our basketball courts will be closed effective Tuesday, April 7. Please continue to practice social distancing while visiting parks, trails and greenways. Stay safe and be well!
North Carolina bars and restaurants will close at 5 p.m. today, March 17, for dine-in customers, according to a news release from N.C. Gov. Cooper’s office.
Take-outs and delivery can continue.
Gov. Cooper and the state’s Coronavirus Taskforce will announce the Executive Order at news conference at 2 p.m. today.
The Executive Order will also include an expansion of unemployment benefits to help North Carolina workers impacted by COVOD-19.
DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY
City of High Point, North Carolina
WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of North Carolina issued Executive Order No. 116 on March 10, 2020, which declares a State of Emergency to coordinate the State’s response and protective actions to address the Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19") public health emergency and to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, the Governor also issued Executive Order No. 117 on March 14, 2020, that prohibited mass gatherings and directed the closure of K-12 public schools in North Carolina to limit the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, as a result of COVID-19 public health emergency, I have determined that there is an imminent threat of, or existing conditions have caused or will cause, widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property, and public safety authorities will be unable to maintain public order or afford adequate protection for lives or property; and
WHEREAS, declaring a State of Emergency and imposing the restrictions and prohibitions ordered herein is necessary to maintain order and protect public health, safety, and welfare, and to secure property.
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as the Mayor of the City of High Point under Article lA of Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes and Title 5 Public Safety; Chapter 3 Emergency Management; Section 5-3-5(b) and ( c) of the City of High Point Code of Ordinances:
Section 1. A State of Emergency is hereby declared within the jurisdiction of the City of High Point.
Section 2. The emergency area covered by this State of Emergency shall be within the corporate limits of the City of High Point.
Section 3. The following prohibitions and restrictions are imposed:
a. Mass Gatherings on City Property Prohibited. Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §166A-19.3 l(b) it shall be prohibited for any organized group of persons to assemble on property owned by the City of High Point until this Declaration has been rescinded. The City of High Point will follow direction from the Governor’s office and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services regarding the size of prohibited mass gatherings.
b. Restricted Access. The City Manager is hereby authorized to take any necessary action and set any necessary policy to restrict access to City facilities. The City of High Point Library, High Point Museum, High Point Theatre, and City of High Point recreation centers are closed to the public until further notice.
c. Business Operations. The City Manager is hereby authorized to take any necessary action and set any necessary policy to modify City of High Point business operations during this Declaration. Based on the evolving nature of COVID-19, the City will provide details regarding business operations on the City website and social media outlets.
Section 4. I hereby order all City law enforcement officers and employees and all other emergency management personnel subject to our control to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of this Declaration, all applicable local ordinances, state and federal laws, and the City of High Point Emergency Operations Plan.
Section 5. I hereby order this declaration: (a) to be distributed to the news media and other organizations calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public; (b) to be filed with Clerk to the City of High Point and ( c) to be distributed to others as necessary to ensure proper implementation of this declaration.
Section 6. This declaration shall take effect on the 17th day of March at 11:01 a.m, and shall remain in effect until modified or rescinded.
DECLARED this the 17th day of March, 20 0 at 11 :01 a.m.
Mayor Jay Wagner
In the execution of their duties and official business, some members of the High Point City Council and senior staff attended a National League of Cities (NLC) event in Washington, DC, earlier this month. After learning from the NLC that two people who attended the conference have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, the city council members and staff have implemented a voluntary self-isolation as a precaution.
The staff and members of Council that attended this conference are awaiting direction from Guilford County Public Health. The specific periods of the quarantine and other details about the individual health status of Council and staff will be managed by county health officials.
The City of High Point will work with state and county agencies to provide direction and guidance for members of staff and the public. At this time, there is no additional information, but we will continue to provide necessary updates.
We ask the public to continue to observe proper protocol and health guidelines as we face this very serious health emergency.
KERSEY VALLEY LANDFILL OBSERVES MODIFIED OPERATION IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
High Point, N.C. (March 19, 2020) – The Kersey Valley Landfill will be closed on Saturdays until further notice effective Thursday, March 19, to protect our residents and staff during the COVID-19 emergency.
The landfill will only be ceasing operations on Saturdays and will remain operational Monday through Friday during normal hours. For more information, please contact customer service at 336.883.3111
The City of High Point will continue to monitor and adjust operations as needed. Additional information and updates concerning COVID-19 and the City’s response can be found at www.highpointnc.gov/COVID-19.
HIGH POINT PLAYGROUNDS OBSERVES MODIFIED OPERATION IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
Playgrounds are Closed While Parks Remain Open High Point, N.C. (March 24, 2020) – Effective Thursday, March 26, 2020, until further notice, all City of High Point playgrounds will be closed. Signs will be placed outside of the structures to indicate they are not to be used. All City of High Point parks remain open and are observing regular hours of operation. Only the playgrounds will be closed. Parks & Recreations staff will continue to monitor the facilities to ensure safety.
Library and Museum:
To help support efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and to protect the health of our visitors and staff, the High Point Public Library the High Point Museum will cancel all public meetings and programs scheduled at these locations beginning Monday, March 16 – Saturday, April 4.
At this time both facilities are maintaining their regular operating hours for general visitation and usage. To maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, we are taking additional cleaning measures such as regularly wiping down handrails, doorknobs, push plates, elevator buttons, and control panels with sanitizing cloths. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the Library and Museum.
Although no case of COVID-19 has been connected to the Library or Museum, we are taking these preventative measures out of an abundance of caution to help ensure everyone’s safety. We are particularly concerned about protecting the high-risk populations who frequent our facilities. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and follow guidelines from government agencies.
As always, if you feel unwell, we encourage you to stay home. We have many resources and services available through our websites. We will provide updates as needed on our websites and social media outlets.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we all work together during these unusual circumstances.
City won’t cut off water as coronavirus response
HIGH POINT — The city of High Point will cease cutting off water service of utility customers to promote hand-washing and personal hygiene during the coronavirus outbreak.
The decision emerged from a department leaders meeting that took place Friday at City Hall as High Point gears up for coronavirus response.
Effective Monday, the city won’t cut off water service for failure to pay or late payments, said Randy McCaslin, deputy city manager. The reprieve from water cutoffs will continue through the duration of the outbreak.
“Customers are still responsible for their bill. So they may end up with larger-than-normal bills if they don’t make their payments,” McCaslin told The High Point Enterprise.
Public health advocates say regular hand-washing serves as one of the best ways to prevent contracting the contagious virus.
The city is examining events and meetings scheduled for locations such as the public library, recreation centers and the Roy B. Culler Jr. Senior Center to see if they will have to be canceled or postponed.
On Thursday, Gov. Roy Cooper and state public health advocates advised that no events take place that draw more than 100 people. State leaders also advise older adults and people with compromised immune systems avoid mass gatherings.
“We need to figure out what the event limitations look like for our facilities,” said Jeron Hollis, director of communications and public engagement. “It’s too soon to say when, but you will probably have within the next couple of days decisions on what events need to be canceled.”
City department leaders also are making plans for functioning with reduced staff because of employee illnesses and re-configuring the council chambers seating to put more distance between chairs, Hollis told The Enterprise.
“It was a brainstorming session on how we can be more efficient so we can maximize public safety and health,” he said.
City leaders also are examining the option of having city workers telecommute from home.
“We are going to do our best to provide all the city services we are currently providing and keep them as convenient as possible,” McCaslin said.
pjohnson@hpenews.com | 336-888-3528 | @HPEpaul
Precautionary Measures effective March 16, 2020
As a precautionary measure due to COVID-19 (Corona Virus) the department will be making these changes effective March 16 through March 30.
The following will be closed for all programs and rentals. If you have questions regarding a program registration or rental, please reach out to the facility for more information.
Allen Jay Recreation Center (336.883.3509)
Deep River Recreation Center (336.883.3407)
Oakview Recreation Center (336.883.3508)
Morehead Recreation Center (336.883.3506)
Roy B. Culler, Jr. Senior Center (336.883.3584), contact Senior Resources at 336.373.4816 for their availability
Southside Recreation Center (336.883.3504), contact individual agencies located inside of the center for their availability
Washington Terrace Community Center Building (336.883.8599)
Athletics and Athletic Field Rentals:
This includes all youth athletics and programming coordinated by our Department and youth tennis programming at the Oak Hollow Tennis Center. All youth and adult athletics practices, games and field rentals will be suspended. This includes collaborating youth athletic groups who participate at any and all High Point athletic venues including High Point Pony Baseball/Softball, Piedmont Triad Football Club (PSA), Macedonia Baseball and all private school rentals for athletics. Please call 336.883.3469 for additional information or to reschedule events.
Programs:
Any programs or meetings at the Northpoint Administration Building are cancelled during this time period.
Special Populations programs will be suspended during this time period as well.
Call 336.883.3469 for information.
Remaining Open:
All Parks, Open Spaces, Greenways and Trails
Oak Hollow Golf Course and Grill Room
Blair Park Golf Course and Grill Room
High Point City Lake Park
Oak Hollow Marina
Oak Hollow Campground
Piedmont Environmental Center
Oak Hollow Tennis Center seasonal court rentals (USTA and Youth Tennis Leagues are postponed)
We will continue to update this website and our Facebook page as changes occur. If you have questions, please call 336.883.3469. We appreciate your patience.
Please note the High Point Public Library, recreation centers, High Point Museum and the High Point Theatre will be closed to the public until further notice effective Monday, March 16, to protect our employees and residents during the COVID-19 emergency.
Golf courses, marinas, permitting, transit and other core services like public safety and trash collection will continue as resources allow. Additionally, the Library’s digital services will continue to be available. For more information on these services, please call 336.883.3638.
he City of High Point will continue to monitor and adjust operations as needed. Additional information and updates concerning COVID-19 and the City’s response can be found at www.highpointnc.gov/COVID-19.
Good afternoon, below is the information from Guilford County Schools concerning the Grab N Go meal sites. The High Point Food Finder app will be updated along with the GHPFA website, www.ghpfa.org, to show any additions or changes as soon as possible. We will also be updating the app to reflect any changes to any local food distribution programs like backpacks, food pantries, and community meals as we learn about any changes. Please share this information as you deem appropriate to other community members.
below are the identified Grab N Go sites for GCS. Keep in mind this may adjust by the hour but provides a starting point for planning. We will kick off these sites 3-18-20
Serving will occur 11-12pm each day.
Lunch for the current day and breakfast for the next day will be provided
GCS Grab N Go Sites - Food Distribution | Locations |
Alderman Elementary | Greensboro |
Allen Jay | High Point |
Archer Elementary | Greensboro |
Blueford Elementary | Greensboro |
Dudley High | Greensboro |
Eastern High | High Point |
Fairview Elementary | Greensboro |
Foust Elementary | Greensboro |
Guilford Middle | High Point |
Hairston Middle | Greensboro |
High Point Central High | Greensboro |
Hunter Elementary | Greensboro |
Irving Park Elementary | Greensboro |
Johnson Street Global | Greensboro |
Jones Elementary | Greensboro |
Morehead Elementary | High Point |
Northeast elementary | Greensboro |
OakHill Elementary | Greensboro |
Parkview Elementary | Greensboro |
Peck Elementary | Greensboro |
Ragsdale High | Greensboro |
Rankin Elementary | High Point |
Washington Elementary | Greensboro |
Welborn Middle | High Point |
Western Guilford Middle | Greensboro |
Wiley Elementary | Greensboro |
The City of High Point Office of Emergency Management has put together a task force to help stay up-to-date on the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The safety and well being of our staff and residents of High Point are top priority. We will push out vetted and correct information when approved by federal, state and county health services.
- Governor Cooper and members of the Coronavirus task force held a media briefing on COVID-19.
- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) is taking proactive steps to protect the health of our community by making recommendations that are meant to slow the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak and reduce the number of people infected.
- Governor Cooper Declares State Of Emergency To Respond To Coronavirus COVID-19.
- City of High Point staff has been meeting with County and State Health officials and monitoring the spread of COVID-19, the Coronavirus. The City is taking recommended precautions and is following the guidelines outlined by the CDC.
- NCDHHS Division of Public Health adds Community Engagement ResourcesOpen PDF for public health officials with North Carolina’s local health departments as print material and resource.
- NC Medicaid Updates Policies to Address COVID-19.
- NCDHHS announces an additional presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in North Carolina, bringing the total number of cases to eight.
COVID-19 Mitigation Measures - March 12, 2020
As the number of cases of COVID-19 rise in North Carolina and the United States, and with the designation of COVID-19 as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the state is responding with a whole government response. COVID-19 is a new infection that is particularly severe in older persons and those with medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and weakened immune systems.
At this time there are no approved treatments and no vaccine to prevent it. However, there are known methods to reduce and slow the spread of infection. Individuals can practice everyday prevention measures like frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, and covering coughs and sneezes. Community-based interventions can also help slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes measures collectively known as “social distancing.” Social distancing measures aim to reduce the frequency of contact and increase physical distance between persons, thereby reducing the risks of person-to-person transmission. These measures are most effective when implemented early in an epidemic. We are at a critical inflection point where we may have the opportunity to slow the spread of this epidemic by taking proactive steps now.
NC DHHS is making the following recommendations to reduce the spread of infection while we are still in an early stage in order to protect lives and avoid strain on our health care system. NC DHHS is making these recommendations for the next 30 days and will re-assess at that point.
The following recommendations pertain to persons statewide.
1. SYMPTOMATIC PERSONS
If you need medical care and have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspect you might have COVID-19, call ahead and tell your health care provider you have or may have COVID-19. This will allow them to take steps to keep other people from getting exposed. NC DHHS recommends that persons experiencing fever and cough should stay at home and not go out until their symptoms have completely resolved.
2. HIGH RISK PERSONS WITHOUT SYMPTOMS
NC DHHS recommends that people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should stay at home to the extent possible to decrease the chance of infection.
People at high risk include people:
- Over 65 years of age, or
- with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, or
- with weakened immune systems.
3. CONGREGATE LIVING FACILITIES
NC DHHS recommends that all facilities that serve as residential establishments for high risk persons described above should restrict visitors. Exceptions should include end of life care or other emergent situations determined by the facility to necessitate a visit. If visitation is allowed, the visitor should be screened and restricted if they have a respiratory illness or potential exposure to COVID-19. Facilities are encouraged to implement social distancing measures and perform temperature and respiratory symptom screening of residents and staff. These establishments include settings such as nursing homes, independent and assisted living facilities, correction facilities, and facilities that care for medically vulnerable children.
4. SCHOOLS
We do not recommend pre-emptive school closure at this time but do recommend that schools and childcare centers cancel or reduce large events and gatherings (e.g., assemblies) and field trips, limit inter-school interactions, and consider distance or e-learning in some settings. Students at high risk should implement individual plans for distance or e-learning. School dismissals may be necessary when staff or student absenteeism impacts the ability to remain open. Short-term closures may also be necessary to facilitate public health investigation and/or cleaning if a case is diagnosed in a student or staff member.
5. WORKPLACE
NC DHHS recommends that employers and employees use teleworking technologies to the greatest extent possible, stagger work schedules, and consider canceling non-essential travel. Workplaces should hold larger meetings virtually, to the extent possible. Additionally, employers should arrange the workspace to optimize distance between employees, ideally at least six feet apart. Employers should urge high risk employees to stay home and urge employees to stay home when they are sick and maximize flexibility in sick leave benefits.
6. MASS GATHERINGS, COMMUNITY, AND SOCIAL EVENTS
NC DHHS recommends that organizers of events that draw more than 100 people should cancel, postpone, modify these events or offer online streaming services. These events include large gatherings where people are in close contact (less than 6 feet), for example concerts, conferences, sporting events, faith-based events and other large gatherings.
7. MASS TRANSIT
Mass transit operators should maximize opportunities for cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces. People should avoid using use mass transit (e.g. buses, trains) while sick.
Spring 2020 High Point Market Postponed
Updated: 03/12/2020 6pm ET
HIGH POINT, N.C., March 12, 2020 — The High Point Market Authority has been closely monitoring the ongoing and rapidly-evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, staying in constant contact with local and state public health officials and elected officials. Heeding the public guidance offered by NC Governor Roy Cooper, and in the interest of the health and safety of our stakeholders, industry members, and local citizens, the High Point Market Authority has decided to postpone this year’s Spring Market, scheduled for April 25-29, until a later date in early June, should conditions improve.
“The decision was difficult, as any change in date could have tremendous economic repercussions on our industry and community, as well as the countless small businesses whose livelihoods rely on High Point Market, but underscores our shared concern and well-being of the citizens in our community and our industry partners,” commented Dudley Moore, Jr., chairman of the High Point Market Authority’s board of directors and president of Otto & Moore.
High Point Market has been a staple of the North Carolina economy since 1909. Throughout its long-standing history, cancellation has only occurred once when the 1942 markets were cancelled due to World War II.
“Our board of directors will continue to monitor the situation, and we will remain in communication with the proper medical and elected officials,” commented Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. “Our aim is to have a decision in early May as to if Market can occur, given the uncertainties of this rapidly evolving situation.”
For the time being, online registration will be postponed, with the plan to reopen once the new plan has been put in place.
Proclamation on Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak
Issued on:
In December 2019, a novel (new) coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 (“the virus”) was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China, causing outbreaks of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 that has now spread globally. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a public health emergency on January 31, 2020, under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d), in response to COVID-19. I have taken sweeping action to control the spread of the virus in the United States, including by suspending entry of foreign nationals seeking entry who had been physically present within the prior 14 days in certain jurisdictions where COVID-19 outbreaks have occurred, including the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Schengen Area of Europe. The Federal Government, along with State and local governments, has taken preventive and proactive measures to slow the spread of the virus and treat those affected, including by instituting Federal quarantines for individuals evacuated from foreign nations, issuing a declaration pursuant to section 319F‑3 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d‑6d), and releasing policies to accelerate the acquisition of personal protective equipment and streamline bringing new diagnostic capabilities to laboratories. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced that the COVID-19 outbreak can be characterized as a pandemic, as the rates of infection continue to rise in many locations around the world and across the United States.
The spread of COVID-19 within our Nation’s communities threatens to strain our Nation’s healthcare systems. As of March 12, 2020, 1,645 people from 47 States have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. It is incumbent on hospitals and medical facilities throughout the country to assess their preparedness posture and be prepared to surge capacity and capability. Additional measures, however, are needed to successfully contain and combat the virus in the United States.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 201 and 301 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) and consistent with section 1135 of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 1320b-5), do hereby find and proclaim that the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States constitutes a national emergency, beginning March 1, 2020. Pursuant to this declaration, I direct as follows:
Section 1. Emergency Authority. The Secretary of HHS may exercise the authority under section 1135 of the SSA to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements of the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children’s Health Insurance programs and of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule throughout the duration of the public health emergency declared in response to the COVID‑19 outbreak.
Sec. 2. Certification and Notice. In exercising this authority, the Secretary of HHS shall provide certification and advance written notice to the Congress as required by section 1135(d) of the SSA (42 U.S.C. 1320b-5(d)).
Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This proclamation shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This proclamation is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
For More Information visit the following:
CDC.gov/Coronavirus
Guilford County Health Department
Randolph County Health Department
Davidson County Health Department
Forsyth County Health Department