Orange County Health Department releases information on emerging Novel Coronavirus Outbreak

The Orange County Health Department is informing the public that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed five cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the United States. The patients recently returned from Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, where an outbreak of illness caused by this novel coronavirus has been ongoing since December 2019.

There are no confirmed cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in North Carolina at the time of this press release.

Symptoms of the virus include fever and lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing). The illness can be more serious for individuals with a weakened immune system, the elderly, or those with underlying respiratory problems.

If you traveled to China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:

Seek medical care right away. Before you go to visit your medical provider, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
Avoid contact with others.
Avoid non-essential travel while sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Click here for more information.

Census 2020: Be aware of scams

Mailings purporting to be from the U.S. Census Bureau have been reported in Orange County. These forms resemble the actual Census form but ask for a contribution to Donald Trump's re-election campaign.

These are not the official census forms. Each household in Orange County will receive a letter from the Census in mid-March with instructions on how to fill out the form online.

The Census Bureau will never ask for your Social Security number, your bank account or credit card number or for money, donations or campaign contributions for a political candidate.

One way to detect a scam is to see if the envelope is addressed to you or to a person in your household. The census forms will be sent to your address but will not include a name. Click the link below to learn more about detecting and reporting fraudulent activities related to the Census.

https://2020census.gov/en/avoiding-fraud.html

Sherri and Gerald Schultheiss from Knightdale adopted "Choco Taco," one of the seized dogs.

Overwhelming interest in adoptions for seized dogs

The first round of adoptions for the seized dogs in Orange County went smoothly, according to OCAS Director Bob Marotto, who said the county received thousands of applications for the dogs.

The department has developed a special adoption process. Dogs will be available in batches ranging from 6-12. Interested adopters will submit applications during the viewing period. Once the viewing period has closed, adopters will be randomly drawn for each dog.

Dogs will be made available for adoption each week in batches of 6-12. The dogs will be viewable online at 5 p.m. on Saturday and viewable at the shelter beginning Mondays at noon. Applications can be submitted online (the preferred method) or at the shelter until 8 a.m. Thursday.

Interested individuals may apply for more than one dog each week. However, only one application per household per dog will be accepted. In addition, OCAS will impose a limit of one dog per family. Once a family adopts a dog during this process, applications for other dogs will not be considered.

More details about this special adoption process are available on the Orange County Web site. Interested individuals are urged to review all of the information provided on that page which includes information about how people are notified if they are selected to adopt an animal, and the timetable on which the process of adoption must occur.

Upcoming free events at Senior Centers

Alternate Endings: An End Of Life Choices Event

Project EngAGE’s End of Life Choices Senior Resource Team proudly presents a celebration of the freedom of choice at the end of one’s life. The documentary Alternate Endings tells the stories of six people nearing death and family members of the recently deceased, who have chosen nontraditional end-of-life options and remembrances.

Please join us for a profoundly intimate and illuminating film that explores what it means to be near death and captures the healing power of honoring, giving thanks, and staying true to our loved ones wishes.

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 4-6 p.m.
Register by Friday, Jan. 31, call (919) 968-2070
Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill

Our distinguished panel of experts will be present to offer their knowledge on End-of-Life choices and engage in thoughtful audience Q & A.

I Voted! Now What? How to get more involved before the elections

Join the Policy and Advocacy Senior Resource Team to learn more about how to make your voice heard at the local and state levels and how to make advocacy fit with your life. You don’t have to wait until November 2020 to make a real impact!

Panelists and presenters will include:

Mia Burroughs, former Chair. Orange County Board of Commissioners
Mary Warren, Director of the Triangle J Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging
Helen Savage, former AARP NC Advocacy Director and current AARP NC Fraud Watch Network Lead Volunteer
John Hammond, representative of the Senior Tar Heel Legislature and Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging
Richard White, Senior Tar Heel Legislature Delegate and Aging Advisory Board Member

Wednesday Feb. 19, 3:30-5 p.m.
Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill
Please Register by Feb. 14, at (919) 968-2070

Arts Commission hosting tour of Eno River Mill arts space on Feb. 3

The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC), in collaboration with The Gold Family and its partner, Hedgehog Holdings, seeks to activate Hillsborough’s historic Eno River Mill through the arts, providing a critical need for the creative community of Orange County, as well as generating economic impact for the surrounding area. This undertaking will take place in phases, beginning with artist studio spaces, and eventually providing possible spaces such as performing arts space, arts-retail space, and a variety of maker spaces.

Phase One: Art Mill Studios

The Art Mill Studios are located in a 2,970 square foot, former office space. It features private and communal studio space for up to 13 artists at affordable prices. The beautifully restored exposed brick and hardwood hallway just outside of the space will allow for exhibit space for tenants.

Following our first round of tours in December, improvements have been made based on feedback we received from artists. These improvements include the following:

All carpet has been removed
An exhaust fan is being installed
The larger spaces have been divided into individual spaces with lockable doors

Additionally, the offices of the Orange County Arts Commission will be moving to the mill directly across the hall from the Mill Studios.

The last tour is scheduled for Feb. 3. Tour registration is required. Please register here.

Click here for more information, including FAQ.

www.orangecountync.gov