COUNTY GOVERNMENT:

While as of Friday afternoon there are no known presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Lee County, the local health department is testing three locals and “has been notified of several additional cases that have been sent for testing through private providers,” according to a press release from county government issued on Friday.

The press release follows an emergency meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Friday at which the Lee County Health Department provided an update on the current status of cases and testing in Lee County. According to the press release, all individuals awaiting test results have been advised to self-quarantine for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result. While any positive tests will be reported, no patient data will be shared.

Meanwhile, County Manager John Crumpton told the board that the following changes will take effect on Monday, March 16, and will remain implemented through April 6:

*All overnight travel by county employees is suspended
*Lee County Libraries will operate normal business hours; library fines, however, are suspended.
*All special programs, activities and room rentals are suspended – this includes story time events at outside facilities
*County baseball, softball and t-ball programs will proceed as scheduled with a no high-five rule and no handshake rule in effect
*County art and dance classes will proceed as scheduled
*All gymnastics classes, programs and facility rentals are suspended
*All indoor facility rentals are suspended
*The on-site congregate meal program is suspended; the department working on alternative plan to ensure currently registered program participants receive meals during this period; this includes a drive-thru option for participants that drive and home-delivery with limited transportation options.
*All non-essential senior programming is suspended, this includes the exercise room and fitness classes.
*The Veteran Service Office remains open
*Tax Aide Program Appointments remain open
*The Enrichment Center will close daily at 5 p.m.
*The Lee County Jail has restricted visitors until otherwise notified effective immediately.
*Further recommendations may be made at the board’s next regular meeting on Monday.

COURTS:

Meanwhile, court facilities will remain open on a limited basis, according to several local law firms:

CENTRAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE:

CCCC has restructured its instructional offerings “to minimize students gathering in large groups on campus.” While the college said that doesn’t mean all classes will be moved online – what can be taught online will be moved to blackboard.

The college will be open to provide services to students and will have computer labs available for student use. Spring break will be extended through March 20.

Additionally, citing “an abundance of caution,” CCCC announced Friday that it had canceled its annual Career Fair scheduled for Thursday, March 17.

FIRSTHEALTH OF THE CAROLINAS:

FirstHealth of the Carolinas also announced extended visitation restrictions on Friday, including allowing only one visitor per patient at its facilities, including both the Moore Regional Hospital and the Sanford location. Children under 12 are also not allowed.

For prior updates, click here. More information will be added as we receive it.

DUKE ENERGY:

Duke Energy has announced that it is suspending disconnection for non payment effective immediately:

SANFORD AREA GROWTH ALLIANCE:

SAGA has canceled the following events:

Wednesday, March 18 – SAGA Five Year Celebration
Thursday, March 19 – AM Buzz hosted by Sweet Dreams Mattresses & More
Thursday, March 19 – Small Business Advocacy Committee
Wednesday, March 25 – Maximize Your Membership
Monday, April 6 – Public Policy Luncheon
Tuesday, April 7 – Marketing Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 8 – Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting