CCCC closed to the public “until further notice:”
Central Carolina Community College announced the news Thursday morning in an email.
“In these challenging times our college is striving to best protect the health and well-being of our students, employees and our communities, while still doing everything we can to maintain our services to our students. We appreciate the patience and support of all,” said CCCC President Dr. Lisa Chapman.
Beginning March 23, to the greatest extent possible, most in-person courses will be moved to an online format. Computer lab and in-person library access will be reinstated for students as soon as possible. Instructors are communicating expectations via Blackboard and Cougarmail.
Students who do not regularly use Blackboard and are new to distance learning can learn how to navigate online learning by reviewing the resources and videos at www.cccc.edu/
The Pilot is reporting that a Moore County OBGYN doctor has tested positive for coronavirus, making confirmed cases in all of Lee’s surrounding counties.
From The Pilot’s article:
Dr. John Byron, an OB/GYN with Southern Pines Women’s Health Center, learned of his positive test Wednesday. He first exhibited symptoms on Tuesday, FirstHealth said in a news release.
He last had contact with patients on the morning of Friday, March 13. It is believed that the infection was acquired during a recent trip to Germany.
Upon learning that Germany was added to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s list of high alert countries, Byron “appropriately began self-quarantine,” FirstHealth said.
The article notes that Byron’s name was willingly disclosed by FirstHealth “in an effort to be transparent with the community and because he had recently seen patients.” Patient names are not typically disclosed.
Multiple other cases have been confirmed in Chatham and Harnett counties as well. There have been no Lee County cases confirmed as of 11:40 a.m. Thursday, although a CCCC employee has self quarantined and been tested after experiencing symptoms. Results of that test have not been released. Several earlier tests from Lee County came back negative.
City and county government announce further closings:
County of Lee Transit System (COLTS) has closed its office at 112 Hillcrest Drive, although limited service remains available by calling (919) 776-7201. The Cooperative Extension and Soil & Water offices are both closed as well, although the USDA and FSA Offices at the McSwain Center will remain open.
On the city end, all scheduled meetings of boards and commissions have been suspended, and the Block Party cleanup event scheduled for April 25 has been postponed.
City parks – Depot Park, Kiwanis Family Park, the Carr Creek Neighborhood Park, the Maple Avenue Park, the Third Street Park, and the Walter McNeill Jr. Park – remain open, and park staff has increased the frequency of bathroom cleanings and disinfecting. Playground equipment, however, is not sterilized, and park visitors are encouraged to follow hand washing and social distancing guidelines.
La Dolce Vita, Goodfellas among local restaurants shuttering:
While The Rant has encouraged locals to make use of take out and delivery offered by a number of restaurants during the temporary ban on dining room service, we’ve already seen a couple restaurants say they’re completely closed until further notice.
This is a tough thing to see happen. If you’re a restaurant and you’re remaining open for take out and/or deliver, please fill out our form if you haven’t already. We’ll do our best to keep the list as up to date as possible as a resource for diners, employees and business owners.
I would like to thank the writers of “The Rant” for stating the facts on COVID-19 in the Lee County area. The editors have done an excellent job of reporting.