District Attornet Ashley Welch Investigates Larger Spaces for Substitute Courtrooms During COVID-19 Pandemic

Photo Provided in Press Release


PRESS RELEASE
District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch
43rd Prosecutorial District
Friday, June 26


District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said across the 43rd Prosecutorial District, in the state’s seven most-westernmost counties, court officials are identifying, examining and measuring large spaces for possible transformation into substitute courtrooms.

N.C. Chief Supreme Court Justice Cheri Beasley on May 21 ordered courts postpone all jury trials until August, because of COVID-19.

Many of the courtrooms in the far-west counties are too small to accommodate trials and maintain safe spacing – at least 6-feet apart – for those involved.

This week in Macon County, a group that included Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Bill Coward, District Attorney Ashley Welch and Macon County Clerk of Superior Court Vic Perry toured the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

They decided on a possible jury room, discussed courtroom security and debated how best to space people in the audience area. The murder trial of Paul Snow, 53, accused of killing his mother and sister, is set for the Oct. 26th term of Macon County Superior Court. At least 100 potential jurors will be called to form the jury pool.

Selection of sites for jury trials is occurring in Haywood, Jackson, Swain, Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties, too, Welch said.

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News and Weather Briefing for Friday, June 26, 2020

OUTLOOK

Weak high pressure will persist over the southern Appalachians today through the weekend, but with moisture slowly returning for the latter half of the weekend. More unsettled weather will develop through next week as a back door cold front approaches from the north and settles across the area by the middle of the week.



The Governor Make Masks Mandatory

Governor Cooper has issued Executive Order 147, which extends Executive Order 141's Safer At Home restrictions and requires people, with some exceptions, to wear face coverings in public when social distancing is not possible. A copy of the executive order and the video briefing where he made the announcement are posted on Macon Media. [LINK]



Most recent Local Government Meetings

The Macon County Board of Commissioners met on June 2nd. [LINK]

The Franklin Town Council met on June 1st. Members of the public and local media outlets were allowed in the town hall. [LINK]



General Forecast Through Saturday Night

Today

A slight chance of showers between noon and 5pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Areas of fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with highs ranging from the mid-to-upper 70s in the higher elevations to the mid-80s in the lower elevations. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with lows ranging from the low-to-mid 60s in the lower elevations to the upper 50s in the higher elevations. Winds out of the west around 5 mph becoming calm before midnight.

Saturday

A slight chance of showers between 9am and 3pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Patchy fog in the morning. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows ranging from the low-to-mid 60s to the mid-to-upper 50s. Winds out of the west around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday

A chance of showers before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 3pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. Partly sunny, with highs ranging from the upper 70s to the lower 80s. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 9pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows ranging from the mid-60s to the upper 50s. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Hazards

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and evening. These thunderstorms will produce occasional cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, locally heavy rainfall, and briefly gusty winds.




---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


Weather Sponsor



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your next project.


---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)








Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Fri Jun 26 2020

For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 5 days.


End Daily Weather Segment

---

---

Begin COVID-19 Update



Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 56,174 people in North Carolina are infected, 1,271 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 57,183 confirmed cases from 811,278 targeted tests, and 891 hospitalized and 1,290 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 57,472 people infected and 1,336 deaths.


Data from Macon County Public Health as of June 25th [LINK]

Detected 263 (+1 in one day) (+26 in 7 days)
Recovered 97 (+17 in one day) (+75 in 7 days)
Deceased 1 (0 in one day) (0 in 7 days)
Actives 165 (-16 in one day) (-49 in 7 days)

Testing Data

MCPH Tests 2,654 (+4 in one day) (+338 in 7 days)
Other Tests 682 (+37 in one day) (+189 in 7 days)
Total Tests 3,336 (+151 in one day) (+527 in 7 days)
Pending 232 (+73 in one day) (+7 in 7 days)




Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]




CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia






Published at 4:25am Friday, June 26, 2020

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News and Weather Briefing for Thursday, June 25, 2020

OUTLOOK

Expect warm temperatures and afternoon and evening storms to stay in the forecast through the first half of the week. An approaching front will impact the area during the middle part of the week, enhancing the coverage of storms.


The Governor Make Masks Mandatory

Governor Cooper has issued Executive Order 147, which extends Executive Order 141's Safer At Home restrictions and requires people, with some exceptions, to wear face coverings in public when social distancing is not possible. A copy of the executive order and the video briefing where he made the announcement are posted on Macon MEdia. [LINK]



Most recent Local Government Meetings

The Macon County Board of Commissioners met on June 2nd. [LINK]

The Franklin Town Council met on June 1st. Members of the public and local media outlets were allowed in the town hall. [LINK]



General Forecast Through Saturday Night

Today

chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 9am. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs ranging from the mid-70s in the higher elevations to near 80 in the lower elevations. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows ranging from around around 60 in the lower elevations to the mid-50s in the higher elevations. Light winds out of the northwest.

Friday

A slight chance of showers between 9am and 1pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with highs ranging from the mi-to-upper 70s to the mid-80s. Light and variable winds. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-to-upper 50s. Calm winds.

Saturday

A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with highs ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-50s.

Hazards

Isolated or widely scattered thunderstorms will develop today. Cloud-to-ground lightning will be possible with any of these thunderstorms.

The Rest of the Week

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible each afternoon and evening. Gusty winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rain will be possible with any storms that do develop. A cold front is expected to move through the area today and Friday bringing additional chances for scattered thunderstorms.


---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


Weather Sponsor



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your next project.


---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)








Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Thu Jun 25 2020

For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 5 days.


End Daily Weather Segment

---

---

Begin COVID-19 Update



Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 54,453 people in North Carolina are infected, 1,251 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 56,174 confirmed cases from 791,285 targeted tests, and 906 hospitalized and 1,271 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 56,527 people infected and 1,325 deaths.


Data from Macon County Public Health as of June 24th [LINK]

Detected 263 (+1 in one day) (+26 in 7 days)
Recovered 97 (+17 in one day) (+75 in 7 days)
Deceased 1 (0 in one day) (0 in 7 days)
Actives 165 (-16 in one day) (-49 in 7 days)

Testing Data

MCPH Tests 2,654 (+4 in one day) (+338 in 7 days)
Other Tests 682 (+37 in one day) (+189 in 7 days)
Total Tests 3,336 (+151 in one day) (+527 in 7 days)
Pending 232 (+73 in one day) (+7 in 7 days)




Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]




CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia






Published at 5:15am Thursday, June 25, 2020

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Governor Makes Masks Mandatory

Governor Cooper has issued Executive Order 147, which extends Executive Order 141's Safer At Home restrictions and requires people, with some exceptions, to wear face coverings in public when social distancing is not possible.

A copy of the executive order and the video briefing where he made the announcement are posted below.

--- BEGIN COMMENTARY---

I try not to stray from simply passing along news and reports of what is happening in my news reports without adding my voice to the news with the belief that most reasonable people can make up their own minds about what they see, hear, or read. 

This time I will make an exception to share with you why wearing a mask or face covering is essential during this public health emergency. Everyone should do their part to slow or stop this thing. 

The bottom line about masks or face coverings is they slow the momentum of droplets in your exhalations. If you're infected with COVID-19, then these droplets you exhale when you breathe will contain SARS CoV-2 particles and there will be less of a chance that you'll spread the infection to others. Since many people are asymptomatic for a time of a few days, and there are many who never exhibit symptoms or exhibit mild symptoms, it is best to presume everyone is infected and wear face coverings or masks to do their part in slowing or stopping the spread of this disease. There are some people in our community, your family, and friends who are not strong enough to survive being infected with this disease and it may kill them or weaken them enough so that other diseases or chronic conditions will end up killing them.

Bobby Coggins
Publisher, Macon Media
June 24, 2020
















---END COMMENTARY---


Here is an Op-Ed that is appropriate to share again. Macon Media previously shared it in the June 18th Afternoon COVID-19 Briefing. [LINK] 

A Mask is a Stupid Hill to Die on, America [LINK] 

And, here is Dr John Campbell speaking about masks and face coverings in a way any layman should be able to understand.




North Carolina Coronavirus Task Force Briefing




ROY COOPER
GOVERNOR
June 24, 2020
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 147
EXTENSION OF PHASE 2 ORDER AND
NEW MEASURES TO SAVE LIVES IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Background Statement

The COVID-1 9 Public Health Emergency

WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, the undersigned issued Executive Order No. 116 which declared a State of Emergency to coordinate the State's response and protective actions to address the Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-1 9") public health emergency and provide for the health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors located in No1th Carolina; and

WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic; and

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States issued an emergency declaration for all states, tribes, territories, and the District of Columbia, retroactive to March 1, 2020, and the President declared that the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States constitutes a national emergency; and

WHEREAS, on March 25, 2020, the President approved a Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA-4487-DR, for the State ofNorth Carolina; and

WHEREAS, in responding to the COVID-1 9 pandemic, and for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the people of North Carolina, the undersigned has issued Executive Order Nos. 11 6-122, 124-125, 129-131 , 133-136, 138-144, and 146; and WHEREAS, more than fifty-six thousand people in North Carolina have had laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19, and more than twelve hundred people in North Carolina have died from the disease; and

The Need to Extend Executive Order No. 141

WHEREAS, hospital administrators and health care providers have expressed concerns that unless the spread of COVID-19 is limited, existing health care facilities may be insufficient to care for those who become sick; and

WHEREAS, slowing and controlling community spread of COVID-19 is critical to ensuring that the state's healthcare facilities remain able to accommodate those who require medical assistance; and

WHEREAS, in Executive Order No. 141, issued on May 20, 2020, the undersigned urged that all people in North Carolina follow social distancing recommendations, including that everyone wear a cloth face covering, wait six (6) feet apart and avoid close contact, and wash hands often or use hand sanitizer; and

WHEREAS, to reduce COVID-19 spread, the undersigned, in Executive Order No. 141, required safety measures in certain business settings, limited mass gatherings, and closed certain types of businesses and operations; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina's daily case counts ofCOVID-19 are continuing to increase, the percent of COVID-19 tests that are positive has not decreased, emergency department visits for COVID-19 illnesses are increasing, and hospitalizations for COVID-19 are increasing, which require the undersigned to continue the measures of Executive Order No. 141-and impose additional measures-to slow the spread of this virus during the pandemic; and

WHEREAS, a phased approach to reigniting the economy and reducing restrictions on businesses and activities - with some businesses and activities that pose a risk for COVID-19 spread remaining closed- is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, since the operation of each group of businesses and the loosening of each restriction on businesses or activities adds incremental risk and thereby increases the aggregate risk of spread of COVID-19; and Face Coverings

WHEREAS, face coverings can decrease the spread of respiratory droplets from people, and evidence has grown, showing in numerous recent studies that the use of face coverings decreases the spread of COVID-19 within populations; and

WHEREAS, in Executive Order No. 141, the undersigned required that workers in personal care, grooming, and tattoo businesses wear cloth face coverings to reduce the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and thereby to potentially save lives, the undersigned has determined that face coverings must now be required for workers in additional business segments; and

WHEREAS, the undersigned strongly recommends that all people over the age of two (2) in North Carolina should wear a face covering to reduce the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, some people have medical or behavioral health issues, disabilities, or other reasons that mean they should be excepted from wearing a face covering, and this Executive Order puts North Carolinians on the honor system to identify if they are within one of the exceptions to face covering requirements and should not wear a mask; and

WHEREAS, under this Executive Order, face coverings are required in many types of businesses, but businesses have the discretion to accommodate people who cannot wear face coverings by serving them at curbside, using home delivery, or using other means to protect against the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, all people over the age of two (2) in North Carolina should use a face covering to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but some populations may experience increased anxiety and fear of bias and being profiled if wearing face coverings in public spaces; and

WHEREAS, if someone is the target of ethnic or racial intimidation as the result of adhering to the face covering provision or as a result of the pandemic, they are encouraged to report the matter to law enforcement or another government entity; and Expanding Capacity to Respond to COVID-19

WHEREAS, since the issuance of executive orders to slow the spread of COVID-19, North Carolina has increased its capacity to treat COVID-19, its capacity for testing and tracing, and the availability of PPE; and

WHEREAS, since the declaration of a state of emergency in Executive Order 116, North Carolina has accumulated increased PPE for health care workers and first responders, has developed health care protocols and procedures for the treatment of COVID-19, and has adopted recommendations to promote social distancing and hygiene measures that reduce transmission of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the state's ability to conduct testing of individuals is vital to the effort to slow the community spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, historically marginalized populations, including persons of color and Latinx individuals are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, and may have more trouble accessing COVID-19 testing; and

WHEREAS, the undersigned issued Executive Order No. 143 addressing the impact of COVID-19 on persons of color; and

WHEREAS, the State Health Director has been assigned authority by the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services ("NCDHHS"), pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § l 30A-3, to exercise authorities under N.C. Gen. Stat. § l 30A-5, including to investigate the causes of communicable disease affecting the public health in order to control and prevent those diseases, to provide, under the rules of the North Carolina Commission for Public Health, for the prevention, detection, reporting, and control of communicable diseases, and to develop and carry out health programs necessary for the protection and promotion of the public health and the control of diseases; and

WHEREAS, a state-wide standing order for COVID-19 testing will remove barriers and increase access to testing for historically marginalized and underserved populations and other individuals who do not have access to a primary care physician and facilitate widespread community testing, testing of high-risk populations, and high through-put testing sites; and Statutory Authority and Determinations

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 116 invoked the Emergency Management Act, and
authorizes the undersigned to exercise the powers and duties set forth therein to direct and aid in the response to, recovery from, and mitigation against emergencies; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A-l 9.10(b)(2), the undersigned may make, amend, or rescind necessary orders, rules, and regulations within the limits of the authority conferred upon the Governor in the Emergency Management Act; and

WHEREAS, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A-19.I0(b)(3) authorizes and empowers the undersigned to delegate Gubernatorial vested authority under the Emergency Management Act and to provide for the sub-delegation of that authority; and

WHEREAS, N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A-19.10(b)(4) gives the undersigned the authority to "cooperate and coordinate" with the President of the United States; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A-19.12(3)(e), the Division of Emergency Management must coordinate with the State Health Director to revise the North Carolina Emergency Operations Plan as conditions change, including making revisions to set "the appropriate conditions for quarantine and isolation in order to prevent the further transmission of disease," and following this coordination, the Emergency Management Director and the State Health Director have recommended that the Governor develop and order the plan and actions identified in this Executive Order; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A-l 9.23 in conjunction with N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 75-37 and 75-38, the undersigned may issue a declaration that shall trigger the prohibitions against excessive pricing during states of disaster, states of emergency or abnormal market disruptions; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A-l 9.30(a)(l), the undersigned may utilize all available state resources as reasonably necessary to cope with an emergency, including the transfer and direction of personnel or functions of state agencies or units thereof for the purpose of performing or facilitating emergency services; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A-19.30(a)(2), the undersigned may take such action and give such directions to state and local law enforcement officers and agencies as may be reasonable and necessary for the purpose of securing compliance with the provisions of the Emergency Management Act and with the orders, rules, and regulations made thereunder; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A-19.30(c)(i), the undersigned has determined that local control of the emergency is insufficient to assure adequate protection for lives and property of North Carolinians because not all local authorities have enacted such appropriate ordinances or issued such appropriate declarations restricting the operation of businesses and limiting person-to-person contact, thus needed control cannot be imposed locally; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A-19.30(c)(ii), the undersigned has determined that local control of the emergency is insufficient to assure adequate protection for lives and property of North Carolinians because some but not all local authorities have taken implementing steps under such ordinances or declarations, if enacted or declared, in order to effectuate control over the emergency that has arisen; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A-19.30(c)(iii), the undersigned has determined that local control of the emergency is insufficient to assure adequate protection for lives and property of North Carolinians because the area in which the emergency exists spreads across local jurisdictional boundaries and the legal control measures of the jurisdictions are conflicting or uncoordinated to the extent that efforts to protect life and property are, or unquestionably will be, severely hampered; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A-19.30(c)(iv), the undersigned has determined that local control of the emergency is insufficient to assure adequate protection of lives and property of North Carolinians because the scale of the emergency is so great that it exceeds the capability of local authorities to cope with it; and

WHEREAS, N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A-l 9.30(c) in conjunction with N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A19.31 (b )( 1) authorizes the undersigned to prohibit and restrict the movement of people in public places; and

WHEREAS, N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A-l 9.30(c) in conjunction with N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A19.31 (b )(2) authorizes the undersigned to prohibit and restrict the operation of offices, business establishments, and other places to and from which people may travel or at which they may congregate; and

WHEREAS, N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A-19.30(c) in conjunction with N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A19.3l(b)(5) authorizes the undersigned to prohibit and restrict other activities or conditions, the control of which may be reasonably necessary to maintain order and protect lives or property during a state of emergency; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A-l 9.30(c)(l), when the undersigned imposes the prohibitions and restrictions enumerated in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A-19.3l(b), the undersigned may amend or rescind the prohibitions and restrictions imposed by local authorities; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A-19.30(a)(2), during a Gubematorially ordered State of Emergency, the undersigned has the power to "give such directions to State and local law enforcement officers and agencies as may be reasonable and necessary for the purpose of securing compliance with the provisions of this Article."

NOW, THEREFORE, by the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and the laws of the State ofNorth Carolina, and for the reasons and pursuant to the statutes listed above and in Executive Order No. 141, IT IS ORDERED:

Section I. Extension and Amendment of Phase 2 Order.

Executive Order No. 141 shall remain in effect, as amended below, until 5 :00 pm on July 17, 2020.

The effective date provision of Executive Order No. 141 is amended to have that order continue in effect through the above-listed time and date.

Section II. New Requirements to Wear Face Coverings.

Executive Order No. 141 is amended to add the following section.

Section 3.5. Face Coverings.

For the reasons and pursuant to the authority set forth above, the undersigned orders as follows:

A. Definitions. "Face Covering" means a covering of the nose and mouth that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is simply wrapped around the lower face. A Face Covering can be made of a variety of synthetic and natural fabrics, including cotton, silk, or linen. Ideally, a Face Covering has two (2) or more layers. A Face Covering may be factory-made, sewn by hand, or can be improvised from household items such as scarfs, bandanas, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels. These Face Coverings are not intended for use by healthcare providers in the care of patients.

"Surgical Mask" means American Society for Testing and Materials ("ASTM") Level 1, 2, or 3 approved procedural and surgical masks. An N95 respirator approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ("NIOSH") ( or a respirator from another country allowed by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the Food & Drug Administration, or the CDC) is not recommended for general public use or use in public settings, as it should be reserved for healthcare providers and other medical first responders in a health care setting. However, ifworn, these respirators would meet both the Face Covering and Surgical Mask requirements of this Executive Order. A face shield that covers the nose and mouth also meets the Face Covering requirements of this Executive Order.

B. Where Face Coverings Are Required. People are required to wear Face Coverings in the following settings, whether they are inside or outside, unless an exception applies.

1. In Retail Businesses. Retail Businesses must have all workers wear Face Coverings when they are or may be within six ( 6) feet of another person. In addition, Retail Businesses must have all customers wear Face Coverings when they are inside the establishment and may be within ( 6) feet of another person, unless the customer states that an exception applies.

2. In Restaurants. Restaurants must have all workers wear Face Coverings when they are or may be within six ( 6) feet of another person. In addition, restaurants must have all customers wear Face Coverings when not at their table, unless the customer states that an exception applies.

3. In Personal Care, Grooming, and Tattoo Businesses. Personal Care, Grooming, and Tattoo Businesses must have workers wear Face Coverings when they are or may be within six ( 6) feet of another person. In addition, the business must have all customers wear Face Coverings when they are inside the establishment and may be within six (6) feet of another person, unless the customer states that an exception applies. Customers may take off their Face Coverings if they are receiving a facial treatment, shave, or other services on a part of the head which the Face Covering covers or by which the Face Covering is secured.

4. In Child Care Facilities, Day Camps, and Overnight Camps. Child care facilities, day camps, and overnight camps must have workers, all other adults, and children eleven (11) years or older on site wear Face Coverings when they are or may be within six ( 6) feet of another person.

5. In State Government. State government agencies headed by members of the Governor's Cabinet must have their on-site workers wear Face Coverings when they are or may be within six (6) feet of another person. Public-facing operations of state government agencies under the jurisdiction of the undersigned must also follow the requirements for Retail Businesses established in this Executive Order.

All other state and local government agencies are strongly encouraged to adopt similar policies that require Face Coverings.

6. In Transportation. All workers and riders on public or private transportation regulated by the State ofNorth Carolina, as well as all people in North Carolina airports, bus and train stations or stops, must wear Face Coverings when they are or may be within six ( 6) feet of another person. This provision does not apply to people traveling alone with household members or friends in their personal vehicles, but does apply to ride-shares, cabs, vans, and shuttles, even ifthe vehicles are privately owned.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no customer will be removed from or denied entry to public transportation for failure to wear a Face Covering.

7. In Certain High-Density Occupational Settings Where Social Distancing is Difficult. Social distancing is inherently difficult where multiple workers are together in manufacturing settings, at construction sites, and in migrant farm, other farm, and agricultural settings. Therefore, in businesses or operations within North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors 311 to 339 (manufacturing), 236 to 238 (construction), and 111, 112, 1151, and 1152 (agriculture), all workers must wear Face Coverings when they are or may be within six ( 6) feet of another person.

8. In Meat or Poultry Processing Plants. All workers in any meat or poultry processing plant, packing plant, or slaughterhouse must wear Face Coverings when they are or may be within six (6) feet of another person, and those Face Coverings must be Surgical Masks, as long as Surgical Mask supplies are available.

9. Long Term Care Facilities. All workers in Long Term Care ("LTC") Facilities, including skilled nursing facilities ("SNF"), adult care homes ("ACH"), family care homes ("FCH"), mental health group homes, and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities ("ICF-IID"), must wear Face Coverings while in the facility, and those Face Coverings must be Surgical Masks, as long as Surgical Mask supplies are available.

10. Other Health Care Settings. Health care facilities other than L TC facilities must follow the Face Covering requirements in the CDC Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Professionals about Coronavirus (COVID-19).

C. Exceptions. This Executive Order does not require Face Coverings for-and a Face Covering does not need to be worn by a worker, customer, or patron who:

1. Should not wear a Face Covering due to any medical or behavioral condition or disability (including, but not limited to, any person who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to put on or remove the face covering without assistance);

2. Is under eleven ( 11) years of age;

3. Is actively eating or drinking;

4. Is strenuously exercising;

5. Is seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing-impaired in a way that requires the mouth to be visible;

6. Is giving a speech for a broadcast or to an audience;

7. Is working at home or is in a personal vehicle;

8. Is temporarily removing his or her Face Covering to secure government or medical services or for identification purposes;

9. Would be at risk from wearing a Face Covering at work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulations or workplace safety guidelines;

10. Has found that his or her Face Covering is impeding visibility to operate equipment or a vehicle; or

11. Is a child whose parent, guardian, or responsible person has been unable to place the Face Covering safely on the child's face. Anyone who declines to wear a Face Covering for these reasons should not be required to produce documentation or any other proof of a condition.

Children under two (2) years of age should not wear a Face Covering.

D. Application of Exceptions. Under this Executive Order, all North Carolinians will be on the honor system about whether or not there is a reason why they cannot wear a Face Covering. Everyone in this state is asked to tell the truth and-if they are healthy and able to wear a mask-to wear a Face Covering so that they do not put other people at risk of serious illness and death.

E. How Businesses May Accommodate Exceptions. If a customer states that an exception applies, a business may choose to offer curbside service, provide home delivery, or use some other reasonable measure to deliver its good or services.

F. Enforcement of Face Covering Requirements.

1. Citations under this Section shall be written only to businesses or organizations that fail to enforce the requirement to wear Face Coverings. Operators of businesses and organizations are entitled to rely on their customers or patrons' statements about whether or not they are excepted from the Face Covering requirements, and businesses and organizations do not violate this Executive Order if they rely on such statements.

2. Law enforcement personnel are not authorized to criminally enforce the Face Covering requirements of this Executive Order against individual workers, customers, or patrons.

3. However, if a business or organization does not allow entry to a worker, customer, or patron because that person refuses to wear a Face Covering, and if that worker, customer, or patron enters the premises or refuses to leave the premises, law enforcement personnel may enforce the trespassing laws and any other laws (other than N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 14-288.20A) that the worker, customer, or patron may violate.

Section 15(A) of Executive Order No. 141 is amended to read:

A. Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 166A-l 9.30(a)(2), the provisions of this Executive Order shall be enforced by state and local law enforcement officers. Enforcement of Section 3.5 shall be limited as stated in that Section. Law enforcement and other public safety and emergency management personnel are strongly encouraged to educate and encourage voluntary compliance with all the provisions of this Executive Order.

Section 1 ( 4) of Executive Order No. 141 is amended to read, '"Face Covering' is defined in Section
3.5(A)."

Section 6(A) of Executive Order No. 141 is amended to read as follows:

A. Prohibition. To control the spread of COVID-19 and protect lives during the State of Emergency, Section 3 .5 and this Section list restrictions on the operations of business establishments and other places to or from which people may travel or at which they may congregate. Businesses or operations within the scope of Section 3.5 or this Section are prohibited from operating unless they follow any applicable restrictions stated in Section 3.5 and this Section.

Sections 6(C)(2)(c), 6(D)(2)(c), and 6(D)(3) of Executive Order No. 141 are removed, since the substance of those provisions has been replaced with new Section 3.5 above.

Section III. Increase Access to COVID-19 Testing Through a Statewide Standing Order.

Executive Order No. 141 is amended to add the following additional section.

Section 9.5. Statewide Standing Order for COVID-19 Testing.

In order to further protect the public health by providing greater access to
COVID-19 testing, the undersigned orders the State Health Director, in addition to and in accordance with her powers set out in N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 130A, to issue any statewide standing order needed in her medical judgment that would allow individuals who meet NCDHHS criteria for testing to access and undergo testing for COVID-19, subject to the terms of the standing order. This standing order may continue for the duration of the State of Emergency.

Section IV. More Precisely Tailored Mitigation Measures for Long Term Care.

Section 10(8) of Executive Order No. 141 and Section 7 of Executive Order No. 138 are removed and replaced by the following provision added to Executive Order No. 141.

Section 10.5. Limitations on Certain Long Term Care Facilities.

For the reasons and pursuant to the authority set forth above, the undersigned orders as follows:

A. Scope of this Section. This Section applies only to skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and combination homes ( combined skilled nursing and assisted living facilities).

B. Limitations. Facilities within the scope of this Section shall restrict visitation of all visitors and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care situations, such as an end-of-life situation. Facilities within the scope of this Section shall also cancel communal dining and all group activities, including internal and external activities.

Section V. Extension of Price Gouging Period.

Section 11 of Executive Order No. 141 is amended to read as follows:

Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § l 66A-l 9.23, the undersigned extends the prohibition against excessive pricing, as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 75-37 and 75-38, from the issuance of Executive Order No. 116 through 5:00 pm on July 17, 2020.

The undersigned further hereby encourages the North Carolina Attorney General to use all resources available to monitor reports of abusive trade practices towards consumers and make readily available opportunities to report to the public any price gouging and unfair or deceptive trade practices under Chapter 75 of the No11h Carolina General Statutes.

Section VI. Effective Date.

This Executive Order is effective at 5:00 pm on June 26, 2020. This Executive Order shall remain in effect through 5:00 pm on July 17, 2020 unless repealed, replaced, or rescinded by another applicable Executive Order. An Executive Order rescinding the Declaration of the State of Emergency will automatically rescind this Executive Order.

Notwithstanding any provision of this Section and Section 16 ofExecutive Order No. 141, any statewide standing order for COVID-19 testing issued by the State Health Director under Section 9.5 of Executive Order No. 141 (as added by Section III of this Executive Order) shall remain in effect for the duration of the State of Emergency unless specifically repealed, replaced, or rescinded.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in the City of Raleigh, this 24th day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty.

Governor
ATTEST:
Secretary of State

A PDF Copy is available on the web. [PDF]

Other Executive Orders can be downloaded. [LINK]


About Masks and Face Coverings

Cases Are Up, Mask Use Is Down -- Let's Reverse That [LINK] 

(The main article is behind a paywall, but there is a video you may watch)

Face masks and COVID-19: Why, when and how to use masks properly


COVID-19: Mayo Clinic expert answers questions about masks after CDC updates its recommendation



Masks in Other Countries

Usage of Masks "Flattened" Growth of Coronavirus Cases in Czech Republic [LINK]

Lessons From Slovakia—Where Leaders Wear Masks [LINK]

Research Article: Comparison of face mask use before and after the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in South Korea as of February 2020 [LINK]
(download links are on the upper right side of the article)


Unmasking Differing U.S. and South Korean Approaches to COVID-19 [LINK]

Wearing face masks prevented spread of coronavirus in Taiwan: CECC [LINK]




Opinion

Column: We’re turning into two Americas: Masked and unmasked [LINK]






Published at 7:45pm on Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Read More

News and Weather Briefing for Wednesday, June 24, 2020

OUTLOOK

Expect warm temperatures and afternoon and evening storms to stay in the forecast through the first half of the week. An approaching front will impact the area during the middle part of the week, enhancing the coverage of storms.


Second Republican Primary Results

A runoff election for the 11th Congressional District took place yesterday. Madison Cawthorn defeated Lynda Bennett 30,444 to 15,806 with 12.02% (46,724 out of 388,862) of eligible voters participating. Cawthorn, a Republican, will face candidates in the Democratic, Green, and Libertarian parties to determine who fills the seat left empty by Mark Meadows when he resigned to become Chief of Staff to President Donald Trump.

Macon County Results
15.31% turnout (2,992 out of 19,538)

Cawthorn 1,846 61.84%
Bennett 1,139 38.16%

District-Wide Results
12.02% turnout (46,724 out of 388,862)

Cawthorn 30,444 65.82%
Bennett 15,806 34.18%



Most recent Local Government Meetings

The Macon County Board of Commissioners met on June 2nd. [LINK]

The Franklin Town Council met on June 1st. Members of the public and local media outlets were allowed in the town hall. [LINK]



General Forecast Through Saturday Night

Today

A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs ranging from the upper 60s in the higher elevations to near 80 in the lower elevations. Light winds out of the west. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows ranging from around 60 in the lower elevations to the low-to-mid 50s in the higher elevations. Calm winds. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday

A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 9am. Partly sunny, with highs ranging from the lower 70s to near 80. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows ranging from around 60 down into the mid-50s. Calm winds.

Friday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the late afternoon. Mostly sunny, with highs ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. Light and variable winds.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows ranging from the lower 60s to the upper 50s.


Hazards

Scattered thunderstorms will develop across much of the area today, mainly in the afternoon and evening. Cloud-to-ground lightning, torrential rainfall, and gusty winds will be possible with any of these thunderstorms. Isolated wind damage may occur from the stronger storms.

The Rest of the Week

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible each afternoon and evening. Gusty winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rain will be possible with any storms that do develop. A cold front is expected to move through the area today through Friday bringing additional chances for scattered thunderstorms.


---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


Weather Sponsor



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your next project.


---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)








Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Wed Jun 24 2020

For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Dolly, located several hundred miles southwest of Newfoundland.

Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 5 days.


End Daily Weather Segment

---

---

Begin COVID-19 Update



Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 53,605 people in North Carolina are infected, 1,223 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 54,453 confirmed cases from 773,828 targeted tests, and 915 hospitalized and 1,251 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 54,639 people infected and 1,296 deaths.


Data from Macon County Public Health as of June 23rd [LINK] http://www.maconnc.org/health-department.html

Detected 262 (+5 in one day) (+31 in 7 days)
Recovered 80 (+15 in one day) (+61 in 7 days)
Deceased 1 (0 in one day) (0 in 7 days)
Actives 181 (-10 in one day) (-30 in 7 days)

Testing Data

MCPH Tests 2,540 (0 in one day) (+379 in 7 days)
Other Tests 645 (+5 in one day) (+150 in 7 days)
Total Tests 3,185 (+5 in one day) (+539 in 7 days)
Pending 159 (-65 in one day) (+2 in 7 days)




Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]




CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia






Published at 5:30am Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Read More

Second Republican Primary of June 23, 2020 - Live Coverage

A runoff election will take place today. This election is for the 11th Congressional District with one race on the ballot: Lynda Bennett and Madison Cawthorn.

Voting locations have changed for this election as follows:

Voters for Franklin area will vote at the Robert Carpenter Building located at 1288 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734. This includes these precincts: North Franklin, South Franklin, East Franklin, Union, Smithbridge, Cartoogechaye, Iotla, Cowee, Millshoal, Sugarfork, Cullasaja, and Ellijay.

Voters in the Highlands and Scaly Mountain area will vote at the Highlands Civic Center located at 600 N. 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741. This includes the Highlands and Flats precincts.

The voters in the Nantahala area will vote at the EMS building located at 1096 Junaluska Road, Topton, NC 28781. This includes the Nantahala precinct.

Hours for Election Day, Tuesday, June 23rd 6:30am-7:30pm

Macon Media will be providing live coverage from the Board of Elections on both the Facebook page [LINK] and the website. [LINK] 

Live Coverage will be posted in reverse chronological order below this point.

---

Published at 5:45am and updated frequently thereafter.

Read More

News and Weather Briefing for Tuesday, June 23, 2020

OUTLOOK

Expect warm temperatures and afternoon and evening storms to stay in the forecast through the first half of the week. An approaching front will impact the area during the middle part of the week, enhancing the coverage of storms.


Second Republican Primary Today

A runoff election will take place today. This election is for the 11th Congressional District with one race on the ballot: Lynda Bennett and Madison Cawthorn.

Voting locations have changed for this election as follows:

Voters for Franklin area will vote at the Robert Carpenter Building located at 1288 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734. This includes these precincts: North Franklin, South Franklin, East Franklin, Union, Smithbridge, Cartoogechaye, Iotla, Cowee, Millshoal, Sugarfork, Cullasaja, and Ellijay.

Voters in the Highlands and Scaly Mountain area will vote at the Highlands Civic Center located at 600 N. 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741. This includes the Highlands and Flats precincts.

The voters in the Nantahala area will vote at the EMS building located at 1096 Junaluska Road, Topton, NC 28781. This includes the Nantahala precinct.

Hours for Election Day, Tuesday, June 23rd 6:30am-7:30pm

Macon Media will be providing live coverage from the Board of Elections on both the Facebook page [LINK] and the website. [LINK]




---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting Macon Media for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.

---END SPONSOR SEGMENT ---

Most recent Local Government Meetings

The Macon County Board of Commissioners met on June 2nd. [LINK]

The Franklin Town Council met on June 1st. Members of the public and local media outlets were allowed in the town hall. [LINK]



General Forecast Through Saturday Night

Today

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 4pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs ranging from the lower 70s in the higher elevations to near 80 in the lower elevations. Calm winds early increasing to come out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph by midmorning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then a slight chance of showers between 1am and 3am. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows ranging from around 60 to the mid-50s. Winds out of the west around 6 mph becoming calm before midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly between noon and 5pm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs ranging from the lower 70s to near 80. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows ranging from around 60 to the mid-50s. Calm winds.

Thursday

A 20 percent chance of showers after 3pm. Partly sunny, with highs ranging from the mid-70s to the low-to-mid 80s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows ranging from around 60 to the mid-50s.


Hazards

Scattered thunderstorms will develop today, with the most widespread coverage in the afternoon and early evening. Any thunderstorm will be capable of cloud-to-ground lightning and torrential downpours. Conditions will be favorable for multiple thunderstorms to pass over the same location, which could result in localized flash flooding.

The Rest of the Week

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible each afternoon and evening. Gusty winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rain will be possible with any storms that do develop. A cold front is expected to move through the area on Wednesday through Friday bringing additional chances for scattered thunderstorms.


---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


Weather Sponsor



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your next project.


---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)








Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Tue Jun 23 2020

For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Subtropical
Depression Four, located several hundred miles south of Nova Scotia.

Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 5 days.


End Daily Weather Segment

---

---

Begin COVID-19 Update



Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 52,801 people in North Carolina are infected, 1,220 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 523,605 confirmed cases from 757,345 targeted tests, and 870 hospitalized and 1,223 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 53,964 people infected and 1,278 deaths.


Data from Macon County Public Health [LINK] http://www.maconnc.org/health-department.html

Detected 257 (+27 in 7 days)
Recovered 65 (+47 in 7 days)
Deceased 1 (unchanged in 7 days)
Actives 191 (-20 in 7 days)

Testing Data

MCPH Tests 2,540 (+379 in 7 days)
Other Tests 640 (+160 in 7 days)
Total Tests 3,180 (+539 in 7 days)
Pending 224 (+49 in 7 days)




Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]




CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia






Published at 5:40am Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Read More

News and Weather Briefing for Monday, June 22, 2020

OUTLOOK

Expect warm temperatures and afternoon and evening storms to stay in the forecast through the first half of the week. An approaching front will impact the area during the middle part of the week, enhancing the coverage of storms.


GoFundMe Established to Benefit Children of David and Dawn Head

On Saturday, 5/23/2020, Macon County Sheriff's Deputy David Head and his wife, Dawn, a Physical Therapist with Highlands/Cashiers Hospital, were tragically killed in an automobile accident. They leave behind four children, Jeslyn Head (17), J.D. Head (13), Erin Sanborn (17), and Sidney Sanborn (19). This fund has been set up by the employees of the Macon County Sheriff's Office in an effort to help all 4 children of David and Dawn Head. [LINK]

---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---

DAY SPONSOR

Today's sponsor is 95 year old Helen Carpenter, widow of Senator "Bob" Carpenter, endorsing LYNDA Bennett for Congress.



This video/sponsorship is paid by Helen Carpenter and per the Disclaimer as required by FEC this has not been authorized not financed by the campaign.

---END SPONSOR SEGMENT ---

Most recent Local Government Meetings

The Macon County Board of Commissioners met on June 2nd. [LINK]

The Franklin Town Council met on June 1st. Members of the public and local media outlets were allowed in the town hall. [LINK]



General Forecast Through Saturday Night

Today

Patchy fog this morning. Mostly sunny this morning, then partly sunny with showers and thunderstorms likely this afternoon. Highs ranging from the mid-70s in the higher elevations to the mid-80s in the valleys. Winds out of the west around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly in the evening. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows ranging from the mid-60s in the valleys to the upper 50s in the higher elevations. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog in the morning. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers with thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Highs ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. Winds out of the southwest around 5 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night

Showers with thunderstorms likely in the evening, then showers likely after midnight. Lows ranging from the mid-60s to the upper 50s. Winds out of the west around 5 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers likely in the afternoon. Highs ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. Winds out of the west around 5 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the evening. Lows ranging from the lower 60s to the upper 50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.


Hazards

An increased coverage of showers and thunderstorms can be expected today into tonight. A few thunderstorms may become strong to severe this afternoon and evening. The main hazards will be gusty winds...frequent lightning and heavy rain.

The Rest of the Week

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible each afternoon and evening. Gusty winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rain will be possible with any storms that do develop. A cold front is expected to move through the area on Wednesday through Friday bringing additional chances for scattered thunderstorms.


---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT ---


Weather Sponsor



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your next project.


---END SPONSOR SEGMENT---


Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)








Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Mon Jun 22 2020

For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

1. Shower activity associated with a low-pressure system located several hundred miles southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts is continuing to become less organized. The low has moved over cold water north of the Gulf Stream, and tropical or subtropical development has become less likely. The system is expected to weaken as it moves over even colder waters later today and Tuesday.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...20 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...20 percent.


End Daily Weather Segment

---

---

Begin COVID-19 Update



Here are some numbers from the CDC, the NCDHHS, and the Johns Hopkins Dashboard. Macon Media prefers the Johns Hopkins Dashboard because the counts include those non-residents that are left out of the CDC and NCDHHS numbers.

The CDC website [LINK] reports 51,389 people in North Carolina are infected, 1,212 have died, and infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 52,801 confirmed cases from 745,775 targeted tests, and 845 hospitalized and 1,220 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 54,802 people infected and 1,221 deaths.


Data from Macon County Public Health [LINK] http://www.maconnc.org/health-department.html

Detected 253 (+8 in 7 days)
Recovered 39 (+21 in 7 days)
Deceased 1 (unchanged in 7 days)
Actives 213 (+2 in 7 days)

Testing Data

MCPH Tests 2,428 (+111 from yesterday) (+267 in 7 days)
Other Tests 632 (+39 from yesterday) (+181 in 7 days)
Total Tests 3,060 (+150 from yesterday) (+419 in 7 days)
Pending 161 (-21 from yesterday) (-14 in 7 days)




Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]

A COVID-19 Afternoon Update was published yesterday. [LINK] https://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2020/06/afternoon-covid-19-update-for-06-20-2020.html



CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia






Published at 5:00am Monday, June 22, 2020

Read More