Outlook
A strong cold front will approach from the west on Friday and cross the region on Saturday. Cooler high pressure will return Sunday, but moisture will gradually return over the front to the south as well. Unsettled conditions will continue early next week.
DAY SPONSOR
Macon Media is being underwritten today by Franklin Health & Fitness, home of #ResultsForEveryone and the FREE 7-Day Guest Pass.
Attention Members:
Due to the continued risk surrounding COVID-19 and the current CDC recommendations, Franklin Health and Fitness has made the difficult decision to temporarily close effective immediately, March 16-March 30, 2020. This temporary closure includes all Group X classes, aquatic classes, in-club personal training, massage and 24/7 gym access.
As health and fitness professionals, we have a responsibility to do what’s right and help protect our Members, our guests, our staff and our community. Although we believe that exercise and good nutrition offers the best protection against this virus (and many other illnesses), we are taking this strong measure to err on the side of caution.
In the past couple weeks, we have learned that social distancing has a significant impact on reducing the spread of the coronavirus. With that in mind, we have a real window of opportunity to be a part of a worldwide initiative to help reduce the spread of the virus and give our community and our country a better outcome.
We have an incredible team of trainers who have made it their life work to help others achieve their health and fitness goals. To continue their work and to support our team’s ability to work remotely, we are actively working on ideas to bring fitness to you at home and outside. Please reach out to your trainer to discuss virtual classes, in-home training and outdoor class sessions.
As a gym, we have a history of supporting one another during tough situations. Let’s continue to help and support each other in the weeks and months ahead. Your patience, flexibility and patronage during this complex time is greatly appreciated. It is our strong intention to resume all normal operations as soon as possible. As things evolve, we will keep you updated through social media, email communications and our website.
We look forward to seeing all of you again soon. In the meantime, please be well. Take all precautions for yourself and your families and know that we are here for you no matter the situation. We are a FHF family and we will remain vigilant together.
Respectfully,
Franklin Health and Fitness
Inspired by the inexplicable run on toilet paper, here is a “Brief History of Toilet Paper by the Armchair Historian
What This Chart Actually Means For COVID-19
County Commissioners Meet, Proclaim State of Emergency
The Macon County Board of Commissioners held an emergency meeting Tuesday afternoon. The meeting was closed to the public due to concerns about COVID-19 exposure. [LINK]
The Town of Franklin also declared a State of Emergency [LINK]
Macon County School System has geared up to deliver meals and remote learning to students. [LINK]
Corona Virus Updates for March 18, 2020
Press Release
Macon County Public Health
Clarification on Executive Order 118, Limiting Service of Restaurants and Bars
On Tuesday, March 17th, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 118 which limits the service of restaurants and bars to carry-out, drive-through, and delivery only. In response to many questions received by Macon County Public Health, the Environmental Health Section would like to clarify the Executive Order issued by the Governor for businesses in Macon County on how they can continue to support their local establishments, within the restrictions placed by the Executive Order.
A frequent question received by Macon County Public Health was regarding outdoor dining. The intent of Executive Order 118 is to limit the gathering of individuals by prohibiting sit-down service in restaurants. Gatherings are strongly discouraged to limit the spread of COVID-19. Restaurants are allowed to provide carryout, drive-through and delivery options. Restaurants are not permitted to serve patrons indoors or in the outdoor seating area. If a restaurant has outdoor seating, onsite consumption in the outdoor seating area is only permitted for carry-out food, and is subject to mass gathering restrictions of less than 100 people and maintaining the social distancing of a 6 foot separation, whenever possible. These restrictions will be in place from March 17th, 2020 through March 31st, 2020, or until the order is rescinded or replaced.
State and local law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcement of Executive Order 118.
If you have questions regarding COVID-19, please call the Macon County Health Department’s COVID-19 Call Center at 828-349-2517. The COVID-19 Call Center (CCC) will be staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00
am until 5:00 pm, until further notice.
Macon County Public Health regularly updates our Facebook page with accurate and current information regarding COVID-19; we encourage the public to check our Facebook page for up-to-date information.
For general questions about COVID-19, it is encouraged to reach out to the State Poison Control at 866-462-
3821.
White House Corona Virus Task Force
CDC: Manage Stree & Anxiety [LINK]
The CDC advises people to limit gatherings of 50 o more people for the next eight weeks [LINK]
15 Days to Slow the Spread
THE PRESIDENT'S CORONAVIRUS GUIDELINES FOR AMERICA
15 DAYS TO SLOW THE SPREAD
Listen to and follow the directions of your STATE AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES
.
IF YOU FEEL SICK, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
IF YOUR CHILDREN ARE SICK, keep them at home. Do not send them to school. Contact your medical provider.
IF SOMEONE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD HAS TESTED POSITIVE for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.
IF YOU ARE AN OLDER PERSON, stay home and away from other people.
IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A SERIOUS UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITION that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.
Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Work or engage in schooling FROM HOME whenever possible.
IF YOU WORK IN A CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRY, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. Ho u and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
AVOID SOCIAL GATHERINGS in groups of more than 10 people. Avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts — USE DRIVE-THRU, PICKUP, OR DELIVERY OPTIONS.
AVOID DISCRETIONARY TRAVEL, shopping trips, and social visits.
DO NOT VISIT nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE:
•Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.
•Avoid touching your face.
•Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside, your elbow.
•Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially and how to "flatten the curve" [LINK]
The Korean clusters: How coronavirus cases exploded in South Korean churches and hospitals [LINK]
Corona Virus (COVID-19) Guidance from NCDHHS
NCDHHS
NC Dept of Health & Human Services
Raleigh
March 12, 2020
As the number of cases of COVID-19 rises 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 the 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 the 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 mass transit (e.g. buses, trains) while sick.
Macon County Public Health Update, March 10th
- Carmine Rocco, Interim Health Director
- Jennifer Garrett, Public Health Nursing Supervisor
Recent Meeting Videos Delayed
Thanks to an assist from the folks at Wired, the video editing computer is back up and videos should be forthcoming. Thanks to everyone who has been patient and thanks to the donor who has made it possible to have a new video editing computer built that will be in service soon.
Public Safety Log
(this section is temporarily deprecated until I get caught up with videos from past meetings.
THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
The maps have been switched from showing the eastern United States to the Western Atlantic Region in anticipation of warmer weather when our weather pattern is more susceptible to being impacted by what happens in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.
The next one shows the forecast for rain in 24hour totals over the next few days.
And this one shows the forecast for surface pressure (in mb) and winds at 10 metres (30 feet) over the same time period.
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.
Weather Hazards
Hazardous Weather is not expected today.
Heavy rain showers are expected Friday through Friday night. Minor flooding of low-lying areas will be possible under any persistent rain showers that develop.
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.
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia
WEATHER FORECAST MAPS
Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]
FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST
Today
A slight chance of rain before 8am, then a slight chance of showers after 2pm. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs in the mid-70s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight
A 20 percent chance of rain after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 50s. Winds out of the south 3 to 6 mph.
Friday
A chance of rain before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 3pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the lower 70s. Winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with lows in the low-to-mid 50s. Winds out of the west around 5 mph becoming calm before midnight. The chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with lows in the low-to-mid 40s.
OTTO AREA FORECAST
Today
A slight chance of rain before 9am, then a slight chance of showers after 9am. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-70s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight
A slight chance of showers before 11pm, then a slight chance of rain after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 50s. Winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday
A chance of showers before 10am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the lower 70s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then showers likely. Lows in the mid-50s. Winds out of the west 3 to 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8am. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 60s.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-40s.
HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST
Today
A slight chance of rain before 9am, then a chance of showers, mainly after 2pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-60s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight
A slight chance of showers before 11pm, then a slight chance of rain after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-50s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday
A chance of showers before 10am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10am and 3pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-60s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 ph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then showers likely. Lows around 50. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8am. Partly sunny, with highs near 60.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 40s.
NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST
Today
A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs near 70. SWInds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
A slight chance of showers between 10pm and 11pm, then a slight chance of rain after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 50s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday
A chance of showers before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 1pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-60s. WInds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then showers likely. Lows around 50. Winds out of the southwest 3 to 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8am. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 60.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 40s.
Published at 5:00am on Thursday, March 19, 2020
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