Saturday Service Hours Temporarily Suspended at 16 Driver License Offices

PRESS RELEASE (09-01-2021)
NC DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION

Saturday Service Hours Temporarily Suspended at 16 Driver License Offices
Changes in operations in response to COVID-19 Delta variant

ROCKY MOUNT – Starting Sept. 4, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles will temporarily suspend its Saturday services at the 16 driver license offices where services were available, to better protect customers and staff from the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant.

Temporarily suspending Saturday hours will reduce potential COVID exposures, as examiners who work on Saturdays typically travel from several offices to work together in one office.

Saturday service hours from 8 a.m.-noon will be suspended at the following driver license offices:

• Asheville, 1624 Patton Ave.
• Charlotte, 9711 David Taylor Dr.
• Charlotte, 201-H W. Arrowood Rd.
• Durham, 3825 S. Roxboro St., Suite 119
• Fayetteville, 831 Elm St.
• Greensboro, 2527 E. Market St.
• Greensboro, 2391 Coliseum Blvd.
• Greenville, 4651 North Creek Dr.
• Hendersonville, 125 Baystone Dr.
• Hudson, 309 Pine Mountain Rd.
• Huntersville, 12101 Mount Holly-Huntersville Rd.
• Jacksonville, 299 Wilmington Hwy.
• Monroe, 3122 U.S. Hwy. 74 W.
• Raleigh, 2431 Spring Forest Rd., Suite 101
• Wilmington, 2390 Carolina Beach Rd., Suite 104
• Winston-Salem, 2001 Silas Creek Pkwy.

 

Saturday extended hours will be suspended until NCDMV determines it is safer to resume Saturday service. Saturday hours are for walk-in customers only.

 

Saturday hours were originally suspended in March 2020 due to the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic. Saturday services resumed in May 2021.

 

Tips if heading to a NCDMV office

Anyone considering a visit to the NCDMV should check to determine if they can complete their business online.

 

NCDMV already offers online access for many services, including driver license renewals, ordering duplicate licenses and ID cards, driving record requests, driver license office appointments, registration renewals, vehicle property tax payments, duplicate registration cards, ordering personalized and specialty plates, payment of insurance lapse fines, and applying for voter registration.

 

NCDMV encourages online appointment scheduling for weekday visits to driver license offices. However, walk-in customers are welcome. People can make an online appointment 90 days in advance.

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NC Coronavirus Taskforce Briefing for 03-23-2021

The North Carolina Coronavirus Taskforce held a press conference on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 23rd to share information about the pandemic and update the public on the state response. A video of the briefing, a copy of the new Executive Order, and slides that were shown during the press conference have been added below so you may view them in their entirety. 

  Press Conference

Executive Order #204 [Download PDF

NCDHHS Director Dr Mandy Cohen shared a presentation (slides shown below) that indicate trends are continuing to improve, but cautioned people to continue to be careful and practive proper pandemic hygiene.

 

Governor Roy Cooper announced he was lifting pandemic restrictions in response to the improving metrics the state has been monitorung. Copies of the slides from his presentation are included below.

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Published at 2:50pm on Tuesday, March 23, 2021

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Don’t Postpone Seeking Care at Angel Medical Center During the Pandemic, It Could Mean the Difference Between a Manageable and a Serious Condition, and Even Life or Death

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
ANGEL MEDICAL CENTER

Karen is out of the office currently, so the March CEO column is from Tim Layman who is taking care of things in Karen's absence.



As the Administrator of Clinical Operations at Angel Medical Center (AMC), I wanted to create a special message for March. This month we can see the promise of spring just a bit more clearly on the horizon, after enduring the cold and spending months inside. This year, however, our impatience for spring is more intense than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has required us to live very different lives over the last year. Just the ability to get outside again will feel liberating.

Since many are working at home independently and otherwise staying put, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the baseline measurements of health that we refer to as “your numbers.” An unfortunate trend that healthcare providers have observed over the past year is people putting off getting treatment for symptoms that ultimately lead to serious illness, like diabetes or a heart attack, for fear that they will contract COVID-19 at the hospital.

I hear from our team members that because of this restraint, when people finally arrive here at AMC, they are often much sicker than they would’ve been had they sought care earlier. Unfortunately, this leads to increased adverse outcomes.

People delay routine screenings in some instances, which is problematic because a budding condition, such as diabetes for example, can be caught, treated, and managed. In contrast, if it continues to accelerate silently, again, by the time you visit us, you’re dealing with a more severe condition. At other times, we’re seeing individuals experiencing symptoms that require a call to 9-1-1 the instant they’re noticed, but waiting to seek treatment. Sadly, this can be deadly when it comes to heart attacks and strokes.

It has never been truer that our hospital is the farthest thing from a dangerous place to be in terms of COVID-19. On the contrary, the protocols we’re observing — universal screening for all who enter AMC, visitor restriction levels that are appropriate concerning the level of infection we are experiencing, and mandated masking — mean that AMC is one of the safest places you could be. We’re doing our part so you can continue to get the best treatment possible, with whatever symptoms or condition you are experiencing.

The important part you can play in this has to do with keeping informed on those numbers I referred to earlier. If you know your BMI (body mass index) — an essential measurement of your risk for disease based on your height and weight, cholesterol readings (HDL is “good,” LDL is “bad), blood pressure, and glucose level, you will be ahead of the game when it comes to your ability to tell whether something is amiss with your health and if you should seek care with us.

You become familiar with your numbers by scheduling an annual physical, something else you shouldn’t put off because of the pandemic. It gives you and your primary care provider a chance to discuss your numbers, and then you know, for example, if your blood pressure climbs to a dangerous level, because you can put it into the correct context. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heart attack and stroke. The more in tune you are at recognizing them, the more skilled you will be at deciding when to call for help.

The pandemic has had a negative effect on many people’s health for multiple reasons. In addition to contributing to people postponing routine and necessary medical care, our anxiety and isolation have led to weight gain, interrupted sleep, and doing things like leaning on comfort food and that extra glass of wine to reduce our stress. In reality, taking a socially distanced walk with a friend, enjoying a cup of herbal tea, and heading to bed instead of opting for another episode of your latest “binge show” are the smartest things you can do to alleviate stress in the long run.

What we’re living through is not easy. Though we have reasons to be hopeful — the vaccine, being able to get outside again, and hopefully falling numbers of COVID-19 related diagnoses and deaths — at no time should we ease up on practicing our three Ws. Please keep masking when you go out, waiting six feet apart from others, and washing your hands often. These are the proven practices that make all the difference. Ensure your safety throughout the pandemic by continuing to be mindful of your health and never putting off seeking care, whether it’s a scheduled mammogram or symptoms of a heart attack. We’re here, safe, and ready to care for you, especially now.

About the Columnist

Timothy Layman, DNP, is the Administrator of Clinical Operations at Angel Medical Center. Layman holds a PhD in Nursing Practice from Yale University, a MS in Nursing Administration from LaRoche College and a BS in Nursing from Pennsylvania State University. Before coming to Angel Medical Center and Mission Health, he served as Vice President for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Thomas Jefferson University. Layman currently serves on the faculty of Thomas Jefferson University and Yale University.


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Published at 2:48am on Tuesday, March 23, 2021

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Weather Briefing for Thursday, March 11, 2021

OUTLOOK

High pressure will linger in the offshore Atlantic waters through Friday, maintaining a warm southerly flow of air across the region. A cool front moves through this weekend with shower chances increasing by Monday and continuing through the middle of next week.


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Weather Sponsor



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News Highlights

COVID-19 Relief Bill Signed
[LINK TO TEXT]



CDC issues new guidelines for people who are fully vaccinated



• Prescribed burns planned on the Cheoah and Tusquitee Ranger Districts to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health [LINK] • Annual 4-H Plant Sales for 2021 Announced [LINK]

• The latest local COVID-19 numbers, charts, and tables have been posted [LINK]

Recent Local Government Meetings

• Macon County Board of Commissioners March 2021 [LINK] • Franklin Town Council - March 2021 Regular Meeting [LINK]

• The Macon County Board of Commissioners -Special Called Meeting (02-26-2021) [LINK]

• Macon County Board of Education - February 2021 Regular Meeting [LINK]

• Macon County Board of Commissioners - February 2021 Regular Meeting [LINK]

• Franklin Town Council - February 2021 Regular Meeting [LINK]





National Weather Map for Today

General forecast through Saturday Night


Franklin area

Today
(Use caution if burning outdoors this afternoon)


Mostly sunny, with highs near 70. Calm winds becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-40s. Calm winds.

Friday

Partly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 70s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 50. Calm winds.

Saturday

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 60s.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 50.

Highlands area
(Use caution if burning outdoors this afternoon)


Today

Partly sunny, with highs near 60. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-40s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph shifting to come out of the west after midnight.

Friday

Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-60s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 60.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 40s.

Otto area
(Use caution if burning outdoors this afternoon)


Today

Partly sunny, with highs near 70. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 40s. Calm winds.

Friday

Partly sunny, with highs in the lower 70s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 50. Light winds out of the northwest.

Saturday

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 50.

Nantahala area
(Air Quality Alert Until 10am. Use caution if burning outdoors this afternoon)


Today

Partly sunny, with highs near 70. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 40s. Calm winds.

Friday

Partly sunny, with highs in the lower 70s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 50. Light winds out of the northwest.

Saturday

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 50.



HAZARDS

In general, hazardous weather is not expected today. Conditions have continued to dry over the last few days, and the relative humidity levels today will drop to below 40% in the afternoon.





Air Quality

Air quality is in the middle range of yellow for most of the county, with the ridges and other higher elevations today being in the middle range of yellow. This is due to smoke from prescribed burns in the region.

Pollen

Pollen levels are expected to be in the high range (9.8 out of 12) today with Alder, Juniper, and Elm being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be a little lower (9.1 out of 12).


Weather Extremes for Macon County on March 11th


Highest Temperature 81°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1974
Lowest Temperature 8°F in Highlands in 1934
Greatest One-Day Rain 4.07 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1952
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 6.0 inches in Highlands in 1926

March Weather Extremes for Macon County

Highest Temperature 86°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on March 15, 1967
Lowest Temperature -7°F in Highlands on March 7, 1899
Greatest One-Day Rain 6.43 inches in Highlands on March 29, 1898
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 25.5 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station on March 13, 1993 

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Published at 4:00am on Thursday, March 11, 2021

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COVID-19 Briefing for 03-08-2021

Local Briefing

To register to receive the vaccine and to be contacted when appointments for your group are available, please call 828-524-1500. The vaccine call center is open from 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Monday, until further notice. 

 Here are the latest COVID-19 Numbers and Demographics Report from Macon Public Health, along with a couple of charts by Macon Media to show you the long-term trends since April 17th. The health department has started releasing information about vaccine delivery, so those numbers will be included here also, as well as charted.

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

VACCINE DELIVERY
(The health department received its first shipment on December 30th)

CATEGORY	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	WEEK
Vaccines Given Today	400	x	x	x	x	400
Inventory	800	x	x	x	x	800
Vaccines Given (total)	7754	x	x	x	x	7754

(note--these numbers are on the day reported, not necessarily given since some shots may be given after the daily report is published, Also, there are often more shots in the vials than reported on the manifest, so total shots will not match reported inventory) 

POSITIVE CASES IN THE SCHOOLS THIS WEEK

(One case was reported on Monday in the Support Staff. That number is not reflected in the chart)

SCHOOL	MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	WEEK
Cartoogechaye	0	x	x	x	x	0
East Franklin	0	x	x	x	x	0
Franklin High	0	x	x	x	x	0
Highlands	0	x	x	x	x	0
Iotla Valley	0	x	x	x	x	0
Macon Early	0	x	x	x	x	0
Macon Middle	0	x	x	x	x	0
Mountain View	0	x	x	x	x	0
Nantahala	0	x	x	x	x	0
South Macon	0	x	x	x	x	0
Union Academy	0	x	x	x	x	0
TOTALS FOR DAY	0	x	x	x	x	0

Cases in Macon County

3008 Detected
(+8 from Thursday and +24 from last Friday and +194 from four weeks ago)

35 Active
(+3 from Thursday and -15 last Friday and -445 from four weeks ago)

2943 Recovered
(+5 from Thursday and +39 last Friday and +633 from four weeks ago)

30 Deaths
(unchanged from Thursday and (unchanged from last Friday and +6 from four weeks ago)


Testing in Macon County

9271 by MCPH
(+3 from Thursday and +45 from last Friday and +333 from four weeks ago)

8521 by Others
(+12 from Thursday and +121 from last Friday and +1140 from four weeks ago)

17792 total
(+15 from Thursday and +166 from last Friday and +1473 from four weeks ago)

20 tests pending results
(-14 from Thursday and -15 from last Friday and -68 from four weeks ago)

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Published at 7:41pm on Monday, March 08, 2021

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North Carolina Coronavirus Taskforce Briefing for 03-02-2021 Frontline Essential Workers Eligible for Vaccination Beginning March 3rd

Here is a video of the latest update from the North Carolina Coronavirus Taskforce and a press release with information and links to more information.

 

PRESS  RELEASE

NC GOVERNOR

03-02-2021

Frontline Essential Workers Eligible for Vaccination Beginning March 3

Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. announced that additional frontline essential workers in Group 3 will be eligible for vaccinations beginning tomorrow, March 3. The expedited timeline follows the approval of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine and an expected increase in vaccine supply to North Carolina.

“The state and our providers continue to work extremely hard to get people vaccinated in a way that’s fast and fair,” said Gov. Cooper. “The third vaccine and improving vaccine supply will help us get more people vaccinated more quickly. Our essential frontline workers have remained on the job throughout this pandemic and I am grateful for their work.”

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine comes as the federal government has also increased vaccine in North Carolina beyond the state’s allocation. A new federally-supported site will open in Greensboro next week, and Walgreens is providing vaccine through the federal pharmacy program. While there is still not enough vaccine for everyone, the improved supply has contributed to providers reporting readiness to expand access to additional Group 3 essential workers. Under the timeline outlined today, providers may move to vaccinating these individuals on March 3. Sec. Cohen also unveiled a Public Service Announcement encouraging vaccine use among Group 3 essential workers. (See Deeper Dive for additional detail)

State officials continue to encourage providers to exhaust each week’s vaccine shipment before the following week’s shipment arrives. Some vaccine providers may not be ready to open to frontline essential workers on March 3 if they are still experiencing high demand for vaccines in Groups 1, 2, and 3.

Gov. Cooper also outlined an expected timeline for beginning Group 4 vaccinations. Beginning on March 24, people at higher risk from COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions will become eligible to receive a vaccine, as well as people in certain congregate-living settings. (See Deeper Dive for additional detail)

“This is a really exciting moment,” said Secretary Cohen. "A third COVID-19 vaccine means North Carolina can get more people vaccinated sooner and keep people out of the hospital and prevent deaths from this pandemic.” 

NCDHHS also shared clarifications for Groups 1 and 4. The definition of long-term care in Group 1 has been updated for people with intellectual and developmental disability. Higher-risk medical conditions for Group 4 include intellectual and developmental disabilities including Down Syndrome, and neurologic conditions, such as dementia.

Gov. Cooper will continue to advocate to increase vaccine supply in North Carolina. Since January 20, the amount of vaccine received by the state has increased by 135%.

This week, the federal government authorized the distribution of Johnson & Johnson’s (Janssen) one-shot vaccine and more than 80,000 doses are expected to arrive in the state beginning on Wednesday. 

On March 10, a federally-supported community vaccination center will open in Greensboro. This site – one of just 18 sites nationally - will help the state continue its effort to reach more marginalized and underserved communities. The federal government will provide the center’s vaccine supply, which will be in addition to North Carolina’s weekly allotment from the Centers for Disease Control. It will operate seven days a week with the capacity to provide up to 3,000 vaccinations per day, with options for drive-thru service in the parking lot and walk-in service.

State officials continue to prioritize speed and equity in vaccine distribution as eligibility prioritization expands. On February 26, the Kaiser Family Foundation ranked North Carolina as first in the nation for vaccinating the largest share of its 65 and older population. 

Detailed information about each vaccine group is online at YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov (English) or vacunate.nc.gov (Spanish).

Watch the DHHS Group 3 Vaccine PSA Here. 

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Published at 5:50pm on Tuesday, March 02, 2021

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Governor to Ease Pandemic Restrictions After Period of Improving Metrics

At today's Coronavirus Taskforce Briefing, Governor Cooper has signed an executive order to begin easing certain pandemic restrictions beginning at 5pm this Friday (Feb 26th). In the article below are copies of a press release, the executive order, as well as an embedded video of the excerpt of the briefing where the Director of the NCDHHS and Governor share data about the improving metrics and the details of the restrictions that are being eased.

PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNOR ROY COOPER

As North Carolina’s numbers continue to show improvement and vaccine distribution increases, Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the state will carefully ease some of its COVID-19 restrictions. Executive Order No. 195 will take effect February 26th at 5 pm and will expire March 26th at 5 pm.

“Today’s action is a show of confidence and trust, but we must remain cautious. People are losing their loved ones each day,” said Governor Cooper. “We must keep up our guard. Many of us are weary, but we cannot let the weariness win. Now is the time to put our strength and resilience to work so that we can continue to turn the corner and get through this.”

“Keep wearing a mask, waiting 6 feet apart, and washing your hands. We’ve seen in the past how fragile progress can be, so we need to keep protecting each other while we get everyone a spot to get their shot,” said North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.

Today’s Executive Order lifts the Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to stay at home and businesses to close to the public between 10 pm and 5 am. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 10 to 25, while 50 remains the limit for outdoors. The curfew on the sale of alcohol for onsite consumption will be moved from 9 pm to 11 pm. Some businesses, including bars and amusement parks, will now be open for patrons indoors as they adhere to new occupancy restrictions. Many businesses, venues and arenas will have increased occupancy both indoors and outdoors.

Executive Order No. 195 has two general categories of occupancy restrictions: 30% capacity and 50% capacity. Because indoor spaces have a higher risk of spread for COVID-19, indoor facilities in the 30%-occupancy category may not exceed two hundred fifty (250) people per indoor room or indoor space.

30% Capacity Limit (may not exceed 250-persons in indoor spaces)

• Bars
• Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces
• Lounges (including tobacco) and Night Clubs
• Indoor areas of Amusement Parks
• Movie Theatres
• Entertainment facilities (e.g., bingo parlors, gaming establishments)
• Sports Arenas and Fields*
•Venues*
* -Indoor event venues with more than 5,000 seats may be excepted from the 250 person limit if they follow additional safety measures up to 15% capacity.

50% Capacity Limit

•Restaurants
•Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries
•Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (e.g., gyms, bowling alleys, rock climbing facilities)
•Pools
•Museums and Aquariums
•Retailers
•Outdoor areas of Amusement Parks
•Salons, Personal Care, Tattoo Parlors

Safety protocols such as masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing will continue to be important as people adjust to the new order, health officials said.

Today marks the first day of eligibility for teachers to receive vaccination as the state begins to expand access to group 3 essential workers. Due to manufacturers’ shipping delays caused by inclement weather, DHHS continues to work with providers to administer both last week’s shipment and this week’s shipment this week and continue to exhaust first dose supply before next week’s shipment arrives.

Dr. Cohen also provided an update on North Carolina’s data and trends.

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

• North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.

Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

• North Carolina’s trajectory of cases is decreasing.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

• North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is decreasing.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

• North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is decreasing.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread in testing, tracing and prevention.

Testing

• Testing is widely available across the state.

Tracing Capability

• There have been more than 716,610 downloads of the exposure notification app, SlowCOVIDNC.

Personal Protective Equipment

• North Carolina’s personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.

Excerpt of Briefing



Slides
[DOWNLOAD OR VIEW PDF]



Full Briefing



Executive Order #195
[DOWNLOAD OR VIEW PDF]



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Published at 3:55pm on Wednesday, February 24, 2021

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NC Governor Orders Flags Lowered Until Sunset Feb 26th in Remembrance of More than 500,000 Americans Lost to COVID-19

PRESS RELEASE
NC GOVERNOR ROY COOPER
RALEIGH, NC
02-22-2021

Lowering of US and NC Flags To Half-Staff Until Sunset Feb. 26, 2021, in Remembrance of More than 500,000 Americans Lost to COVID-19

Governor Roy Cooper has ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff beginning today, Monday, February 22, 2021, until sunset on February 26, 2021, in remembrance of those who passed away from the coronavirus. To date, more than 500,000 Americans including nearly 11,000 North Carolinians have lost their lives due to COVID-19. As a tribute to these many individuals and their families, all North Carolinians are encouraged to join in the remembrance of the many lives lost and to observe a moment of silence at sunset.

Statement from Governor Roy Cooper:

"As we reflect on the lives lost to this cruel virus, let's remind ourselves this is far more than a grim statistic. Each of these 500,000 deaths represents an American whose communities are in mourning and I encourage North Carolinians to honor them with a moment of silence."

As a show of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.

Please note, all North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance to regulations outlined in the US Flag Code.

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Published at 2:30am on Tuesday, February 23, 2021

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President Orders Flags to be Flown at Half Staff to Remember the 500,000 Americans Lost to COVID-19 National Cathedral Bell Tolling

President Biden Delivers Remarks and Observes a Moment of Silence for the Lives Lost to COVID-19



February 22, 2021: Cathedral Bell Tolling for 500,000 COVID Deaths



A Proclamation on Remembering the 500,000 Americans Lost to COVID-19

As of this week during the dark winter of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 500,000 Americans have now died from the virus. That is more Americans who have died in a single year of this pandemic than in World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War combined. On this solemn occasion, we reflect on their loss and on their loved ones left behind. We, as a Nation, must remember them so we can begin to heal, to unite, and find purpose as one Nation to defeat this pandemic.

In their memory, the First Lady and I will be joined by the Vice President and the Second Gentleman for a moment of silence at the White House this evening. I ask all Americans to join us as we remember the more than 500,000 of our fellow Americans lost to COVID-19 and to observe a moment of silence at sunset. I also hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset February 26, 2021. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Published at 6:03pm on Monday, February 22, 2021

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