Black Mountain declares state of emergency
Town takes measures to brace for impact of Coronavirus
The Town of Black Mountain declared a state of emergency, March 13, in an effort to proactively reduce the spread of COVID-19. Photo by Fred McCormick
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
The Town of Black Mountain joined a growing number of government agencies across the country, March 13, by declaring a state of emergency in the face of concerns regarding COVID-19, commonly known as the Coronavirus.
The move is an effort “to help protect the health and safety of our citizens and employees, which is always our top priority,” the Town said in a press release issued on Friday.
Black Mountain issued the directive a little more than 24 hours after Buncombe County declared a state emergency, and hours after President Donald Trump declared a national state of emergency in response to the international pandemic.
“We are closely monitoring local and national reports on the evolving impact of COVID-19,” the release from the Town stated. “Based on guidance from the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services and other applicable public health agencies, we’ve developed contingency plans and are taking the proper recommended precautions.”
The Town canceled all advisory board and commission meetings for 30 days from the date the order was issued, and will close all facilities to the public, at 4:30 p.m., Monday, March 16. Town offices will remain open for official business, while providing limited access to the public.
Black Mountain Mayor Don Collins issued an emergency directive calling for reconnection of any disconnected residential water services and the suspension of future water disconnection for nonpayment throughout the duration of the emergency.
Duke Energy also announced that it would suspend service disconnections for residential and business customers during the duration of the outbreak.
Governor Roy Cooper, who declared a state of emergency on March 10, announced on March 14 that public schools would be closed for a minimum of two weeks, effective Monday, March 16, and banned gatherings of more than 100 people.
Buncombe County Schools will issue students electronic devices and implement “Virtual Days” during the closure. The measure is intended to allow teachers to remain connected with students while schools are closed.
BCS will also offer emergency food service to ensure students unable to attend school will have access to adequate nutrition. Designated schools in the county will host drive-through pick-up stations for breakfast and lunch. Black Mountain Primary and Owen High School will serve the Owen District. BCS also encourages parents to follow them on social media networks for additional updates.
As of March 15, there were 32 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in N.C. but none in Buncombe County. The heaviest concentration of confirmed cases in the state could be found in Wake County.
To slow the spread of the virus, the CDC recommends regular washing of hands for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; stay home when experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness and covering coughs and sneezes. The organization also recommends social distancing, the act of reducing close contact with others, as a means of preventing the spread of the virus.