In the midst of the current pandemic, Alamance County Health Department wants to help you protect yourself and your family this flu season. Wednesday, November 18 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, the health department will be offering seasonal flu shots to the public. The drive-up event will take place at Alamance County Health Department in the lower staff parking lot on Hilton Street. Participants are asked to enter from Rudd Street into the Hilton Street lot.  

During the event, the health department will be providing the following vaccine options to the public:

• Quadrivalent flu vaccine injection which covers four strains of influenza
• Flublok flu vaccine injection which is recommended for people with egg allergies that are ages 18 years and older
• High Dose Trivalent vaccine which covers three strains and is recommended for people over 65 years

The vaccine is available while supplies last.  One shot is all most people will need. Children under age 9, who have not previously been vaccinated against the flu, may need two doses.

The vaccine is available at no cost to both insured and uninsured children and adults.

Residents can still receive the flu vaccine by appointment only Monday – Friday (excluding holidays), 8:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Increase your chances of keeping the flu away by getting the vaccine. Also, remember to wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick to help stop the spread of illness. For more information, call the health department at 336-570-6459.

Alamance County Health Department has identified a COVID-19 cluster at Love’s Childcare in Haw River. Currently, five (5) cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the facility. The confirmed cases are among two (2) staff and three (3) children. One of the staff members is not an Alamance County resident so they are not included in the daily COVID-19 case count, however they are included on the biweekly Child Care and School Settings report for NC DHHS. NC DHHS defines a cluster as minimum of five laboratory-confirmed cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases.

“At Love’s Childcare of Haw River, our highest priority is to ensure the health, safety and security of our staff and every child entrusted to our care,” stated Angie King, Administrator at Love’s Childcare. “Upon learning of two teachers and 3 children testing positive with COVID-19, the first one being October 26, we immediately notified our staff and enrolled families in that classroom of the positive case and removed the staff and the children on that day (the positive teacher was not at school that day). We personally contacted the parents of the children in the affected classroom. Additionally, we contacted Alamance County Health Department and made the decision along with the health department to close the classroom down for 14 days. We have now reopened the classroom on November 9. We also did a deep cleaning of the classroom and it remained closed until it was reopened on November 9. The children and staff are now able to return to this classroom. We had another positive case on October 31 in a different classroom with a staff testing positive and she was quarantined. We immediately notified our staff and enrolled families in that classroom of the positive case. This was Oct 31 on a Saturday and we immediately notified our parents on Saturday Oct. 31 and the Alamance County Health Department. We have continued to remain in close contact with the Alamance County Health Department.

Ms. King further stated, “As of today, November 9, we have had NO new cases. We will continue our rigorous health and safety measures that include, but are not limited to: cleaning and sanitizing the school daily; frequent handwashing; parent drop off outside of the building; and temperature check and question survey daily. At this time we only have one classroom shut down due to the positive case on October 31. The last classroom that is closed due to a positive test will reopen on Monday November 16. The remainder of the center is up and running. Our thoughts and prayers for a rapid recovery for the last 2 affected with COVID-19. Our prayers are with Loves Childcare and all the children and families and our staff and families that we can remain healthy and safe.”

“We are working together with Love’s Daycare to conduct case investigations and contact tracing to protect staff, children, and their families in order to mitigate the outbreak as quickly as possible,” stated Interim Health Director Alexandria Rimmer.

Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since then, a total of 6086 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 5562 have been released from isolation and 401 remain active and in isolation. Included in those active cases, 31 individuals are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been 106 COVID-19 related deaths. COVID-related deaths include only patients who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, and who died without fully recovering from the disease.

The community is reminded to limit their social and group interactions and practice the 3Ws – Wear, Wait and Wash. These important steps can reduce a person’s risk and the risk to their family, friends and neighbors.

Alamance County Health Department has identified a second outbreak at the long-term care facility Brookdale in Burlington. Currently, two (2) cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the facility. The confirmed cases are among two (2) residents. NC DHHS defines an outbreak as two laboratory-confirmed cases in a period of 28 days within a congregate living or long-term care facility. Regular testing is required through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in order to provide surveillance as protective factor for both staff and residents.

“The Alamance County Health Department is working closely with Brookdale to mitigate the outbreak as quickly as possible with guidance and support,” stated Interim Health Director Alexandria Rimmer.

Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since then, a total of 5906 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 5408 have been released from isolation and 397 remain active and in isolation. Included in those active cases, 27 individuals are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been 101 COVID-19 related deaths. COVID-related deaths include only patients who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, and who died without fully recovering from the disease.

The community is reminded to limit their social and group interactions and practice the 3Ws – Wear, Wait and Wash. These important steps can reduce a person’s risk and the risk to their family, friends and neighbors.

In the midst of the current pandemic, Alamance County Health Department wants to help you protect yourself and your family this flu season. Monday, November 9 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, the health department will be offering seasonal flu shots to the public. The drive-up event will take place at Alamance County Health Department in the lower staff parking lot on Hilton Street. Participants are asked to enter from Rudd Street into the Hilton Street lot.  

During the event, the health department will be providing the following vaccine options to the public:

• Quadrivalent flu vaccine injection which covers four strains of influenza
• Flublok flu vaccine injection which is recommended for people with egg allergies that are ages 18 years and older
• High Dose Trivalent vaccine which covers three strains and is recommended for people over 65 years

The vaccine is available while supplies last.  One shot is all most people will need. Children under age 9, who have not previously been vaccinated against the flu, may need two doses.

The vaccine is available at no cost to both insured and uninsured children and adults.

Residents can still receive the flu vaccine by appointment only Monday – Friday (excluding holidays), 8:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Increase your chances of keeping the flu away by getting the vaccine. Also, remember to wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick to help stop the spread of illness. For more information, call the health department at 336-570-6459.

In the midst of the current pandemic, Alamance County Health Department wants to help you protect yourself and your family this flu season. Wednesday, October 28 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, the health department will be offering seasonal flu shots to the public. The drive-up event will take place at Alamance County Health Department in the lower staff parking lot on Hilton Street. Participants are asked to enter from Rudd Street into the Hilton Street lot.

During the event, the health department will be providing the following vaccine options to the public:

􀁸 Quadrivalent flu vaccine injection which covers four strains of influenza
􀁸 Flublok flu vaccine injection which is recommended for people with egg allergies that are ages 18 years and older
􀁸 High Dose Trivalent vaccine which covers three strains and is recommended for people over 65 years

The vaccine is available while supplies last. One shot is all most people will need. Children under age 9, who have not previously been vaccinated against the flu, may need two doses.

The vaccine is available at no cost to both insured and uninsured children and adults.

Residents can still receive the flu vaccine by appointment only Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Increase your chances of keeping the flu away by getting the vaccine. Also, remember to wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick to help stop the spread of illness. For more information, call the health department at 336-570-6459.

Alamance County Health Department has identified an outbreak at the long term care facility Compass Healthcare and Rehab, Mebane. Currently, two (2) cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the facility. The confirmed cases are among two (2) staff members. Both of the staff members are Alamance County residents. NC DHHS defines an outbreak as two laboratory-confirmed cases in a period of 28 days within a congregate living or long-term care facility. Regular testing is required through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in order to provide surveillance as protective factor for both staff and residents.

“Compass Healthcare and Rehab has worked diligently throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to protect our residents and staff,” stated Todd Nunn, President and CEO of Compass Healthcare and Rehab. “As a company, we started routine, proactive testing of all staff in June, prior to any local or national testing mandate. With this initiative, our goal has been to identify any staff members who may not showing be symptoms and remove them from work, to prevent further spread. Two staff members tested positive this week. At this time, we are working to prevent spread. This, in addition to many other interventions has aided us in keeping residents safe over the recent months. We will continue to be proactive, with our end goal being to keep residents and staff safe.”

“Our long term care facility taskforce and Compass are in constant communication to provide recommendations and guidance to mitigate the outbreak as quickly as possible,” stated Interim Health Director Alexandria Rimmer.

Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since then, a total of 5114 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 4619 have been released from isolation and 417 remain active and in isolation. Included in those active cases, 31 individuals are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been 78 COVID-19 related deaths. COVID-related deaths include only patients who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, and who died without fully recovering from the disease.

Both Alamance County and North Carolina have seen some of the highest case numbers to date in the past two weeks. The community is reminded to limit their social and group interactions and practice the 3Ws – Wear, Wait and Wash. These important steps can reduce a person’s risk and the risk to their family, friends and neighbors.

The Board of Health is pleased to announce that we have offered the position of Health Director to Tony Lo Giudice and he has accepted. His effective start date is Monday, November 30, 2020. Over the previous three-month period, the Board of Health appointed search committee reviewed numerous applications, conducted several interviews and second-round interviews with top candidates.

The Board of Health took this responsibility seriously and spent many hours reviewing applications and interviewing candidates. “We are excited to announce a new Health Director, Tony Lo Giudice, who exhibits strong leadership, commitment and passion for improving the human condition in Alamance County. Lo Giudice rose to the top during our search process for his extensive knowledge and understanding of the current public health challenges we face today” states Board of Health chair Dr. Annette Wilson.

Lo Giudice will be vacating his position at Forsyth County Department of Public Health, where he has served as an Assistant Health Director since January 2017. Prior to moving to North Carolina in 2017, he served in various capacities in city government in Mesa, Arizona, most recently Community Health Program Director. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Government with an emphasis in Law & Public Policy from Regent University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Arizona State University; he is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration from Capella University. Mr. Lo Giudice served and was honorably discharged from the United States Navy.

Alexandria Rimmer has been serving as interim Health Director since July 31, 2020. “I am grateful I was able to serve our community as a leader during this time as Interim Health Director and I am very excited to work with our new Health Director both during the transition and in the future as I return to the Environmental Health section of the health department. We will work together to ensure there is a smooth transition for staff, stakeholders and the community.”

“I am honored to be selected as the next Health Director. I look forward to joining the health department team and continuing to lead Alamance County on the path towards optimum health and well-being” said Lo Giudice.

In the midst of the current pandemic, Alamance County Health Department wants to help you protect yourself and your family this flu season. Wednesday, October 21 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, the health department will be offering seasonal flu shots to the public. The drive-up event will take place at Alamance County Health Department in the lower staff parking lot on Hilton Street. Participants are asked to enter from Rudd Street into the Hilton Street lot.  

During the event, the health department will be providing the following vaccine options to the public:

• Quadrivalent flu vaccine injection which covers four strains of influenza
• Flublok flu vaccine injection which is recommended for people with egg allergies that are ages 18 years and older
• High Dose Trivalent vaccine which covers three strains and is recommended for people over 65 years

The vaccine is available while supplies last.  One shot is all most people will need. Children under age 9, who have not previously been vaccinated against the flu, may need two doses.

The vaccine is available at no cost to both insured and uninsured children and adults.

Increase your chances of keeping the flu away by getting the vaccine. Also, remember to wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick to help stop the spread of illness. For more information, call the health department at 336-570-6459.

Alamance County Health Department has identified an outbreak at the long term care facility White Oak Manor in Burlington. This is White Oak Manor’s second COVID-19 outbreak. Currently, two (2) cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the facility. The confirmed cases are among two (2) staff members. One of the staff members is an Alamance County resident and one is not. NC DHHS defines an outbreak as two laboratory-confirmed cases in a period of 28 days within a congregate living or long-term care facility. Regular testing is required through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in order to provide surveillance as protective factor for both staff and residents.

“White Oak Manor Burlington remains vigilant to testing and proper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and employees,” stated Michele Riordan, Administrator of White Oak Manor, Burlington. “Employees are reminded to wear masks, wash hands and social distance while out of the facility.  There has been no impact on our residents at this time. We will continue to work closely with our staff and health department to contain exposure.” 

“White Oak Manor has worked very closely with the Health Department since the first outbreak of COVID-19 that the facility had back in April, we are working in conjunction to minimize the outbreak and provide support with guidance and recommendations,” stated Interim Health Director Alexandria Rimmer, “we are working together to help keep our community safe.”

Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since then, a total of 4957 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 4481 have been released from isolation and 401 remain active and in isolation. Included in those active cases, 26 individuals are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been 75 COVID-19 related deaths. COVID-related deaths include only patients who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, and who died without fully recovering from the disease.

The community is reminded to limit their social and group interactions and practice the 3Ws – Wear, Wait and Wash. These important steps can reduce a person’s risk and the risk to their family, friends and neighbors.

Alamance County Health Department has identified two COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care facilities. These facilities include Moneta Springs Memory Care at Twin Lakes, Burlington and Peak Resources, Graham. NC DHHS defines an outbreak as two confirmed cases in a period of 28 days within a long-term care facility.

Long term care facilities are required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to do COVID-19 surveillance testing on a weekly basis as a protective factor for both staff and residents. Currently, Moneta Springs Care at Twin Lakes has four (4) cases of COVID-19 that have been confirmed at the facility; two (2) staff and two (2) residents. One of the staff members is an Alamance County resident and one of the staff members is not.

“Twin Lakes Community is home to nearly 750 residents and 400 employees,” stated Pam Fox, President and CEO of Twin Lakes Community.  “We have come together as a community to protect ourselves and one another from this virus.  Among the precautions we have taken for many months, we engage in daily screening of all staff; we have limited visitors to our campus, we perform weekly testing of staff in our higher levels of care, and we have increased our cleaning and disinfecting, all to minimize the risk of infection.  We are thankful that, at this point, all affected individuals are comfortable and doing relatively well.  We are also grateful to our residents, staff, medical director and the Alamance County Health Department for their commitment to keeping our community at Twin Lakes safe.” 

Peak Resources currently has three (3) cases of COVID-19 that have been confirmed at the facility; two (2) staff and one (1) resident. One of the staff members lives in Alamance County and one does not.

“Both Twin Lakes and Peak Resources have both been working in close collaboration with the Alamance County Health Department,” stated the Interim Health Director, Alexandria Rimmer, “we will continue to provide recommendations and work closely to mitigate these outbreaks as quickly as possible.”

Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since then, a total of 4622 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 4214 have been released from isolation and 344 remain active and in isolation. Included in those active cases, 22 individuals are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been 64 COVID-19 related deaths. COVID-related deaths include only patients who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, and who died without fully recovering from the disease.

The community is reminded to limit their social and group interactions and practice the 3Ws – Wear, Wait and Wash. These important steps can reduce a person’s risk and the risk to their family, friends and neighbors.