Displaying items by tag: pandemic

In the name of safety and at times part political theater, North Carolinians spent over a year following stringent emergency orders because of the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses shuttered, citizens lost their livelihood, millions eschewed social events or celebrations of any kind. Many young people are still hampered by mask mandates in schools. A silver lining amidst all that sacrifice, North Carolina is uniquely positioned coming out of this pandemic to offer state income tax cuts. Lawmakers must make it happen for myriad reasons.

If more people are getting vaccinated because of the governor’s handouts and giveaways, I sure can’t tell.

ROCKINGHAM — The sign on the door reads “Opening Soon!”

RALEIGH — The state House has voted to make North Carolina the 26th state to withdraw from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, which provides an extra $300-a-week in jobless benefits to the unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RALEIGH — Mason Via of Danbury is having a lot of fun.

HAMLET — As part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Richmond Community College recently received an additional $3.469 million for direct student aid from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III. RichmondCC has already awarded over $1.748 million directly to students impacted by the pandemic.

Yesterday, the Center for Disease Control announced that masks are unnecessary for fully vaccinated people. “If you’re fully vaccinated, you do not need to wear a mask — indoors or outdoors, in most settings. We’ve gotten this far. Whether you choose to get vaccinated or wear a mask, please protect yourself until we get to the finish line.” An accompanying graphic read: “Fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks.” It’s time to get back to normal, people. 

RALEIGH — A House Judiciary committee is scheduled Tuesday, April 13, to take up a bill that would fully reopen bars and restaurants, as long as they follow specific safety guidelines.

ROCKINGHAM — Tommy Jarrell didn’t know much about public health when he applied for the Richmond County health director position in 1991 — a job he has held since, and will until May 27.

The date of  Monday, March 16, 2020 posted on my white erase board is a source of conversation. That date will soon be a year old. Of the very few visitors who have been to my room,  many ask the significance of that date. I consider Monday, March 16, 2020 as the school day that never happened.