We held our first outdoor in-person semi-programmed meeting, with simultaneous Zoom, on June 6 at 10 a.m. Approximately 70 people were in attendance on the meeting house grounds and 30 participated by Zoom. Also at the June 6, Monthly Meeting we approved a reopening plan that prioritizes safety and inclusiveness for all users of the building, both New Gardeners and visitors: Outdoor gatherings are safest; we encourage groups of all sizes to consider this option. (Please bring your own folding chairs.) We have established maximum occupancy for each of our indoor meeting spaces, assuming 6 feet between occupants; we ask that people call or email the office in advance to reserve a space appropriate to the size of their group. Groups whose size exceeds the maximum occupancy of an available space can meet outdoors with access to the restrooms near the kitchen, one individual or household at a time. Even if fully vaccinated, we will wear masks and socially distance when we are together, to set an example and express our solidarity with those who are unvaccinated or otherwise more vulnerable to the coronavirus (eg, children, pregnant women, immunocompromised people). We ask that all those using the building do the same.
Cases of COVID, hospitalizations and percent positive COVID tests in NC have decreased to relatively low levels this week. Vaccination numbers increased slowly with NC having 40% of the total population and 78% of persons age 65 years and older now fully vaccinated. Vaccination continues for 12-15 year olds and counting full vaccination for those 12 years of age and above the rate is up to 46%.
Find CDC guidelines for appropriate behavior to minimize transmission of COVID infections at: https://tinyurl.com/48d7p5sx Please see the chart attached to the newsletter about activities deemed safe by the CDC for vaccinated and unvaccinated persons. Unvaccinated persons should still plan to wear masks at most gatherings per this advice.
Friends are encouraged to read these guidelines to help them decide what activities are appropriate for each family group. Those with potentially immuno-compromising conditions, including advanced age, diabetes and autoimmune disorders, should check with their health care advisors regarding their individual risks.
Friends are further advised that there are still some circulating cases of COVID(cough, fever, shortness of breath) and symptomatic persons still need to be tested and treated regardless of vaccination status.
Cone Health continues to vaccinate persons 12 year old and up at their vaccination sites. This can be done with an appointment though walk in vaccinations will be also be given. Appointments are preferred. As of today they have vaccine appointments available . Cone is additionally doing some community vaccination clinics at high school and church locations. They have Moderna , J and J (must call 336-890-1188 to make an appointment for this vaccine) and Pzifer vaccines depending on what site (only Pfizer vaccine approved for 12-17 year olds) you sign up for Cone Health website:https://tinyurl.com/d7ueuj4u Appointments can also be made by phone at 336-890-1188 Monday through Fridays 7 a.m -7 p.m.
Guilford County sign ups may be done at www.healthyguilford.com (Email address required) or by phone 336-641-7944, option 2. Phone appointments must be made 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They have Pfizer and J & J vaccines and a person may choose which vaccine they sign up for. Group appointments can now be scheduled. The vaccination site in now mainly the Greensboro Coliseum. People can subscribe to updates about vaccine availability and appointment openings from the Guilford Health Department by texting GC19 (or GC19S for Spanish) to 888777. They are now also doing walk-in appointments and they have another organization on their web site named Star Med which is giving all three vaccinations at a few different sites. Their phone number is 980-445-9818.
The Four Seasons Mall site is now closed. While in operation this site provided 143,000 vaccines. Pharmacy supplies of vaccine can still be found at https://vaccinefinder.org including for persons 12 and older. Walgreens and CVS will let you sign up for a vaccine at Walgreens.com or CVS.com after setting up an account with them. Other pharmacies have similar sign up opportunities.
The NC site which helps persons find a vaccination site is: https://myspot.nc.gov This site will also show you where vaccines are available close to your zip code. NC has said all groups are now eligible , including those age 12 and older ,for vaccine. There is also a hotline for help/questions which is 888-675-4567.