Effective today, Burke County Government Offices will temporarily limit public access to non-emergency facilities until further notice.

According to a news release, an appointment will now be required to enter a government office.

The policy is in keeping with state and federal recommendations related to COVID-19, and does not apply to Burke County Emergency Services.

Should you need to make an appointment at a particular county government facility, Burke County’s non-emergency departments and their phone numbers are listed on the county’s website at burkenc.org.

Also, the Burke County Department of Social Services urges residents needing to apply for Food and Nutrition Services, Medicaid, or Daycare to fill out an application and turn it in.

A social worker will make contact with the individual regarding the application by telephone.

Persons can also apply online at epass.nc.gov.

For special assistance, Work First, or to see a worker for other programs, make an appointment by calling 764-9600.

To report suspected abuse, or neglect of a child or adult call 764-9631; or if the situation warrants call 911.

Burke County Public Schools reports the system continues to feed thousands of students as the statewide school closure goes on due to the coronavirus situation.

On Wednesday alone, a total of 4-thousand-630 meals were handed out through the county’s various school sites and school bus distribution locations.

A news release issued Thursday states the school district wants to expand past the county lines.

Schools Superintendent Larry Putnam is opening Burke’s feeding program to children ages 18 and under in surrounding counties.

Putnam states the children are welcome to visit one of the schools feeding sites or meet a bus at one of the stops and grab a lunch for the day and breakfast for the following day.

For a list of school sites and bus delivery routes, visit the schools website at burke.k12.nc.us, or if you have questions about meals call 433-8047.

NC residents are being encouraged to call NC 211 for free confidential help regarding needed resources during the virus pandemic.

NC 211 is an information and referral service that families and individuals can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services resources within their community.

The number operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and resources are available in most languages and for the hearing impaired.

Officials say information includes things such as food distribution sites, drive through testing locations, closures of community resources, and other services available in their area.

NC 211 cannot provide direct medical services though, as coronavirus can only be diagnosed by a health care expert.

Simply dial 211 or TTY 888-892-1162.

As of Thursday morning, according to the state’s department of health and human services, NC has 97 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The US Attorney’s office says scammers are using the COVID pandemic to create fear and take advantage of victims.

Officials are warning people to stay vigilant – criminals are currently using fake charities, crowd-funding sites and mobile apps under the guise of preventing coronavirus.

Some scammers are claiming to have a cure or remedy for the virus; that claim is completely false.

Testing and vaccine information will come directly from CDC leaders.

Individuals need to make certain that they don’t give out any credit card information, any checking information, or any type of wiring information unless they absolutely know for sure who they’re dealing with.

Also be cautious of direct emails, phishing scams, and robotic calls.

Local and state experts say they’re monitoring websites and businesses for price gouging and misinformation.

If you suspect a scam, report it online at Ic3.gov.