The Center for Disease Control recommends for the next 8 weeks,

organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone

in-person events that consist of 50 or more people throughout the U.S.

Governor Cooper on Saturday ordered all K-12 public schools in the state

to close for a minimum of two weeks in response to COVID-19. The

Executive Order also bans gatherings of more than 100 people. As of

Sunday, North Carolina had 32 cases with one in Watauga County. Public

Schools close starting today, for at least two weeks. The Governor has

appointed an Education and Nutrition Working Group to develop a plan to

ensure that children and families are supported while schools are closed.

In Burke County, a special called meeting today of the Board of Education

addressed COVID-19. In addition, WPCC cancelled classes this week, but

expect classes to resume in an online format on Monday, March 23^rd, with

limited attendance on campus.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is implementing a temporary suspension,

until further notice, to limit persons within the jail. This suspension will

include visitation of persons in custody, programs involving persons coming

inside the jail, and religious services. Remote visitation will continue to be

available as well as attorney visits.