I would like to say hello to the people of Rockingham and Richmond County and give you my wishes for a healthy day for you and your family. I am Steve Morris and I am very proud to serve as Mayor of Rockingham. Today is Tuesday, March 31. I would like to give you a Richmond County update on the current Coronavirus that is the No. 1 topic in the world.
Some of my information came from the office Dr. Tommy Jarrell. Dr. Jarrell is the Director of the Richmond County Health and Human Services office. Additional information came from N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper; Richmond County Manager Bryan Land; and Rockingham City Manager Monty Crump.
As of Monday, March 30, at 2 in the afternoon, there was not a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Richmond County. 182 individuals had been tested and 95 tests were negative. The other test results were pending. Again, NO positive test results at this time.
There is no curfew in Richmond County at this time.
All of the City of Rockingham services remain operational, such as water, waste water, trash pick-up, road maintenance, building permits, fire and police protection. The doors at Rockingham City Hall are locked, but you may call for information or come to the drive-thru window for information or to pay utility bills.
As you probably know by now Gov. Cooper issued a 'Stay at Home" order for all of the state beginning at 5 yesterday afternoon. His order made it mandatory for all residents to remain at their place of residence except to travel for essential trips. Some essential trips are going to work, going to get medication, exercise, and to help others. Other essential trips may be found on the nc.gov website.
All playgrounds, picnic areas and restroom facilities are closed until further notice. Walking trails remain open. An example of this is the park on Steele Street at Hitchcock Creek. The area with swings, slides, round-a-bout, and picnic shelters are closed but the greenway trail along the creek is open. If you walk, jog, or run on any of the trails be sure to maintain six feet between walkers and no more than ten walkers in a group.
The former Sandhills Regional Hospital located on Highway 74, beside Richmond Community College, is open for COVID-19 testing. Individuals who think they may have flu symptoms should call their primary health provider, the Richmond County Health Department, or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 910-417-4947. Again, the Covid-19 hotline is 910-417-4947. The testing site will be open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning today. Each person will be screened for flu symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, or coughing.) After the screening a determination will be made as whether a COVID -19 test should be given. Samples for COVID-19 are also being collected through First Health and the Richmond County Health Department, as needed. Again, the COVID-19 telephone number is 910-417-4947.
Places that are allowed to be open for business, as part of the governor's "Stay at Home" order:
I would like to thank everyone who has made an effort to stay at home and not gather in crowds. Please wash your hands with soap each time you come in your house as a precaution and try to keep six feet away from other people outside of your family. These three steps are believed to help decrease the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Please be careful and remain safe and healthy.
Steve Morris
Rockingham Mayor
