Record visitation at public lands during COVID-19 pandemic
Visitation at many state forests in North Carolina is two and three times greater than what is typical for this time of year, which is stretching the resources of the sites and making it harder for people to practice proper social distancing. Visitors are asked to strictly follow social distancing guidelines to help keep public lands safe, available and open to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Haywood extends ‘stay home’ order
Less than two weeks after issuing a joint proclamation restricting movement to essential activity only, the Haywood County Board of Commissioners has extended the duration of that proclamation by 18 days.
Macon County reports first COVID-19 related death
A Macon County resident diagnosed with COVID-19 has died. The person was over the age of 65 and had underlying medical conditions.
Lake Junaluska adjusts Easter events schedule
Easter sunrise at the Lake Junaluska Cross will be streamed live from Lake Junaluska on Sunday, April 12, followed by video of a special pre-recorded Lake Junaluska Easter service.
DHT, health departments parter for better access to testing
To support efforts to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19 in Western North Carolina, Dogwood Health Trust is partnering with multiple rural county health departments throughout the 18-county and Qualla Boundary to increase access to COVID-19 testing specifically to support contact tracing efforts. Dogwood has been working for weeks to source test kits from private labs to support health department efforts in rural areas of the region.
Haywood records third case of COVID-19
Haywood County Public Health received notice April 5, that another Haywood County resident has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The individual is in isolation at their home.
Supporting efforts to keep our community healthy
Our community — along with communities around the world — is navigating unprecedented challenges as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread. The cycle of our lives and neighborhoods has been altered, and we are all working to accommodate an ever-changing new normal. Fear and uncertainty complicate our collective abilities to do this.
WCU brings much-needed surgical masks to area
A chat room conversation between colleagues at Western Carolina University with ties to China led to fast action that is putting surgical masks into the hands of front-line health workers in the region's smaller care facilities.
Haywood awaiting 21 test results
Key messages from Haywood County Health Department Medical Director Mark Jaben following the first positive cases in the county.
Bryson City shelter for teens shuts down
Hawthorn Heights, an emergency shelter for teens in Bryson City, has shut its doors permanently due to financial constraints during the COVID-19 Pandemic.