In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Graham Chamber of Commerce is collecting information through a local business health survey intended to show the organization where it can be allocating its resources during this time in helping local businesses.
Graham Chamber of Commerce Manager Lisa Kinkead said the survey as of now has no end date, but is meant to get a pulse on how the community has been affected.
When Down Home Bakehouse and Burgers N Billiards temporarily closed in March, in order to help combat the novel coronavirus, both used the time to come up with an approach to do business, during this time of uncertainty.
Lynsey Browning, co-owner of Down Home Bakehouse, posted on Facebook on March 28 that they would have to close their doors as a protective measure for the community. Down Home Bakehouse is a coffee shop and restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch, which opened in early December.
As the Internal Revenue Service begins to distribute stimulus payments, they have opened a website for those who have not filed taxes for 2018 or 2019 and will launch a website application for those that would like to add their banking information and track their payment.
The Economic Impact Payment is rolling out to all U.S. citizens or resident aliens that have a valid Social Security number, could not be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer and had adjusted gross income under certain limits, according to the IRS website.
Young County Judge John Bullock issued an amendment to his April 1 shelter-in-place order. The change was made to mirror a similar order by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on March 31. Bullock's original order, which went into effect at midnight on April 1, included the requirement that churches shall suspend congregational services. During a March 31 news conference, Abbott encouraged churches to conduct their services remotely, but said that if they must meet in person, they should follow the federal social-distancing guidelines.
A man who traveled by vehicle from New York to Olney died Friday and was later confirmed to be positive for COVID-19. The man was presumed to have died from COVID-19 with autopsy results pending, according to Young County Local Health Authority Dr. Pat Martin.
Martin said he came from New York to be with his family in Olney and was sick and tested at one of the medical facilities because of his illness. Martin said the man’s body was taken to the medical examiners office who will determine the actual cause of death.
As of Wednesday, April 8, all May 2 elections across the county have been postponed to the Nov. 3 general election date due to COVID-19.
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and Graham’s Virginia’s House is taking this time to raise awareness about child abuse and show appreciation to the volunteers that help advocate and mentor children coming from difficult situations.
Graham Regional Medical Center is prepared for a surge in COVID-19 patients, changing some protocols in the Emergency Room and transforming the former women’s center and general surgery clinic into a COVID-19 center, with a rapid assessment clinic, seven inpatient rooms and an ICU unit.
Staff from GRMC aired a virtual tour via Facebook, to inform the community of their preparedness in case of a surge due to COVID-19.
In a ParentSquare message sent out Thursday morning, Graham ISD outlined the grading guidelines for at-home learning, which includes separate guidelines for the elementary schools, junior high and high school.
Sonny Cruse, GISD Superintendent, wrote about the collaboration of the staff to make sure students are receiving input from their completed assignments.
County leaders met Thursday to host a livestream keeping the community informed on updates regarding COVID-19 and to address local questions. The recovery of two local patients was announced by Dr. Pat Martin.
Joining the meeting were Graham Regional Medical Center CEO Shane Kernell, Young County Local Health Authority Dr. Martin, Graham Mayor Neal Blanton, Young County Judge John Bullock and Graham City Manager Brandon Anderson. Dr. Martin updated the group by saying the county has had four cases, with no new cases as of Thursday afternoon.
