Opelika Observer Online - COVID-19 Update: 03-16-2020

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Monday, March 16, 2020

Vol. 01, No. 01

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Opelika, Alabama

COVERAGE

“By local people, for local people.”

EAMC holds presser on Lee County’s COVID-19 forces first confirmed COVID-19 case strict visitor

By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter

On Monday afternoon, officials gathered at the East Alabama Medical Education Center to discuss the current COVID-19 situation as it was announced this morning that the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Lee County is an EAMC employee.

In addition, there were discussions of screening vs. testing, the need to seriously practice social distancing and what businesses can do to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Lee County.

“We’ve done several things over the past month to prepare for this time, we had a conference call this morning and then again late last night with the Alabama Department of Public Health (in regards to the first COVID-19 case in Lee County), we are coordinating all our efforts with the Alabama Department of Public Health and

restrictions at EAMC, EAMCLanier, Oak Park Special to the Opelika Observer Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer we have been preparing for what is actually now happening,” said President and CEO of EAMC Laura Grill.

EAMC is reducing the amount of physical entries into the hospital, reducing the amount of visitors allowed in the hospital with each visitor going through a screening prior to entry and receiving a visitors pass and requiring all employees to check in before work.

“We have not been able to identify earlier cases because of the lack of testing, we’ve also learned that this infection can be very contagious and can cause mild symptoms, especially in those who are young and healthy,” said M.D. of Infectious Disease Ricardo Maldonado. “Given the lack of vaccines or treatments, and with the limited testing kits that we have, the best tool we have is social distancing,” Maldo-

nado added.

“I want to assure folks that we have all the confidence in the world in EAMC and (the) professionals and I think we need to follow their advice, avoid crowds and use common sense,” said Mayor Gary Fuller.

EAMC encourages those who believe they may have come in contact with COVID-19 to call their hotline at 334-528SICK.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller offers statement regarding COVID-19

Special to the Opelika Observer

On Friday afternoon, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller issued a statement on how the city is preparing in regards to the COVID-19 situation.

His statements, published in full are below: "I wanted to reach out today to reassure our citizens that the City of Opelika is prepared for the ever-changing coronavirus COVID-19 situation. City officials are working closely with East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika City Schools, local business

and industry to ensure that we have plans in place to maintain essential city services. This includes but not limited to police, fire, EMT, power, solid waste and wastewater collection.

In addition, we are in communication with Opelika Utilities and they are also prepared.

We will be constantly monitoring the situation and provide updates via the city website (www. opelika-al.gov); social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram); and communicated through the local media.

I encourage you to

Fuller continue your daily routine while using social distancing as you can. Use common sense and wash your hands.

Our local businesses are open and need your support. I know that our community is one who

rallies together when challenging situations occur. Be calm and patient as we all work through this together.

For any questions or guidance regarding Coronavirus COVID-19 please refer to the CDC website (travel warnings) for the most updated information at www.cdc.gov/ coronavirous/2019nCoV/index.html.

The Alabama Department of Public Health updates can be found at www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/2019- coronavirus.html.

EAMC officials began screening all visitors on Friday at 2 p.m. Visitors who enter EAMC will first see that the lobby is blocked out and staffed by a security guard.

Visitors will be directly to the side where they will be asked for their driver’s license and then screened for fever and asked questions regarding any symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Each patient is allowed one consistent visitor during their stay (swapping out of visitors is not allowed), and it is highly recommended that the person be younger than age 65. This applies to inpatients—patients who are in the hospital—as well as to patients being treated in the Emergency Department and patients who are having surgery or an elective procedure at either EAMC or EAMCLanier. These restrictions also apply to patients being treated at the Spencer Cancer Center.

Visitation time has been short-

ened…the current times available to visit are 8 .m. to 7 p.m. at EAMC and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at EAMC-Lanier.

In addition, EAMC has announced that visitors are not allowed at the EAMC Skilled Nursing Facility, at the EAMC-Lanier Nursing Home and at the Oak Park Nursing Home.

Independent living residents at Oak Park are allowed to have visitors — although we suggest it be limited — but visitors must enter through the independent living entrance.

Other visitors, including clergy members, will not be permitted.

Exceptions may be granted in certain extreme situations, but routine visits will not be allowed.

These unprecedented steps are being taken to protect our patients and residents, as well as our staff and physicians.

These restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

Follow the hospital’s social media pages or visit www. eamc.org for updates.

Alabama Statewide statistics: 29 cases/0 deaths @opelikaobserver

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A2 March 16, 2020

Statement on COVID-19 from Auburn mayor

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama prepared to meet the needs of customers in the event of sustained spread of COVID-19 Special to the Opelika Observer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama cares first and foremost about the health and wellbeing of our customers.

Please be assured Blue Cross will continue to meet the needs of groups, members and providers with the sustained spread of a novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

“The health and safety of our members remains our top priority,” said Dr. Dow Briggs, executive vice president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. “We want our customers to have peace of mind and know they have access to the healthcare they need if they are exposed to coronavirus or become sick. We will continue to do what is necessary to support the health and well-being of our members and the community.”

As the illness caused

by COVID-19 contin-

ues to spread, many are concerned about the possible impact to themselves and their families. Blue Cross has taken the following steps to ensure our members have access to the right care during this challenging time.

• Waiving prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and covered services that are medically necessary and consistent with CDC guidance for members diagnosed with COVID-19.

• Covering medically necessary diagnostic tests that are consistent with CDC guidance related to COVID-19 at no cost to our members with fully insured individual, employerbased, Federal Employee Program, and Medicare Advantage plans. For self-funded employer plans, members’ cost share for diagnostic tests will be based on their benefit plan.

• Increasing access to prescription medica-

tions by waiving early medication refill limits on prescriptions and encouraging members to use their 90-day retail or mail order benefit.

• Expanding access to telehealth and nurse/ provider hotlines. Given the nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, seeking in-person medical care may lead to further spreading of the virus.

• Dedicating staff to be specifically available to address inquiries related to medical services, ensuring timely responses related to COVID-19.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is closely monitoring the situation and has contingency plans in place to ensure business operations continue to run smoothly: • Continuing to process claims electronically. 99% of claims are processed electronically, and we do not anticipate disruption to claims processing.

• Expanding our telework capabilities to

cover nearly 100% of our workforce over the next 2-4 weeks to maintain staffing of critical business areas.

If members have questions, they can call the customer service number located on the back of their ID card.

For the latest on COVID-19 developments, please visit the CDC’s website.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has insured Alabamians for over 83 years. Blue Cross offers coverage plans to corporations, individuals and the senior market. For more information about Blue Cross, visit AlabamaBlue.com. Connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube and follow us on Twitter for more up-to-date information.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Anders Special to the Opelika Observer On Friday, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders released the following statements on the Coronavirus. They have been published in their entirety.

“This is Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, and I just wanted to take a moment to talk with you about the COVID-19 or coronavirus situation as it relates to Auburn.

As this statement is issued, we’re still not aware of any cases in Alabama. We now know that Auburn University plans to transition to remote instruction, rather than classroom instruction, after spring break until at least April 10. We continue to partner and share information with local, state and regional resources including the Alabama Department of Public Health, the East Alabama Medical Center, Auburn City Schools and Auburn University.

Of course, the most important thing for all of us is to be measured and intentional in monitoring news and information on the virus, in maintaining good hygiene as we wash our hands and keep our surroundings clean and in avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

I invite you to go to auburnalabama.org/

Lee County Humane Society precautions regarding COVID-19 Special to the Opelika Observer Lee County Humane Society is taking extensive precautions in order to protect the health of our staff, fosters, volunteers, and supporters during the developing crisis surrounding the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the resulting COVID-19 illness.

Our safety measures include the implementation of strict cleaning procedures to ensure that all shared surfaces, including door handles, keyboards, and countertops are fully disinfected throughout the day. Staff members who show signs of any illness, as well as those who may have been exposed to any illness or virus will not be permitted to work onsite at the shelter until cleared by a physician.

Any pet owners who need to surrender a pet to the shelter must call ahead and speak with a manager. We also ask

that individuals who have a fever and/or respiratory symptoms, including volunteers and adopters, not visit the shelter, to avoid infecting essential staff and other visitors.

All offsite events are canceled through the month of March, including all of our regular adoption events at PetSmart and PetCo, as well as Bark in the Park. We are also postponing our annual gala, Shrimpin’ for the Shelter, for the sake of public health. We will still have Shrimpin’ for the Shelter tickets and table sponsorships available for purchase once we are able to reschedule the event.

At this time, we need the support of our local communities more than ever, particularly in the areas of fostering and adopting. As puppy and kitten season unfolds alongside the COVID-19 outbreak, shelters nationwide may experience decreased adoptions at the time when we need them the

most. Our current adoption special decreases the adoption fee to $19 for all altered animals, with an additional $50 spay/neuter deposit for unaltered animals.

If you are unable to adopt at this time, please consider fostering with LCHS or with other shelters and/or rescues.

Fostering saves lives, particularly during busy times with decreased adoptions. Two lives are saved for every animal that is fostered or adopted: the life of the animal that is brought into a foster home or forever home, and the life of another homeless animal who is given a spot at the shelter.

We are immensely appreciative of everyone’s patience and understanding during this time.

pelika Observer

Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and Michelle@opelikaobserver.com D. Mark Mitchell

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coronavirus for more information and for links to other local and regional resources.

The City of Auburn has a longstanding business continuity plan to ensure that we’re ready to maintain city services in any scenario from weather disaster to pandemic. We have a task force in place with departments collaborating and evaluating the situation. The City staff is here to continue to serve the community through our 911 and public safety services as well as water and sewer services, trash collection, road and infrastructure maintenance and more.

Please keep an eye on auburnalabama.org, @ CityofAuburnAL on social media and our eNotifier texts and emails for information on city programs and public meetings.

We encourage you to continue shopping locally, at your discretion. Our local businesses are still open, and they will decide how best to respond to this situation for their business, their staff and their customers.

So keep your hands clean, your heads clear and your spirits calm.

As always, we’re in this together as the Auburn community.”

Follow their website and social media pages for more information and updates.

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A3 March 16, 2020

Gov. Kay Ivey issues State of Emergency, closing all K-12 schools effective March 18 Special to the Opelika Observer Following is a copy of the State of Emergency proclamation Gov. Kay Ivey issued last week.

“WHEREAS the Alabama Emergency Management Act of 1955, as amended, confers upon the Governor the power to proclaim a state of emergency when a public health emergency has occurred or is reasonably anticipated in the immediate future, see Ala. Code 31-9-8; WHEREAS the State Health Officer has reported the ap-

pearance of the 2019 novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 in the State of Alabama; and WHEREAS, the appearance of COVID-19 in the State indicates the potential of widespread exposure to an infectious agent that poses significant risk of substantial harm to a large number of people NOW, THEREFORE, I Kay Ivey, Governor of the State of Alabama, on the recommendation of the State Health Officer and pursuant to relevant provisions of the Alabama Emergency Manage-

ment Act of 1955, as amended, Ala. Code 31-9-1 et seq., do hereby declare that a state public health emergency exists in the State of Alabama.

I direct the appropriate state agencies to exercise their statutory and regulatory authority to assist the communities and entities affected. I also direct the Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama Emergency Management Agency to seek federal assistance as may be available.”

For more information and updates, visit governor.alabama. gov.

Ivey

SUSCC to suspend on-campus instruction after spring break Special to the Opelika Observer In the interest of the health and safety of its students, Southern Union State Community College will extend spring break for students through March 17.

Students are asked to refrain from returning to campus after spring break. Classes will resume via an alternative instruction method on March 18

and continue through at least April 3.

Faculty and staff will continue normal operations, although departments should utilize “social distancing” as appropriate.

Students will be instructed by college officials on how they should continue their academic coursework.

In addition, all student and campus activities are can-

celled beginning Wednesday, March 18 through April 3. Per the Alabama Community College Conference, all athletic events are suspended through April 3. The college Residence Hall on the Wadley campus will be closed during this time.

Students should check their student email frequently as communication will be through that chan-

nel. Updates will also be posted on an information page: www.suscc.edu/ healthupdate.cms .

Auburn University to transition to remote instruction March 16 to April 10 Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University will transition from oncampus instruction to remote delivery beginning Monday, March 16 and continue through April 10 in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

University officials ask that students refrain from returning to campus after spring break.

University officials will subsequently determine if students will return to campus for the remaining weeks of the spring

semester. Auburn faculty will contact students on steps they should take to continue their academic coursework.

The university will continue normal operations, although departments and units should utilize remote work and “social distancing” as appropriate.

“The Auburn Family faces many unknowns about this virus,” said Auburn University President Jay Gogue. “We are taking these unprecedented steps based on our utmost concern for the health and well-being of Auburn students,

faculty and staff. In the meantime, we continue working with public health and emergency preparedness officials to make decisions in the best interest of the campus community and to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Other university actions: All university events, including sporting events, are canceled through April 10, ensuring appropriate “social distancing” and helping prevent the potential spread of the virus.

All university domestic and international

travel is suspended through April 10.

Dining facilities, libraries and residence halls will be closed through April 10.

University officials will make arrangements for international students and others who are unable to return home. Students who have specific questions should contact the Division of Student Affairs.

Decisions have not yet been made on spring commencement, summer study abroad programs or other events and activities beyond April 10.

The university medical clinic remains open.

Those exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should immediately call the Auburn Medical Clinic at 334-844-9825 before visiting the clinic.

University officials will make arrangements for students who do not have access to the technology needed for remote instruction.

Students who live on campus and believe it necessary to return to campus to collect personal items should first contact the Office of University Housing at housing@auburn.edu.

Auburn officials urge the following safety precautions: - Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds - Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve - Don’t touch your face, especially your eyes, mouth and nose - Disinfect commonly touched surfaces, including mobile devices Daily updates will be posted on ocm.auburn. edu/news/coronavirus/.

Auburn University at Montgomery will issue a separate announcement regarding its operations.

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A4 March 16, 2020

CDC awarding $8.1 million to the state of Alabaama to help with COVID-19 response Special to the Opelika Observer The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing another upcoming action by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide resources to state and local jurisdictions in support of our nation's response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with the state of Alabama expected to receive $8.1 million in funding.

"State and local health departments are on the frontlines of respond-

ing to the COVID-19 outbreak, and we are deeply grateful for their work," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "CDC is distributing this new funding extremely rapidly, as called for

by Congress. President (Donald) Trump and his entire administration will continue working to ensure state and local jurisdictions have the resources they need to keep Americans safe and healthy."

"Our state, local, tribal and territorial public health partners are on the front lines of the COVID-19

response. The action we are taking today will continue to support their efforts to increase public health capacity where it's needed most," said CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, M.D. "These funds will allow public health leaders to

implement critical steps necessary to contain and mitigate spread of the virus in communities across the country."

On March 6, the President signed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act,

Alabama Senate approves $5 million to fight COVID-19 Special to the Opelika Observer On Thursday the Alabama Senate approved a $5 million supplemental appropriation to the budget to combat the spread of COVID-19, commonly referred to as Coronavirus, in Alabama.

These funds will help supplement the Federal funding which totals $8.1 million to this date.

The money is for health care professionals to use as they see fit to stop the spread of the disease in Alabama including helping set up local centers for testing, covering expenses related to telehealth and covering the costs for the uninsured for testing and treatment.

Currently there [are 29] positive tests for Coronavirus in Alabama, [and] after meeting with profes-

sionals in the healthcare industry and public health officials, legislative leadership determined it was important to be proactive and work to get the situation under control [as] tests in Alabama come back positive for the disease.

Both Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh (R-Anniston) and Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed (R-Jasper) emphasized that if someone is not feeling well, they should contact their physician to administer next steps and determine if further testing is necessary.

“I want to thank Governor Ivey and her team for taking this issue head on. One of the biggest problems we have seen from this disease is simply a lack of preparation,” Marsh said.

“It is important for

everybody to know that Alabama has a solid plan to combat Coronavirus. I cannot stress enough that if someone feels as though they need to be tested for Coronavirus they should contact their doctor to work through the next steps.”

“Over the past several days legislative leadership has held a series of meetings with the Governor and her Coronavirus Task Force, as well as with health care professionals who are on the front lines of combating this pandemic,” Reed said. “It is important to know that we have test kits and tests are being administered and we have excellent health care professionals who are prepared to act.

One important thing to note is that we are setting up the ability to contact doctors with telehealth so

that next steps can be decided over the phone or video chat to limit the potential of exposure to this illness,” Reed said.

“In response to the pandemic that has been going around the nation and the world, this supplementary spending bill is a way for the State of Alabama to be proactive and show our citizens that we are serious about fighting the spread of the coronavirus,” said Alabama Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro). “Although we have not had a positive test in the state [at the time this was released], we understand that this highly contagious virus could be potentially deadly for those with compromised immune systems. Therefore, we are moving forward in setting up crisis centers to protect our citizens.”

2020. The supplemental contains $8.3 billion government-wide, with resources directed for grants or cooperative agreements to states, localities, territories, and tribes to accelerate planning and operational readiness for COVID-19 preparedness and response, as well as develop tools and strategies, provide technical assistance and program support, as well as ensure ongoing communication and coordination among public health agencies and partners throughout the response.

The CDC has contact-

ed state health officers to move forward with awarding more than $560 million to states, localities, territories and tribes. CDC will use existing networks to reach out to state and local jurisdictions to access this initial funding.

To view the list of CDC funding actions to jurisdictions, visit www.hhs.gov/about/ news/2020/03/11/cdcfunding-information.

For more information about this virus, visit CDC's website: www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/ index.

Opelika postpones community census events Special to the Opelika Observer

Because of concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Opelika is postponing the following Census Community events until a later date. We will update you all when we know the new dates.

COVINGTON COMMUNITY GAME NIGHT March 26, 2020 6 - 8 p.m.

• Covington Rec Center

CORNHOLE ON THE SQUARE March 28, 2020 2 - 4 p.m.

• Courthouse Square I COUNT COOKOUT April 1, 2020 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library For more information or to ask questions regarding the census, call 334-705-5136.

Follow the Opelika Counts Facebook page for updates on census information in our area.

www.cyberzone334.com

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A5 March 16, 2020

Secretary of State requests emergency opinion from Attorney General’s Office to postpone runoff election Special to the Opelika Observer Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the State of Alabama and the declaration of a National Emergency by President Donald Trump and the declaration of a State of Emergency

by Governor Kay Ivey, Secretary of State John H. Merrill has requested an emergency opinion from the Attorney General’s Office related to the possible postponement of the March 31 Runoff Election.

In the nature of keeping Alabam-

ians safe from the potential spread of the virus, Merrill has asked if, under the emergency powers granted to the Governor under Section 319-1 et seq. Ala. Code, the Governor has the authority to postpone the election.

Currently, neither the Code of Alabama nor the Constitution of the State of Alabama allow for the suspension, delay, or postponement of an election once the date has been set. This is why, in 2019, our office asked the Legislature to give the Governor the explicit power to be able to take prescribed ac-

Merrill tion through means that would be codified. Our attempt was unsuccessful but in the 2020 Legislative Session, we have asked Senator Donnie Chesteen and Representative David Standridge to introduce this legislation once again for

consideration by the membership of their respective bodies.

The health and well-being of the people of this state are of paramount importance. In order to effectively practice social distancing, as recommended by the President of the

United States, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the Alabama Department of Public Health, etc., the March 31 Runoff Election must be postponed.

In postponing the election until the threat of the Coronavirus is eliminated, Alabamians will be able to participate in the electoral process in a safe and healthy environment, as they have done in the past.

The Secretary of State’s Office will continue to monitor the situation and will provide additional updates as they become available.

Because absentee ballots have not yet gone out, votes in the Runoff Election would not be affected.

In the meantime, Secretary Merrill has recommended others to follow the guidelines set out by the CDC: • Stock up on supplies • Keep space between yourself and others • Avoid crowds • Wash hands often • Avoid touching nose, mouth, and eyes For questions or concerns, contact the Office of the Secretary of State at 334220-4757.

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A6 March 16, 2020

Sen. Doug Jones, colleagues introduce bipartisan bill to address medical supply vulnerability due to COVID-19 Special to the Opelika Observer U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.), alongside a bipartisan group of his colleagues, has introduced legislation to safeguard America’s medical supply chain and address shortages due to the United States’ dependence on foreign-made medical equipment.

Approximately 40% of finished drugs and 80% of active pharmaceutical ingredients are manufactured overseas, primarily from China and India.

The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak has highlighted broader public health and national security vulnerabilities stemming from our nation’s reliance upon foreign manufacturing

and the shortcomings in our regulatory oversight of global supply chains.

“The global COVID-19 outbreak has made it clear that the United States needs a strategy to increase domestic production of the testing and treatments that folks need,” said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. “This bill will help us address our nation’s dependence on foreign-made medical equipment and will help boost domestic production and policy.”

On Feb. 27, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the first coronavirusrelated drug shortage, and on March 10, the FDA halted its routine

Jones overseas inspections of drugs and devices.

In December, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission sounded the alarm on the “growing reliance” on drugs and precursors produced, in many cases exclusively, in China. This week, state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN In view of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 (Corona) virus, we are taking measures to protect our elderly and immunocompromised customers.

The pharmacy will serve the community through our drive-thru/curb side and delivery service only effective immediatly.

CALL OR TEXT US AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU NEED. WE WILL SHOP FOR YOU.

We will not open our doors to allow customers inside the pharmacy but rather bring everything out to you in your vehicle or to your home by our free delivery service.

HOURS: 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. MONDAY TO FRIDAY

have raised concerns about a looming shortage of coronavirus extraction kit reagents needed to conduct diagnostic testing.

The bipartisan Commission on America’s Medical Security Act would direct the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to: -Assess the dependence of and vulnerabilities to the United

States, including the private commercial sector, states, and Federal agencies, on critical medications, medical devices, and medical equipment that are sourced from or manufactured in foreign countries.

-Provide recommendations and an action plan to improve the resiliency of the supply chain for critical drugs, devices, and equipment, including to increase domestic manufacturing capabilities, supplies and stockpiles and improve information collection and contingency planning.

-Consult, in the development of its report, with federal agencies — including Departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security,

Defense, Commerce, State, Justice and Veterans Affairs — as well as public health, medical and commercial industry stakeholders.

U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Patty Murray (DWash.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Amy Klobuchar (DMinn.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined Senator Jones in introducing this legislation.

A House companion bill will be introduced

by U.S. Representatives Raul Ruiz (CA36), Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Phil Roe, M.D. (TN-01).

Lee County Commission holding special emergency meeting on Tuesday SPECIAL EMERGENCY MEETING LEE COUNTY COMMISSION TO BE HELD MARCH 17, 2020 AT 5:00 P.M. Pursuant to Section 11-38(b), Code of Alabama, (see below) I am calling a special emergency meeting of the Lee County Commission for Tuesday afternoon, March 17, 2020 at 5:00pm in the Commission Chambers at the Lee County Courthouse.

The purpose of the emergency meeting is to discuss the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic’s effect on Lee County operations

and suggested temporary policy changes related to our employees.

The agenda for the emergency meeting of the Commission will consist solely of determining whether to make any temporary policy changes to Lee County policies and procedures. /s/ Judge Bill English Chairman, Lee County Commission Section 11-3-8 Scheduling of regular and special meetings. (b) The county commission may schedule a special meeting when determined necessary in writing by a majority of the members of the commission, or in case of an emergency, upon call

of the chair. The purpose for and agenda of the meeting shall be included in all public notices of the meeting, and no other items shall be considered at the special meeting. Upon scheduling, except in an emergency, at least five days prior to the special meeting, notice of the meeting time, place, and agenda shall be posted in a public and conspicuous location in the courthouse and in other public buildings determined appropriate by the county commission and shall be forwarded to all local news media who have on file with the county commission a written request for notification of special meetings of the county commission.

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A7 March 16, 2020

Local businesses provide update on openings, schedules while dealing with COVID-19 pandemic

By Sara Wilson Opelika Observer COVID-19 is affecting things everywhere, especially local businesses. The Opelika Observer went to Facebook to ask what changes small businesses here in Opelika are making to insure employee and

customer safety as well as whether or not they will remain open.

Taylor Made Designs will host a live virtual shopping night on Thursday, March 19.

The store is using Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer in an effort to be cautious.

Angel’s Antique Mall

is open normal hours.

They have instructed staff to sanitize every night.

Massey Family Chiropractic will be open this weekend to provide care to overworked hospital staff.

Alabama Foot Care Center will be open.

They are taking proper

precautions by wearing masking and gloves and using Lysol on surfaces three times a day.

Chuck’s Bar-B-Que of Opelika remains open.

Zazu Gastropub and La Cantina are now offering curbside pickup.

Cafe 123 is offering curbside delivery. Call in your order at 334-737-

0069 and they will have it ready for you.

Butcher Paper BBQ will be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Starting next week, it will be open 6:30 a.m. to 8 Monday through Saturday. They are working on upping sanitation

routines.

Both locations of Miss Deanna’s Childcare will be open.

Southern Crossing will be open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are offering free deliveries in Opelika, Auburn and surrounding areas.

Area Restaurant Delivery, Pick-Up Schedules

Cafe 123 - Order ahead and they will bring it to your car