Hi, just a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in Steve Rao. Don't forget to add sr@steverao.com to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!
You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails.
March 8 - March 14 Week In Review and Morrisville Play of the Week Edition
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
March 14, 2021
Happy National Introverts Week! https://quietlyinfluentialsummit.com/
CONNECT MORRISVILLE INPUT
Please visit and participate in our survey to provide ideas and thoughts you might like to see included or removed from the next plan. Those who complete the survey will be entered to win one of 25 gift packs!   

Connecting our Youth:  
Any youth in your home or neighborhood? We have developed a Take Home Kit that will allow youth ages 14 and under to share what it means to them to “Connect Morrisville.” They can create a collage, paint a picture or write a story with the kit to share with the Town! Request your kit by emailing ConnectMorrisvilleInput@townofmorrisville.org for contactless pickup. 
Urgent Alerts:
Wake County 4th and 5th Graders Returned to In Person Instruction Today.
Wake County 4th and 5th Graders Returned to In Person Instruction Today. In Wake County, all lunches will be individually packaged and directly handed to each student. Students will not be able to serve themselves like they have in the past.  Social Distancing is now 3 ft apart in the Schools.  All breakfast and lunches will be free to all students. The students will not need to show their student ID to receive their meal.  

(Some Durham and Cumberland County kids are also returning)
COVID 19 Cases force Major conferences to call off tournament games with cancellations involving No. 11 Kansas and No. 16 Virginia
Wake County Testing at Bond Park in Cary March 15- March 26.  (Also in Raleigh and Garner)
Marius Pharmaceuticals News
Raleigh Based Marius Pharmaceuticals Receives PDUFA Date for KYZATREX® NDA for Treatment of Hypogonadism

(See Marius Pharma Section at end of Newsletter) 
Important Updates:
11,709 North Carolinians have died since the Pandemic after first Covid 19 case diagnosed on March 3, 2020.
Today, the newly reported cases of 892 are lower than normal since there was a Technical Error. Health officials said data on March 15 will be higher as it incorporates case and test data that would have been reported today.
Deadline for Applying for Advisory Committees is Apr. 5th!
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
For details on Morrisville Carpenter Road Project, please visit http://bit.ly/mcrcp1.
Covid Vaccination News
See Vaccination Section for details on where you can sign up!

Do your Part!

Proud to say that I did at Wake Med this Saturday!
Morrisville Sustainability Manager
Town of Morrisville welcomes Kimberly Conley as our new Sustainability Manager.  We will have more on her role and what her focus will be in my next newsletter!
Playbook for Morrisville: Technology
Technology Playbook: All Things Are Open in Morrisville, The Open Data Strategy
PLAY NUMBER TWO: 

All Things Are Open in Morrisville, The Open Data Strategy
One of my major goals is to make the Town of Morrisville the Number One Destination for Technology Entrepreneurs.  We have more technology employees and companies in our Town than most Cities/Towns in the State. (Lenovo, Cisco, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft)   

An innovative Open Data Platform and Initiative is a critical play which we need to execute so we can be the Number One Tech City in the State!  

Open Data can help our Council make Data Driven Decisions, increase citizen Engagement, lead to more start up companies, and provide for a more open, efficient and transparent Government for our Residents. 
In November 2020, The Town of Morrisville unveiled its Open Data Portal, which will allow the Town to continue to increase its transparency by simplifying public access to Morrisville’s information.

Open data is data and datasets that are freely available to the public. Users—anyone in the world with internet access—will be able to utilize the new web-based tool to create graphs, charts and maps based on the datasets. They will be able to download the data, interact with it, reuse it, and redistribute it.

Datasets are organized under the headings of Administration, Environment, Planning and Permits, Public Safety, Recreation and Transportation. The initial Open Data Portal launch includes a handful of datasets with more datasets coming online at regular intervals.

The new website, which includes demonstration videos outlining how to use the site, can be found at https://opendata.townofmorrisville.org.

Open Data Playbook

1) Host Quarterly Open Data Hackathons, where we can provide Data Sets to citizens so we can encourage the development of Apps, and Services which can create apps, which can bring myriad efficiencies to the Town and improve our lives.  I am organizing an Open Data Hackathon this Spring and will keep you updated on these efforts.

2) Schools and Transportation Data Dashboard:
When we are faced with rezonings and approving residential development, many citizens express concerns about adding more congestions to the roads and students to overcrowded schools.  Let us ask the Smart City Advisory Committee to find, and share Real Time Schools and Transportation Data, so we know exactly at any given time, how many school kids reside in our Multi Family Communities, along with real time vehicle counts on major state roads and intersections in Morrisville.

This Data should be presented on a Dashboard, so our decisions are not only based on emotional, Social Media Posts or emails, but also based on unbiased, accurate data.

Open Data can assist our Council to make better Data Driven Decisions and can also can provide the Residents and Public, a more open, and Transparent Government.

3.  Open Data can create More Start Ups Companies and Jobs!: 
The Town of Morrisville Open Data initiative can fuel economic growth with a few projects getting off the ground, by venture funding, creating jobs, and opportunities.  Morrisville will be a destination for visionary entrepreneurs to start Open Data companies, adding more jobs, and attracting more start up talent to the Town!

4.  Increasing Citizen Engagement: 
Our Open Data Initiative will also help us connect and engage with many of our residents, as many of our Town residents, are Technology entrepreneurs or work in the Technology Industry.  In line with our Live Connected and Live Well Brand, what better way to connect our Citizens to the Town Policies, and Initiatives, than to connect them to our Technology and Data Initiatives!

Please send me your ideas on how we can develop one of the most innovative Open Data Programs in the State and Nation!

A special thanks to my colleagues on the Council, and Kyle Cooper from Parks and Recreation for participating in our Litter Sweep at Indian Creek Green and also the residents of Town Hall North for organizing a Litter Sweep this past Saturday!
Womens Month Hero of the Week:
Secretary of State Elaine Marshall
Monday March 1st marked the start of Women’s Month!   #WomensHistoryMonth, is a time to honor & recognize the contributions of women throughout history and those who are working tirelessly today to improve our communities. #WomenLead.

Every week this month, I will feature Women who are impacting our communities and State.   
This week I would like to recognize my dear friend, North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.  I will always remember when she swore me in as the first Asian American elected in North Carolina and on the Morrisville Council.  In 2019, I had the honor of representing North Carolina with her at the Global Bengal Business Summit in Kolkata, India at the invitation of NC Delegation Chair and Padma Bhushan, Swadesh Chatterjee.

In 1996, Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall became the first woman ever elected to a statewide, executive branch office in North Carolina.

Secretary Marshall was a member of the NC State Senate before rising to statewide office. She holds a B.S. in Home Economics from the University of Maryland and a law degree from Campbell University. She has received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Campbell University, Lees-McRae College, Meredith College and the Republic of Moldova Testemitanu State University of Medicine.

Her work experiences include teaching Home Economics in the public school and community college systems, co-ownership of a book and gift store, establishing an interior decorating business and the private practice of law.

Secretary Marshall has been very active in many civic groups in the areas of child welfare, women's issues, and agriculture and small town economic development.

Since becoming Secretary of State, she has received numerous state and national awards for leadership in technology, government innovation, and women's leadership.

I want to thank Elaine Marshall for being a great friend, mentor, a trailblazer, and most importantly, a magnificent leader for the State of North Carolina!  
Fireside Chat with Elaine Marshall
Imagine Morrisville Listening Sessions/Focus Groups
Over the next few weeks, I will be putting together listening sessions and Focus Groups across the Town with the Business Community, Neighborhoods, Technology Leaders/CEOs, and entrepreneurs, and HOAs to develop a Long Term Vision for the Town, as I consider how I will continue to serve the citizens of Morrisville, either running for the same At Large Seat, and based on many citizens’ request across the Town, am putting together an Exploratory Committee for Mayor as I explore at serving in another role on the Council.

I will make my final decision by mid April of whether I will run again for the Council and if I do, for what Seat.   I thank the many citizens across the Town who have expressed an interest in me continuing to serve.

Either way, I want to thank all of the citizens for allowing me to serve you or the past decade, both as an At Large Council Member and a former Mayor Pro Tem.

It is time to imagine what Morrisville can be, and to develop a Play Book so we can be the Number One Town to Live, Work, and Play in!

Please email me to sr@steverao.com to set up a Listening Session. Lets Imagine Morrisville Together and develop our playbook together.  It is time to win Championships!

We can be the Champions of the World!
National Updates
President Biden News
President Biden Signs Stimulus Deal and Checks on the Way!  (See American Rescue Plan Section)

Biden address Nation and sets goal for all Adults to be Vaccinated by May 1 and that we can gather in Small Groups by July 4th.
March 8 - March 14 WEEK IN REVIEW in NC
Governor Cooper Announces That Some in GROUP 4 May be Eligible
Cooper announced that some members of Group 4 will be able to get vaccines starting March 17, a week earlier than previously planned.

People at higher-risk plus certain people living in congregate housing will be eligible first. Other members of Group 4 will be eligible April 7.

As with previous eligibility changes, some vaccine providers may not be ready to open to Group 4 on March 17 if they are still experiencing high demand for vaccines in Groups 1 through 3.
GREENSBORO FEMA VACCINE SITE OPEN
The FEMA coronavirus vaccine clinic, expected to put 3,000 doses in arms a day, opened Wednesday in Greensboro. Air Force service members and National Guardsmen were ready to roll at the Four Seasons Town Centre as cars started lining up to receive the first doses at the clinic.

The clinic will administer 168,000 doses over the next eight weeks.

Governor Cooper Signs Reopen Our Schools Act
North Carolina state lawmakers have agreed to a back-to-school plan for K-12 students across the state, which has since been signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper.

After a vote in the state House Thursday, Senate Bill 220 was passed with bipartisan support according to a statement released by House Speaker Tim Moore. Titled "The Reopen Our Schools Act of 2021", the bill requires schools with students enrolled from kindergarten through 5th grade to be back on campus full-time, five days per week. This goes further than a previously-rejected bill from the Senate that would have allowed schools to keep students in grades K-5 in Plan B if districts chose to do so.

Districts will still have a choice for older students, however; the bill allows districts to open for grades 6-12 under Plan A if they desire, or move to hybrid learning under Plan B. Districts can also open under a combination of both plans, but all schools would need to offer students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) full-time classroom access under Plan A.
Schools who do reopen under Plan A for grades 6-12 will be required to detail plans to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), but Moore's office notes DHHS will not be able to veto local district decisions. Those schools will also be required to partner with the ABC Science Collaborative to study data related to reopening classrooms, part of an initiative funded with $500,000 of federal funds sent to the Department of Public Instruction.

All schools in the state will have to meet these requirements and reopen within 21 days of the bill's ratification. There is flexibility to open sooner.

The bill also gives authority to Gov. Cooper to order school closures on a district-by-district basis, but prohibits statewide closures via executive order. Further, families are still allowed the option of virtual learning.
WAKE COUNTY ADDS TO TEST SITES
Wake County is expanding access to COVID-19 testing by partnering with the City of Raleigh, Town of Cary and Town of Garner to launch three temporary testing locations beginning Monday, March 15.

Based in local parks, these convenient sites will make it easy for people who live in these communities to get tested. All sites are free, and residents do not need an appointment, insurance or ID. All sites will offer walk up testing for anyone who does not have a car.

Wake County will offer testing from Monday, March 15, through Sunday, March 21, at the following parks:
Biltmore Hills Park, 2615 Fitzgerald Drive, Raleigh; White Deer Park, 2400 Aversboro Road, Garner; Fred G. Bond Metro Park, 801 High House Road, Cary
MARIUS PHARMACEUTICALS ON TRACK FOR FDA APPROVAL FOR ORAL TESTOSTERONE!
Congratulations to Marius Pharmaceuticals CEO and Founder, Himanshu Shah and team for the exciting work they are doing in the Pharma and Life Sciences industry.  

Marius Pharmaceuticals announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of October 31, 2021 for the review of the KYZATREX® New Drug Application (NDA) for male hypogonadism. KYZATREX®, an oral testosterone undecanoate softgel, had one of the most comprehensive Phase 3 trials in the testosterone space and if approved, has the potential to be the only first-action approval oral testosterone product on the market. The company plans to launch immediately following product approval.
 
Hypogonadism, commonly referred to as testosterone deficiency, occurs when the body does not produce sufficient testosterone levels on its own. While testosterone’s role in sexual and reproductive function is widely known, it is also vital to numerous other metabolic and inflammatory processes. In the U.S., there are at least six million symptomatic men suffering from hypogonadism, and over 100 million men globally. Evidence supports the need for research initiatives to examine hormonal imbalance and the benefits of testosterone therapy in reducing risk factors related to cardiometabolic diseases. Marius also supports broader testosterone testing protocols for those experiencing fatigue, decreased libido, depression, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes. The resulting medical costs associated with men with untreated hypogonadism and related comorbidities are approximately $25 billion in the U.S. alone.
About Marius Pharmaceuticals
Marius is a patient-centric healthcare company focusing on therapies designed for hypogonadism or testosterone deficiency. The company’s mission is to improve the functional lives of patients by reducing the downstream effects of testosterone deficiency which include increased inflammation and fatigue. For more information, please visit www.mariuspharma.com

Marius Pharmaceuticals announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of October 31, 2021 for the review of the KYZATREX® New Drug Application (NDA) for male hypogonadism. KYZATREX®, an oral testosterone undecanoate softgel, had one of the most comprehensive Phase 3 trials in the testosterone space and if approved, has the potential to be the only first-action approval oral testosterone product on the market. The company plans to launch immediately following product approval.
 
Hypogonadism, commonly referred to as testosterone deficiency, occurs when the body does not produce sufficient testosterone levels on its own. While testosterone’s role in sexual and reproductive function is widely known, it is also vital to numerous other metabolic and inflammatory processes. In the U.S., there are at least six million symptomatic men suffering from hypogonadism, and over 100 million men globally. Evidence supports the need for research initiatives to examine hormonal imbalance and the benefits of testosterone therapy in reducing risk factors related to cardiometabolic diseases. Marius also supports broader testosterone testing protocols for those experiencing fatigue, decreased libido, depression, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes. The resulting medical costs associated with men with untreated hypogonadism and related comorbidities are approximately $25 billion in the U.S. alone.
 
About Marius Pharmaceuticals
Marius is a patient-centric healthcare company focusing on therapies designed for hypogonadism or testosterone deficiency. The company’s mission is to improve the functional lives of patients by reducing the downstream effects of testosterone deficiency which include increased inflammation and fatigue. For more information, please visit www.mariuspharma.com
TOWN OF MORRISVILLE OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE ORDER 195 COMPLIANCE
TOWN OF MORRISVILLE OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE ORDER 195 COMPLIANCE
  • Effective on Tuesday, March 2 and continuing until at least March 26 – Department Heads may elect to return up to 50% of their office staff each day.
  • Staff will continue to: 
  • Wear a face covering anytime they are not alone in their assigned work space, 
  • Adhere to the 3 Ws, and 
  • Wipe down any shared space before and after use.
  • Staff meetings / external meetings will continue to be held virtually with limited exceptions as approved by Department Heads.
  • Town administrative offices will remain closed to the public through at least March 26.
  • All public meetings will be held virtually again in March (Council Meetings on March 9 and 23, Council Work Session on March 16, and PZB meeting on March 11).
  • CFCC and MAFC will continue to operate following guidance provided by the CDC and the most recent Governor’s Executive Order (EO195).
  • We will re-evaluate this guidance following the next update from the Governor, expected to be the week of March 22.
Executive Order 195
Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 195 that will “ease but not lift” restrictions related to COVID-19 across the state.  The Town of Morrisville Administration is working on how our Town Operations, Meetings, and Facilities will be affected by this Order and I will update you next week when I receive more information.

The new order goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26.

The major changes under this order are below:
  • The night-time public closure period for certain businesses and facilities is lifted. These establishments are no longer ordered to close to the public between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • The Modified Stay at Home Order for individuals is lifted. Individuals no longer must stay at home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • Indoor areas of bars may reopen, subject to reduced capacity limits and other requirements.
  • The curfew on alcohol sales remains in place but is modified to take effect at 11 p.m. The sale and service of alcoholic beverages is prohibited for on-site consumption between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
  • Indoor areas of amusement parks may reopen, subject to reduced capacity limits and other requirements.
  • Capacity limitations on certain businesses are increased, as detailed below.
  • The mass gathering limit increases to 25 people indoors (and remains 50 people outdoors).

Executive Order 195 has two general categories of occupancy restrictions: 30 percent capacity and 50 percent capacity. Officials say that because indoor spaces have a higher risk for spread of COVID-19, those facilities in the 30 percent-occupancy category may not exceed 250 people per indoor room or indoor space.

The 30% Capacity Limit (which may not exceed 250-persons in indoor spaces) includes:
  • Bars
  • Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces
  • Lounges (including tobacco) and Night Clubs
  • Indoor areas of Amusement Parks
  • Movie Theatres
  • Entertainment facilities (e.g., bingo parlors, gaming establishments)
  • Sports Arenas and Fields*
  • Venues*

Indoor event venues with more than 5,000 seats may be excepted from the 250 person limit if they follow additional safety measures up to 15 percent capacity.

The 50% Capacity Limit includes:
  • Restaurants
  • Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries
  • Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (e.g., gyms, bowling alleys, rock climbing facilities)
  • Pools
  • Museums and Aquariums
  • Retailers
  • Outdoor areas of Amusement Parks
  • Salons, Personal Care, Tattoo Parlors

Some businesses that were limited to operating outdoors at 30 percent capacity will still have that percentage but will no longer have a 100-person cap. That includes sports fields and venues, stadiums, outdoor bars, outdoor amusement parks and other outdoor businesses.  The new order will also allow some indoor businesses to open at 30 percent capacity with a cap of 250 people. These businesses include bars and taverns, indoor amusement parks, movie theaters, indoor sports arenas and others.

On-site alcohol sales will have to end at 11 p.m.

An exception for larger indoor arenas with a capacity of more than 5,000 people will allow up to 15% capacity “if more safety protocols are followed,” Cooper said, adding that most college and professional indoor sports, such as basketball or hockey, can have fans at 15 percent capacity with certain protocols.

Mass gathering limits will be increased to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
WAKE COUNTY ATHLETICS SPECTATOR GUIDELINES
In alignment with Executive Order No. 195, indoor and outdoor high school athletics facilities may now allow spectators up to 30 percent of capacity while ensuring that all groups maintain at least six feet of social distancing.

The new guidelines go into effect immediately. Individual schools will communicate with their families when they will be prepared to begin allowing up to 30 percent capacity.

Here are some key components of the new spectator guidelines:
  • Spectator attendance is open to immediate family members of home and away participants and members of the home student body. If all available tickets are not purchased after being made available to home family members and student body, tickets may be offered to community members.
  • To maintain the six feet of social distancing required as part of Executive Order No. 195, it may not always be possible to safely accommodate the maximum of 30 percent capacity.
  • Because indoor spaces have a higher risk of spread for COVID-19, indoor spectators will also be capped at 250, even if 250 is less than 30 percent capacity.
  • Student event participants (athletes, cheer teams, band members, coaches, and participating school staff) will not count toward the 30 percent capacity limits.
  • All spectators must follow COVID-19 protocols as established by WCPSS. This includes but is not limited to: 
  • Wearing face coverings at all times. 
  • Waiting the appropriate six feet in distance.
  • Washing/sanitizing hands when necessary. 
  • Failure to abide by these policies will result in removal from the site and may inhibit the spectator’s privilege to attend future events.
  • For outdoor events, guests will be expected to self-screen prior to entry. Digital ticketing will include an attestation that the purchaser is free of COVID-19 symptoms and will follow established protocols.
  • Because indoor spaces have a higher risk of spread for COVID-19, on-site health screenings, including temperature checks, will be conducted for all guests prior to entry into the facility.
  • When viewing the contest, family members are allowed to group together while maintaining six feet of social distancing from others. Spectators who are not immediate family members will practice six feet of social distancing from one another.
  • At the conclusion of the contest, spectators must leave within 5 minutes.
The American Rescue Plan
2021 Economic Impact Payment Status is Available
Find when and how the IRS sent your 2021 Economic Impact Payment with the Get My Payment tool: https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof-wmsp/

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan contains a wide range of proposals to help Americans still struggling with the economic fallout of the pandemic.

Here is a Summary of the Plan:  
Relief Payments
  • One-time $1,400 check per person with check values phasing out beginning at at $75,000 for a single adult and $150,000 for a married couple; no benefits will be sent to single filers earning more than $80,000 and joint filers earning more than $160,000
Small Business Relief
  • $15 billion grants 
  • $35 billion loan guarantees which will allow $175 billion in lending
  • Support to restaurants, bars, and other business through Community Credit Corporation
Testing and Vaccination
  • $50 billion testing expansion
  • $20 billion national vaccination program
  • 100,000 person public health corps
Funding for community health centers and tribal health services
  • Investments in COVID-19 treatment and new strain research
  • 100% FAMP for vaccine administration
Unemployment Insurance
  • $300/week unemployment supplement through September 6, 2021 with tax forgiveness on up to $10,000 in benefits.
Paid Leave
  • Emergency paid leave through September 2021 with max benefit of $1,400 per week for workers making up to $73,000/year
State and Local Government 
  • $350 billion for state, local, and territorial governments
  • $20 billion for tribal governments
  • $3 billion for Economic Development Administration
  • $20 billion public transportation
Families
  • Expanded EITC eligibility with increased maximum crest of $1,500 for 1 year
  • Fully refundable CTC $3,600 per child under 6, $3,000 for children 17 and under
  • $1 billion TANF
  • $40 billion in grants for child care providers
Food Security
  • Extend 15% increase to SNAP benefits through September 2021 and removes state matching requirements
  • $3 billion for WIC
  • Restaurant partnership via FEMA
  • $1 billion to territories
Housing
  • Extended federal eviction and foreclosure moratorium until September 2021 
  • $25 billion in emergency rental assistance
  • $5 billion in utility assistance
  • $5 billion in emergency assistance for homelessness
Healthcare Access
  • COBRA subsidies that cover 100% of costs
  • Cap ACA premiums at 8.5%
  • $20 billion for veterans’ health
Essential Workers
  • Calls for employers to provide hazard pay
  • OSHA funding
Mental Health
  • $4 billion for SAMHSA
  • Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
  • $800 million to combat increased risk of gender-based violence
Global Health
  • $11 billion for global health and humanitarian response
  • Prisons
  • Mitigation, vaccination, and safety measures for incarcerated people
  • Safe re-entry for formerly incarcerated people
Cybersecurity
  • $9 billion to the Technology Modernization Fund
  • $200 million IT oversight and reform
  • $300 million Technology Transformation Services at GSA
  • $690 million DHS’s CISA
Student Loan Relief
  • Makes all COVID-19 student loan relief tax-free.

Local governments will receive $130 billion in assistance from the American Rescue Plan. Another $500 million is dedicated to water security grants, an essential aspect of COVID-19 relief that DMO has been calling for in our own water security initiative. 
Vaccination Details
Wake County: Wake County Public Health Vaccine Hotline 919-250-1515.  It is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit website at https://covid19.wakegov.com/vaccine!

Durham County: 919-635-8150 or email at DCoCOVIDvaccines@dconc.gov. 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162.

Duke Raleigh Hospital at (19) 620- 5167.

Process is to Call or visit website, join the waiting list, receive notification, and get your Vaccination Appointment!

To set up an Appointment with any County Department, please visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/findyourspot

Walgreens will offer Covid 19 Vaccine in 300 Stores (31,200 doses) in North Carolina starting on Feb 12 as a distributor under the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program and is planning to distribute 1 million doses of the Moderna Vaccine.  For more information, sign up at walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19.

  • Morrisville Walgreens is taking appointments at 3601 Davis Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560 and call (919) 468-6880.

The Lee County Government Health Department announced that it will expand vaccine registration to include individuals in Group 4 beginning Monday. Beginning Monday, the county vaccine registration call center will register anyone in Groups 1, 2, 3, or 4 for the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine registration call center may be reached at (919) 352-3360 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. To register in Spanish, please call (919) 718-4640 and select option 8.

Wake County Public Health is collaborating with UNC Health, Duke, and Wake Med to launch a mass vaccination site starting Feb. 11. At PNC Arena, the home of the Carolina Hurricanes and NC State University Men’s Basketball, agreed to turn its 8,000-space parking lot into an appointment only drive-thru vaccine clinic.  Visit https://covid19.wakegov.com/pnc-arena-to-host-third-wake-county-mass-vaccination-site-thanks-to-public-private-partnership/
(See Wake County Mass Vaccination Information Below)
Wake County Mass Vaccination AT PNC Arena
Alert:  Mass Vaccination at PNC Arena will be closed Feb 18th due to the Winter Ice Storm


Wake County Public Health is collaborating with UNC Health, Duke, and Wake Med to launch a mass vaccination site starting Feb. 11. And the site will be open six days per week. at PNC Arena, the home of the Carolina Hurricanes and NC State University Men’s Basketball, agreed to turn its 8,000-space parking lot into an appointment only drive-thru vaccine clinic.

The site will begin with two days of vaccinations next week, with the goal of inviting more than 2,100 health care workers and those 65 and older from the county’s growing COVID-19 vaccine waitlist.

Appointments are required to receive a vaccination, and vaccinations will not be available without confirmation of a spot.   Starting Friday, health care workers and those over 65 years of age, will be notified by email, phone and text.

  1. First link is to Enroll and sign up at https://covid-vaccine-portal.ncdhhs.gov/s/
  2. The second link is to make an appointment to receive the vaccine. Printing out appointment information or taking a screenshot on a smartphone will speed up the check-in process at the site.

In addition to the more than 2,000 appointments available at the new appointment only drive-thru site next week:
  • 3,500 appointments will be made at the county’s two indoor locations (Wake County Public Health Center and the Wake County Commons Building).
  • 200 vaccines will be administered by Wake County strike teams dispatched to long-term residents and staff.
  • 800 vaccines will be delivered to historically marginalized populations by mobile strike teams heading out into the community.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:   
  • Take Edwards Mill Bus 26 to the stop at Edwards Mill Road at Trinity Road Northbound; or
  • Take Blue Ridge Bus 27 to the stop at Blue Ridge Road at Westchase Boulevard Southbound
MORRISVILLE VIRTUAL COUNCIL RETREAT A SUCCESS

Our Council held its annual retreat February 26-28. The three days of meetings were conducted virtually and streamed on the Town’s website. Throughout the retreat the Town Council focused on strategic deliberations that will inform future policy decisions, shared budget priorities and initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year, and participated in discussions to enhance working relationships and resident engagement.
Important discussions were held on a variety of subjects. Highlights are below.
  • Connect Morrisville – Strategic Plan Update: The Connect Morrisville Strategic Plan was adopted in April 2018 and since that time much has been accomplished in the community. It is now time to review the plan and decide what areas can potentially be streamlined, expanded and clarified. The Town Council discussed the upcoming update to the strategic plan. Staff received feedback from Council about their thoughts on the current plan, future needs and the life cycle of the revised plan moving forward. Input from the public is scheduled to commence this week.
  • 2021 Bond Referendum: Council discussed debt capacity, preliminary bond categories, and the amount of the bond and related taxing authority to be requested from voters. Preliminary project identification is also underway.
  • Affordable Housing: Planning staff led a guided discussion focused on affordable housing, and provided specifics on the next steps in implementing the 2019 Affordable Housing Plan. Key areas covered included the Town’s level of investment, preference for approach and the need for additional research or consultant assistance. 
  • Land Use Plan Implementation: Council adopted the Draft Land Use Plan at its February 23 Council meeting. It’s now time to discuss implementation. During the retreat Planning staff presented information and received feedback about the McCrimmon Extension and Transit Oriented Development subareas.

Council also received and considered information on tree preservation standards in the Unified Development Ordinance, including prioritization of location, retention standards and tradeoffs in lieu of other requirements.
  • Advisory Committee Charter & Work Plan Review: To create more effective collaboration between the Town Council and advisory committees, the Council reviewed charters and work plans for each of the Town’s advisory committees. Council feedback on the work plans will be presented to each committee for review and suggested charter amendments will be drafted for action by the Council in the spring of 2021. 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Town of Morrisville Virtual Meeting Schedule
March 9, March 23 Council Meetings

March 16 Work Sessions

March 11 P & Z Meeting

For these meetings, stream them live at Town of Morrisville Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TownOfMorrisville/.

Send Public Comments via email to publiccomments@townofmorrisville.org by 3 pm!
March 15 2pm Virtual Wake County Commissioners Meeting
March 15 2pm Virtual Wake County Commissioners Meeting

https://www.wakegov.com/departments-government/board-commissioners/meetings-schedules-materials/meeting-schedule
Morrisville Egg Hunt March 24-31
Morrisville Egg Hunt March 24-31
Incorporating COVID-19 safety precautions, this year’s egg hunt will allow residents to sign up for one of our family hunts at Cedar Fork District Park or register to pick up a supply of eggs and crafts to take home.

The Family Egg Hunt at Cedar Fork District Park will allow families to sign-up for a time slot on Saturday, March 27, for a park field located at 300 Aviation Parkway in Morrisville. The group (six people or less) will be provided 20 eggs and crafts to create their own egg designs and have their own family egg hunt in an assigned field. Parking will be located at Cedar Fork District Park. Please plan to arrive early and expect delays due to heavy traffic. NOTE: This event does not have a rain date. In the event of inclement weather call our Inclement Weather Hotline at 919-463-6215.

The Egg Pick-Up will allow families to sign-up for an at-home package of 20 eggs and crafts (for a family of six or less) and pick up the package curbside at Cedar Fork Community Center, located at 1050 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville between March 24-31.

This event is appropriate for children age 10 and younger. Registration is now open and will close on Tuesday, March 23. 

Registration is required for the Family Egg Hunt on March 27 and the Egg Pick-Up option as space and supplies are limited.

Register at https://apm.activecommunities.com/mprplaymorr/Activity_Search/644?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Cedar Fork District Park or register to pick up a supply of eggs and crafts to take home.

The Family Egg Hunt at Cedar Fork District Park will allow families to sign-up for a time slot on Saturday, March 27, for a park field located at 300 Aviation Parkway in Morrisville. The group (six people or less) will be provided 20 eggs and crafts to create their own egg designs and have their own family egg hunt in an assigned field. Parking will be located at Cedar Fork District Park. Please plan to arrive early and expect delays due to heavy traffic. NOTE: This event does not have a rain date. In the event of inclement weather call our Inclement Weather Hotline at 919-463-6215.

The Egg Pick-Up will allow families to sign-up for an at-home package of 20 eggs and crafts (for a family of six or less) and pick up the package curbside at Cedar Fork Community Center, located at 1050 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville between March 24-31.

This event is appropriate for children age 10 and younger. 
Diversity and Inclusion in Tech Summit
March 24 and March 24th NC Tech Diversity and Inclusion in Tech Summit.

April 7, 2021,6 p.m. - Panel discussion on U.S.-India relations under a Biden administration
U.S.-INDIA RELATIONS UNDER A BIDEN ADMINISTRATION
A PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURING AMBASSADORS TARANJIT SINGH SANDHU AND RICHARD VERMA


The Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in collaboration with Carolina’s Modern Indian Studies initiative, will host a panel discussion on U.S.-India relations under a Biden administration via livestream at 6 p.m. EDT on April 7, 2021.

The panel will feature Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s ambassador to the U.S., and Ambassador Richard Verma, former U.S. ambassador to India. Anusha Chari, director of the Modern Indian Studies initiative and professor of economics and finance at UNC-Chapel Hill, will provide opening remarks. Ambassador Barbara Stephenson, vice provost for global affairs and chief global officer at UNC-Chapel Hill, will give welcoming remarks and moderate the discussion. The panel will allow the diplomats to share their thoughts on how relations between the United States and India, two of the world’s largest democracies, are likely to unfold under the Biden administration.
Radio / TV
Radio Mirchi
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio Mirchi for another update on local issues.

99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
IBM TV
Join us every Friday on World Edition at 10 am for the Great America Project Panel where we discuss how we rebuild Americas' image with leaders from around the country and world.

My Weekly Update:
NC Covid Dashboard:
  • For latest Covid 19 information, please dial 2-1-1 or 888- 892-1162.  
  • Get Updates by texting COVIDNC at 898211.    
  • For unemployment insurance, please visit NC Dept of Employment Security at https://des.nc.gov/.    
  • 1,457,750 NC citizens have applied for UI Benefits, 969,260 have been paid benefits, and $10.3 billion of benefits have been issued.  Appeals of denied jobless benefits are taking many months.
  • Apply for Wake Forward program at https://covid19.wakegov.com/wakeforward/

For Covid 19 Testing Sites in Wake County, please visit http://www.wakegov.com/covidvaxandtest/Pages/default.aspx.  

11.2 percent of the population of North Carolina has been fully vaccinated.

Monday's report from the NCDHHS included 1,337 newly-reported COVID-19 cases.

976 people were hospitalized and the daily percent positive rate was 5.2%, a slight decrease from Saturday's 5.4%.

18 more deaths were reported, totaling 11,709 since the start of the pandemic.

12.3 percent of the population of North Carolina is fully vaccinated. 19.5 percent of the population is partially vaccinated.

CASES:
1,337 Newly Reported Cases  
+ N.C.= 882,715 Cases (Deaths = 11,709)    
+ 5.2% Positive Rate 
+ 976 Hospitalized


+ Wake County = 80,904 Cases (Deaths = 572)

+ US = 29.5 million Cases/534,000 deaths 
+ Worldwide = 120 million/2.6 million deaths
Office Hours
Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville. 

For more information or to schedule a time to speak with Council Member Rao, please email SRao@TownofMorrisville.org and copy Town Clerk Eric Smith, esmith@townofmorrisville.org, 463-6150.
Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
Learn more at: SteveRao.com