In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), the Town of Wake Forest is implementing several operational changes to encourage social distancing. These changes are designed to keep Town staff and the public safe, while maintaining essential services. Provided below is an update on Town services and operations, along with important reminders to help protect our community.

Sanitation
Effective 5 p.m. Friday, March 27, Wake Forest Public Works will suspend bulk waste collection until further notice. All bulk waste collections scheduled for the week of March 23 will be honored. However, Wake Forest residents are urged not to place any bulk waste behind the curb until the suspension is lifted.

Effective 5 p.m., Friday, April 3, Public Works will suspend yard waste collection until further notice. The week of March 30 offers Wake Forest residents one last chance – until the suspension is lifted - to leave yard waste behind the curb by 7 a.m. on their normal collection day.

Trash and recycling collection will continue as scheduled.

Bus Service
Effective Monday, March 30, Wake Forest Loop B and the Wake Forest-Raleigh Express are suspended until further notice. Loop A will continue to operate as scheduled. Riders are asked to board GoRaleigh buses using the rear doors in an effort to promote greater social distancing. Front door access will be available for persons with disabilities. Per CDC guidelines, if you are sick, please stay at home and only travel if it is absolutely necessary. Please cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, avoid touching your face, and keep distance between yourself and others. These practices can help limit the impact of COVID-19 on our community. For more information, call 919-485-RIDE (7433).

Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources
All Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department-sponsored cultural programs and classes have been suspended through May 17. No decision has been made on youth and adult athletics programs.

The PRCR Department will continue to offer a liberal refund policy for programs and rentals. Full refunds will be issued for any registered athletics and cultural programs, camps, classes and facility reservations canceled due to COVID-19, while pro-rated refunds will be issued for suspended programs that resume. For more information, call 919-435-9560.

All greenways and parks, including Flaherty Dog Park, remain open to the public, yet all water fountains are turned off and bathrooms, playgrounds and picnic shelters are closed.

The PRCR Department has released guidelines advising citizens how to use Town parks and trails in a manner that will reduce the transmission of COVID-19. These guidelines are based on direction from the National Recreation & Parks Association:

  • Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
  • Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to, during, and after use of parks or trails.
  • Be prepared for no access to public restrooms, potable water, or protection from the elements.
  • Observe CDC’s minimum separation of six feet from other individuals at all times.
  • While on trails, warn other users of your presence and step aside to let others pass.
  • Follow CDC guidance on the maximum advisable size of social gatherings.
  • Reduce crowding and travel by sticking to close-to-home parks and trails.
  • Select alternatives to crowded parks and trails.
  • Minimize use of high-touch park amenities such as benches, picnic tables, trash cans, and railings.
  • Obey all closures of community centers, playgrounds, and restrooms.



Town of Wake Forest - COVID-19 Portal
The Town of Wake Forest has created a COVID-19 portal to share useful information and provide updates. The page includes links to the websites of local, state, and national health experts, a complete rundown of Town alerts and closures , a listing of local restaurants providing delivery and takeout service, and other useful information about COVID-19. We continue to update the webpage as circumstances warrant. The portal is also included as a function on the Town of Wake Forest app .


Wake County COVID-19 Updates
The situation with COVID-19 is evolving. To help provide you with facts and allay your concerns, Wake County has created a COVID-19 webpage and is continually adding to a list of frequently asked questions .


Contact Information
If you have specific questions about COVID-19 and your risk, email  covid19.questions@wakegov.com  or call 919-856-7044 and someone from Wake County’s public health team will return your message within the next business day.


Protect Yourself
Although your risk of contracting COVID-19 remains low, the county’s public health team encourages you to protect yourself from COVID-19 and any other flu-like illness by following these simple steps:

  • Stay away from sick people and practice social distancing measures.
  • Wash your hands.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Stay home if you’re sick and don’t send sick children to school or childcare.
STAY INFORMED
You have received this e-mail because you are subscribed to E-Notifier – part of the Town of Wake Forest’s e-mail subscription service. E-Notifier keeps you up-to-date on Town of Wake Forest news, information, and special events. If you believe you have been subscribed in error, or would like to cancel your subscription, you may unsubscribe below.

If you have questions or comments about the Town of Wake Forest website or E-Notifier, please contact Bill Crabtree by email or call 919-435-9421.