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National Public Works Week Edition
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
May 19, 2021
Weekly Update May 19th
12,938 Covid 19 Deaths in North Carolina.  

51.9% Partially Vaccinated with One Dose.  

47% Fully Vaccinated
Landmark Day in the COVID-19 pandemic
The US has reached a "landmark day" in the COVID-19 pandemic as 60% of American adults have gotten at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

In addition, more than 4.1 million young people ages 12 to 17 have received their first dose, Dr. Rochelle Walensky said.
Breaking News
NC Covid News
Governor Cooper has lifted Most Covid Restrictions with Executive Order 215.  All kids 12 and older are eligible to receive Pfizer Vaccine in North Carolina! Visit https://myspot.nc.gov/ to find where you can find Pfizer sites.   

Governor will address lawmakers on Covid Relief at 2 pm.  

(See North Carolina News Section) 
Andrew Brown
Prosecutor says Deputies were justified in the shooting of Andrew Brown.  All Charges Dropped. Protests continue in Elizabeth City. 

Former President Trump
Former President Trump to keynote Republican Convention in Greenville on June 5th.  

New York AG probe into Trump Organization is now a criminal investigation.  
Congratulations to Carolina Hurricanes for their win in Stanley Cup Playoffs!  Game 2 tonight at PNC!
Marshall Men’s Soccer win D1 National Championship in Cary! 
Hometown Heroes
HSNC Vaccination Clinic a Success!
Thanks to the Hindu Society of NC, Avance Health Care, and Eastern Carolina Medical Center for a successful Vaccine Clinic, where kids, 12 years and older, received the Pfizer Vaccine.  1,032 Doses were provided!   

Next clinic is tentatively set for June 5th!
McIntyre Leadership Challenge
Morrisville student Omkar Mohile Places Second in McIntyre Leadership Challenge!

A Morrisville student, Omkar Mohile finished SECOND in the statewide competition, the McIntyre Leadership Challenge - an amazing achievement. His project was on how Morriville is challenged with the growth taking place all around us!

Please join me in congratulating Omkar and his family!
EMPANADAS AND MORE IS SMALL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK!  
My visit to Empanadas:

Welcome to Empanadas and More, an authentic Venezuelan Empanadas Bakery and Restaurant!   The Venezuelan Coffee tased like the coffee I have had in Caracas when I visited there during my college years with my Dad!   

It is located at Grace Park, in the old Peppers!  Let’s get out and support our small Businesses!   
Morrisville Play of the Week: Small Business Office for the Town of Morrisville
My Message on Small Business Office for the Town of Morrisville: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/10157781228461360/?t=16

Over the past few weeks, as I have been getting around Town, I have noticed an increasing number of businesses and restaurants closing their doors.  Most recently, Triangle Wine closed its doors, and the Cantina in Park West and Trali/Wings and Rings in Grace Park closed last year.

Many small businesses, particularly restaurants, need more guidance on how to access more federal Small Business Assistance, particularly the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.  It is very hard to keep up with the changes to many of the Small Business Relief programs and I am getting calls from many small businesses who need more guidance on where to go to get more assistance.    

In addition, our small business community needs a point of contact, on our staff, responsible for assisting them in the permitting process, so they can get up and running sooner than later.  

Small Business Officer/Ombudsman
This office or position could be funded by the projected allocated $8.4 million of American Rescue Act dollars to the Town of Morrisville in this budget cycle.  Staff is recommending a $1,045, 300 fund allocation to one-time expenditures, including a small business development program, and a fiscal recovery officer, who would help the Town manage and comply with the various ARPA planning tasks, record keeping, and related initiatives.  

The proposed budget allocates $200,000 of ARP money to support direct outreach and support for small businesses.  Goals of this program could include financial support and assistance through grants, incentives, and Town provided programs such as events, networking activities, marketing and communication support, and establishment/refinement of a business registry database of information to enhance regular and ongoing engagement with this segment of the community.  

My play of the week is that we use these ARP dollars to establish a Small Business Officer in the Town, whose primary responsibility is to be a sole point of contact/resource for our small businesses.  I have spoken about this position over the years, but cannot think of a better time than now for the creation of this Position.   This position could also assist in developing a Start Up Incubation program, similar to the Hottovation Program which had been run by the Morrisville Chamber Innovation Program.  The goal would be to provide resources and mentoring to support the growth of start up companies in Morrisville.  

I am encouraged that our Town Administration has indicated that the Small Business Program could transform into an on going budgetary support program!   

Let’s put this play in action and help our Small Businesses.  More to come on Small Business Efforts in my next newsletter! 
National Public Works Week

The Morrisville Town Council has proclaimed May 16-22, 2021 as National Public Works Week in Morrisville!

Join us as we celebrate our hardworking Public Works staff during Public Works Week!

This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” captures not only the essential services provided daily, but also the services provided during this critical time of the COVID pandemic.

Public Works staff daily step outside their operational duties to disinfect picnic tables, place and monitor social distancing signage, retrofit existing facilities with touchless fixtures, provide protective barriers at counters, retrofit council chambers, and upgrade HVAC filters to help ensure the safety and health of Morrisville residents and patrons during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We recognize and celebrate the substantial contributions that our Public Works employees make every day to preserve and protect the health, safety, welfare, and overall quality of life we all enjoy.

Throughout the week, the Town will highlight Public Works staff and their role in helping to keep Morrisville a vibrant, sustainable, resilient community for all its citizens!   

To learn more about the Morrisville Public Works Department and Staff visit:
https://lnkd.in/grWAhQr

#NationalPublicWorksWeek
#StrongerTogether
Celebrating National Tennis Month!
As a former state high school champion and Collegiate Tennis Player, I am so excited to celebrate National Tennis Month.  Tennis brings so many health benefits to so many people, but also, can teach our youth many of the skills they need to succeed and compete in life.   

As tennis participation surges in the U.S., players and tennis organizations across the country are encouraged to promote May as National Tennis Month—a time to get out on the court and experience the fun, competition and long-term health benefits of the lifetime sport.   

May is also Mental Awareness month so we will highlight Mental Health in our next newsletter.  https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month
FIRESIDE CHAT WITH TENNIS LEGEND ANDY ANDREWS
Topic: Celebrate National Tennis Week with a Fireside Chat with NC Tennis Legend Andy Andrews, former ATP Tour Professional, USTA Board Member. We may be joined by Former USTA President, and WTA Tour Player, Katrina Adams!

Summary:
Join us on Friday, May 21, at 3 pm for our Virtual Fireside Chat with Andy Andrews, Former ATP Tour Professional, former USTA Board Member as we talk about National Tennis Week, the upcoming Summer Season, and the growth of tennis in the United States! We will also talk about Tennis and the Game of Life!

Streamed Live at https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao and Aired on Radio Nyra on Sunday at 4 pm! 99.9FM, 1490 AM and 101.9 FM!

This will also air on Radio Nyra this Sunday, May 23 at 4 pm.  101.9 FM, 1490 AM and 99.9 FM HD4
Tennis Facts
Tennis participation in the United States increased by 22 percent in 2020, fueled by the ability to be socially distanced and play outdoors through the COVID-19 pandemic.  
  • Nearly seven million Americans were new to the game or returned as players during 2020, a staggering increase. Tennis participation in the nine-state USTA Southern Section rose 31.1 percent from 2019 to 2020.
  • Nearly 22 million people played the sport last year, according to the recently released Physical Activity Council’s Participation (PAC) report (attached), which surveyed more than 120 different sports and activities.
  • Racquet sales in the entry-level category also increased nearly 40 percent, showing beginners were being introduced to the sport.
  • The health benefits of playing tennis were recognized in numerous studies, including adding 9.7 years of life for tennis players over sedentary people. Notably, people who played badminton were the next highest over sedentary people at 6.2 years. Definitely illustrates the Power of Tennis!
  • When playing singles, the average tennis player takes 146 steps per minute, according to verywellfi.com 
  • Tennis is the ideal social distancing sport, which puts it in a great position to continue to grow and allow people to stay active and social in a healthy and safe manner.

Tennis in our Local Area:
  • 100% of facilities reopened after only a short closure due to the pandemic. This was key to the well-being of so many people in our area providing physical, mental and social benefits.
  • Participation numbers of people in our beginner programs skyrocketed. Nearly 270 people in 2020 (mostly September to November). So far in 2021, we have introduced nearly 170 adults and about 130 juniors with connection/next step programs after the initial introductory (Try Tennis) classes.
  • League tennis has rebounded to 95 to 97% of our registrations in 2019 which was our biggest year ever.
  • Junior league tennis restarted (ages 17 and under) in Fall 2020 and again Spring 2021. 
  • Tennis participation can be hard to measure - league tennis and programs can give good numbers, but that doesn't include walk up play and organized groups. We do know that the national trend of new players, returning players and frequency of play is up in our area thanks to the great public facilities.
  • WWTA has been able to restart nearly all of our outreach programs or programs that we support through area Park & Recreation Departments. We expect to be back to all of our programs soon. Some of our outreach programs are tennis for intellectually disabled, wheelchair tennis, youth outreach, tennis for breast cancer survivors and more.
  • 70% of all tennis happens at public parks - and that is true for our area as well.
JOIN US ON THURSDAY MAY 26 at 10:10 am for a Virtual Fireside Chat and Update on India with US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi
We continue our Asian American Heritage Month Series with a Fireside Chat with US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi as he updates us on the United States Response to the India Covid Crisis, and Federal Responses Asian American Hate Crime.

Join us on May 26th at 10:10 am EST for a Virtual Discussion with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on the US Response to India Covid Crisis and celebrating the Achievements of Asian Americans during Asian American Heritage Month!

Streamed Live on Radio Nyra on 99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490AM and at https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao.

Aired on Radio Nyra on Sunday, May 23h at 4 pm.  99.9 FM HD 4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
Important Updates
Travel Restriction to India
Travel Restriction still in place from United States to India.

India Covid Crisis Continues/US leads Assistance to India
(See India in Covid Crisis Section)
Wake County Schools to Discuss Changing School Start Times at This Evening’s Work Session and Meeting 

Wake County School Board Approves Budget/Wake County Commissioners Presented Budget
(See NC Updates) 
National News
Israel Airstrikes continue in Gaza/Ceasefire negotiations expected in next day.
Covid 19 Asian Hate Crime Legislation Heads to Biden’s Desk for Signature. 
Biden commits sharing additional doses of Covid 19 Vaccines with World 
 President Joe Biden says the U.S. will share an additional 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines with the world in the coming six weeks. The move comes as domestic demand for shots drops and global disparities in distribution have grown more evident and will bring the total U.S. commitment to 80 million.

Biden said Monday from the White House that "we know America will never be fully safe until the pandemic that's raging globally is under control." The doses will come from existing U.S. production of Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine stocks. The administration previously committed to share about 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine by the end of June.

Pfizer/BioNTech has initiated Full FDA Approval for Covid 19 Vaccine

Pfizer/BioNTech has initiated its application to the US Food and Drug Administration for full FDA approval of its Covid-19 vaccine for people ages 16 and older, This is the first Covid-19 vaccine in the United States to be assessed for full approval from the FDA.
Millions of American Families to Receive Child Monthly Payments
The Treasury Department said Monday that 39 million families are set to receive monthly child payments beginning on July 15.

The payments are part of President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, which expanded the child tax credit for one year and made it possible to pre-pay the benefits on a monthly basis. Nearly 88% of children are set to receive the benefits without their parents needing to take any additional action.

President Biden Successful in Returning More Students to In Person School!
President Joe Biden has met his goal of having most elementary and middle schools open for full, in-person learning in his first 100 days.

The Education Department has released survey data finding that 54% of public schools below high school offered full-time classroom learning in March. But even with that milestone, most students continued to learn at least partly away from school.

The survey found that almost 4 in 10 students continued to take all classes remotely, and 2 in 10 were split between classroom and remote learning. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona applauded the progress but also raised concerns about racial disparities.
THIS WEEK IN MORRISVILLE MAY 17 - MAY 22
News in Morrisville:
Town Meetings 
Advisory Committee Meetings have returned to in-person meetings. Face coverings and social distancing will no longer be required in these meetings unless a member or staff member makes such a request. Each committee staff liaison is responsible for addressing this in advance of the meeting. 

Council will provide direction on the status of Town Council Meetings at our May 20th Meeting.  

May 20 – 6 p.m. Town Council Budget Workshop
Town Hall, 100 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560

May 25 - 6 pm In person Town Council Meeting  
Submit Public Comments at to publicomments@townofmorrisville.org by 3 pm. 
Updates to Town of Morrisville Operations

On Friday, May 14, Gov. Roy Cooper announced that face coverings and social distancing are no longer required for fully vaccinated individuals. The Town of Morrisville is lifting COVID-19 restrictions and updating Town operations to reflect the new public health recommendations.

Based on the most recent guidance, the following changes are effective Tuesday, May 18:
  • A face covering will only be required in Town facilities for members of the public who are not fully vaccinated.
  • Members of the public will no longer be required to sign in unless attending a public meeting where they intend to speak.
  • The Town will continue to provide PPE stands and temperature monitors in building lobbies for now.
  • The Morrisville Town Council has resumed in-person meetings that are open to the public.  All Advisory Committees have resumed in person meetings. The Town's updated meeting guidance can be found here:
Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center Operations
In response to Executive Order No. 215 and updated guidance from the North Carolina Governor’s office, MAFC has lifted its face covering restrictions for most cases, effective Friday, March 14. 

Fully vaccinated individuals may enter the building and use the amenities without a face covering, however, those who are unvaccinated are recommended to wear one until further notice. We will encourage and respect all individuals who choose to continue wearing a mask for individual reasons, regardless of vaccination status.

As always, we will continue to operate our facility in a way that prioritizes safety for all. In due time, we will update additional policies and procedures to adhere to this new directive. Thank you for all you have done to help stop the spread, and we look forward to this next phase at MAFC!
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project: Update for the week of May 17. 

Work on the south side of Morrisville-Carpenter Road (between Church Street and Misty Groves Circle) in connection with the road widening operations will continue. Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations in this area between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.Northbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the southbound side of the median.  Pedestrians are advised not to walk on either side of Morrisville Carpenter Road between Town Hall Drive and Misty Groves Circle. This section of the road is an active construction zone area and does not have a sidewalk and is not safe for pedestrians. Please observe the posted sidewalk closed signs.

For current project details visit: https://bit.ly/mcrcp1
SpringFest May 15
The Town of Morrisville’s SpringFest took place from 2-6 p.m. this Saturday, May 15.  

Thanks to everyone who came out!  It was a fun time!
Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and CIP Portal 
Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and CIP Portal Now Accepting Public Input
The Town of Morrisville has developed a Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Operating Budget and Capital Investment Program (CIP) recommendation. The recommendation outlines the Town’s plan to Relaunch Morrisville! The budget outlines how your tax dollars will be put to work for our growing community to meet core services, provide program and service improvements, and plan for long-term needs.  

Public input is welcome through the FY2022 Budget & CIP Portal forum until May 25 at noon. Input received will be provided to Town Council as they deliberate and prepare the budget and CIP for adoption. A formal Public Hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 25 at Town Hall.

Morrisville Launches Pop-Up Dog Park
The Town is pleased to announce the launch of Morrisville’s "pop-up" dog park at Morrisville Community Park! Participating dog owners must register in ActiveNet and fill out a waiver prior to participating. Registration is now open. The first pop-up dog park date is May 16. For additional information, future dates, rules, requirements, and forms click here to visit the Town’s webpage.
2021 Citizens Police Academy Applications Open
The Morrisville Police Department is accepting applications for its 2021 Citizens Police Academy, being held August 25 through October 13. The academy helps residents and employees of Morrisville better understand how the police work in their community. The course is one night a week for eight weeks. Participants must be 21 years old and must live or work in Morrisville. A background check will be required. There is no cost to participate. Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, June 30. To learn more and to apply, click here.

If you have questions call Sergeant Jason Miller at (919) 363-1650 or email MorrisvilleCPA@townofmorrisville.org.
Morrisville Senior Center Program Updates
The Morrisville Senior Center would like to remind everyone to check out our website at www.townofmorrisville.org/msc for programs and activities for people age 55 and over. The Morrisville Fire Department will be presenting information on in-home safety on Wednesday, May 19 and a new art introduction program is starting Saturday, May 22.

Mark your calendars for National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 26. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, visit our website, call us at (919) 463-7140, or stop by the Senior Center at 4117 Davis Drive (McCrimmon Corners Shopping Center).
2021 Bond Referendum – Stay Engaged
The recent bond comment portal closed on May 14, 2021. Please continue to stay engaged as Council finalizes Bond Referendum details using your valued input. 

On November 2, 2021, the Morrisville Town Council will provide voters the opportunity to vote on financing up to $37 million in proposed future capital projects – Public Safety, Parks, Recreation and Amenities, and Streets, Sidewalks and Connectivity improvements – that can be impactful for our growing community for years to come. Check out our Bond information website at http://bit.ly/msv2021bond

View the Fast Facts and Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the bond referendum process and potential property tax impacts. Click here to view this short video from Communications & Outreach Director Wil Glenn for more information.
North Carolina Updates
Governor Cooper Lifts Most Covid 19 Restrictions 
Gov. Roy Cooper announced Friday that the state is completely lifting all mandatory capacity, gathering limits and physical distancing requirements, effective immediately.

Most mandatory mask mandates will also be lifted.

That means that in most settings, indoors or outdoors, the state will no longer require North Carolinians to wear a mask or be socially distant.

Cooper said the mask mandate will remain in effect on public transportation, in child care, in schools, in prisons and in certain public health setting. 
Governor Cooper to Address Lawmakers on Covid Relief Funds
North Carolina's governor is set to tell lawmakers how he wants them to spend the billions of additional dollars the federal government has allocated through another COVID-19 relief package.

Gov. Roy Cooper scheduled a Wednesday news conference to unveil his recommendations for North Carolina's share of American Rescue Plan funds.

The state learned last week its portion would be $5.4 billion, with half of the money made available immediately. And that doesn't include $6 billion that Congress already has told the state how it must be used. Over $3 billion more is also going to local governments.

The Democratic governor and Republican lawmakers worked in tandem last year when they agreed how to spend $3.6 billion in coronavirus relief funds.

The latest tranche from Washington comes as state government coffers are already flush with revenues collected during the economic recovery.
Wake County School Board Approves $567 million Budget
Leaders of North Carolina's largest school district met Tuesday and approved the $567 million proposal for the next school year's budget.

Wake County Commissioners voted to give the district $539 million last year. That was $28 million shy of what Superintendent Cathy Moore asked for last year.

This year, she's once again asking for $567 million. She says the extra money would allow the district to hire more counselors and psychologists--something she says is more important than ever because of pandemic-related stress on students.

Wake County Commissioners will now have to approve this Budget Request. 
Wake County Commissioners Presented with 2022 Budget
Following the close of the comment period on May 18, all comments will be posted and publicly available via wakegov.com. The Board of Commissioners welcomes the public to submit comment

Wake County Manager David Ellis presented his Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget to the Wake County Board of Commissioners on May 3. The $1.56 billion proposal includes significant investments in public health and safety, housing, education and quality of life to help the county meet its growing service demands and achieve outcomes identified by the board.

During his presentation, Manager Ellis also praised county employees for their hard work over the past year in response to COVID-19 and proposed making investments to strengthen the organization, which he described as being “too lean for too long.”

Manager Ellis’ budget proposal does not include a property tax increase for the county’s General Fund. It would keep the property tax rate at 60 cents per every $100 of property value.

The FY2022 Recommended Budget includes:
  • Dedicating an additional $1.6 million to address longer-term public health-related needs to ensure the county is prepared to respond to any future disease outbreaks, potential case surges, or additional guidance from the state or federal government; 
  • Restoring the nearly $1.5 million for affordable housing that was cut in the FY2021 budget. By reinstating this critical funding, the county can help more lower-income families find safe and comfortable places to live; 
  • Restoring two peak-load ambulances and the eight EMT and paramedic positions needed to run them – all of which were cut in the FY2021 budget. Reinstating them will help Wake EMS respond to increasing calls for life-saving care; 
  • Investing more than $700,000 in early voting for the March primary election and increasing the stipend for early voting and election day workers to $15 an hour to serve the growing number of voters who want to cast their ballots early; 
  • Investing more than $890 million – or 57% of the county budget – into education. This includes $350,000 to launch Wake ThreeSchool, a new Pre-K program for 3-year-olds, and more than $539 million to support Wake County Public Schools’ operating expenses; 
  • Creating a new position for a Diversity and Inclusion Director in the County Manager’s Office and committing funds to help this position identify strategies to encourage equity and develop a plan to implement them; and 
  • Opening Sandy Pines Preserve – a 563-acre former farm in Eastern Wake County where staff envision offering hiking, horseback riding, fishing and more to the public.

Proposed Increase to the Fire Tax
The FY2022 Recommended Budget proposes raising the fire tax from 9.10 cents to 10.27 cents per $100 of property value for households in the unincorporated areas of the county and the Town of Wendell. These communities don’t receive municipal fire services and, therefore, pay a tax for fire response.

Increasing the fire tax will not only ensure a continued prompt response in rural communities during emergencies, but it will also help us retain great firefighters and provide them with equipment that works well and keeps them safe.

The public comment period will remain open until May 18 at 5 p.m. At that time, the county will provide a summary of all feedback received to the board. On May 24 at 9 a.m., the commissioners will discuss the public comments and identify any changes to the recommended budget.

The board will consider adopting the budget during the 5 p.m. board meeting on June 7.
Engaging Outreach to Tech Community to Help Raise Money for India
My Thoughts on Reach out to Tech Community to Help Raise Money for India: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/10157749635611360/?t=21
Reach out to Tech Community to Help Raise Money for India
As we kick off Asian American Heritage Month, I am saddened to see so many Morrisville and Cary families affected by the Covid Crisis in India with over 3600 deaths a day in a nation where only 2% are vaccinated.

My play of the week is that we need to work closely with the Tech CEOs and companies to help raise money for local charities, that are sending supplies, and resources directly to India.  Many Indian Americans work in the Tech industry and companies here, like Cisco, IBM, Infosys, Lenovo, SAS, HCL and a number of other these companies also have offices in India.  We need their to help India get through this crisis and rebuild a strong, vibrant Indian economy, which will result in increased trade and investment between North Carolina and India.  In addition, India is also the pharmacy of the world, so we also ask our market leading Pharma and Life Science companies to help us in these efforts.
I am working to organize an event in the next few days with CEOs of our Tech Companies for a fundraising event to raise money for India.

How can Tech and Pharma help raise funds for India Relief? 

I am working with the local temples, BAPS and Hindu Society of NC and leaders across the nation to help in raising funds for India.

As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, countries and communities are facing unforeseen challenges. Beginning in April 2021, the situation in India has become very dire, stressing hospital systems in many parts of the country to the brink of collapse. India currently has the largest number of confirmed cases in Asia, and, as of April 2021, has the second-highest number of confirmed cases in the world. The daily case count as well as death count continue to rise. There is a dire need for medical supplies as well as support for livelihood.

Through its affiliated centers and hospitals in India, BAPS Charities has already supported many activities including medical equipment and supplies, temporary hospital beds and food to those in need. But the need now is much more than ever.

SEWA India Covid Relief Program  https://www.sewausa.org/.
Sewa International’s Help India Defeat COVID-19 Campaign and is seeking your support. They are raising funds for buying supplies, and ensuring that the much-needed lifesaving medical equipment like oxygen-concentrators and ventilators are acquired and shipped to hospitals across Bharat.

The goal is to raise Ten million dollars to purchase following equipment.
Cost:
  • $501 for Oxygen Concentrator
  • $25,000 for Ventilators
  • Any amount as per your convenience

WEST BENGAL OXYGEN ON WHEELS INITIATIVE

West Bengal is one of the hardest hit States in India from the Covid Pandemic as hundreds are dying every day.    Given very limited Oxygen supply in West Bengal– community leaders ARE PUTTING A PROGRAM OF OXYGEN ON WHEELS.  This is a critical and dire situation in many of the rural villages in India, particularly in West Bengal.  Providing a steady supply of Oxygen will cost at least $700 per concentrator and we are planning to send 100 to India.

Funds raised will go directly to purchase Oxygen Concentrators in ambulances, which will then get to rural villages in West Bengal and to develop field COVID CARE Facilities in rural villages… Each of these could be having 30 -50 beds and will be manned by TRAINED HEALTH WORKERS, controlled by TELE GUIDANCE (Doctors availability is sparse).
United States Aid to India for Second Covid Surge

The United States is delivering supplies worth more than $100 million in the coming days to provide urgent relief to our partners in India. In addition, U.S. state governments, private companies, non-government organizations, and thousands of Americans from across the country have mobilized to deliver vital oxygen, related equipment, and essential supplies for Indian hospitals to support frontline health care workers and the people of India most affected during the current outbreak. U.S. Government assistance flights will start arriving in India on Thursday, April 29 and will continue into next week.

Just as India sent assistance to the United States when our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, the United States is determined to help India in its time of need.
United States to provide India Emergency COVID-19 Assistance
Immediate U.S. Emergency COVID-19 Assistance The United States is providing:
  • Oxygen Support: An initial delivery of 1,100 cylinders will remain in India and can be repeatedly refilled at local supply centers, with more planeloads to come. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also locally procured oxygen cylinders and will deliver them to support hospital systems in coordination with the Government of India.
  • Oxygen Concentrators: 1700 oxygen concentrators to obtain oxygen from ambient air, these mobile units provide options for flexible patient treatment.
  • Oxygen Generation Units (PSA Systems): Multiple large-scale units to support up to 20 patients each, and additional mobile units will provide an ability to target specific shortages. A team of U.S. experts will support these units, working hand-in-hand on the ground with Indian medical personnel. 
  • Personal Protective Equipment: 15 million N95 masks to protect both patients and Indian health care personnel. 
  • Vaccine-Manufacturing Supplies: The U.S. has re-directed its own order of Astra Zeneca manufacturing supplies to India. This will allow India to make over 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): 1 million rapid diagnostic tests – the same type used by the White House — to provide reliable results in less than 15 minutes to help identify and prevent community spread.   
  • Therapeutics: The first tranche of a planned 20,000 treatment courses of the antiviral drug emdesivir to help treat hospitalized patients.  
  • Public Health Assistance: U.S. CDC experts will work hand-in- hand with India’s experts in the following areas: laboratory, surveillance and epidemiology, bioinformatics for genomic sequencing and modeling, infection prevention and control, vaccine rollout, and risk communication.
U.S. Support for India from the Outset of the Pandemic
The United States and India have closely worked together to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. COVID-19 assistance has reached more than 9.7 million Indians across more than 20 states and union territories, providing life-saving treatments, disseminating public health messages to local communities; strengthening case-finding and surveillance; and mobilizing innovative financing mechanisms to bolster emergency preparedness:
  • Partnered with more than 1,000 Indian healthcare facilities to strengthen preparedness, including training of over 14,000 people on infection prevention and control.
  • Helped keep more than 213,000 frontline workers safe — including risk mitigation training for doctors, nurses, midwives, community volunteers, sanitation workers, and others who are actively responding to COVID-19 in India.
  • Launched joint public messaging with UNICEF on COVID prevention that has reached more than 84 million people.
  • Provided 200 state-of-the-art ventilators to 29 healthcare facilities in 15 states to care for critically-ill COVID-19 patients.
Vaccination Details
Find a Wake County Testing Site: https://covid19.wakegov.com/testing/
51.9% of Adults are Partially Vaccinated
47% of Adults are Fully Vaccinated. 

Total Doses Administered: 7,953,644
  • First of Two Doses Administered: 4,058,877
  • Second of Two Doses Administered: 3,607,435
  • Single Shot Doses: 287,332

Appointments No Longer Needed for Free Vaccines in Wake County
To Secure an appointment, please visit https://myspot.nc.gov/, https://covid19.wakegov.com/vaccine/


Find a Wake County Testing Site: https://covid19.wakegov.com/testing/


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 (919) 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.
Wake County has Resumed J&J Vaccine at all Vaccination Sites.  

Appointments No Longer Needed for Free Vaccines in Wake County
Appointments are no longer required to get a free shot of the COVID-19 vaccine in Wake County. All vaccination locations will allow walk-ins and drive-ins.

Appointments are still encouraged, but no longer necessary.

The locations accepting walk-ins include Wake County Public Health Center, Wake County Northern Regional Center, Wake County Human Services Center at Departure and Green Road Park.
Find Days and Times at https://covid19.wakegov.com/vaccine/.
Durham County Opens Walk In Vaccination Clinics
Durham County Vaccination Clinic will only be open for 3 more days.  Roll up your sleeves and get it done!

Walk-in hours will be Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 9 to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays 9 to 6 p.m. Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available but the choice of vaccine will depend on supply. Pfizer will be used for all people under age 18.

May 21- May 23 Bringing Back Summer Vaccine Event at Dorothea Dix!
A COVID-19 vaccination event - Bringing Back Summer "Vaccine on the Green" - will be held on the Dorothea Dix Campus in Raleigh, Friday, May 21, through Sunday, May 23.

This event is open for anyone age 12 and older to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments are not necessary but you may sign up for an appointment time through WakeMed if you choose to. The event will also feature music, food trucks and lawn games.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 19th Fundraising Reception for Senator Wiley Nickel 6 pm
May 19th Fundraising Reception for Senator Wiley Nickel 6 pm

RSVP to ryan@wileynickelforcongress.com and 631-278-1298.  Zoom information will be sent.
May 21 - FIRESIDE CHAT WITH TENNIS LEGEND ANDY ANDREWS
Topic: Celebrate National Tennis Week with a Fireside Chat with NC Tennis Legend Andy Andrews, former ATP Tour Professional, USTA Board Member. We may be joined by Former USTA President, and WTA Tour Player, Katrina Adams!

Summary:
Join us on Friday, May 21, at 3 pm for our Virtual Fireside Chat with Andy Andrews, Former ATP Tour Professional, former USTA Board Member as we talk about National Tennis Week, the upcoming Summer Season, and the growth of tennis in the United States! We will also talk about Tennis and the Game of Life!

Streamed Live at https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao and Aired on Radio Nyra on Sunday at 4 pm! 99.9FM, 1490 AM and 101.9 FM!

This will also air on Radio Nyra this Sunday, May 23 at 4 pm.  101.9 FM, 1490 AM and 99.9 FM HD4
May 22 National Black Journalist Forum on Hate and Violence Towards Asians Hate in American
Join National Association of Black Journalists-Raleigh Durham at 11 am on Saturday for a Virtual Forum on Asian Hate. Thank you for We look forward to hearing from you during this timely and important discussion. 

Meeting ID: 875 9984 4412
Passcode: 813356
May 26th 11 am Create Animated Personas for Your Agency’s Digital Transformation
May 26th India Covid Update with US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi at 10:10 am
Join us on May 26th at 10:10 am EST for a Virtual Discussion with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on the US Response to India Covid Crisis and celebrating the Achievements of Asian Americans during Asian American Heritage Month!

Streamed Live on Radio Nyra on 99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490AM and at https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao.

Aired on Radio Nyra on Sunday, May 23h at 4 pm.  99.9 FM HD 4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
May 28, 2021 6-7:30pm at Chatham Community Library Honoring AAPI Heritage Month
May 28, 2021 6-7:30pm at Chatham Community Library Honoring AAPI Heritage Month

We Are Proud Americans U.S. History of Asian American Pacific Islanders
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/.    
  • 1,499,990 NC citizens have applied for UI Benefits, 989, 081 have been paid benefits, and $11.7 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/

Find a Wake County Testing Site: https://covid19.wakegov.com/testing/

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

NCDHHS reported 622 new cases of COVID-19, the lowest number since Oct. 4. In all, the state has had 992,678 cases.

The percent positive stands at 5%, a slight increase from Monday (4.7%) but still low.

Hospitalizations are trending down from the same time one week and two weeks ago. In all, 820 people were hospitalized compared to 968 a week ago and 1,050 during the same period two weeks ago.

Twenty deaths were added, giving the state a total of 12,911 attributed to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

CASES:
+ 969 Newly reported Cases  
+ N.C. = 993,547 Cases (Deaths = 12,938)  
+ 820 Hospitalized  
+ 4.3% Positive Rate

+ Wake County = 94,104 Cases (Deaths = 729)

+ US = 32,713,671 cases/ 581,056 K deaths 
+ India = 22.3 million cases/242K Deaths. 
+ Worldwide = 156,077,747 cases/ 3,256,034 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