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Weekly Update March 15 - March 22 and Play of the Week Edition
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
March 22, 2021
11,757 North Carolinians have died since the Pandemic after first Covid 19 case diagnosed on March 3 2020. 
Breaking News:
Coronavirus Vaccination News:
Cape Fear Health opens up Vaccinations to Phase 5 this week.  Find Vaccination Sites Here:  https://www.capefearvalley.com/coronavirus/index.aspx

Astra Zeneca expected to receive Emergency Use Authorization soon! 79% Efficacy and can be stored in a refrigerator! 

Phase 4 Vaccination Group Has Begun!  (See Phase 4 in Week in Review Section to find out where you can get shot) 
  • Total Doses Administered: 3, 754, 848   
  • First of Two Doses Administered: 2,295,702
  • Second of Two Doses Administered: 1,377,870 
  • Single Shot Doses Administered: 81, 276
  
Free Drive thru Covid 19 Testing at Bond Park in Cary (11 am to 4 pm) from March 21- March 26 and other sites in Wake County.  https://covid19.wakegov.com/testing/

Duke University Students Are Back in School!  Stay at Home Order is lifted.

See Vaccination Section for details on where you can sign up for your shot!  
Remember Wake County Food Distribution is the First and Third Saturday every month from 11:30 am to 1 pm at Morrisville Elementary School
(1519 Morrisville Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560)
Thanks for all who came out this month!
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
For details on Morrisville Carpenter Road Project, please visit http://bit.ly/mcrcp1.

Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Heavy construction earthmoving equipment will be working on the south side of Morrisville Carpenter Road near Town Hall Drive installing fill material in connection with the road widening operations. 
  • Continued construction activities (including dirt fill and grubbing) will occur along Morrisville Carpenter Road between Town Hall Drive and Misty Groves Circle.
  • Northbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the southbound side of the median. 
Sneak Peak Morrisville Senior Center!
Thanks to Jerry Allen, Parks and Rec Director, for giving me a sneak peak at the new Morrisville Senior Center, another major achievement for our Council and Staff, and proof that our hard work is really paying off!   

We look forward to this Center, opening soon!  

Vaccination Clinic at Hindu Society of North Carolina a Success!
Thanks to Town of Morrisville for hosting a Covid 19 Vaccination Clinic this Friday, March 19 at Hindu Society of North Carolina from 9 am to 4 pm) Thanks to Ritesh Patel from Avance Health Care, HSNC and Council Member Satish Garimella for hosting.  

Over 1,000 shots were given, and there will be other Clinics in the Future.  

Important Updates:
Senator Jay Chaudhuri introduces Hate Crime Legislation.
(See Hate Crime Legislation Section)  
New Jobs News
Google Announces 1000 jobs in Durham
Congrats Durham and we need to work on bringing more of these jobs to Morrisville.

(Refer to my Jobs Playbook Newsletter at www.steverao.com on how we make this happen!)
Fuji Film Diosynth to bring cell manufacturing plant to Holly Springs, bringing $2 billion in investment and 725 jobs by 2028!

Wake County Schools News
An emergency session of the Wake County School Board will be held this evening to discuss a return to in person instruction for 6th through 12th graders.   Virtual Meeting will be at 6 pm.  I will update everyone on the results on my social media sites tomorrow.  

At least 40 of the States’ 115 School Districts have voted to switch middle high schools and high schools to Plan A, including Chatham, Johnston and Nash Counties.  

Staff has recommended the following: All students to return in Plan A on the following dates:
  • April 5: Modified Calendar and Early College
  • April 8: Traditional Calendar
  • April 14: Year-Round 


Also, Duke University has lifted most Stay at Home Restrictions.  
Wake County Commissioners
Wake County Commissioners Unanimously Vote to Stop Discrimination of Hairstyles. 


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 April 15th 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. Let's Imagine Morrisville Together and develop our playbook together.  It is time to win Championships!

We can be the Champions of the World!
MORRISVILLE PLAY OF THE WEEK:  
Making the Town of Morrisville the Smartest City in North Carolina!

(Send me your Smart City ideas to sr@steverao.com!)  
PLAY Number 3:  
Making the Town of Morrisville the Smartest City in North Carolina!
What is a Smart City?

Smart Cities focus on the goals of economic development, sustainability, innovation, citizen engagement, and partner ecosystem development to fundamentally change and improve the quality of life for residents. These goals are inextricably linked to produce systemic outcomes that extend beyond financial performance. The overarching mission for Smart Cities is to catalyze digital transformation of an urban ecosystem to meet environmental, financial, and social outcomes. 

Smart Cities and Communities are, by definition, focused on using emerging technologies and technology innovations, for societal and quality of life outcomes. Catalyzing technologies include cloud, big data analytics, mobile technologies, and social networks. Next generation innovation accelerators include the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, next-generation security, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), 3D printing, and robotics.

Smart Innovation for Morrisville

The Town of Morrisville must embed innovation into government service delivery. We want to augment the quality of life for our residents, by becoming even more of a data-driven organization, one that is responsive to residents, businesses and visitors. We also need to be transparent in our operations. In 2018 we completed a consolidated Town plan and realized that we could catalyze this progress further by adopting smart technologies and processes. 

To this end, we have created the Morrisville Smart City strategy, which provides a roadmap as to how we got here, where we are going, and why. Innovative technologies are critical tools that can be leveraged to meet the expectations of our digitally savvy residents and business community.

The Town of Morrisville Smart City Strategy

We had an assessment done with each Town Department and aligned our Smart City Strategy to the goals in our Strategic Plan.  (Transportation Mobility, Liveable Neighborhoods, Inclusive Neighborhoods, Public Safety, Education, and Economic Development.  

I am very proud of our establishment of a Smart City Steering Committee, which will continue to guide and advise the Town of Morrisville on our Smart City Strategy.  

Smart Morrisville Strategy #1: Intelligent transportation Utilize advanced transportation capabilities and data to help mitigate local traffic congestion. 

Smart Morrisville Strategy #2: Balanced sustainability Development of long-term sustainability efforts, including solar, EV, environmental and smart building deployments. 

Smart Morrisville Strategy #3: Engaged community Collaborate with community members to optimize service delivery through innovative solutions. 

Smart Morrisville Strategy #4: Data-driven public safety Leverage data from next-generation 9-1-1, regional computer aided dispatching and IoT solutions to proactively mitigate and prepare for incidents. 

Smart Morrisville Strategy #5: Enterprise intelligence Deploy technology to improve operational efficiencies and promote transparency through the Town’s open data program. 

Smart Morrisville Strategy #6: Partner ecosystem Develop partnerships with local technology providers to support technology

My Smart City Playbook

  1. Collaborative Partnerships with Technology Leaders, like IBM, Cisco, NC RIoT, Microsoft, Oracle, Verizon, Truliant, etc to establish a Smart Campus.  Market Leading technologies and smart city innovation can be tested and piloted by Town Departments, “Try Before You Buy”.  
  2. Encourage entrepreneurs to share their smart city ideas with our Steering Committee, and collaborate with NC Riot, to encourage regional collaboration and share best practices with IOT Technology.  We will host 2 NC RIOT Start Up Pitch Events per quarter.  
  3. IOT/Smart City Accelerator in the Morrisville Incubator (in the last Jobs Playbook).  
  4. Town of Morrisville must hire a Staff or Consultant, who can pursue Smart City Grants for the Town.     
  5. Innovate Morrisville:  Innovate Morrisville will be a 16-week partnership program that turns the Town of Morrisville into a lab to test new ideas, products or services. Through the program participants get access to staff, data and facilities to assist with making Morrisville more efficient and encourage a culture of innovation at the City. Smart City Companies would be invited into this program and I will have more information on this program in my next set of plays.  

Innovate Morrisville Program Goals:
  • Test Latest Technology: Keep Morrisville informed of new trends and technologies by opening the doors of government to startups and entrepreneurs.
  • Build Innovation Capacity: Build capacity for innovation work by allowing departments to partner with program participants to test new ideas and use new technology.
  • Support Local Businesses: Provide opportunities for businesses to work with the City, giving them a use case to attract clients or investors.
Womens Month Hero of the Week:
Women of the Morrisville Town Council
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 the four women on my Council, Mayor Pro Tem Liz Johnson, and Council Members Vicki Scroggins Johnson, Donna Fender, and Anne Robotti for their dedicated public service and for balancing careers, and family.   

Each of these women are passionate, smart, and do their best every day on the Job as Council Members.  Over the next few weeks, I will be highlighting each of my colleagues on the Council and the influence they have on me as a Council Member.  

Thanks to each of these women and it is an honor to serve on a Woman Majority Council.
My Message on our Town of Morrisville Women Council Members: 
National News
President Biden News

Biden Stimulus Deal Provides Needed Economic Relief to Americans.  
(See American Rescue Plan Section)  
California Governor Gavin Newsom
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo
March 15 - March 22 WEEK IN REVIEW in NC
March 20 Stop the Hate Cary Vigil
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Vigil on Saturday evening to address Hate Crimes against Asian Americans and a special thanks to NC Asian Americans Together, Chinese American Friendship Council, and Cary Council Member Ya Liu for hosting!   

It was great to hear from US Rep, Deb Ross and many other elected officials! 
Thanks for attending our Hate Crimes Legislation Update with Senator Mujtaba Mohammed. 
Watch the Hate Crimes Legislation Update Here:
Senator Chaudhuri Introduces Hate Crime Legislation with Senators Mohamed and Foushee
Thanks to Senator Jay Chaudhuri for introducing the Hate Crime Bill for the third time, as he is providing much needed leadership in North Carolina on this issue.

The Hate Crime Prevention Act does four important things. First, it expands hate crime laws to ensure protections based on ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and disability. Second, it adds a felony offense to our state’s hate crime framework. Third, it establishes a protocol for collecting hate crime statistics. Finally, it ensures hate crimes training for law enforcement and prosecutors.

The Hate Crimes Prevention Act gives law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to combat hate crimes and hate groups. And, it builds trust with communities that are targeted by hate crimes.

This Language is being shared from the Senators Newsletter.
Phase 4 Vaccinations Begin on March 17 
Phase 4 Vaccinations have begun in North Carolina!  Phase 4 group includes people with high-risk medical conditions, people experiencing homelessness, and incarcerated people who have not been vaccinated. North Carolina plans to move to other essential workers and other people in close group living settings on April 7.  

Some vaccine providers may not be ready to open to Group 4 on this date if they are still experiencing high demand for vaccines in Groups 1 through 3.

Please visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines and visit https://www.wral.com/where-can-I-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-in-my-county/19466004/ to secure an Appointment at the County of your Choice.  

(See Vaccination Section for All Details)  
March 24 Johnson County Drive Thru Vaccination

The Johnston County Health Department has scheduled a first dose drive-thru clinic on March 24th from 8 a.m. until supplies last at North Johnston High School at 5915 US Hwy 301 North in Kenly.

People seeking a vaccination should enter the back entrance of North Johnston High School on Watson Road (near the athletic fields). The Health Department will be administering the Pfizer vaccine at this clinic. People younger than 18 need an adult present to receive the vaccine. Patients will need a second dose between 21 and 42 days after the first dose.

The first dose COVID-19 vaccine clinic is for individuals in Group 1 (health care workers, long-term care staff and residents), Group 2 (adults 65 and older), Group 3 (frontline essential workers are people who: Must be in-person at their place of work and work in one of the eight essential sectors which include critical manufacturing, education, essential goods, food and agriculture, government and community services, health care and public health, public safety, transportation, and Group 4 (anyone 16-64 years old with one or more high- risk medical conditions for severe disease from COVID-19, people living in close group settings and essential workers).

Vaccinations will be administered on a first-come, first-serve basis until the capacity of 2,000 doses has been reached.
GREENSBORO FEMA VACCINE SITE OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS
The COVID-19 Community Vaccination Center opened at Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro on March 10 and will remain open for eight weeks. It will operate seven days a week with the capacity to provide up to 3,000 vaccinations per day, with an indoor clinic and a drive-thru clinic in the parking lot. First doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be provided during the center’s first three weeks (March 10- 30). Second doses of Pfizer will be provided during the next three weeks (March 31-April 20).

To reach more marginalized and underserved communities, the main vaccination center at Four Seasons Town Centre will support additional sites and mobile vaccination clinics in communities of need in Guilford and surrounding counties.

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.
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 (March 23 Council Meeting).
  • 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.
NC and 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.
NC Covid Relief from General Assembly
NC Covid Relief from General Assembly 2021 COVID-19 Response & Relief Act directs over $600 million statewide for testing, tracing, and prevention needs, as well as $100 million for K-12 public school needs and $290 million for higher education emergency relief.

It includes another $40 million to support summer learning programs in addition to education funds approved by the legislature last month.

House Bill 196 also provides funds for farms, fisheries, food banks, small business grants, broadband, summer school programs, mental health and substance abuse services, and upgrades to the NC COVID Vaccine Management System, among other allocations.

Senate Bill also passed and supports these efforts in NC!  
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
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thanks for joining us this past weekend on Black Issues Forum on PBS Carolina 4.
Town of Morrisville Virtual Meeting Schedule
March 23 Council 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 24th National League of Cities
March 24th National League of Cities, Stand in Unity, Stop Asian Hate 11:30 am Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/events/273750577490479/
Diversity and Inclusion in Tech Summit
March 24 and March 25th NC Tech Diversity and Inclusion in Tech Summit.

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.
March 30 at Noon for SKEMA BUSINESS SCHOOL
March 30 at Noon for SKEMA BUSINESS SCHOOL Fireside Tech Talk with the IBM, Senior NC Executive, Tim Humphrey.  

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.
April 12th, 2-3:30 PM EDT - RIoT Challenge
RIoT LIV: RIoT Your Reality Challenge - First Pitch Event

Join us for the RIoT Your Reality Challenge First Pitch event! A selected group of applicants will pitch their creative solutions and ideas in the hopes of competing for a spot in the RIoT Accelerator Program and a cash prize of $40k.

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.  

Monday's report from the NCDHHS included 1,248 newly-reported COVID-19 cases.

924 people are currently hospitalized. The daily percent positive rate was 5.8%.

Sadly, 11,836 people have died since the start of the pandemic.

CASES:
1,248 Newly Reported Cases  
+ N.C. = 898,102 Cases (Deaths = 11,836)    
+ 5.8% Positive Rate 
+ 924 Hospitalized


+ Wake County = 82,649 Cases (Deaths = 586)

+ US = 29.8 million Cases/542,000 deaths 
+ Worldwide = 123 million/2.71 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