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Indian Independence Day Edition |
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
August 15, 2021
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63% in NC Partially Vaccinated with one dose / 58% in NC Fully Vaccinated.
Expect waits as Lines are getting longer.
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I am looking forward to beginning my Listening Tour across the Town this week to neighborhoods and businesses about my vision for the Town in my next term. This year, I have chosen to have more of a conversation with each of you, sharing the great things happening and addressing the challenges, we all face. The Town should not be divided by neighborhoods! We are one Morrisville! A civil and positive conversation!
Dates and Times will be sent out in my next newsletter. Let's develop our Playbook together to transform the Town into the best place to live, work, and play in the nation!
Providing citizens choices in our Democracy is always a good thing. Looking forward to a positive campaign! If you are interested in joining our volunteer and canvassing team, please shoot us an email to sr@steverao.com! |
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Save the Date: Aug 31 Congressional Town Hall with Senator Wiley Nickel! 6- 7:30 pm |
Aug 31 Congressional Town Hall with Senator Wiley Nickel! 6- 7:30 pm at Wake Tech RTP )10908 Chapel Hill Rd,, Morrisville, NC )
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75th Indian Independence Day! |
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75th Indian Independence Day! |
My Message:
India will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day on August 15, 2021, with the usual pride to mark its freedom from British rule. The Indian Independence movement began during World War I and was led by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. On August 15, 1947, India got its freedom, ending an almost 200-year British rule. India's Independence Day is significant as it stands as a reminder of the sacrifices that many freedom fighters made to get independence from British rule.
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My great grandfather, Dr. U Rama Rau, 1937–45, he served as the chairman of the upper house of the Madras legislature from 1937- 1945 and left the Parliament to join Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement.
The Indian Independence Bill was introduced in the British House of Commons on July 4, 1947, and passed within a fortnight. It provided for the end of British rule in India on August 15, 1947. After that, India became a free country with the bifurcation of India and Pakistan.
Some of the great freedom fighters who helped in India's freedom struggle include Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Subhas Chandra Bose and many more.
India's Independence Day is significant as it stands as a reminder of the sacrifices that many freedom fighters made to get independence from British rule. It is a national holiday and it is usually observed throughout the nation with the hoisting of the tricolour, parades and cultural events. India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of Red Fort in Delhi on August 15, 1947. It is a tradition that has since been followed by the incumbent Prime Minister, followed by an address to the country.
The greatest gift India ever gave the United States is the immigrants from India, who have contributed immensely to the United States. There is no state as a greater example of this great gift than North Carolina! We pray for India during the Covid Surge. Let us continue to be the change we seek in the World!
Long Live India. Long Live the United States!
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Indian Independence Day Flag Hoisting at Hindu Society of NC |
Thanks to everyone who came out to the traditional Flag Hoisting ceremony at the Indian Independence Day Celebration! |
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Virtual Triad Indian Independence Day Celebration |
IAT's celebration of India's 74th Independence day is just around the corner. You can join us in this celebration from the comfort of your home. We have added a couple of more interactive and fun elements to the show and we would like you to participate with us.
State Presentation:
We will have a collage video of individuals/groups representing various states of India.
For those who want to represent a state, please register here. It is a first come first serve basis so if you want to pick the state of your choice, please register as soon as possible..
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Independence Day Media
POD TV
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Radio Nyra
Tune into Radio Nyra tomorrow at 9:50 am for our Indian Independence Day Celebration and 4 pm for our Interview with US-India Political Action Committee . 99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! Stream at radionyrausa.com https://radionyra.com/.
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Trader Joe’s Opens in Morrisville at Park West! |
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Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul becomes New York’s first female Governor. She says she has never been close to Governor Cuomo.
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The F.D.A. is planning to authorize an additional dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine for people with weakened immune systems.
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Delta Variant Mask Mandates: |
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City of Raleigh Indoor Mask Mandate went into effect 5 pm Friday.
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Wake Forest and Fuquay-Varina will not issue Mask Mandates, encourages to wear masks indoors.
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Mask Mandate in Town of Morrisville: All visitors, including staff, are required to wear masks in Town of Morrisville Facilities and this rule went into effect on Aug. 2. Durham, Garner, Raleigh, Fayetteville, Orange County and many other municipalities are following similar procedures and Governor Cooper, pursuant to Executive Order 244, has encouraged local municipalities to take such measures. (See Town Operations Section For More Details)
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Orange County Mask Mandate in effect and Johnston County and Cumberland County Schools impose Indoor Mandatory Mask Requirements. The Orange County mandate will be in effect for Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough buildings and businesses
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Wake County mandate masks in all Wake County Buildings and will have a Mask Mandate Decision by next week.
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For Rent Assistance HOPE Program website or by contacting the HOPE Call Center at 888-9ASK-HOPE (888-927-5467)
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North Carolina providers have administered 10,043,074 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinations are trending upward as the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus spreads through the state, officials said.
Sixty-three percent of adults 18 and older in the state have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while 58% of the adult population is fully vaccinated against the virus.
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MORRISVILLE CARDINALS KICK SEASON OFF THIS WEEKEND IN MORRISVILLE! |
What better sport to watch in the All-America City of Morrisvile, than Professional Cricket? Come out this weekend to cheer on our Professional Team, the Morrisville Cardinals!
On Sunday, the Morrisville Cardinals will play at Church Street Park (5800 Cricket Pitch Way, Morrisville, NC 27560) at 11 am! Thanks to everyone who came out to watch the Beamers!
Special thanks to Chainyard, all of the sponsors, and of course, Praveen Chakkaraj and all of the owners for bringing Professional Cricket to Morrisville! Thanks to former Mayor Mark Stohlman for all his work getting Banner Sponsors.
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TOWN OF MORRISVILLE MASK MANDATE |
Based on guidance from the CDC, the Governor’s office, and the Wake County Health Department, the decision has been made to return to the use of face coverings inside Town facilities anytime you are not alone in your assigned workspace and when interacting with the public indoors. This applies to all staff regardless of vaccination status.
One question which many residents may have is why you should have to wear a face covering if you are already vaccinated. When we lifted the requirement to wear face coverings earlier this year, the data showed that fully vaccinated people were less likely to transmit the virus – but that all changed with the delta variant circulating.
- Delta is different than past versions of the virus: it is 60% more contagious than the last variant. It spreads from person-to-person 50% faster. By far, it’s the “fastest and fittest” strain of COVID-19 yet.
- Vaccinated people represent a very small amount of people getting delta, but these “breakthrough” infections mean even the vaccinated can get and spread the virus even though they might not be showing any symptoms.
- The more we allow the virus to spread, the more chances we give the virus to mutate again – when you become infected, you become a host to potentially help grow a new variant. New variants aren’t going to be weaker than the previous ones, they’re going to be stronger and more deadly.
- The vaccines ARE helping prevent severe illness and death from delta, but, as the CDC director said yesterday, we’re just a few mutations away from it being able to evade our current vaccines. (This Message is from Deputy Manager Brandon Zudeima)
Updates to Public Requirements for Masks
- Town administrative offices will remain open to the public. Members of the public will be required to sign in anytime they are visiting an office.
- Face coverings are required for all visitors to any Town facility regardless of their vaccination status.
- Face coverings are required for all attendees at any meeting regardless of their vaccination status; social distancing in meetings is strongly encouraged. The Town is not returning to remote Council, PZB, or Advisory Committee meetings at this time.
Existing Staff Guidance
- All staff are strongly encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
- Do not come to work if you are feeling sick, have symptoms, or if you could have been exposed to COVID-19.
- Get tested for COVID-19 if you are experiencing symptoms or have a known exposure regardless of your vaccination status (new update).
- Continue to wipe down any shared space before and after use.
Updated Guidance
The following guidance applies to vaccinated and unvaccinated staff:
- Staff are required to wear a face covering anytime you are inside a Town facility and not alone in your assigned workspace.
- Staff are required to wear a face covering anytime you are in a vehicle with another person conducting Town business.
- Staff are required to wear a face covering anytime you are interacting with a member of the public conducting Town business when indoors.
- Staff are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering anytime you are interacting with a member of the public conducting Town business when outdoors.
- Staff may only eat meals together if you can ensure at least six feet of social distancing between everyone present. Face coverings are to be worn immediately prior to and immediately after the meal. Group meals should be outdoors when practical.
- The requirement for in-person staff meetings is temporarily suspended; virtual staff meetings may be held if any attendees prefer not to meet in person with face coverings.
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This Week in Morrisville: AUG. 16 - Aug 22 |
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August 24 - 6 p.m. Town Council Meeting
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Morrisville Carpenter Road Project |
Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project update:
As part of the road improvements project, for four days – Monday, August 30 through Thursday, September 2 – Morrisville Carpenter Road will be closed for both eastbound and westbound traffic at the culvert area between Town Hall Drive and the entrance to Morrisville Square Shopping Center (just east of Misty Groves Circle). The road will be re-opened earlier if the work is completed ahead of schedule. Westbound traffic on Aviation Parkway will be detoured and directed north on Chapel Hill Road (N.C. - 54), west on McCrimmon Parkway, and south on Davis Drive back to Morrisville Carpenter Road. Eastbound traffic on Morrisville Carpenter Road will be directed north on Davis Drive, east on McCrimmon Parkway, and south on Chapel Hill Road (N.C. - 54). Access to all residents and businesses that are off of Morrisville Carpenter Road will be open and accessible. See the detour map link and for additional project details click here.
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MORRISVILLE FITNESS AND AQUATICS CENTER UPDATE |
In alignment with new guidance from the Wake County government issued today, July 30, the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center will begin requiring face coverings for all patrons inside the building, regardless of vaccination status, on Monday, August 2.
Though approximately 70 percent of the Wake County population is vaccinated at this time, surges in coronavirus cases stimulated by the Delta variant have led Wake leaders to operate out of an abundance of caution. The health and safety of our members has been and continues to be paramount, and we believe that encouraging face coverings and social distancing is the best way to protect our community at this time.
Face Covering Rules
- Face coverings will now be required in all indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status or social distancing.
- Face coverings need to remain on during indoor exercise, but may be removed during outdoor activities as long as social distancing is possible.
- Face coverings may only be removed indoors when swimming or showering, and should be worn immediately before and after these activities.
- Lifeguards can remove their face coverings, so long as they can maintain social distance from each other and patrons.
Programming
- Fitness classes will be assessed, and some may be moved outside to allow for socially distanced exercise. Please feel free to provide your feedback on the matter as we make these decisions.
- Other indoor activities will continue as normal, but please come prepared to wear a face covering for the duration of your workout.
Memberships
- Punch passes and 1-Month PIF memberships will remain non-refundable, due to the short-term, flexible nature of those options. Questions or concerns about other membership types may be addressed by MAFC supervisors and front desk staff as needed.
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Teen Morrisville 101 Registration Open |
Registration for Teen Morrisville 101 is now open. Teen Morrisville 101 is an annual citizen's academy for teens interested in local government, specifically in Morrisville. This is a free program for youth in grades 9-12. The program begins October 6 and will be held from 4-6 p.m. once a week for four weeks. Sessions will take place at Morrisville Town Hall, located at 100 Town Hall Drive. While the program is open to all high school students, preference will be given to those who live in Morrisville.
Registration ends on September 24, 2021. For more information and to reserve your spot visit the Teen Morrisville 101 webpage by clicking here. |
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Morrisville Fire and Rescue Department Ladder 22 Wet Down Ceremony on August 21 |
Join the Morrisville Fire and Rescue Department on Saturday, August 21, at 10 a.m. to watch the traditional wet-down ceremony welcoming into service the new Pierce 100' Ascendant Tower fire apparatus (Ladder 22 fire truck)! The event will be held at Fire Station No. 2, located at 10632 Chapel Hill Road.
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Celebrate National Senior Citizen Day on August 21 in Morrisville! |
Join us on Saturday, August 21, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Morrisville Senior Center to celebrate and recognize the achievements, accomplishments, and contributions senior citizens have made to our communities!
The event will include the grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Morrisville Senior Center at 1 p.m., games and prizes, and information about the center’s programs and activities. All local seniors (age 55+) are invited to visit the center and help us celebrate National Senior Citizens Day. If you can’t make it on August 21, you are welcome to visit the center any time. The Morrisville Senior Center is located at 4117 Davis Drive in the McCrimmon Corners Shopping Center.
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MSV 2021 Bond Referendum – It’s Official! |
Town Council unanimously adopted the formal actions on August 10 required to officially endorse and set the bond categories on the ballot for November 2, 2021, for Public Safety, Parks, Recreation and Amenities, and Streets, Sidewalks, and Connectivity improvements – that will impact our growing community for years to come. Voters will have the power to decide if Morrisville should be authorized to raise funds through the sale of bonds for $37 million in future investments for specific purposes noted above through General Obligation Bonds. This form of financing is the least costly financing option for local governments.
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Next Morrisville’s Pop-Up Dog Park is Sept. 12 |
Morrisville's next "pop-up" dog park is Sunday, Sept 12, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park. Waivers are due Friday for Sunday reservations.
Participating dog owners must register in ActiveNet and fill out a waiver prior to participating.
Click here to visit the Town’s webpage for additional information, future dates, rules, requirements, and forms. |
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Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers’ Market |
The Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food, goods, and live music from small and local businesses from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday!
Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local! |
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The Taliban captured three more major cities, as the insurgents’ race to take control of the country accelerated.
U.S. officials say Kabul, the capital, could fall within 30 days.
The Pentagon is preparing possible evacuation of most U.S. citizens in Kabul. American negotiators have asked the Taliban to spare the U.S. Embassy.
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A gunman killed five people in England, the first mass shooting there since 2010. |
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Although Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York is leaving office, some legislators still want to impeach him
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Indiana University can require students to be vaccinated, the Supreme Court ruled.
Separately, the Supreme Court blocked part of New York State’s eviction moratorium.
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The largest U.S. teachers’ union says it supports vaccine mandates for educators. And Virginia will require masks in all K-12 schools.
San Francisco will bar unvaccinated people from indoor dining, concerts and other events
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NC Legislative Map Process Has Begun! |
The process of redrawing our congressional and legislative maps kicked off today with the first meeting of the Joint Redistricting Committee.
The on-line portal for public comments began on Tuesday at 8:30 am.
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Wake County Considers Mask Mandates |
Wake County leaders met virtually, along with public health experts, to discuss masking guidance in the county.
Nicole Mushonga, Assistant Physician Director and Epidemiology Program Director, told leaders that most of the counties in North Carolina (including Wake County) are experiencing high rates of spread of COVID-19, largely due to the Delta variant.
She also said that there has been a significant increase in COVID-19 case count in the county during the first 13 days of August.
There was unanimous support on the call for an indoor mask mandate. County officials said they will be preparing a modification via an emergency declaration to require masks indoors. They are still working on developing a list of exceptions.
Wake County Commissioner Matt Calabria said the mandate would probably go into effect next week.
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WAKE COUNTY SCHOOLS CHANGES COVID 19 SAFETY PRACTICES |
WCPSS announced it is making updates to its COVID-19 safety practices. The changes take effect Aug. 16:
- For everyone over the age of 4, face coverings are required indoors in schools, all district buildings and on school-provided transportation, including school buses, activity buses, and vendor transportation. For Pre-K students, face coverings are strongly recommended for ages 3-4 and required for age 5. Face coverings are optional outdoors.
- If your student experiences an illness that does not include COVID-19 symptoms, it's now easier for them to return to school quicker. For these illnesses, we're returning to pre-pandemic health practices: Students can return to school when they are fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours.
- Safety practices for eating on campus are being strengthened. Most schools will group students when moving from the classroom to the lunch room and use assigned seating during meals. This practice of grouping students will help reduce the number of students required to quarantine if a student in their class becomes infected. This also allows students to talk with others in their group during meal times. Face coverings will be required except for the time when students are specifically eating.
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Wake County Schools Mandate Indoor Masks |
Wake County Public School System has voted to make masks a requirement indoors at all schools this year. So far in our region, 10 school districts have voted to mandate mask wearing: Wake County Public School System, Durham Public Schools, Cumberland County Schools, Wilson County School District, Hoke County Schools, Lee County Schools, Nash County Public Schools, Granville County Schools, Orange County School District and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.
On the other hand, Clinton City Schools, Harnett County Schools, Johnston County Schools, Sampson County Schools, and Wayne County Public Schools have voted to keep masks optional for fully vaccinated students and staff.
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Cape Fear Health Care System Mandates Vaccines |
Cape Fear Valley Health announced that it will make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for employees, physicians, students, vendors, and volunteers. The deadline is Oct. 1, 2021. |
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WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH CONFIRMS COVID 19 OUTBREAKS |
Wake County Public Health has confirmed outbreaks of COVID-19 at the following facilities:
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Tower Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, 3609 Bond St., Raleigh. This is the center's third outbreak. Previous outbreaks were reported in March 2021 and June 2020.
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Universal Health Care - North Raleigh, 5201 Clarks Fork Drive, Raleigh. This is the facility's fourth outbreak, with previous outbreaks occurring in March 2021, November 2020 and July 2020.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services defines an outbreak as two or more people - residents or employees - testing positive for the virus.
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Aug 15 at 4pm - PBS Carolina |
Aug 15 Political Commentary on PBS Carolina Black Issues Forum at 4 pm. Channel 4. |
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Monday, August 16 from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. - NC VetBiz |
Join us Monday, August 16, 2021, at Brier Creek Country Club, 9400 Club Hill Drive, Raleigh, NC 27617 from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
The 2021 Business Reconnect portion of the event includes a Business Showcase Hall with vendor tables, guest speakers, and an opportunity to make new business connections meet resource providers and other veteran entrepreneurs.
Just for fun! You will have the opportunity to play on an in-door putt-putt course.
Learn more about the association's 2021-22 initiatives and meet board members of NC VetBiz.
Those participating in the Golf Tournament will have lunch provided.
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NC Veteran Business Association ReConnect Golf Tournament Fireside Chat with Mark Haupt:
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Aug 16, 2pm - Wake County Commissioners Meeting |
Aug 16 Wake County Commissioners Meeting at 2 pm. Wake County Justice Center |
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Aug 21 Wet Down Ceremony for Ladder 22 |
Aug 21 Wet Down Ceremony for Ladder 22, our newest addition to the Fire Department
10 am at Fire Station 2.
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Aug 21 National Senior Citizen Day Open House 12pm- 4 pm |
Aug 21 National Senior Citizen Day Open House
12pm- 2 pm at Morrisville Senior Center.
4117 Davis Drive
Morrisville, NC 27560
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Start Up Summit - Sept. 22 |
Save the Date Start Up Summit! Sept. 22
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Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
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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.
OFFICIAL International Broadcast Media
Public Open Dialogue TV is a worldwide multilingual, multi-demographic network focused on inspiring, educating and entertaining the global community. We provide unique programming in areas not covered by traditional media, and provide a platform for the audience to engage with those shows. Formerly IBMTV.
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NC Covid Dashboard:
Vaccinations: 9,984,713 Total Doses Administered.
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- 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/.
- 1,516,310 applied for UI Benefits, 996,757 Paid Benefits, $12.4 Billion Payments Issues.
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Apply for Wake Forward program at https://covid19.wakegov.com/wakeforward/.
The number of new daily COVID-19 cases in North Carolina surpassed 6,000 for the second time in a week.
6,628 new COVID-19 cases were reported on Friday.
The percent of positive tests in the state is at 11.6%.
2,483 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 in North Carolina. That number has continued to climb since just after the July 4th holiday weekend.
There are 635 adult COVID-19 patients in ICUs across the state.
339 confirmed COVID-19 patients were admitted into hospitals in the last 24 hours.
13,826 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the state since the beginning of the pandemic.
CASES:
6,628 Newly reported Cases
+ N.C. = 1,107,414 Cases (Deaths = 13,826)
+ 2,483 Hospitalized
+ 11.6% Positive Rate
+ Wake County = 95,433 Cases (Deaths = 755)
+ US = 36.7 million cases / 621,000 deaths
+ India = 32.2 million cases /431,000 Deaths.
+ Worldwide = 207 million cases / 4.35 million deaths
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Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville.
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Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
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See what's happening on our social sites: |
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