03/29/2024
Week In Review
Spread the love

North Carolinians are being ordered to stay at home, businesses are shut down and schools remain closed as the nation and the world continue its battle against coronavirus.

As of Saturday morning, Bladen County did not have any confirmed cases of the disease, according to Bladen County Health and Human Services director Dr. Terri Duncan. Bladen County was among 37 of the state’s 100 counties with no reported cases.

On Friday, Gov. Roy Cooper issued a 30-day stay-at-home order that will take effect Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. People will still be able to tend to necessary activities and the state has a list of essential businesses that can remain open, but gatherings of 10 or more will be banned and directs everyone to stay six feet apart.

Earlier in the week, Cooper ordered entertainment, personal care, grooming and other businesses closed for at least 30 days. The governor also announced that public schools would remain closed until at least May 15.

However, students are still learning and teachers are still teaching. It’s being done online and internet “hot spots” have been set up at various locations in Bladen County for students to access the internet if needed.

One service that hasn’t stopped is feeding students. Cafeteria staff prepares meals during the week that parents can pick up at the school or school buses are being used for home delivery.

Bladen County restaurants have adjusted to not being allowed to offer dine-in service. Eateries can offer take out, drive-thru or delivery.

In short, folks in Bladen County are working together during this pandemic.

There has been one allegation of price gouging in Bladen County. Fresh Foods IGA in Elizabethtown has been accused of selling protective masks for $10 each and rebagging the masks. The company denies the charge.

In other news,

Two Bladen County men have been arrested for a shooting that occurred on Harrelson Road near Clarkton on March 13, according to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office.

Goody’s, a clothing department store in Elizabethtown, announced it would be closing its doors, according to a senior manager.

A property on Mercer Mill Road was vandalized for the second time. “We think it may be juveniles out of school and getting mischievous,” said Ken Register of Global Realty, who is selling the property than once housed Assisted Care.

Stay safe, stay home as much as possible, practice “social distancing” and enjoy the week ahead.

About Author