Ending Saturday, February 13, 2021, this week's top reports included new documents revealing how the fired New Hanover County Health Director failed to
Phillip Tarte was dismissed at the end of January 2021 after more than a year of complaints were waged against him in his role as public health director. (Port City Daily photo/Alexandria Sands)
NEW HANOVER COUNTY Days before the Covid-19 virus first rooted in New Hanover County, then-health director Phillip Tarte was on the brink of losing his job for the second time as his supervisor continued to levy accusations of incompetence.
It was March 2020, and Kathy Stoute, assistant county manager in charge of New Hanover County Department of Health and Human Services, wanted New Hanover County Public Health Director Phillip Tarte removed.
County Limits Smoking And Vaping In Public Places Feb. 1st County Limits Smoking And Vaping In Public Places Feb. 1st Featured
By WILLARD KILLOUGH III
Managing Editor
NEW HANOVER CTY - Last year the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Board recommended revising rules prohibiting the use of e-cigarretts and tobacco within the County.
According to the Board, This is a revised version of the rule adopted by the Health and Human Services Board in August that includes the prohibition of use of tobacco and e-cigarettes in county, town and city buildings, vehicles and grounds, as well as in public places in New Hanover County, like restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Revisions include removing references to streets and sidewalks, and changing language to clarify enforcement by municipalities.
Vaccinations continue across New Hanover County, including at the MLK Center downtown on 10th Street. (Port City Daily/Courtesy of New Hanover County)
SOUTHEASTERN NC For the first time in months, North Carolina is experiencing a downtick in cases as more than 1 million vaccines roll out in the state’s battle against Covid-19. The combination of less cases and more vaccines administered is the way to overcome this year-long worldwide pandemic, according to scientists and health professionals.
On the County Alert System, 66 North Carolina counties are in the red zone, indicating critical viral spread, while 33 are in the orange, showing substantial spread; six remain in the yellow with significant spread. New Hanover has been downgraded to orange, while Brunswick and Pender remain red.
NHC will give 500 vaccines on Thursday to the public and 500 to give in partnership with Cape Fear Clinic to reach marginalized communities. (Port City Daily/File)
NEW HANOVER COUNTY New Hanover County Health and Human Services announced it will have access to 1,000 vaccines this week. 500 will be administered to the community on Thursday, and the other 500, in partnership with Cape Fear Clinic, will go to outreach events for marginalized communities.
Limited by supply, vaccine appointments filled in around 20 minutes after being announced on Monday, Feb. 1, around 1:33 p.m. They were filled on a first-come, first-serve basis by 1:54 p.m.
Adults 65 and older and healthcare workers in Groups 1 and 2 are eligible to receive the vaccine. The county split 250 vaccine appointments between the call center and the online schedulers.