City of Asheville Update COVID-19 April 6, 2020

Asheville -- City of Asheville April 6, 2020 Community Update-Key Takeaways

Updated case count as of noon, 33 Buncombe County residents test positive
County's current Stay Safe, Stay Home declaration will expire on April 9 at 6 a.m. Work is being done to draft a new order that will align more closely with Governor Cooper’s Executive Order, however there will still be some differences. An update will take place on Wednesday, April 8, at 4 p.m.
Justice Calvin Hill stated Buncombe County courts will follow extended guidance from Chief Justice Beasley. Learn more at nccourts.gov
Visit buncombeready.org and click on the Community Connect link to share information about your home with first responders
April 2, 2020 Community Update-Key Takeaways

Updated Case Count as of noon, 31 Buncombe County  residents test positive
No new cases in visitors to Buncombe County
FAQs on Buncombe County's Stay Safe-Stay Home declaration:Is there a curfew? There is no curfew. The Stay Home-Stay Safe declaration is a standing declaration effective until Thursday April 9. Buncombe County is not taking any actions to disrupt transit or roads- we are only asking people to limit their travel to essential travel only. At this time essential personnel and businesses do not need any credential or pass to be on the roads. 
What about in person auto sales? What can be done about enforcing this? This is an area is which our local orders are more restrictive than the Governor’s. In-person auto sales are nonessential until April 9. Auto dealerships can show and sell vehicles virtually, and they may close and complete paperwork in process as long as they are adhering to physical distancing and hygiene guidance. Auto repair and maintenance are essential services. If a dealership has a maintenance and service line on site, that line of operations may continue to operate.
How are we enforcing? Law enforcement response to violations of the statute are complaint driven. We do ask that anyone reporting a violation of the local statue do so on NON emergency lines. Please don't call  911 for these purposes. Law enforcement will enforce the order through education, dialogue, and seeking voluntary cooperation from all residents and businesses. If voluntary cooperation is not achieved, Buncombe County Law Enforcement is equipped to enforce these restrictions through citations or misdemeanor charges.
What about grocery stores that are not taking measures to ensure social distancing? Grocery stores and any form of food and nutrition delivery are considered essential. We are continuing to reach out to grocery stores with our latest guidance and recommendations. We have encouraged them to consider limiting the amount of people allowed in their stores at once as well as to mark out 6 foot intervals when people are waiting to check out.
How are we enforcing Airbnb stays? Over the last few weeks we have had many calls with local business groups, to include AIR, Land of Sky, the Chamber of Commerce, and Explore Asheville to push guidance and answer questions. Among those groups that we’ve been in communication with is the Asheville Homestay Network, which represents a large number of Airbnb and VRBOs in the area. We are currently working with them to clarify and ensure our guidance on short-term rentals under our local Stay Home-Stay Safe declaration.
Despite lock-down measures, cases elsewhere have been surging through assisted-care or nursing homes. What more is being done to check in with these facilities and prevent spread? We are  aware of the increased risk for these types of care facilities where the entire population falls into our high-risk category. For months we have been reaching out to them to pass the latest guidance and instruction from the CDC and Public Health. We have dispatched County Fire Marshals to all of these facilities to personally deliver documents and provide guidance. We constantly update our planning efforts for the quickest possible response to any indication of cases at one of these facilities.
What about my weekend plans? We know that the weather will be nice over the weekend, but please do not use this as a reason for close contact with anyone outside of your household. Do not go on a raft with 6 people who are not in your household, or load up in a truck and go mountain biking with several of your friends. Get some fresh air but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Please continue to maintain a distance of 6 feet between yourself and others, wash your hands, and try to reduce your exposure as much as possible.