Monday's Internet Edition, October 06, 2008.
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| Brookwood’s Kaitlyn Fletcher gives a pre-swim meet hug to Robin Donahue of Clemmons West. |
Dr. Monroe said a pandemic is a global influenza outbreak caused by a brand new flu virus where few if any people would be immune.
“This pandemic could have a death rate of 50 percent, compared to the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic, which had a 2.5 percent death rate,” said Dr. Monroe.
Dr. Monroe gave these statistics. In 1918 the Spanish Flu killed 20 to 40 million world-wide and 550,000 in America and infected some 28 percent in the U.S. The 1957 Asian Flue caused 2 million deaths world wide and 70,000 deaths in America. The 1968 Hong Kong Flu caused 1 to 4 million deaths in the world and 34,000 in America.
Dr. Monroe said the Center for Disease Control gives the worst case scenario by predicting 40 to 100 million people will be ill and between 88,000 and 300,000 people will die from the pandemic.
“If a pandemic occurs, there are no vaccines and antivirals,” said Dr. Monroe. “And it will take six months to have a vaccine developed. There will be limited supplies and these will be rationed.”
People will be isolated and quarantined with the illness, and this will be controlled by county and health directors, Dr. Monroe stated. He said people will be advised to stay away from other people in the workplaces, churches, schools, malls, stores etc. He said law enforcement would be called on to enforce quarantines of non-compliant persons, and that this would be difficult to accomplish.
“No matter how much preparation takes place, this pandemic will have people dying. It is a disaster situation, devastating and certainly not a walk in the park,” said Dr. Monroe.
Among the infection control strategies proposed would be for people to stay away from other people, cancellation of public events, close schools and work places and recreational facilities. “Imagine the economic impact from a pandemic,” said Dr. Monroe.
“It is estimated that 25 to 30 percent of people may become ill during a 6 to 8-week outbreak, and an additional 10 percent of the workforce would be absent due to illness of a family member and others may stay home due to fear of becoming infected,” said Dr. Monroe.
Forsyth County is formulating public health plans for a possible pandemic. “Consider having to vaccinate some 330,000 people in 30 days right here in Forsyth County,” said Dr. Monroe. “Fear may cause civil unrest. The Coliseum has been named as our major site for vaccinations. People who can walk in would be vaccinated first, then transportation of others would be according to zip codes and townships.”
“People will not be happy with this plan and again this could cause civil unrest. Law enforcement may not be able to maintain law and order,” Dr. Monroe predicted.
Small towns in the county like Clemmons are being considered in the emergency plan. Town personnel may be recruited to assist in mass vaccination clinics. Dr. Monroe said West Forsyth High School would be a logical center for such a clinic for the western end of Forsyth County, since this location could accommodate traffic.
Sheriff’s Department Agreement
Council received and unanimously approved an agreement with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department to provide protection for Clemmons. The village will provide salaries for five deputies, one sergeant, one corporal and two investigators; their benefits, clothing and uniforms, small equipment and supplies, insurance premiums and an emergency vehicle for the new investigator at a cost of $533,421. Indirect costs are $168,584 for operating eight vehicles and fleet capital recovery of eight vehicles.
This agreement was included in this year’s budget.
Waterford Village Sidewalks
The matter of sidewalks in Waterford Village, which do not meet village requirements by being only four feet wide and should be five feet wide, was discussed. Centex Homes was the developer of this subdivision.
Herb Linn, president of the Waterford Village Homeowners Association, spoke to the council and said that organization of residents supports Centex Homes and favors the status quo of the existing sidewalks. Linn said a small section of sidewalks remain to be paved and the homeowners want these to be the same width.
Councilwoman Mary Cameron said “there are several things in violation here and I do not like to let things slide. These sidewalks were not built properly in the right place.”
Village attorney Warren Kasper suggested the sidewalk width requirement could be deleted from the site plan, since these sidewalks are already in place. He suggested a letter from the Homeowners Association be placed on file endorsing the plan.
Councilman Jim Hayes made the motion to approve the staff changes and to delete the sidewalk requirement from the site plan, along with receiving the letter as suggested by the attorney. Vote was 4 to 1 with Cameron voting no.
Grant to Tanglewood
Tanglewood Park requested a grant of $6,000 from Clemmons Village for assistance in funding the 2006 BMW Combo Doubles State Tennis Tournament.
There will be 1,800 players from all over North Carolina participating in the November 9 to 14 tournament at the Tanglewood Community Tennis Center. Last year the tournament brought some $2 million to the local economy through hotels, restaurants and shopping. Clemmons give the tournament $5,000 last year. The Village Inn and Conference will be the host hotel.
Councilman Larry McClellan questioned what the tournament would bring to the residents if using their tax dollars. He suggested giving less than requested.
Councilman Jim Hayes made a motion to give the $6,000 and Cameron seconded the motion. Vote was 4 to 1 to approve, with McClellan voting no.