John Deere Farm Tractors: What Are the Differences?

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A riding lawn mower is only suitable for the simplest tasks. Many farmers need more powerful equipment, and John Deere is the biggest name in the industry. It produces both compact and subcompact utility tractors. How do they compare? 

Machines belonging to these categories will help you cope with various jobs. The tractors have many similarities, and they can be equipped with various extras. John Deere farm tractor specs may be confusing — check the specifications guide here for detailed comparison. Here are the basics. 

Sub-Compact Vs. Compact 

The first category includes 1 Series, while the subsequent ones (2, 3, and 4) are classified as compact models. All subcompact and most compact models come with the drive over the decks based on the proprietary technology (AutoConnect™). As the terms suggest, subcompact tractors are smaller.

Aside from the size, key distinctions between the two groups include power and lift capacity. All compact models are multi-purpose machines that facilitate different jobs — from mowing to landscaping to agricultural tasks. Subcompact ones are also versatile, but less powerful. 

A Closer Look at Sub-Compact Models

These machines may be regarded as mini tractors, but they are multifunctional. Basically, their owners can accomplish a wide range of tasks on a smaller scale. The manufacturer sells a broad array of accessories and implements, from manure spreaders to rotary tillers. Here are the basic characteristics:

  • maximum loader capacity of 754 lb due to smaller size;
  • the biggest drive-over decks are 60”;
  • 23-25 hp engine.

Obviously, the size affects the lift capacity. These machines are suitable for lighter tasks, and their engines are also less powerful. On the other hand, smaller tractors are more agile, so maneuverability is a benefit. They can fit into tight spaces (storage entrances, gates, etc.). However, there is a catch: ground clearance. Subcompact models do not perform well on complex terrain. 

A Closer Look at Compact Models

As we have already mentioned, compacts tractors are best for heavier jobs. The tractors themselves, their accessories, and implements are also bigger. As a result, you can cover more ground. Here are a few facts and figures:

  • maximum loader capacity is between 120 lb (2 Series) and 2222 lb (4 Series); 
  • +12” of ground clearance in comparison with the first category;
  • 25-38 hp and 25-46 hp engine for 2 Series and 3 Series, respectively.

As these machines are larger and more powerful, they can cope with bigger loads and heavier jobs. For example, you can transport feed in one trip instead of several. In tight spaces, maneuvering may be difficult.

These Are the Basics

John Deere is a renowned manufacturer of farm equipment that offers models of different sizes and lift capacity. Your choice should depend on the tasks on your land. Smaller subcompact tractors handle lighter jobs, while compact ones are best for challenging terrain and heavier loads. 

Understanding personal injury claims and entitlements in Australia

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Personal injury is legally defined as bodily harm taken as a result of another party’s actions or lack of taking necessary actions. Generally, liability should be established if the case is carried to the court. However, if you can strongly represent yourself and successfully prove that you are the victim, you can solve the process and be compensated by the insurer; save time and money without carrying the case to the legal authority. The content of compensation generally includes all the necessary medical expenses such as surgeries, medical equipment expenditures, treatment sessions; and compensable economic loss such as income loss and decreased earning capacity due to permanent impairment. In Australia, the mental damages sustained by the victim are also compensable and classified under non-economic loss. 

What is workers compensation in Australia?

Those who are suffering injuries, illnesses or dust-related disease in Australia whilst being classed as a worker under the laws, are eligible to claim compensation to recover their economic and non-economic loss. Workers in Australia can make a claim with the assistance of a lawyer free of charge. This a benefit provided by the Workers Compensation Independent review office to support workers in need. WIRO, approves lawyer to act on behalf of the injured workers during the process.

Under the laws, the definition of a worker is very broad and involves almost every employment. According to the Work Health and Safety Act of 2011, as an addition to the common description of a worker, all kinds of employees, contractor, subcontractors and interns are involved in the definition of worker. However, the process works differently for the exempt workers as the entitlements and the criteria for making a claim is slightly modified.

How does the compensation claim process work for public accidents in Australia?

Speaking for Australia, all citizens and civilians are obliged to contribute to public safety by fulfilling their simple yet effective duties. The number of claims made on slip and fall accidents is outrageous, while such an accident could be prevented without much of an effort. Even in our own properties, we should provide a safe environment for our visitors to prevent any potential harm. Under the Civil Liability Act, it is clearly stated that the business providers or keepers of public properties shouldn’t fall below the accepted standards. These standards are not hard to achieve, in fact, simply performing civilian duties is sufficient. Potential hazards in the workplace, public properties and businesses should be assessed and eliminated. If failed, an accident might appear, and the businesses are likely to be liable for the harm.

Public liability compensation can be claimed by those suffering injuries occurred in a public place. Although it is relative, it is fair to say that these claims are complex and overwhelming. A proper case evaluation is always recommended before lodging a claim. During the process, the claimant has the onus to prove the negligence that caused the victim harm. In the court’s decision, the claimant’s behaviour will also be considered as lack of taking personal care can also contribute to the severity of injuries. The contributory negligence factor applies to all personal injury claims. However, in public liability claims, it is harder to encounter the claimant’s negligence.

On the other hand, in motor vehicle accidents, even the most responsible individuals can contribute to their injuries. Contributory negligence is defined as lack of taking personal care to decrease the chances of severe injuries, in case of an accident. In motor vehicle accidents, not fastening your seatbelt is a factor that is likely to increase the damages taken from someone else’s negligent actions.

Should I contact a lawyer to understand my entitlements?

It is strongly advised to contact a professional as these case evaluations can be arranged free of charge. The common idea is that the advantages of hiring a lawyer are undeniable and your choice will surely reflect on the case result. However, these claims can still be managed individually. Many can hire a lawyer to avoid the frustrating process, and the conversations with the other party, whilst the others can choose to hire a lawyer to isolate themselves from the process, as focusing both on your injuries and the claim can be challenging. These are only 2 of the many wisely named advantages of working with a lawyer. Regarding the importance of the compensation, your future financial safety can be depending on the court’s decision, as your capacity to earn can significantly decrease while suffering such severe injuries.

Colonial Pipeline Reporting Their Huntersville Gas Spill Is Far Bigger Than Initial Estimates

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The largest gas spill in North Carolina’s history is now a whole lot bigger.

Colonial Pipeline released a new report laying out the results of the massive cleanup effort that began in August of 2020.

The spill was first detected on August 14th coming from a ruptured Colonial Pipeline gas line near Huntersville’s Oehler Nature Preserve. The liquid petroleum gas line that ruptured runs 5,550-miles from Texas, through the southern states, to New Jersey.

In days following the Aug. 14, spill, Colonial said they believed that 63,000 gallons had spilled into the surrounding Mecklenburg County nature preserve, but they soon adjusted that figure to 272,000 gallons.

Now, 6 months later, cleanup efforts have revealed that even their 272,000-gallon estimate was way off.

According to their new report, “a total of 50 vacuum enhanced recovery wells have been installed within the release area. Pneumatic recovery pumps have been placed in the wells and vacuum is applied to the wells to enhance recovery. As of January 16, 2021, approximately 569,003 gallons of gasoline-free product and approximately 217,959 gallons of petroleum contact water have been recovered from the recovery well network.”

The company has also installed a total of 81 groundwater monitoring wells near the location of the spill, and while they say they have not detected any petroleum products “laboratory reporting limits”, the well data does show significant contamination of at least 20 chemicals in the water, many of which are dangerous carcinogens.

Reported compounds found in groundwater monitoring stations. ‘2L’ refers to legally enforceable standards.

Colonial has said it has spent at least $10 million on the cleanup effort so far. NCDEQ has cited the company for several environmental violations but hasn’t issued a monetary penalty.

Dominos Just Opened Their First Walmart Location In The Charlotte Region

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Domino’s, located at 1830 Galleria Blvd. inside Walmart in Charlotte, is now open and ready to serve the local community. It is the first Domino’s inside a Walmart in the Charlotte area. In celebration of the opening, the store will offer small cheese pizzas for $2.99 each when customers order online using coupon code 299, from Monday, Feb. 8 to Sunday, Feb. 14.

“We are excited to expand our reach in the Charlotte community,” said Mack Patterson, Charlotte Domino’s franchise owner. “We have a deeply experienced team of folks who live and work in the area, and they are eager to offer our delicious products, exceptional service and innovative ordering technology to the community. We are excited to host a grand opening and offer our customers a great deal on the pizza they love.”

Domino’s in Charlotte offers contactless carryout and delivery, as well as Domino’s Carside Delivery™, which is a contactless carryout option for customers who would like the convenience of picking up their order without leaving their vehicle.

Domino’s in Charlotte is also looking to hire customer service representatives and management.

“Our hearts break for those who have lost their jobs or who are facing reduced hours because of this pandemic,” said Patterson. “We want to make sure we’re not only providing food to people, but also delivering opportunity to those who are looking for work.”

Those who are interested in applying for a job may do so at jobs.dominos.com. To place an order from Domino’s in Charlotte, customers can visit www.dominos.com or call 980-890-9100. To read about what Domino’s is doing regarding COVID-19, please visit biz.dominos.com/web/media/covid-19.

7 Tips that can make you a better gambler

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As we all know, gambling is unpredictable. You can never anticipate the outcome of a game. But what you can do is improve your playing skills. Whether you are new to this industry or already have some experience, there is always room for learning.

Do you want to be a better player? This article is exactly what you need!

The best ways to improve your gambling abilities

Because online gambling is taking over the industry, we are going to focus on ways of enhancing your betting skills on the Internet. However, most of these tips also apply to land-based casinos.

⦁ Try out different game versions

If you played a game multiple times, but you still don’t seem to get the hang of it, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are bad at it. Maybe you have just chosen an alternative that doesn’t fit your playing style. So, you need to keep practising and trying out different versions of the same game, until you get better at it.

There are hundreds of options available online, not only in terms of game categories but also in terms of variations. For example, if you want to play Blackjack in an online casino, you will find multiple versions, from different software providers. Each title is unique and has its particular rules, even though the game principle remains unchanged. The same goes for slots, jackpots, Roulette or Poker. You’ll never know what you’re good at until you try.

⦁ Claim bonuses

Everyone says that practice makes perfect. That works just as well for gambling. However, it’s easier said than done when you are on a set budget. Luckily, online casinos offer plenty of promotions that customers can use to improve their skills without spending their money. And because the range is so extensive, it’s better to use a filtering tool like CasinoBonus CA to compare multiple offers. Bonuses enable you to try out games that you wouldn’t probably access while playing with real funds.

⦁ Monitor your bankroll

Spending a lot of money while gambling won’t help you improve your skills. Sure, you need to practice, but things don’t happen overnight. If you spend large amounts at once, it doesn’t mean that they will contribute to a faster learning experience. So, start with smaller bets and work your way up only when you feel confident enough in your abilities. You should closely monitor your bankroll to make sure you don’t cross any limits.

⦁ Get information from various sources

Nowadays, you can get information on various topics from a wide range of sources. If you are not sure how a game works, you can watch online tutorials, read articles or even gambling strategy books. Yes, they exist! And there are plenty of them if you know where to look. With that many sources, nothing is impossible. You only need a lot of patience and motivation. Start researching different game strategies and put them in practice. In this way, you will discover what works best for you and how to adapt to different situations in the gambling environment.

⦁ Keep betting records

Keeping journals or diaries of your betting history is not shameful at all. Some might consider it childish, but it can actually contribute to improving your skills considerably. How? Well, let’s say you are trying out a new Roulette strategy. Recording your wins and losses, as well as the bet amounts or patterns will help you understand where you went wrong and what to do differently. Do not count only on your memory! Writing everything down has a greater impact on the learning process.

⦁ Share experiences

The best part while playing against others is that you can interact with one another. You should always watch your opponents’ moves and analyse their playing style. After all, you might learn something from them! Gambling can be very competitive, but that doesn’t mean players cannot share their experiences and help each other upgrade their skills. Live casino games are a great way to interact with fellow punters as you dispose of the online chat feature. Moreover, you can watch experts play or join live sessions as an observer. Not participating in a game gives you a better perspective and makes you more aware of what’s happening.

⦁ Take regular breaks

Playing for long, uninterrupted periods of time can decrease your attention and affect your concentration level. Thus, you should take breaks from time to time and focus on something else to relax your mind. If you play regularly, but during short timeframes, you will always play at your fullest potential, and you will be able to upgrade your gambling skills just by being more alert. Moreover, you shouldn’t drink while gambling, as you may lose track of time and disrupt your concentration.

In the end, improving your gambling skills is all about practising and learning from your mistakes. Don’t let a few losing hands discourange you Losing means learning, and you shouldn’t view it as a bad experience. Even if sometimes it may rely on a good strategy, sometimes only luck is what matters.

How to Write an Excellent College Essay

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College Essay article header

 

Table of contents:

  1. What is this article about
  2. Choosing the type
  3. Type A
  4. Type B
  5. Type C
  6. Type D
  7. Last advice 

From a weak draft to the professional work of a real college student

Writing college essays is a huge responsibility and not an easy task for every student. It is very important to write an essay as efficiently and competently as possible. An essay is an opportunity for students to show who they are. And to get the College interested in them. Colleges are looking for valuable resources. That is why this process is very similar to recruiting. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to write excellent College Essays.

Choosing the type

So, before you start writing any written work, you need to think over its structure or plan. But first, you need to determine the type of essay that you will write. There are 4 types of essays. Here you need to answer two questions. “Was there any significant difficulties during your life?” “Do you know who you want to be in life/study?”

4 types of College essays

If a student has faced some great challenges, chooses A or C type, the structure of the Essay should be “narrative”. While if a student has not faced any challenges (or does not want to write about them), chooses B or D type, the structure should be “montage”. The key difference between the montage structure and the narrative structure is simple. In the first case it is a chronological connection, and in the second it is a thematic one.

Next, we will look at each type of essay separately and provide detailed comments. If you have not yet decided on the type, read about each, if you already know exactly which type suits you, feel free to go straight to it.

Type A

Type A uses a narrative style of writing. There is one very useful exercise called Feelings and Needs which is great for working on this type of essay. Before you start writing, you better do this exercise. Thanks to it, paragraphs will be much easier to form.

Take a piece of paper and divide it into columns: challenges, effects, feelings, needs, what I did about the problem, what I learned. You can also add a column about your future career, but this is optional. But do not spend a lot of time on this exercise. It should take approximately 15-20 minutes.

Here is an example:

Challenges: father lost his business and had a big debt, my mother could not go to work as we had minor children in our family

Effects: we began to live much more modestly. I had to move from a private school to a public one and stop practising equestrian sports. My friends stopped communicating with me, and in the new school I could not find new ones

Needs: our family needed finances, but it was difficult for parents to cope

What I did about the problem: I started giving private lessons in horse riding. Also, began tutoring at a public school. I worked hard, but still, it was not enough. Then I began to stay with my younger sisters in the evenings and on weekends so that my mother could work.

What I learned: Even if everything in life is going perfectly, it can change dramatically. Your friends may betray you and not be true friends. Real friends will be with you in difficult times. There is a way out of any situation. You always need to help your family, because they are the closest people to you.

Such a framework very succinctly helps to put together the logical structure of the story.

Finally, you should show how this situation has influenced your career choice. It is not necessary to describe this point in detail. It is enough just to make it clear that the choice of a career depended on this story. What exactly did it give you to think about your future profession?

narrative style of writing structure

Now let’s start by looking at what a narrative structure is looking at the examples from the story used in Feelings and Needs exercise. 

Starting point: in this part, it is necessary to describe how the story began, what life was like during this period. 

The girl lived in a fairly wealthy and wealthy family and attended a private school. Her father owned a big business.

Trigger event: some kind of incident that disrupts the usual course of the hero’s life. His life is no longer the same. It is necessary to decide how to live.

Her father lost his business and was deeply indebted.

Increasing tension: The situation in which the character finds himself becomes more and more serious. Finding a solution is what the hero’s life and thoughts are all about. Perhaps he is even risking something, so making a decision is even more difficult.

The girl had to go to another school, she lost her friends.

Сulmination: the moment when the character makes a decision 

She decided to give private lessons to earn money and help her family.

The Upshot: This part is the conclusion or life lesson that the hero learned.

As a result, she learned a life lesson about friendship, family values and support.

Type B

The second Type we are going to review is Type B. A student has not faced any struggles and prefers to focus on a vision for the future.

future career

In this type, you should use the montage structure. It is a sequence of moments, events connected by a plot thread. A characteristic feature is the transmission of a large amount of information in a fast time.

The quality of your essay is all about the strength of your examples and your ideas. More on this later. First, let me tell you about the process.

This type may seem pretty simple. However, the level of an essay depends on the quality of the ideas and examples provided.

  1. Briefly write who you want to work in the future.
  2. Describe what qualities required for this profession. What characteristics should a professional in this field have?
  3. Prove that you already possess these skills and qualities. Show that you have worked hard to achieve these skills. You got them for a reason. You have known for a long time what is necessary for this profession, and you strive for it almost all your life.

For example, all his life Alan dreamed of becoming a military doctor like his father. This is a special profession. Here, not only knowledge in the field of medicine is important, but also good physical condition. From an early age, Alan studied chemistry and biology with a tutor, won biology competitions and was at the top of his class. The chemistry was not easy. Every day he spent up to 6-10 hours reading textbooks. The physical education exam was one of the main ones for military doctors, so Alan also trained hard in the gym.

This example shows that Alan’s desire to become a military doctor is not spontaneous at all, it is absolutely conscious. He worked on this goal throughout his life and made a lot of efforts.

An important point to pay attention to: 

Be unique when talking about the skills and qualities required for this profession. Imagine that you are going through an interview, and there were already a hundred people in front of you. Everybody says the same thing. Why then should they choose you among others? Don’t be typical: I want to be a doctor because I’ve always wanted to save lives. Here you could tell, for example, a life story about how you would like to help a loved one with an illness.

Type C

The difference between type C and A is in the ending. If in A the student ends up with a message to some kind of career, then in type C this is not necessary. You can leave the ending open and without a specific answer.

Type C essay structure:

First, start by thinking through a plan. If you are at a loss, then this is how the structure of the essay should look like:

Divide the text into 3 parts. The first talks about the problem the student faced. How it changed his life, what changes it brought to the usual course of life. The second tells what the student did to solve the problem. What actions did he take to eliminate it? The third is the conclusion. This part describes the lesson that the hero of the story has realized for himself. How this problem affected the hero’s life. What did this situation teach the character?

When writing this type of essay, it is highly recommended to use the Feelings and Needs exercise. An example is above in type A description. Do not forget about the narrative structure:

narrative essay structure

The difference between this type and type A is in the ending. If in the first type the student indicates his aspirations in his career, then in type C this is not necessary. The ending of the essay remains open.

Type D

Perhaps this type is the most difficult according to students’ opinion. There is no specific idea here to get hold of. This is the more creative type.

In order to create from nothing a clear structure, a certain line of the story, you need the following tips. First, you need to think about the things that define you. Without which you are not you. Some things that distinguish you from others and make unique.

quote

Imagine that there is a thread on which you need to string beads to create the final bracelet. Each bead is a piece of you. There should be 4 to 10 such “beads”. For example, you can write about extracurricular activities. They have absolutely predetermined your social circle and goals. Or talk about travel and cultural experiences that you have adopted.

A good exercise is working in pairs. An easy way to find things that characterize you is to talk to a friend. Who, no matter how best friend, knows everything about you! Ask him to talk about the things associated with you.

If you find it difficult to define the thread of the story, then you can go the opposite way. Try to identify the thread first, and then think over the associations to it. For example, the line is sports fencing. “Beads”: striving for victory, perseverance, love of sports, strong spirit, competitiveness, willpower.

Last advice 

Advanced or beginners – start with a draft. This is the familiar feeling of fear and uncertainty when you have a blank sheet of paper in front of you. It may take you a little longer than the others to figure it out. But don’t worry, spend this time with a clear conscience and write the best college essay.

Of course, many will have difficulty writing. And there is nothing wrong with that. You may need the help of a mentor or a cheap paper writing professional who is 100% experienced in the problem and is ready to provide you with help. Professionals provide beginners with support and quality help. Not everyone is able and willing to write college essays. Therefore, there are services that students often use even already in college or university.

Before you start writing an essay, read the article. And also read examples of the best essays, sort them by type, highlighting each step with a marker.

The essential things to know about the best car accident attorney

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If you get involved in a vehicle accident, perhaps you need a Car Accident Lawyer Kansas City. You see, an experienced car accident attorney may assist you to recover the losses due to a car accident or even reduce the huge amount of paperwork and problems associated with vehicle accident insurance claims. 

So knowing when to get professional legal help can make a significant difference between resolving a case justly and losing tons of money due to damages. This article explains the essential things to know about the best car accident attorney. 

The value of hiring a car accident attorney

Unfortunately, vehicle accidents have become everyday occurrences. Many personal injury claims are due to an accident involving a truck, car, or other motor vehicles. Most of these car accidents can result in some minor car damage, such as a fender bender and you can usually handle them yourself by contacting an insurance company directly.

But a car accident that causes a fatality, physical injury, or any significant damages may deserve the legal representation of an experienced car accident attorney. An experienced car accident lawyer can assist you to get the compensation that can cover any losses as a result of the accident. This can give you a better chance of winning the case than representing yourself.

These losses include car repairs, lost wages, and medical expenses. In some states, a car accident attorney can even help you to recover when your loved one is killed due to speeding, reckless driving, or drunk-driving. 

Qualities of the best car accident lawyer

Car accident lawyers can cover a wide range of issues from wrongful death, personal injury, liability determinations, and property destruction. Therefore, when you decide to look for a car accident lawyer, make sure that you focus on their experience, location, commitment, and fee structure. 

For instance, your car accident attorney must be well versed in national and state transportation laws, understand how to handle the health care and insurance companies, and know how to prepare well and settle a case. Besides, it’s crucial to check the lawyer’s background, track record, and references. 

Many good car accident attorneys usually access car accident cases on a contingency or even no win-no fee basis. This may happen if the lawyer feels that there are good chances of winning your case, so ensure that you check the lawyer’s standard fee structure.  

The bottom line is that it’s important to find a car accident attorney to prevent costly mistakes. You also need to know that there is a deadline for filing a personal injury claim, and it varies from state to state. 

You need to pay for medical expenses and cover your lost wages, so you should contact a car accident attorney immediately. In most cases, you need to get in touch with a lawyer immediately after the accident happens, which can be a week, but before you reach any settlement with the insurer.

America’s Largest Drive-Thru Dinosaur Experience Is Coming To Charlotte

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The largest exhibit of lifesize, moving, museum-quality dinosaurs in North America is coming to the Charlotte area next month.

Jurassic Quest will include over 70 moving and life-like dinosaurs as well as a life-sized replica of the largest shark to ever swim our waters – the giant megalodon shark. The animatronic displays will be constructed in period-correct displays according to the time period each creature lived in.

The massive exhibit is now being constructed at the Z-Max Dragway (6570 Bruton Smith Blvd near the Charlotte Motor Speedway) and will be open to the public from Feb. 12th-21st

Jurassic Quest Charlotte will be open the following dates and times:

  • Feb. 12: 11 am – 8 pm
  • Feb. 13: 9 am – 9 pm
  • Feb. 14:  9 am – 8 pm
  • Feb. 17-18: 1 p.m. – 8 pm
  • Feb. 19: 9 am – 8 pm
  • Feb. 20: 9 am – 9 pm
  • Feb. 21: 9 am – 8 pm

To find out more info or to purchase tickets, you can visit jurassicquest.com.

Mecklenburg Health Department Extends Covid Restrictions Through February 28th

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The Mecklenburg County Health Department has just announced that they are extending the heightened Covid-19 restrictions through the end of next month.

The January 6th order, which was initially set to expire on February 2nd, includes a 10pm curfew, mask requirements, and limitations to gatherings for non-household members.

“While our metrics have improved over the three weeks that the Directive has been in place, the number of cases, hospitalizations and positivity rate remain high,” said Public Health Director Gibbie Harris. “I am grateful to our community for their commitment to following the Directive, but we need to remain vigilant with the prevention measures that are necessary to continue to move our community in the right direction.”

Individuals in Mecklenburg County are now required to follow the actions outlined in the original Directive through February 28th, including:

1. Only leave your home for essential activities and remain at home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless an exception as set forth in the Governor’s Executive Order applies.

2. Avoid leaving your home if you are over 65 or at high-risk for developing serious illness.

3. Avoid any non-essential travel.

4. Avoid gathering with individuals that you do not live with.

5. WEAR, a cloth face covering, WAIT 6 feet apart and avoid close contact, and WASH your hands often or use hand sanitizer.

6. Quarantine and get tested if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.

7. Answer the call and participate in contact tracing to protect against further spread if you receive a call or text from Mecklenburg County Public Health.

8. Get a flu shot and get the get the COVID-19 vaccine, when it is available to you.

You can read the complete modified directive here.

America’s First Case of Unique South African Covid Strain Detected in South Carolina

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South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has just confirmed that the highly contagious B.1.351 Covid-19 variant was found in South Carolina.

According to a press release from DHEC, “South Carolina public health officials were notified late yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of a South Carolina sample that was tested at LabCorp and determined to be the B.1.351 variant originally identified in South Africa. Also, DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory tested samples on Jan. 25 and yesterday identified a separate case of the same variant.”

The new B.1.351 variant differs from the UK variant B.1.1.7 (which was detected in Charlotte last week) in that it seems to be both more contagious and more resistant to the Covid-19 vaccine.

Recent studies have shown that mutations in the variant can help the virus partially evade the human immune response and are potentially more likely to reinfect those who have already had Covid-19.

Yesterday, Novavax released a new report saying that its experimental Covid-19 vaccine was 90% effective in the U.K., and 49% effective in South Africa. Health experts hope that other vaccines made in different ways could see less of a drop in efficacy.

Moderna and Novavax have said they are currently studying booster shots designed specifically to combat the new B.1.351 strain.

“The arrival of the SARS-CoV-2 variant in our state is an important reminder to all South Carolinians that the fight against this deadly virus is far from over,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Interim Public Health Director. “While more COVID-19 vaccines are on the way, supplies are still limited. Every one of us must recommit to the fight by recognizing that we are all on the front lines now. We are all in this together.”