Charlotte’s Blaze Pizza Cancels In-Store March 14 Pi Day Celebration

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Blaze Pizza prioritizes the health and safety of its guests and team members. As communities continue to feel the increased impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and given that the annual Pi Day event draws large crowds of pizza lovers to Blaze restaurants, the company has announced the cancelation of its in-store Pi Day celebration scheduled for Saturday, March 14.
In place of the in-store promotion, all app users will receive the $3.14 pizza reward in their app starting Monday, March 16, redeemable through the end of the year at their convenience. Guests should make sure to download the Blaze Pizza app by 11:59pm PST on Sunday, March 15 in order to automatically receive the new Pi Day reward.
“We continue to be hyper-focused on delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests and team members,” said Mandy Shaw, Blaze Pizza’s CEO. “Our restaurants remain open, and we look forward to serving guests their favorite pizza, whether they choose to dine in, or opt for delivery.”

US Department of Labor Orders Charlotte Restaurant to Pay $120,949 in Back Wages and Damages

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After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD), the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina ordered Hot Taco LLC – a Charlotte, North Carolina, restaurant – to pay $120,949 in back wages and liquidated damages to 67 employees for minimum wage violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

WHD investigators determined Hot Taco LLC illegally required tipped employees to share tips with non-tipped employees such as kitchen staff. The mandatory tip-pooling arrangement did not meet FLSA requirements, and therefore the employer was not entitled to take a tip credit for the employees who were required to share tips with kitchen staff, resulting in back wages owed. Employers of tipped workers can, under certain circumstances, take credit for tips the employees receive toward their obligation to pay those workers the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

In addition to payment of back wages and liquidated damages, the court order permanently enjoined Hot Taco LLC from committing future FLSA violations.

“The employer’s failure to abide by the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act is a costly error, and one they might have avoided if they had contacted us for information about how to comply,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Richard Blaylock, in Raleigh, North Carolina. “We encourage employers that have questions regarding tip credit rules or any other wage requirements to reach out to us to help them meet their obligations under the law.”

The department offers numerous resources to ensure employers have the tools they need to understand their responsibilities and to comply with federal law, such as online videos, confidential calls, or in-person visits to local WHD offices.

For more information about the FLSA and other laws enforced by the WHD, contact the toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Employers that discover overtime or minimum wage violations may self-report and resolve those violations without litigation through the PAID program. Information is also available at https://www.dol.gov/whd.

Technological Progress Is Leading Us to Regress

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Technological Progress Is Leading Us to Regress

Here is the idea in question:

“Every progress is also a regress. There is always progress present in our lives, and it has a certain sense. But since life as a whole does not make sense for many people, it does not even progress.”

A somewhat tricky statement, but it is spread worldwide.

Someone might think: “How is it possible that progress leads us to regress”? Well, you may just look around, not too far from yourself. Almost everything that humanity creates in the name of progress generates a regress as a direct outcome.

Each step leads us to something positive or negative. The greater the progress of science or technology research, the greater the regressive effects that hit humans.

Why so? The answer is simple: we should live to live, not to be part of a paradoxical system that uses us as elements of evolutionary development. By running quickly on this track, we guarantee ourselves the lack of meaning in life.

On the contrary, going back to a human dimension is what gives us a real progress. Unfortunately, however, the path started is unstoppable, unless there is an event that affects enough people to make society revise their steps.

The Dark Side of the Progress

Let’s realize one thing: a man once needed machines to live better. Today it is a technological system that uses men to feed and progress. Do we depend on technology, or is it the other way around? What could happen if, suddenly, we all stopped using all the devices and machines?

Here are some practical examples. Entering a pharmacy is a frequent thing many of us do. Less common (but still real) is the fact that modern pharmacies might be blocked if the connection to digital systems is unstable or absent. No medicines — they can’t be provided because the pharmaceutical systems are connected to the web — it is a real disaster.

Now, let’s change the sector and enter the post office or bank — same story. After waiting for several minutes or even hours, our turn comes and … nothing. The employee rolls his eyes and, with an eloquent expression, makes us understand that the line has been blown: no operations at the counter. Those who have an online bank account can tell about such negative experiences of all kinds. For example, such as those related to new security systems, which, in some cases, have not allowed many customers to access their private accounts due to “Safety Systems adjustment problems.”

Let’s move on and talk about taxmen? Here we could open a very large chapter. With the new measures to combat tax evasion, sophisticated algorithms merged with artificial intelligence systems, which work to flush out those who don’t pay taxes. This intrusion into the most intimate folds of our existence has already provoked “ignoble actions” that were reported in the national news: a 47-year-old journalist, who had undergone chemotherapy because of breast cancer (and lost her hair) had purchased a wig for 300 euros.

To undergo the necessary tumor removal more urgently, she had decided to pay for the surgery at a public hospital. What happened? She went through flushing out! She was subjected to a tax audit, and had to explain the reason for such expenses incurred as if the lady had swindled the tax system by spending her money on perfumes, best electric bikes under 500, or toys …

This story is the counter-proof of how necessary the human element is to reasonably evaluate who to hit and who not to.

But let’s talk about another theme that is always linked to the progress leading us to regress: children.

Children and Technology

Once, technologies came into the world and were a joy for everyone: they cared for, fondled, educated, raised with love. Today, they come into the world with parents who are often too busy working. Once the postpartum period is over, parents return to their everyday life, to the extreme rhythms, and, consequently, to having less and less time to spend with their offspring. In moments dedicated to the family, the issues of tiredness and stress attack parents who, in order to keep their children calm, don’t provide them with attention but put the latest Smartphone or tablet model in their kids’ hands. “So, are you good”!

Translate that as “So, don’t bother me!” This way, little children live their lives being more and more detached from reality, staring at the screen of a cell phone for hours. They are estranged from the real and exciting world and will grow even more estranged. Moreover, as it is confirmed by recent research, now, many teenagers do not even know what an adequate human contact means. They spend their days communicating exclusively via online chat and never call each other the phone.

And now, think about the fact that, in the evolutionary path of mankind, it took us thousands of years to produce our first words.

Progressing or Regressing?

The technological progress is taking us back thousands of years, but with a few critical issues: we understand that once humans were able to do things that are unimaginable for us today. They knew how to walk thousands of kilometers despite bad weather; they knew how to hunt, fish, get food, light a fire, build a shelter …

If there was an event that suddenly disconnected us from the network and all types of technology, and if this event forced us to return to vital solutions that can be applied only with the help of the hands and the intellect; if we had to rely on our skills, how many would we be capable of?

So, has progress regressed? The answer is yes. Especially when it was pushed to excess.

5 Digital Marketing Areas to Focus On in 2020

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5 Digital Marketing Areas to Focus On in 2020

2019 has been a fantastic year for the development of digital marketing with a lot of big and small news rolling out. It is clear that companies and organizations became aware of the potency of the area, and the dialogue that is being held today is at a completely different level than it was a few years ago. This is a welcome development because this way we can work as better advisers with a more informed partner. When both parties possess all of the information, it creates the best kind of productive relationship.

A company’s strategy should be determined, with competent advice based on what we have seen in the past year in all types of organizations. 2019 has been an eventful year for digital marketing, but what can we expect from 2020? Below are some areas that we think have room for improvement.

The use of digital resources is increasing 

We have seen it brewing for a few years. Still, it is only at this time that we believe that different-sized organizations are taking a greater grip on their digital marketing resources and investing in internal optimization. The companies have matured and are finally starting to understand that it is not just about marketing, but about the entire business, and every part of it, like sales, customer service, product development, strategy, and management, etc. 

The companies are starting to allocate more and more budget money from traditional media and other costly processes to focus on an integrated experience for their customers through digital channels, communication, data, and analysis. It’s easy to understand the significance and methodology behind it and that it is crucial to the modern company’s development and survival. Because we all know, to survive for an extended period of time is to evolve constantly. This is something we approve!

Automation becomes less selective

We’ve seen it before when automation and AI creep into distribution channels such as Google Ads and Facebook. In 2020 we believe that this process will have a higher pace, and automation will not be used only selectively but will be an integral and fundamental part of the distribution and manufacturing. Companies will also begin to see better results from computerization as technology has matured, and on many occasions, made better choices than a human being. Who could have imagined, right? But back to the practical reality — this will free up resources that can be used for making even better experiences for users and establishing more effective communication, which will definitely have a huge positive effect on results.

Consumer Year — less personalization and data collection

In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about personalization, the importance of collecting data, and analyzing user behavior. Then came the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and a host of other ones, and most companies got to thinking. 2020, we think, will be a year with a laser focus on selectable personalization, and companies will have to get used to having less info on consumers. People are tired of remarketing, useless shopping mail in the inboxes, and 2020 will be about building a stronger relationship and communication flows with and for clients, and finding methods to make the experience individualized. Companies will have to get used to doing more with less data and information about their users. They will also need to build trust among clients when it comes to how their data is used.

But it’s not all doom and gloom, and it shouldn’t be. There are still good things in life, like best bike for 2 year old that bring positivity and delight.

The sustainability focus reshapes communication

The sustainability is a factor that is considered at every stage of business: from how companies produce, what they produce, who is manufacturing it, and how it is shipped. This leaves little room for empty promises from brands. Communication may often need to be reshaped to attract the target group, which often makes choices based on the sustainability factor. But it is not just saying that you are contributing, but also showing the results of what you are doing. Transparency and authenticity became relevant keywords for communication, and businesses that are interested in sustainability.

Brand building activities are getting more necessary

As competition increases in conversion-driven channels, profitability for brands decreases. This means that they must invest more in eliciting emotional benefits around the brand. This, combined with a reduction in the cost of producing content, will increase the focus on brand-building in video format. By 2020, many companies and organizations will have a clearer strategy and spend a bigger part of the budget on creating tactics, executing, and selecting channels to build their brands.

You can’t ignore progress. If you do run away from technological advancements, they will come back to haunt you, because no matter what, they are the future. We can’t argue with that. A business that is not using digital marketing is a declining business. These are realities of modern business.

 

Which Pin Nail Gun Should You Buy – Dewalt vs. Potter Cable?

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Do you have a nail driving project? Then you’ll need the best and right pin nail gun for successful results. Thanks to innovation and continuous technology development, we can drive nails easily and faster. The traditional method of using a hammer drained most of our energy, was noisy, took more time, and could even end up with a few injured thumbs. But with pin nail guns, nail driving is now done quickly and in an efficient manner.

But different pin nail guns get designed for various projects. Capable of nailing many nails accurately and consistently with no effort, a pin nail gun is one of the best investments you get to make. Fortunately, the markets get flooded with reputable pin nail guns to choose from. But in this article, we shall discuss whether to pick a Dewalt or Potter Cable pin nail gun.

Both brands are reputable, as stated above. But you need to know what distinguishes each of them to know which to choose. Here are their distinctive features;

DeWalt Tool Features

DeWalt tools are renowned for their many amazing features made with the latest technologies. Such impressive features include;

  1. a)     Tool Connect

You get to track your DeWalt tool from any location with real-time updates with this feature. It comes with tools containing Bluetooth-enabled batteries and has become famous for many users.

  1. b) Blakeaway Blades

With this feature, users get able to break away a blade’s used section and insert a new component for durability and cutting efficiency.

  1. c) XR Line of 20V Max

It is a line of powerful DeWalt tools introduced in 2013. The devices use brushless motors and run with lithium-ion batteries of a maximum of 20V to ensure long runtimes, high efficiency, and longer battery life.

  1. d)     Flexvolt

It is a fantastic feature that allows the tool to change its voltage automatically when moved from one power level to another. The user gets assured of longer runtimes and increased power.

Porter-Cable Tool Features

Porter-Cable has been in the market for long and designs their tools to suit all their customers’ needs using the following various fantastic features;

  1. Pocket-Friendly Prices

What distinguishes Porter-Cable from Dewalt or other popular brands is their affordability despite their high quality.

  1. A System of 20 Volts Max

The tools run for longer times, and the batteries last long as they get made from lithium-ion with a maximum of 20 volts. You can also use this battery on other power tools.

  1. Ergonomic Design

Porter-Cable tools are famous for their comfort and efficiency. Also, they come as lightweight, making them ideal for any homeowner, DIYer, or hobbyist.

Warranty and Manufacturing Facilities

The manufacturing of both DeWalt and Porter-Cable Tools gets outsourced, with most assembling happening in China and Mexico. But some years back, DeWalt returned some of its assembling in the USA, creating many jobs for the Americans. For all handheld power tools, both brands offer a 3 – year warranty. Porter-Cable provides a 2 – year warranty for devices using the batteries.

Comparative Analysis

If you hold equal-sized DeWalt Pin Nail Gun on the one hand and that from Porter-Cable on the other hand, you will notice a significant weight difference. The Dewalt pin gun is heavier, meaning that it’s of high quality and lasts longer. On the other hand, a Porter-Cable pin nail gun is lighter and doesn’t last for long.

Tools from the Porter-Cable come with exact specs and metal bearings, but still gets made with inferior materials like high-grade plastics and nylons. DeWalt tools get made using high-grade metals, explaining their enduring capacity.

What to Choose Between a Dewalt vs. Porter Cable Pin Nail Gun?

If you want a pin nail gun to serve you for a long time and handle intense nail driving projects, you may need to go for a DeWalt pin nail gun because of its top-notch quality.

 But it would help if you got prepared to dig deeper into your pockets. If your need is a pin nail gun to help you around the house with your simple nail driving projects or just a tool to come in handy when needed, a Porter Cable nail gun will work out great.Read more details here: https://www.thesawlab.com/best-pin-nailer/

Conclusion

As illustrated above, both the Dewalt and Porter Cable Pin Nail Guns are essential in different aspects. It wouldn’t make sense to buy an expensive Dewalt pin nail gun for your once simple nail driving project. 

A cheaper Porter Cable pin nail would work out great. It would also be wise to buy a quality DeWalt pin nail gun for your massive and continuous nail project. You get free to buy any, depending on your nail driving project. If you have projects that suit both brands, it is okay to have them both. Choose both or either of them based on your budget and need.

How to Take Care of Yourself During Coronavirus Epidemic?

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Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic, many people have been wondering how they can protect themselves from the virus. News outlets have reported on people buying up all the toilet paper, hand sanitizers, and face masks resulting in a worldwide shortage.

With the number of cases still steadily on the rise, you may think it is impossible to protect yourself. However, the WHO and the CDC have released information to help the average citizen protect themselves from this infectious disease.

Here are some of the best ways to take care of yourself during the coronavirus epidemic.

Lead a healthy lifestyle

One of the most important things to do throughout your life is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Ensuring you get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise can strengthen your immune system and reduce or prevent the chances of falling ill. Quality supplements such as acemannan will be a good addition to further support proper immune function as well.

Even if you are in a locked-down area, doing short sprints or bodyweight exercises such as yoga in the comfort of your own home while maintaining a healthy diet and daily routine can help reduce the effects of illness and stress. 

Living in lockdown or during an epidemic can have serious negative effects on your mental health. Maintaining a routine and exercising regularly helps your body release hormones such as endorphins that stimulate positive thoughts.

Stay at home

While the peacefulness of a deserted city could make going to the cinema or mall more relaxing, it is not a good idea to be out in public. The COVID-19 virus can stay alive on surfaces for long periods of time, and going out in public increases your chances of exposure, even if you don’t interact with people.

It is even more important to stay at home if you feel ill. Your illness could be the coronavirus and staying at home reduces your chances of infecting others. 

However, even if your illness proves to be something less serious, such as the common cold, going out in public with a weakened immune system could result in your chances of contracting COVID-19 increasing significantly.

There’s plenty you can do when you are at home. Read essay writing service reviews, find online classes that offer short-term courses and learn new skills like coding or project management. Free time can be utilized in many fruitful ways and it will add great value to your career.

Personal hygiene

Washing your hands at this time is highly important. Wet your hands with warm water, scrub with soap for twenty seconds, and rinse them off. It is also essential to dry your hands immediately to avoid giving viruses, germs, and bacteria a moist environment to grow in. 

It is also important to avoid touching your face, especially your nose, eyes, and mouth, as these warm, moist openings provide the perfect reception point for viruses and bacteria. You should take time to clean things like computer keyboards and cellphones with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a regular basis to avoid the accumulation of germs.

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Stay on top of vaccines

While there is currently no treatment or vaccine for COVID-19, it is essential to protect yourself, your children, and others from other diseases. 

Make sure everyone is receiving the regular vaccines, including the normal seasonal flu vaccine. While the vaccine won’t protect you from COVID-19 and viral pneumonia, it will protect you from flu and bacterial pneumonia.

Ensuring your immune system is receiving all the help it can get while staying protected from other diseases can increase your chances of recovery should you contract COVID-19. 

Most COVID-19 deaths have been those who were already immunocompromised or the elderly. By making sure your immune system does not get compromised, you are more likely to make a full and fast recovery if you contract the virus.

Don’t stockpile everything

While hand sanitizer is useful in this time, you do not need a stockpile of masks and toilet paper. Unless you are already infected with COVID-19, a mask is not likely to help. 

The mask can be worn by an infected person to prevent them from spreading the virus to others, but the virus can still enter your system through your eyes and so a mask will be of little use.

Rather, stock up on healthy foods like fruits and vegetables to reduce the need to go out in public and expose yourself to possible infection. 

You might need to consider stocking up on chronic medications and prescription medications in case there is a city-wide shutdown. Stocking up a month’s supply of all these items should be sufficient to last through a quarantine period.

Conclusion

As the CDC and WHO have stated, there is no need to panic. The pandemic-status bestowed upon the virus does not mean it is 100% deadly. Rather, pandemic status simply means it is a new virus that can infect from one person to another and has reached a significant portion of the world’s population. 

Simply practicing good hygiene while leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding human physical contact can go a long way in protecting ordinary citizens from contracting this virus.

 

Calling All Artists – The 31st Annual Juried Art Competition Will Feature Over $2,500 In Prizes

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The Arts Council of York County presents the 31st Annual Juried Competition at the Center for the Arts, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC, June 19 – July 28, 2020. Winners will be announced at a free, public reception to be held at the Center for the Arts on Thursday, July 16, 2020 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM.
The Juried Competition is open nationally to artists 18 and older. Only original work, created in the last two (2) years, and not previously shown at the Center for the Arts, Dalton Gallery will be accepted. All forms of media are eligible, including video. Limit four pieces per artist. The deadline for entries is Friday, May 15, 2020 at 5 PM. This is NOT a postmark deadline for mailed entries.
Entry Fees:  ACYC Members: $30 for up to two pieces, each additional piece is $10
Non-members: $40 for up to two pieces, each additional piece is $10
Complete guidelines and entry information are available now at yorkcountyarts.org/31stjuried.
AWARDS
Gerald & Barbara Schapiro Best of Show | $1,000
1st Place $750
2nd Place  $500
3rd Place $250
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Awards are sponsored by Kathy and Larry Wilson.
JUROR | DAVID DETRICH
Professor of Art, Clemson University

Originally from East St. Louis, Illinois, David Detrich received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Kansas City Art Institute in Missouri and his Master of Fine Arts degree from Alfred University in New York. He has exhibited his work nationally and internationally including venues at the Tallina Kunstiulikool in Tallin, Estonia and at the American Cultural Center in Taipei,Taiwan. His work is also represented in public and private collections nationally.
The Arts Council is headquartered in downtown Rock Hill, a state-recognized cultural district. For more information on Arts Council events, contact the Arts Council of York County at 803-328-2787, by email at arts@yorkcountyarts.org, or visit our webpage at http://www.yorkcountyarts.org.

Here Are All The Events Canceled Around Charlotte Due To The Spread of Coronavirus COVID-19

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As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to increase around the Carolinas, an ever-widening number of organizations are making the decision to cancel events in order to limit the risk of community spread.

Here are the canceled events around the Charlotte region (in alphabetical order):

– Charlotte Checkers hockey games have been canceled.

– Charlotte’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade scheduled for this Saturday has been canceled.

– Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools are canceling their career fair, sporting events, and all after-school programs.

– Davidson College is canceling all classes canceled through Tuesday, March 17.

– Get Your Rear In Gear 5k has been canceled for March 28th

 

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EVENT CANCELLATION – Get Your Rear In Gear 2020 Given the growing concerns around COVID-19, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel Get Your Rear in Gear – Charlotte. We must prioritize the health and safety of our patients, survivors, caregivers, sponsors, volunteers, employees, and everyone who helps make this event possible. This decision was made after careful consideration of the recommendations surrounding large scale gatherings, and in consultation with the local event committee and health care professionals. We remain committed to the city of Charlotte, where we’ve hosted Get Your Rear in Gear for over 10 years, and to the colorectal cancer community at large. Every year, we grant the money raised at this event to Novant Health Presbyterian, Atrium Health Foundation, Wind River Cancer Foundation, Chester County Literacy Council, and Care Ring for programs that provide colorectal cancer screening to our community and support patients living with this disease. Coronavirus restrictions may jeopardize some of the Colon Cancer Coalition and Get Your Rear in Gear – Charlotte’s grantees ability to carry their important work. This year, we are looking to our community, our Coalition, to continue to support these community partners through fundraising efforts and additional donations. We will leave the fundraising portion of the event open through June 30, 2020. Please be especially generous with the support of an additional financial gift. We don’t want this virus to halt our ability to continue colorectal cancer screening and patient support programs in Charlotte. Get Your Rear in Gear – Charlotte is an incredibly important event for the Colon Cancer Coalition and it’s our favorite way to celebrate our community in Charlotte. Every year, we look forward to gathering to support colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and their families. Together we make a real impact on colorectal cancer screening rates and saving lives through the funds raised. We are committed to returning in 2021. Look for that date to be announced soon!

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– Harrison Church services for this weekend and next weekend have been canceled.

– Elevation Church services for this weekend have been canceled.

– Forest Hill Church services have been canceled for this weekend.

– Michael Bublé’s Charlotte concert scheduled for March 18th has been canceled.

– Mexican National Team’s Charlotte match at The Bank of America Stadium on March 26th has been canceled.

– The 2020 NERP-POSE Conference scheduled for March 19-22 in Charlotte has been canceled.

– Rich and Bennett’s St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl has been rescheduled from this Saturday to June 27th.

– USNWC’s Green River Revival has been canceled for March 14th.

Please send additional cancellations to Scott@CLTStories.com and I will add them to this list.

Top IT Firm In North Carolina Offers Advice To Protect Workers During COVID-19

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Look at CDC tips for minimizing the spread of the coronavirus. Review the importance of having a business continuity plan that takes health issues into account.  

As technology expands and lifestyles change, telecommuting has become an integral part of the contemporary business landscape. As an employer, you need to offer flexible and remote options to attract top talent and compete with other businesses. If you don’t have a remote team yet, global health concerns due to the coronavirus highlight the importance now more than ever, and to facilitate a shift out of the office, you need the right collaboration tools and a cybersecurity environment that supports working outside the office.

Bill Tobey with HitsTech, a North Carolina IT consulting firm is working with clients to prepare them for remote access and teleworking.

Preparing for the Unknown in the Midst of the Coronavirus

As the media has followed the progression of the coronavirus throughout the world, people have become increasingly fearful. Workers worry about contact with colleagues who have persistent coughs or other signs of illnesses. Cities have canceled large events, even encouraging professional and college sports teams to play in empty arenas and broadcast the games to homes. Executives have canceled trips due both to travel bans and personal concerns. Parents have taken personal days to keep sick children out of schools or daycares.

The bottom line is that even in the face of fewer than 2,000 cases in the United States, the effects are already being felt in multiple ways, and as the pandemic spreads, the situation is likely to get a lot worse. Are you ready? Do you have strategies to deal with the inevitable rise of sick days, or the possibility of extended quarantine? If not, your business needs a continuity plan.

CDC Health Tips for Businesses

While you still have workers coming into the office, you should implement these tips from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to protect your team.

  • Encourage sick employees to stay out of the office.
  • Carefully consider scenarios that may occur as the disease spreads including employees not being able to come to work.
  • Create a plan for dealing with the coronavirus or other infectious diseases that outlines remote working policies.
  • Stay abreast of public health policies related to minimizing exposure in workers.

How to Minimize the Spread of Disease

The coronavirus presents like the flu. Many people may have symptoms and just assume they have a common cold, seasonal allergies, or the flu. By extension, they may not understand the importance of being extremely careful. To protect your business and your employees, make sure they understand the severity of this disease, and to keep everyone as healthy as possible, integrate these strategies:

  • Wash your hands often. Ideally, you should wash your hands after using the bathroom, before eating, before preparing food, after coughing or blowing your nose, after having any contact with someone who is ill, and after touching your pet.
  • Make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly, including the palms, all fingers and thumbs, and your wrists.
  • Cover coughs. If possible, cough into a tissue and dispose of it instantly or cough directly into your hands and wash them without touching any doors or other surfaces. Otherwise, cough into your elbow.
  • Do not share drinking glasses, eating utensils, or similar products with anyone else.

Encouraging Social Distancing

Do not panic, but at the same time, take some time to facilitate social distancing in your own business. Look into tools that foster remote working without minimizing productivity. With cloud-based tools, your team can share documents easily, edit documents or spreadsheets together, chat with other collaborators while simultaneously accessing the same file, and even video chat as necessary. You can also hold virtual meetings that bring the whole team together, and you can perform all of these functions without sacrificing the security of your data or files.

To support a remote team, to create a disaster continuity plan, or to set up tools for remote collaboration, you need the right help. A managed IT services provider can guide you toward the best solutions and help you maintain and troubleshoot those applications so that you never have to lose a minute of productivity even if no one is in the office.

Update On The Coronavirus – 24 Cases Now Reported Across The Carolinas

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UPDATE: 3/12/2020 11:30am:

The Mecklenburg County Health Director has just announced that 2 individuals have tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County, bringing the total number of cases to 14 in North Carolina and 24 across the Carolinas.

Original Article: 3/12/2020 10:30am:

There are now a total number of of 22 cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 throughout the Carolinas. North Carolina is under a State of Emergency and an increasing number of businesses, schools, and event organizers are telling people to stay home.

This morning, the North Carolina COVID-19’s task force announced that the number of infected individuals has risen to 12 in North Carolina, with the addition of 2 new cases in Forsyth County and 1 new case in Johnston County.

Yesterday in South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced a new case of COVID-19 in a Lancaster County woman, who had no known travel outside the state or known contact with any other infected individuals.

This brings the total number of cases in South Carolina to 10.

School districts across the Carolinas, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have decided to suspend all field trips until further notice.

UNC Schools will be moving a large portion of their classes online.

The NBA has suspended all future games, including all Hornets games, and the NCAA has announced that March Madness games will be played without live fans.

A number of events throughout the Charlotte region have also been canceled in light of the coronavirus pandemic, including; the NC Realtor conference, The Fort Mill Spring Festival and Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, the 2020 Audubon NC Summit, the Banking Institute conference, among others.

According to the CDC, patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

  • fever
  • cough
  • shortness of breath

CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS viruses.

Some of the best ways to protect against the coronavirus include;

If you have any questions about COVID-19 you can call 866-462-3821 or submit questions online at ncpoisoncontrol.org.