State of Emergency COVID-19 Response

This page was created on March 19, 2020, to compile resources and information for the Citizens of Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley to provide a variety of information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Specific subject areas of interest are listed below in the Related Documents. Check back frequently for updates and new resources. 

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

The CDC has a wealth of information which includes helpful guides on how to protect yourself and what to do if you are sick. Please visit their site. A very detailed list of community resources is also available.

211

211 is a vital service that connects millions of people to resources they may need. Simply call 211 or search 211 o the web. 

ABC Sales

On March 17^th, the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission issued guidance on EO118 regarding alcohol sales.  The NCABCC’s guidance is available here.

UNC School of Government

The UNC School of Government is amazing resource that is unique to NC which supports local and state government. We often times seek out and implement their recommendations on issues affecting our municipality. The SoG has created a COVID-19 microsite which has a wealth of information, blog posts, webinars, and other resources. This is an excellent resource for Non-Profit organizations, employers, school administration and others. 

NC Department of Commerce Employment Security Commission 

Citizens who need information regarding fling for unemployment benefits may find it by visiting the NC ESC. Changes to unemployment benefits were ordered by Governor Cooper on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, as outlined in his Executive Order 118. 

U.S.Small Business Administration (SBA)

The U.S. Small Business Association is providing disaster assistance for small businesses affected by the pandemic.  For additional information, please visit SBA.gov/disaster. For questions, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at        1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

SBA Resources for Counseling and Training

The following SBA backed organizations provide assistance to small businesses in the state; email and phone counseling are available.

• Small Business and Technology and Development Center (SBTDC): http://www.sbtdc.org/
• SCORE: https://www.score.org/
• Women’s Business Centers:
• Asheville area: https://www.wwbcnc.org/
• Charlotte area: https://theinstitutenc.org/programs/wbcc/
• Fayetteville area: https://www.wbcfay.org/
• Raleigh-Durham area: https://theinstitutenc.org/programs/womens-business-center-of-north-carolina/

Duke Energy 

Duke Energy has issues a press release and posted information on their site regarding fees. "Duke Energy remains committed to working with all customers who need assistance with their energy bills to avoid creating additional hardships for them. Yesterday, Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress filed a request with the North Carolina Utilities Commission for several areas of relief for our customers including:

• Waiver of late fees for both residential and non-residential customers.
• Waiver of returned check fees for both residential and non-residential customers.
• Waiver of reconnect fees for both residential and non-residential customers.
• Waiver of credit card/debit fees for residential customers only.
• Authorization to work with customers on deposit issues.
• Formally notified the NCUC of our suspension of non-pay disconnects effective March 13, 2020."

Buncombe County Department of Health (DHHS)

Buncombe County has launched a microsite containing county-wide information. Citizens may find out more about testing sites and health and safety updates by visiting COVID-19 Update. The website also contains information regarding services such as nutrition and family assistance. A new Coronavirus Case Tracker tool is now available here. 

Questions/Concerns regarding the Buncombe County Orders and general COVID-19 information may be found here. 

Phased Plan for Reopening Buncombe County may be found here. 

Town of Black Mountain

The Town of Black Mountain will send out notices and alerts via this website and the CodeRed Alert System as necessary. Please subscribe to receive alerts here, and here. Updates to the State of Emergency Declaration will be posted here. 

Town of Black Mountain Water Accounts

The Town of Black Mountain has suspended cut-offs on all inhabited residential water accounts. Customers will remain responsible for their bills and usage. 

State of North Carolina Executive Orders

The Town of Black Mountain falls under the Buncombe County Stay Safe Orders. These Orders may be more restrictive than what the State issues so it is important to read both and direct any questions to the County for clarification. Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 141 which will go into effect on May 22, 2020. The Order moves North Carolina into a Safer At Home "Phase 2" of easing certain COVID-19 restrictions to help revive the economy while protecting public health. The Order and guidance may be found below. 

North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS)

The NC DHHS has an interactive county map and state guidance pertaining to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Gatherings/Restaurants/Businesses- Order of Abatement

The Secretary’s Order of Abatement is available  here. For the most current information please view the newest executive orders and county orders in the related documents at the bottom of this page.