LAURINBURG — Adjustments to day-to-day life continue during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Scotland County 911 Center is not exempt from altering the way it operates.
“We have locked down the communications center, where no one but employees and law enforcement, when needing paperwork, can enter the communication room,” said Mike Edge, Scotland County 911 director.
He said it is important to keep everyone safe and healthy, especially those considered essential to help keep the county safe.
“All temperatures are checked before entering the communication room,” said Edge. “If anyone has a temperature of 100.4 degrees, they cannot enter the communication room.
“Employees will be sent home and asked to follow up with their doctor — this is through CDC guidelines,” added Edge.
He said disinfecting and taking extra precautions is necessary to help prevent any diseases including the COVID-19 virus.
“We have two sides of the communication room, so employees from morning shifts will use one side and the evening shifts will use the other side,” said Edge. “After each shift is over, they will wipe down their side with disinfectant wipes.”
Edge concluded by saying that new changes are happening every day and new regulations and precautions will continue to be implemented.
Some of those changes will be evident when anyone calls 911.
“Because of the COVID-19 virus that is prevalent in our country and our lives now, the 911 center is going to ask additional questions when someone calls needing 911 emergency services,” Roylin Hammond, director of Public Safety, told Dave Wells of WLNC.
“They are going to ask questions that relate to whether or not a person has traveled, whether or not they are having respiratory difficulty and if they have a history of it,” continued Hammond. “They will be asked if they are having aches and pains that are somewhat similar to flu symptoms.
“They are asking those questions so if that if the 911 callers may have been exposed to the virus or may in some way have the symptoms of the virus, then the paramedics can use extra protective equipment when they go see those patients,” he said.
Callers are also being urged to dial 911 only in cases of emergencies. Anyone wanting information on the coronavirus should dial 211.
Special recognition
“The Scotland County Board of Commissioners has passed a proclamation recognizing the week of April 12 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Scotland County,” said Jason Robinson, public information officer for Scotland County. “More details will be released at a later date on this.”
JJ Melton can be reached at [email protected].
