COVID 19 Press Release

NCTC takes steps to protect against COVID-19

At NCTC, we value the health and safety of our employees, customers and members above all else, which is why we are closely monitoring events concerning COVID-19 (coronavirus). We are fortunate that, as of yet, our area has had no reported cases of COVID-19. But it is still important for all of us to do our part to prevent the spread of the virus.

While taking protective measures may not prevent people from getting the virus, it can help reduce the number of patients our health care system must treat in a short period of time. As the graph below shows, taking measures to protect against COVID-19 can spread the number of cases across a longer period, ensuring that health care providers have the resources to help everyone who needs it.

With that in mind, NCTC is taking the following steps, in accordance with CDC guidelines, to protect both our employees, customers and members:

• NCTC will close its office to all lobby traffic at 4:30 on Wednesday, March 18. The drive thru will remain open to take payments. Payment may also be made online and by phone. We will post on social media and update this post when the office reopens.
• NCTC employees who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 are being instructed to stay home.
• We are directing employees to cancel any work-related flights and to reschedule any work trips.
• Employees who work directly with customers and members are practicing social distancing as recommended by the CDC.
• We will be providing additional disinfectant products to employees in the office and posting additional reminders for employees to wash their hands often.
• All employees are asked to take proper precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and those around them.

In spite of the recent outbreak across the nation, we will continue providing our members with a high-level of service they expect from NCTC. Installs, maintenance and/or repairs may be impacted based upon staffing and/or other availability of resources. However, NCTC understands the important role that it plays in delivering information to our customers, and we will make every effort to provide our customers with the information that they need. The safety of our employees is also a concern. Therefore, when employees are working in close proximity to members, we will be asking a series of question regarding your health. Questions may include whether you have recently been out of the country; whether you are showing any symptoms such as a cough, fever or shortness of breath; and if you have been in contact with anyone that has tested positive for the virus.

NCTC also offers a variety of online services to help you pay your bill and conduct other utility business from home. We encourage members, especially those feeling unwell, to conduct business through the following means:

• Website
• Mail
• Phone
• Night deposit box

Customers that advertise or make announcements through NCTC TV are requested to email to NCTC the information including attachments that will become part of the advertisement or announcement in lieu of delivering those to one of the NCTC offices. Email NCTC Ads.

In addition, we encourage all of our employees, customers and members to take similar steps to protect themselves and their families:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Put distance between yourself and other people where possible.
• If you exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, stay home.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, or use the inside of your elbow.
• If you are sick, wear a face mask around other people. If you are not sick or caring for someone who is, you do not need a face mask, and they should be saved for caregivers.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, handles, phones and keyboards daily.

We have focused on prioritizing the needs of our healthcare providers and associated businesses during this time of crisis. We are insuring that our health practitioners that engage in telemedicine have open lines of communications and that all of our emergency notification services are fully prepared to handle a significant volume of traffic.

We will continue to monitor this situation closely and explore further measures to support our employees, customers and members and the community as needed. Follow us on social media for updates and visit the CDC website for more information about COVID-19.