Virus

Hoke area closures and changes

March 17, 2020March 20, 2020

The News-Journal is working on compiling a list of all the closures, changes, cancellations and other schedule alterations resulting from the efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have a closure, schedule change or event cancellation in Raeford/Rockfish/Hoke County that you would like added to the list, please email the information to cshepard@thenews-journal.com so we can include it.

  • Hoke County Schools are closed until Monday, April 6 (two weeks of closure as required by Gov. Roy Cooper, followed by a week of spring break.) At the moment, school events like prom and Special Olympics are cancelled. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) ordered sports events it oversees cancelled. https://www.hcs.k12.nc.us/
  • Sandhills Community College moved all continuing education and curriculum courses to online instruction beginning March 16. The Hoke Center campus itself remains open, though no face-to-face classes are being held. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and Fayetteville State University made similar decisions to move to online classes. UNCP additionally announced plans to close the on-campus housing.
  • Raeford city offices continue to operate, but buildings are closed to the public including city hall, the Raeford fire department, public works and civic center.
  • Hoke County Government services will operate with the following restrictions: County Departments will have limited access by staff and the general public. Limited access for specific Departments will be placed on readyhoke.org and signs will be placed on Buildings that are affected. Events planned for Hoke County facilities should follow the governor’s mandatory rule of canceling all events with over 100 persons this is subject to change based on future updates by Federal/State or Local Government Officials. See this post for more information.
  • Hoke Parks and Recreation youth sports are suspended until April 6.
  • Senior Services has closed the congregate feeding site; the county has expanded Meals on Wheels in response, contact Hoke Senior Services at (910) 875-8588 for more information.
  • The Hoke County Public Library is closing March 20 due to the coronavirus, see here for more information.
  • Puppy Creek Fire Department, in response to guidelines established by the governor’s office, suspended until April 13 all fire prevention activities that require public contact, including the “lunch buddies” program, day care prevention activities, training for daycare employees and public CPR training for citizens. Non-emergency public visitation at Puppy Creek Fire Department is banned until April 13. The suspension of fire prevention activities will NOT affect emergency response in any way. Call (910) 875-5283 with questions.
  • Cape Fear Valley hospitals announced Thursday that all Cape Fear Valley Health System locations, including hospitals and outpatient clinics, will be closed completely to visitors until further notice with some exceptions (see here).
  • Walmart in Raeford posted a notice that its store, which is usually open 24 hours a day, will be moving to more limited hours of operation starting March 15. Other large retailers may also be changing their hours; call to check if you’re unsure.
  • Dollar General asked that customers allow the first hour of daily operations be set aside for elderly shoppers to allow them to buy necessities with a reduced risk of exposure.
  • All restaurants and bars in the state must close their dining rooms, but may continue with take-out and delivery options where available, according to an order from the governor.
  • Many churches in the area are canceling or making changes to services; check with your place of worship to find out the plan.
  • Carolina Horse Park announced that equestrian organizations FEI and USEF ordered equestrian events cancelled, and the Carolina International Organizing Committee cancelled the Carolina International CCI and horse trials that were scheduled for March 19-22.
  • The White Oak School Community Project annual meeting is postponed until the CDC and governor remove restrictions. A new date, time and place will be provided in advance.
  • Due to the State of Emergency declared by the State and Federal Government and to protect customers and associates, Fidelity Bank will serve customers primarily through the drive-thru beginning Thursday, March 19.  If you need to meet with an associate in person, simply call your local branch and they will arrange a time that’s convenient for you to come by. You can find your nearest Fidelity Bank location here:  www.fidelitybanknc.com/locations.
  • Cheap Shots on Main announced Wednesday that the restaurant will be closed until further notice.
  • The Hoke County Education Foundation’s Easter Eggstravaganza set for April 4 has been cancelled.

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