Gene Marrano

Get your flu shot early says Dr. Anthony Baffoe-Bonnie, an infectious disease specialist with Carilion Clinic – by the end of October if possible. He also says COVID-19 is a close cousin in many ways.  A loss of taste or smell in some infected with COVID-19 may be the tell-tale difference. Call a health care provider says Baffoe-Bonnie with questions about what might be making you sick.

Roanoke City Council approved the extension of a contract with the Higher Education Center, for a walking plaza it will build in part of a parking lot the city will sell to the Center.  Higher Education Center executive director Kay Dunkley also told council today it would not be named for Civil Rights Lawyer Oliver Hill as first announced but instead will remain unnamed honor a number of people from Gainsboro. Local residents had complained last year that the decision was made without input from them. Council member Michelle Davis on what has changed:

Roanoke County Public Libraries are planning to reopen four of its buildings soon. South County Library will re-open first, with a projected date of Monday, September 28th. The Hollins, Glenvar, and Vinton Libraries are slated to reopen over the following several weeks. South County will be open by reservation for County residents,with visitors not to exceed 25% normal occupancy. Patrons mayake reservations for one hour time slots starting September 23 via the county library system’s website.
(more details from Roanoke County news release). The library will close for cleaning from 1:00pm-2:00pm each day. Upon arrival, patrons will receive information about the new protocols. Masks are required for anyone over three years-old, and will be available for free at the library, along with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.The library will look a bit different and services will be limited. While in the library patrons may browse the collection, use computer stations, and seek staff help via a barrier or at 6-feet distance to abide by social distancing guidelines. Carts will be placed around the library for all items that have been handled but not chosen to take home. Meeting rooms and other enclosed spaces will remain closed.On-site programming will be limited to outdoors with social distancing requirements. For a list of upcoming events, please visit the library’s website. All virtual programming and curbside pick-up and drop-off of materials will continue. Adjustments are being made to reopen drive-through windows as well.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @rocopublib and subscribe to our YouTube Channel by searching for the library.RCPL is here to guide you from your now to your next.There are six libraries in Roanoke County: South County, Bent Mountain, Glenvar, Hollins, Mount Pleasant, and Vinton. For more information, call (540) 772-7507 or visit rocolibrary.org. Connect with us on social media: @rocopublib.###

Rep. Ben Cline

The US Senate is expected to take up a new coronavirus stimulus bill this week. Meanwhile the Democratic-controlled House is likely to oppose it. WFIR’s Gene Marrano spoke recently with a local Republican Congressman: