In Chapel Hill, precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of anthrax through the mail. Administrative technician Vickie Hackler now wears latex gloves at work, along with two other employees who handle mail on a daily basis.
"They just told us to wear the latex gloves while we are sorting the mail," Hackler said.
Precautions at the county level have also recently been reviewed.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department presented the Orange County Board of Commissioners with a detailed plan for how the county could handle emergencies, including terrorist attacks and the spread of anthrax, at the board's Tuesday night meeting.
Officials discussed everything from the county's emergency response procedure -- dubbed the Orange County Multi-Hazard Plan -- to concerns including civil unrest, attacks on infrastructure and technology, mass fatality and hazardous materials.
Rosemary Summers, Orange County health director, said when a substance is sent to be tested for anthrax, preliminary results are available within 24 hours, but final results usually take about four days to compile.
In addition to policing potential threats of anthrax, county officers have been checking suspicious vehicles and closely patrolling county buildings to help detect suspicious activity under the multi-hazard plan.
Commissioner Alice Gordon expressed several concerns, including how a resident should report suspicious activity.
"What are the guidelines for reporting suspicious activity?" Gordon said. "If you see something kind of unusual, what are you supposed to do?"
