Update: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests closes additional recreation areas
Press Release, State & National April 9, 2020
Update from April 9: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests temporarily shuts down additional recreation areas in Lumpkin, Rabun, Towns, and Union counties – https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/conf/news-events/…
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down additional recreation sites on the Blue Ridge and Chattooga River Ranger Districts to protect public health and safety.
The decision aligns with state and local measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, and guidance from the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention.
“We continually consult leaders in our communities, in order to align with local, state, and federal decisions that protect public health and safety,” said Edward Hunter, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests acting forest supervisor. “We aim to implement the highest standard of public health and safety.”
Effective immediately, the following recreation sites are temporarily shut down:
Union County
* Davenport OHV Area
* Beasley Knob OHV Area
Lumpkin County
* Whissenhunt OHV Area
* Dicks Creek Day-Use Area
Towns County
* Lake Chatuge Recreation Area and Boat Ramp
Rabun County
* Angel Falls Trail
Original Story from April 3:
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down additional recreation sites on the Chattahoochee National Forest to protect public health and safety.
The decision aligns with state and local measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“We continually consult leaders in our communities, in order to align with local, state, and federal decisions that protect public health and safety,” said Edward Hunter, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests’ acting forest supervisor. “We aim to implement the highest standard of public health and safety.”
Effective immediately, the following recreation sites are temporarily shut down:
Rabun County
- Hemlock Falls Trail and Trailhead, Parking Area
- Minnehaha Falls Trail and Trailhead
Towns County
- Indian Grave Gap Road (Forest Service Road #283)
White County
- Smith Creek Trail and Trailhead
- White Oak Gap Road (Forest Service Road #244)
Previously announced shutdowns include:
- All national forest developed campgrounds, group recreation sites, picnic pavilions, and all restrooms.
- Appalachian Trail trailheads including Dicks Creek Gap, Hogpen Gap, Neels Gap, Springer Mountain, Tesnatee Gap, Unicoi Gap, and Woody Gap.
- Trails and associated trailheads providing access to the Appalachian Trail including Andrews Cove Trail, segments of the Benton MacKaye Trail (from Fall Branch Falls to Springer Mountain), Byron Herbert Reece Memorial Trail, Dukes Creek Falls Trails, Duncan Ridge Trail, Dockery Lake Trail, Freeman Trail, Jacks Knob Trail, Jarrard Gap Trail, Logan Turnpike Trail, Long Creek Falls Trail, Panther Creek Falls Trail, Slaughter Creek Trail, Springer Mountain Trail, Raven Cliffs Falls Trail, and Yonah Mountain Trail.
Fannin County
• Aska Trail System
• Shady Falls Trailhead
• Long Branch Loop Trail
• Green Mtn. Connector Trail
• Deep Gap Trailhead
• Green Mtn. Trail
• Stanley Gap Trailhead
• Stanley Gap Trail
• Fruitkoff Trail Access
• Deep Hole Day Use Area
• Sandy Bottoms Day Use Area
• Old Dial Rd. and Padena Dispersed Camping
• Rock Creek Rd. Dispersed Camping
• Noontootla Dispersed Camping (FS 58)
• Sea Creek Falls Trail
Union County
• Helton Creek Falls Trail
Lumpkin County
• Dicks Creek Dispersed Camping Corridor
• Forest Service Road 42 Dispersed Camping Corridor (runs through Gilmer, Fannin, Lumpkin)
• Nimblewill Dispersed Camping Corridor
• Jake and Bull Dispersed Campsites (trail use allowed)
Towns County
• High Shoals Falls Trail
Guidelines for health and safety, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are available at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
The latest information about recreation sites is available at www.fs.usda.gov/conf, also on Facebook and Twitter at @ChattOconeeNF.
Kemp, Duncan, Ralston announce plans to extend Public Health State of Emergency
Press Release, State & National April 8, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp, Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, and House Speaker David Ralston announced plans to extend Georgia’s public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Under state law, the Governor may renew the public health state of emergency, which was otherwise set to expire on April 13, 2020. Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston agree it is necessary for the public health emergency to be renewed and will not be requesting a special legislative session, which was tentatively scheduled for April 15, 2020.
“To ensure the health and well-being of Georgians, I will extend the public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020. This measure will allow us to continue to deploy resources to communities in need, lend support to frontline medical providers, and keep preparing as we brace for potential patient surge in our healthcare facilities. We deeply appreciate the hard work of Georgians who are sheltering in place, using social distancing, and helping us flatten the curve. We are in this fight together,” said Governor Kemp. “I appreciate Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston continuing to work with us to ensure resources are available to proactively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I thank them for their support of an extended emergency declaration. In these unprecedented times, we ask Georgians for their continued patience and prayers, especially for first responders, law enforcement, and the healthcare workers caring for the medically fragile. They are going above and beyond to keep us all safe, and we will never be able to repay them for their sacrifices.”
“We must continue our aggressive fight against COVID-19,” said Lt. Governor Duncan. “By extending the public health state of emergency, we can ensure Georgians have access to every available state resource during this crisis. Together, Speaker Ralston and I are working closely with Governor Kemp to do all we can to make sure we are meeting the needs of every Georgian. The General Assembly will continue to remain vigilant and available to assist our citizens in any way possible.”
“The entirety of our state government is working to protect the health and safety of our citizens, and I appreciate the work of our state personnel and first responders during this challenging time,” said Speaker David Ralston. “While we have difficult days ahead, we continue to coordinate with both local and federal partners in responding to needs as they arise. As Georgians, we will persevere and emerge stronger on the other side.”
Gov. Kemp issues guidance for retailers, consumers amid COVID-19
Press Release, State & National April 5, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp joined the American Transaction Processors Coalition, Georgia Retail Association, and Georgia Food Industry Association in issuing guidance regarding the use of PIN numbers and other best practices at points of purchase as Georgia continues to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Consumer Tips:
If a contactless payment option is available (e.g., Apple Pay, or tap and pay), use it.
Clean your payment cards using soap, hand sanitizer, or alcohol after each use.
Maintain control of your card, whenever possible, rather than handing it to the merchant.
If asked for a signature, PIN, or other information at the payment terminal, use your own pen (for signing) or personal stylus (for touchscreens) if you can.
If using home delivery services, pay in advance through a website, app, or telephone.
Merchant and ATM Owner Tips:
Merchants and ATM owners are encouraged to clean and disinfect terminals frequently and implement some changes to the payment process to reduce consumer interaction with equipment.
Follow manufacturer guidelines to protect and care for payment terminals.
Use 60% or higher alcohol-based hand sanitizer, card reader cleaners, alcohol-based disinfectant wipes (NO BLEACH), or glass cleaner.
Clean checkout and payment terminal area frequently (or after each transaction, if possible). Consider all checkout touchpoints (e.g., payment terminal including PIN pad, check lane counter and merchandise dividers, self-checkout lanes).
When cleaning the terminal, do not clean the electrical connections and plugs.
Never spray any product directly onto the terminal. Use a cloth or wipe that has been sprayed instead.
Governor Kemp’s shelter in place order allows for the suspension of the use of PIN pads, PIN entry devices, electronic capture signature, and any other credit card receipt signature requirements if it is permitted by underlying credit card agency and company agreements. Retailers should ensure EBT card users can continue to access PIN pads to enter this information during transactions.
Gov. Kemp Provides Overview of Federal Guidance to Mitigate COVID-19 in Nursing Homes
Press Release, State & National April 3, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp provided an overview of the recommendations President Trump and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes.
Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, or long-term care facilities, have become an accelerator for COVID-19. This is because residents, who are generally comprised of a vulnerable population, are even more vulnerable to the complications of the virus in enclosed environments like nursing homes.
The recommendations are as follows:
- Nursing homes should immediately ensure that they are complying with all CMS and CDC guidance related to infection control.
- As nursing homes are a critical part of the healthcare system, and because of the ease of spread in long-term care facilities and the severity of illness that occurs in residents with COVID-19, CMS/CDC urge state and local leaders to consider the needs of long-term care facilities with respect to supplies of PPE and COVID-19 tests.
- The facilities should immediately implement symptom screening for all staff, residents, and visitors, including temperature checks.
- All staff must use appropriate PPE when they are interacting with patients and residents, to the extent PPE is available and per CDC guidance on conservation of PPE.
To avoid transmission, facilities should use separate staffing teams for residents to the best of their ability, and as President Trump announced at the White House on April 2, 2020, the administration urges nursing homes to work with state and local leaders to designate separate facilities or units within a facility to separate COVID-19 negative residents from COVID-19 positive residents and individuals with unknown COVID-19 status.
These recommendations will help long-term care facilities as they consider how to best prevent or mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in their facilities. For more information on CMS actions, please visit cms.gov.
Details about Kemp’s shelter in place order
News, State & National April 3, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – Gov. Brian Kemp’s shelter in place order took effect on Friday, April 3 at 6 p.m. and will last until Monday, April 13, unless otherwise extended. The order came after Kemp reportedly just learned about asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19.
Under the shelter in place order, Kemp placed travel restrictions on residents except for “essential services,” “minimal basic operations,” and “critical infrastructure” workers.
Residents can only receive visitors that provide essential services – medical and supplies, end-of-life care, and items necessary for daily life. Visitors must maintain six feet of distance from residents. These directives will be strictly enforced in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
Essential services include necessary provisions trips to stores and pharmacies, medical visits, emergency services, and outdoor exercise – six feet apart from others. Citizens are encouraged to use delivery and curbside services over in-store shopping.
Critical Infrastructure is identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, such as home care, hospice, suppliers, legal services, health care, food banks, and non-profit mental health services. Local ordinances can’t impede these organizations.
Minimum Basic Operations include the bare necessities in order to maintain businesses as well as allow them to remain open under the order. Remote work and outside jobs like landscaping, agriculture, contractors, and delivery services are still possible under the order.
All Critical and Non-Critical Infrastructure businesses must implement the following mitigation measures:
- Screen workers for sickness including fevers of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or more, cough, and shortness of breath.
- Workers who exhibit symptoms must stay home.
- Regular sanitation of business and place hand sanitation encouragement in visible areas.
- Required employee handwashing or sanitation as appropriate places in business.
- Provide protective equipment as available and appropriate.
- Prohibit employee gatherings while at work.
- Permit breaks to be taken outside, individual’s office desk, or where social distancing is possible.
- Implement telework for all possible employees and hold all meetings virtually.
- Stagger shifts.
- Deliver intangibles remotely when possible.
- Discourage workers from using other employees’ phones.
- Prohibit handshakes.
- Suspend use of PIN pads for entry, electronic signature capture, and any other credit card receipt signature requirements.
- Enforce social distancing
- Provide an alternate point of sale for retailers and service providers
- Increase distance between customers and employees.
- Provide disinfectant and sanitation tools to employees.
- Create six feet of distance between workspaces.
Restaurants, diners, bars, social clubs, gyms, bowling alleys, theaters, venues, salons, body art studios, and massage parlors are now closed until the order ends. Takeout, curbside, and delivery are permitted. This doesn’t apply to health care or nursing home cafeterias, but in-room dining is strongly encouraged.
If an emergency that requires residents to leave their homes, then the shelter in place order can be overlooked.
On April 3, Kemp deputized local law enforcement to ensure everyone follows the shelter in place order.
Local government can’t pass any ordinances that don’t fall in line with the shelter in place order. They can, however, pass ordinances that “enforce compliance with the order.”
New Data Supports Social Distancing Now More Than Ever
Featured, Health, News April 3, 2020
News Release from the Department of Public Health – April 2, 2020
Atlanta – As Governor Brian Kemp and DPH Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D.,
M.P.H., finalize the details of the Executive Order requiring Georgians to shelter in place, it is
important to emphasize why these measures are needed now to keep all Georgians healthy and
safe and to stop the spread of COVID-19.
For weeks it has been known that people who were positive for COVID-19 but did not have
symptoms likely were able to transmit the virus. However, on March 30, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield, M.D., confirmed that new data indicates
that as many as 25% of individuals infected with COVID-19 remain asymptomatic. Additionally,
science also now informs us that individuals who are symptomatic, are infectious up to 48
hours before symptoms appear. This new information tells the health care community,
medical researchers, public health and governments why COVID-19 is spreading so rapidly.
“Until now, containing the spread of COVID-19 has been based on early detection and isolation
of people with symptoms of the virus,” said Toomey. “Social distancing and keeping people
apart from each other are now more than just recommendations; they are the best weapons we
have to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
In addition to social distancing, all Georgians are reminded to wash their hands frequently and
thoroughly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol) when
soap and water aren’t available. Avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and eyes with
unwashed hands. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and throw the used tissue in
the trash.
To read more about the presymptomatic transmission of COVID-19:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6914e1.htm?s_cid=mm6914e1_w
For more information about COVID-19 https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
For updates on the COVID-19 situation as it develops, follow @GaDPH, @GeorgiaEMA, and
@GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH, @GEMA.OHS, and @GovKemp on Facebook.
Speaker Ralston asks Raffensperger to move Georgia Primary
Featured, News March 26, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston (Ga -7) sent a letter to Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) asking him to please move Georgia’s May 19th primary due to novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
In the letter, Ralston asserts that he would like the primary to be moved to a date of June 23 or later. He cites several other southern states that have already moved their May Primaries to June or July as a precautionary measure to keep the public safe.
An exert from the letter below:
“At the present time, our state, the entire nation and the world are confronted by a public health emergency of unprecedented magnitude.
Our prayer is that we will be on the other side of this difficult period sooner rather than later. However, the inescapable truth is that we do not know the duration of the immediate health peril. Reputable scientists and physicians cannot agree on its duration.
All of which means that the precautionary measures recommended by the CDC and adopted in executive order by Governor Kemp will continue for an unknown period of time.”
The Georgia Speaker of the House also addresses the right to vote as one of America’s “cherished freedoms” and it “should be free of impact from circumstances which create obstacles to its exercise.”
The May 19th primary puts Georgia over a month ahead of anyone else in the south.
View the full letter here. Secretary Raffensperger 3 26 2020
On Tuesday, March 24, Raffensperger announced that the Secretary of State’s Office would be mailing out absentee ballots to 6.9 Georgia voters for the May 19th primary. This was his answer to ensuring the health of Georgia voters and poll workers during the pandemic.
In a press release issued by Raffensperger on the absentee ballots, he said,
“Times of turbulence and upheaval like the one we Georgians face require decisive action if the liberties we hold so dear are to be preserved,” said Raffensperger. “I am acting today because the people of Georgia, from the earliest settlers to heroes like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Congressman John Lewis, have fought too long and too hard for their right to vote to have it curtailed. Georgia has faced challenges before and overcome them, and we can do so again through the grit and ingenuity that has made America a shining example for democracies around the world.”
In the 2016 and 2018 November elections, around 95 percent of Georgia voters opted to cast their ballot in person versus the 5 percent who did so by mail. With social distancing as the most important tool for limiting the spread of coronavirus, providing alternatives to voting in person is crucial. All Georgia voters can request and vote an absentee ballot for any reason.
While Secretary Raffensperger is encouraging as many voters as possible to vote by mail, some rely on in-person voting to exercise their right to vote privately and securely. People without internet or mail access, such as those experiencing homelessness; Georgians who need language assistance; and people with disabilities who rely on voting machines to cast their ballot will still be able to do so in person on the state’s new voting system. Additionally, research from the Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law shows that eliminating “in-person voting could disproportionately disenfranchise Black, Latino, and young voters”. Their right to vote too needs protection.
To that end, Raffensperger is taking extra steps to limit the threat of COVID-19 at the polling place. Poll workers will receive additional resources to clean the equipment regularly. In-person voters who show up to vote in person will be instructed to maintain a safe distance when waiting to vote.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger
These measures will protect poll workers as well. Understanding the extra risk Georgia’s generally elderly poll workers face, Raffensperger is working to help counties hire more and younger poll workers. Extra staff will allow those who feel sick to be absent from the polls without significantly impacting continuity while a younger pool of workers will increase resiliency in the face of the COVID-19 threat.
Resources available for those in Rabun
Announcements, Community March 23, 2020
RABUN COUNTY, Ga -The community is responding to provide resources and aid to anyone in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fetch Your News will update this article with all available resources for people in industries financially affected by the virus.
Food Pantries
- Food Bank of Northeast Georgia: Rabun Gap Presbyterian, once a month
- Rabun County Schools, free meals to children from 2 to 18
- Rabun Christian Food Ministry
- American Legion
- Sharing & Caring, Fridays
Clothing
- Faith
- Ninth District Opportunity/Sharing is Caring
Internet
- Rabun County Library is offering free wi-fi in its parking lot.
- TruVista has offered students 60 days of free internet.
Service Industry Assistance
- The Giving Kitchen
- Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation
- One Fair Wage
- Unite Here Education and Support Fund
- ROC Disaster Relief Fund
- Spill the Dish
- USBG Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
- Dining Bond Initiative
- Southern Smoke Foundation
- Give Local and Local for Later
- World Central Kitchen
Rabun County Family Connection has a complete list of services within the county.
Small business owners can now apply for disaster relief loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Some local Rabun businesses are already reporting large layoffs due to closing in-dining services.
If you know of any additional resources for people in need, please email [email protected].
Georgia DPH adjusts COVID-19 models to include asymptomatic transmission
News, Police & Government, State & National April 1, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – As of April 1, Georgia had 4,748 cases and 20,328 completed COVID-19 tests, but Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has only tested symptomatic and high-risk patients. As a result, some cases have gone undiagnosed across Georgia.
Currently, DPH is following CDC guidelines, which still states online that not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Most people who contract the virus will recover and can care for themselves at home. CDC gave healthcare workers four priority categories to help decide who receives tests.
Asymptomatic individuals were ranked last, and those exhibiting mild symptoms or subjected to potential community spread should only be tested if resources are available.
White County Public Safety Director David Murphy went on record about the issue.
“Some people take care of themselves at home and never go to a doctor, especially those who have minor symptoms,” he explained. Murphy added that White County first responders have encountered a dozen or more patients with coronavirus symptoms in the last two weeks.
DPH guidance for healthcare facilities when it comes to testing lower priority potential cases is as follows:
Patients with mild illness who do not require medical care or who are not a DIRECT contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case (meaning the person has NOT been within 6 feet of a confirmed case for greater than 10 minutes, will not meet criteria to be tested at GPHL but can be tested at commercial labs—see below:
These patients should self-isolate at home until symptoms resolve. If respiratory symptoms worsen, they may need to be re-evaluated. Guidance for safe home care can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-homecare.html.
If you want to test these patients for COVID-19, commercial laboratory testing is the best option. Commercial laboratories are expected to conduct a substantial number of COVID-19 tests going forward. Currently, the primary source of testing is LabCorp, but we expect other laboratories will be testing in the near future as well, including Quest and ARUP. Neither LabCorp nor Quest will collect specimens at their facilities. Providers should contact LabCorp or Quest regarding supplies needed for testing.
DPH Commissioner Kathleen Toomey addressed that asymptomatic individuals in Georgia aren’t being tested but could be transmitting the virus to numerous Georgians. The state and DPH now believe the time is now appropriate to take “very aggressive measures.”
“We have not been testing everybody. We have only been testing those who have symptoms and those who are the most ill. And now, we recognize a game-changer, in how our strategy to fight COVID has unfolded. We realize now that individuals may be spreading the virus and not even realize they have an infection. As many as 1 in 4 people with coronavirus don’t realize they have the infection because they have no symptoms whatsoever,” explained Toomey.
“Finding out that this virus is now transmitting before they see signs,” remarked Gov. Brian Kemp. “Those individuals could have been infecting people before they ever felt bad.”
Kemp is expected to sign a shelter in place order on Thursday, April 2 to prevent people from ignoring self-quarantine recommendations. The details on the order are yet to be released.
Toomey further voiced that they knew asymptomatic community spread was possible due to the cruise ship cases. As of March 4, the CDC website also stated that asymptomatic spread is possible, but not as common as among individuals who are visibly sick.
Until the past 24-hours, all the DPH models relied on data solely from patients with symptoms.
“I think it’s a combination of recognizing not only that there are probably a large number of people out there who are infected who are asymptomatic, who never would have been recognized under our old models, but also seeing the community transmission that we’re seeing and now is the time to stop that transmission before the hospitals are overrun,” said Toomey.
How can Georgians prevent exposure/slow the spread?
Follow the CDC guidelines:
- Wash hands for at least 20 seconds – wash often
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces
- Avoid social contact and stay home
- Social distance if in public – stay six feet apart from each other
- Avoid touching the face – mouth, nose, eyes
- If sick, stay home
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw it away
- Wear a facemask if sick
By following these guidelines and Kemp’s shelter-in-place order, Georgian’s should be able to flatten the curve and hopefully protect themselves and loved ones.
Kemp, Williams: Officials Will Enforce Social Distancing at Parks, Lakes
Featured Stories March 29, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp joined Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Williams to issue the following joint statement:
“Across Georgia, there is a mandatory shelter in place order for medically fragile individuals, and gatherings of more than ten people are banned unless there is at least six feet between each person at all times. This order applies to all 159 counties.
“Fortunately, many Georgians are heeding these directives and following the advice of public health officials to stay safe and healthy. However, as we deal with the effects of coronavirus with school and business closures, people are eager for a change in scenery after days at home. They are traveling to nearby counties, heading outdoors for fresh air, and maximizing family time. Some are going to vacation homes, and others are hitting the lake, hiking trails, or campgrounds. We, too, enjoy exploring Georgia, but we urge people to stay mindful of social distancing, follow best practices, and avoid large crowds.
“The Department of Natural Resources will enforce the executive order limiting large gatherings with officials patrolling bodies of water and campgrounds. They are monitoring coves where people tend to congregate and, if necessary, using bullhorns to tell people to comply with the order. Officials will approach people in violation of the order and demand compliance for the well-being of our citizens and state. Local officials are also working hard to ensure compliance with local directives, which vary by city and county across our state.
“Please stay safe, enjoy your time outdoors, and follow our directives to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Together, we can flatten the curve and stop the spread of coronavirus.”
Clayton City Council shutdowns in-dining services
Business, Police & Government March 24, 2020
RABUN COUNTY, Ga – In a special called meeting on March 23, Clayton City Council approved a two-week state of emergency for the city and closed all restaurant dining rooms.
Restaurants can still offer carry-out and drive-thru orders. The ban goes into effect on Wednesday morning.
The ban is a result of people in the community reaching out to the council about other disregarding the social distancing recommendations. The council wanted to keep everyone in Clayton healthy especially since the city has seen an influx of summer residents.
They still want everyone to visit the town and support local businesses but avoid the majority of person to person contact whenever possible.
Restrictions on alcohol have been lifted somewhat. If placing a to-go order, customers can add up to 35 oz. of beer of a bottle of wine to the order.
All other businesses are asked to only allow one customer per a hundred square feet. This excludes employees and staff.
A reevaluation will be made within a week’s time. Also, meetings will be broadcast over Facebook but closed to the public. Press and invited persons can attend city council meetings.
Dillard City Council also has closed all in-dining for restaurants, starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24.
SBA loans are open in the state of Georgia for small businesses that need them.
Kemp, Carden deploy soldiers to fight COVID-19 in long-term care facilities
Press Release, State & National March 31, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Over the next few weeks, Governor Brian P. Kemp and Georgia National Guard Adjutant General Tom Carden will activate and deploy over 100 Guardsmen to any long-term care facility – assisted living facility or nursing home – with COVID-19 cases. The Governor and Adjutant General will send troops to specific locations to implement infection control protocols and enhanced sanitation methods to mitigate COVID-19 exposure among vulnerable residents.
“Georgia’s top priority is increasing healthcare capacity to protect vulnerable Georgians, especially those residing in long-term care facilities,” said Governor Kemp. “If we can keep these populations as healthy as possible, we will be able to conserve precious medical supplies and hospital bed space in the coming days and weeks.”
“The Georgia National Guard stands ready to assist any long-term care facility in this time of need through staff training and implementation of infectious disease control measures,” said Adjutant General Tom Carden. “Our training has prepared us to fight this virus, and we are eager to lend a hand in this battle.”
Twenty soldiers are headed to Pelham, Georgia today to Pelham Parkway Nursing Home to audit existing sanitation methods, train staff on utilizing more aggressive infectious disease control measures, and thoroughly clean the facility. This facility has reported five confirmed cases of COVID-19. For future missions, only four or five soldiers will deploy to a specific facility. However, for Pelham Parkway Nursing Home, twenty soldiers are going for training purposes.
This assignment is the first of several missions based on close cooperation with the Georgia National Guard, Department of Public Health, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, Georgia Health Care Association, and Georgia Center for Assisted Living.
Volunteer for COVID-19 Response
Featured, Health March 24, 2020
Volunteer for COVID-19 Response
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is receiving offers from medical
professionals and other individuals looking for ways to help with the COVID-19 response. An
effective response relies on volunteers who are pre-credentialed and organized. Georgia
Responds is Georgia’s health and medical volunteer program which matches the skills and
credentials of medical and nonmedical volunteers to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in
Georgia.
Medical volunteers may be used to answer medical questions coming into the COVID-19
hotline, or assist at test specimen collection sites. Nonmedical volunteers may be used in
administrative roles at either the call-center or test collection sites, or provide interpretation or
other skills as needed.
To volunteer, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/georgia-responds and click on the “Register
Now” box. Registering only takes a few minutes. Prospective volunteers will be asked for their
name, address, contact information and occupation type. In order to be eligible for some
assignments, responders are encouraged to complete a profile summary, which includes skills
and certifications, training, medical history, emergency contact and deployment preferences
Once your skills and credentials are reviewed, you will be notified by a DPH representative.
All Georgians play a critical role in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 by adhering
to the following guidance:
• Practice social distancing by putting at least 6 feet between yourself and other people.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
For updates on the COVID-19 situation as it develops, follow @GaDPH, @GeorgiaEMA, and
@GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH, @GEMA.OHS, and @GovKemp on Facebook.
For information about COVID-19, visit https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Kemp Closes K-12 Public Schools Through April 24
Announcements, News, Press Release March 26, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp issued Executive Order 03.26.20.02 closing public elementary and secondary schools for in-person instruction through April 24, 2020. Students may return to school on Monday, April 27, 2020.
“I am deeply grateful to State School Superintendent Richard Woods, the Georgia Department of Education, superintendents, and parents for keeping us informed and helping us make the right decision for our students,” said Governor Kemp. “Throughout this process, we will continue to seek the advice of public health officials, school leaders, and families to ensure the health and safety of the educational community. As we approach April 24, 2020, we ask for continued patience and flexibility since circumstances may change, but we encourage families to stay strong and follow the guidance of federal, state, and local leaders in the weeks ahead.”
The University System of Georgia and Technical College System of Georgia will remain closed for in-person instruction through the rest of the semester since students have already transitioned to all online learning.
To read Kemp’s latest update on the COVID-19 in Georgia, click here.
March 23 UPDATE: Rabun closings and services
Announcements, Community March 13, 2020
RABUN COUNTY, Ga – Business closings and changes store hours are spreading across the county as new COVID-19 guidelines continue to be released. See the up to date list below.
Updated on March 23
Government and Services
- Clayton City Council Meeting for March 17 is canceled.
- The senior center is closed.
- The library is closed.
- Recreation Department is closed.
- Rabun Detention Center and jail are closed. Video visitation is still available through Combined Public Communications, daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. To learn more go to inmatesales.com
- Mountain Judicial Circuit is only performing essential operations in accordance with a statewide judicial emergency. Georgia Supreme Court has declared a statewide emergency to halt all non-essential court business.
- Great Smokey’s National Parks are closed.
- Tax Commissioner office is closed to the public, still conducting business over phone, mail, and web renewals.
- Chamber of Commerce lobby is closed.
- U.S. Census has suspended field operations until April 1.
- Rabun County Sheriff’s Office app now has an icon dedicated to Coronavirus information.
Events
- Celebrate Clayton is canceled.
- Swing into Spring is canceled.
- Tallulah-Persimmon BBQ is postponed.
- Community Clean-up Day is canceled.
Businesses
- Walmart will be open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the foreseeable future in an effort to keep shelves stocked. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 a.m. the store is open to senior citizens.
- Ingles will close at 9 p.m. and the in-store Starbucks will close at 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesdays from 7 to 8 a.m. are open to senior citizens, underlying conditions, and first responders.
- Iron and Oak has closed the dining room. It is offering curbside service and delivery for a small fee.
- The Lotus Gallery and Art Center has postponed its group art show.
- Universal Joint Clayton is offering a curbside and temporary delivery service. Dining room is closed.
- Of These Mountains is offering curbside pick-up and delivery within 10 miles of store. Online ordering now also has free shipping until May 15.
- Blue Ridge Activity & Tumbling Center is closed at least from March 16 to 21.
- Wander North Georgia has eliminated shipping costs, offering curbside pick-up, and will deliver within 15 miles of the store.
- Market in Downtown Clayton is closed.
- Manrique’s Mexican Restaurant has closed dining room. Delivery, curbside, and pick-up options are available.
- Reeves Hardware is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday Diner is carryout, curbside, and delivery from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Clayton Café is offering carry-out and curbside. Dining room is closed.
- Butler Galleries is closed until March 28 at least.
- FORTIFY kitchen and bar is offering a “Family Style Menu” available for curbside delivery. Please place your order by 2:00 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Pick up times are between 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. No dine in.
- Mama G’s closed until Friday for weekend takeout and delivery orders.
- Main Street Gallery is closed.
- Lake Rabun hotel is offering curbside and safe space delivery.
- Rabun County Bank ask customers to schedule lobby appointments. Drive-thru is open.
- Subway open from 11am until 7pm and will bring food out to car.
- The Open Door at Alley’s Ol’ Store is taking phone orders and offering curbside delivery.
- Furry Affair is picking dogs up for appointments from the parking lot.
- Oconee Federal Savings and Loan asks for customers to make appointments. Drive-thru services are available.
- Goats on the Roof closed until March 27.
- The Law office of Tom Slowen has closed lobby to walk-in traffic. Call to make an appointment.
- United Community Bank will be an appointment-only service model effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
- The White Birch Inn is closed for the next month.
- The Soda Fountain is offering curbside, to-go, and online orders.
- 12 Spies Vineyards and Farms has closed its tasting room and offering free shipping.
If you know of any closings or service changes that you would like added to this list, please email [email protected].
Georgia Receives SBA Statewide Disaster Declaration
News, State & National March 19, 2020
Atlanta, GA – On March 18, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Georgia has received an official statewide disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This declaration will provide assistance in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans to impacted small businesses in all 159 counties in Georgia.
“This is great news for Georgia small business owners,” said Governor Kemp. “As we continue to navigate the impact of COVID-19 on our economy, small business owners can apply for much-needed funding to continue operation and pay their employees. My thanks to the Trump Administration for their swift action to protect small business owners throughout the country.”
The application is now live, and Georgia small business owners can go directly to the SBA for assistance. Small business owners should visit www.disasterloan.sba.gov for information and the application.
Loans are available for small business and non-profit organizations. While terms will be established on a case-by-case basis, many will have a thirty-year repayment term with first payments not due for up to twelve months. Businesses should expect to provide a tax transcript, financial statements, and a profit and loss statement. Interest rates will range from 2.75% to 3.75%.
For more information, concerning Kemp’s action’s during COVID-19, click here.