UPDATE: Gov. Kemp instructs medically at-risk individuals to shelter in place
Featured Stories, State & National March 23, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – In a March 23 press conference, Gov. Kemp issued multiple executive orders and asked for the public’s help to ensure everyone is following CDC and Georgia Department of Health (DPH) guidelines during the country’s self-quarantine.
While Kemp is still hesitant to shut down all non-essential businesses or institute a statewide mandatory quarantine, he did issue an executive order to all medically fragile individuals to shelter in place. He listed off these individuals: the elderly, underlying conditions, cancer patients, or anyone suspected of having COVID-19.
In another executive order, Kemp closed all bars and nightclubs in the state and banned large gatherings (more than 10).
Kemp also said to fellow Georgians that if they see anyone not following the CDC of DPH guidelines, “call them out or report them to us.” He seemed prepared to take action against anyone not listening to his instructions or taking COVID-19 seriously.
“Fight this virus with everything you got,” stated Kemp toward the end of his press conference.
Georgians can also call the DPH COVID-19 hotline at (844) 442-2681. If they believe that they’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact their primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Do not show up at a clinic or emergency room unannounced.
Georgia now has 23 referral-only testing facilities in the state. Kemp released the location of the facilities in a tweet.
We now have 23 referral-only test sites across the state. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/lm37lPPP4J
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) March 23, 2020
Update from March 15, 2020 below
Gov. Kemp, Georgia Department of Health (DPH), and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) started construction of a quarantine zone in Monroe County on March 14, 2020. Additionally, the Georgia General Assembly ratified the executive order declaring a Public Health State of Emergency.
“This is one of many measures that we’re taking to prepare for any scenario,” said Gov. Kemp. “I appreciate the hard work of GEMA, DPH, and Monroe County officials to protect the health and safety of all Georgians.”
Gov. Brian Kemp
The quarantine space is for people who are unable to self-isolate and is located in the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) Campus in Monroe County. The quarantine space will be able to accommodate twenty temporary housing units. No patients are currently located at the facility.
Monroe County is working with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and GPSTC officials to ensure the facility will meet the needs of potential patients while protecting the health and safety of Monroe County residents.
Public Health Emergency Ratification
Kemp can now officially enforce all laws, rules, and regulations associated with the emergency; assume control of all state civil forces and helpers; seize property temporarily for public’s protection; exercise other duties deemed necessary for safety; use all the resources available of the state government; direct evacuation; suspend of alcohol, explosives, and combustibles; and provide temporary housing if applicable.
Since this is a public health emergency, Kemp also has the ability to “implement a mandatory vaccination or quarantine” in accordance with O.C.G.A. Code 38-3-51(i)(2). The Georgia Department of Health (DPH) already has this capability to mandate quarantine and vaccinations.
Additionally, Kemp can direct DPH’s efforts to coordinate the department’s response to the crisis from risk assessments, mitigation, responses, and recovery throughout the state.
The General Assembly also granted Kemp the ability to extend the state of emergency if the elected representative body can’t convene in time.
Original Article:
On Saturday morning, Governor Brian Kemp officially declared Georgia’s first Public Health Emergency, freeing up resources and granting additional powers to Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA). The General Assembly will vote on the executive order on Monday.
A Public Health Emergency is enacted when an infectious disease/illness presents an imminent threat and can potentially result in a high number of deaths and/or exposure could harm large amounts of people.
So, what exactly does this executive order entail for Georgians? In short, it guarantees a continuous supply of medical goods and other emergency materials, as well as giving DPH and GEMA powers to “taken any action necessary to protect the public’s health” with the governor’s permission.
The department of public health is authorized to “actively monitor” persons under investigation (PUI), including a risk assessment within 24 hours of identification, and twice-daily temperature checks for 14 days or until a negative test result.
Here’s the entire executive order for those who want to review it.
These actions include “implementing quarantine, isolation, and other necessary public health interventions in accordance with O.C.G.A. Code 31-12-4 and Code 38-3-51(i)(2) or as other authorized by law.
O.C.G.A. Code 31-12-4 addresses isolation and segregation of diseased persons stating the DPH and county boards can isolate or quarantine individuals suspected of harboring infectious diseases, or until they test negative for the contagion. The department also must widely publicize the rules and regulations for the quarantine.
O.C.G.A. Code 38-3-51(i)(2) lists the due processes afforded to those in quarantine and seeks to leave before the department of public health gives the okay.
Additionally, the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan is activated. DPH and GEMA must coordinate with state, federal, and local government, recovery operations, mitigation, emergency response activities, CDC, and the release of the national stockpile of goods.
The public must also be informed about public health operations, including education and prevention measures.
Commercial vehicles have certain restrictions lifted, so they can operate more freely to move supplies throughout the state.
Georgia Board of Nurses and Georgia Composite Medical Board can grant temporary licenses to applicants that are in good standing with an equivalent board in another state.
All state and local healthcare facilities, physicians, clinics, and personnel must comply with the governor’s orders.
Price gouging on products on goods and services necessary in this public health emergency is prohibited.
The Georgia National Guard was called in on March 14 to assist in the crisis.
The executive order expires on April 13, 2020, unless Gov. Kemp renews it.
Copy of Gov. Kemp Special Session proclamation.
UPDATE: Ralston sends another letter to Raffensperger regarding Georgia Primary
Featured, News April 8, 2020
UPDATE: April 8, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – After announcing his support of extending the Public Health State of Emergency through May 13, House Speaker David Ralston has again asked Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) to move the Georgia Primary to June 16.
Ralston has been very vocal about moving the election until Georgia can overcome the COVID-19 outbreak, which has a death rate in Georgia of 3.65 percent.
“We have seen many reports recently about how impactful a May 19 primary will be on the
ability of poll workers to report. Paramount is the health of voters, poll workers and others who
must be at polling precincts on Election Day,” stated Ralston in the letter.
Letter to Secretary of State 4.8.20
Copy of the April 8 letter.
Original Story from March 26, 2020 below:
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.
Trump COVID-19 Guidelines limit gatherings to 10
Featured Stories, State & National March 16, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump and the White House COVID-19 task force issued new guidelines for the next 15 days, including limiting gatherings to 10 people and avoiding dining in public spaces.
The 3 p.m. press conference focused on how telling Americans how they can help “flatten the curve” of the virus, so the nation can “turn the corner.”
In the guidelines issued today, Americans are highly advised to:
- Limit gatherings to 10 people or less, including in-home gatherings
- Avoid eating or drinking in restaurants, bars, or public food courts, use drive-thrus, pick-up, and delivery services
- Avoid discretionary travel – shopping trips and social visits
- Do not visit nursing homes, long-term health care, or retirement facilities
- Wash your hands
- Don’t touch your face
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue or inside of your elbow
- Disinfect used items and surfaces frequently
However, Trump cautioned that everyone may feel the effects of COVID-19 into July and August. Also, the President didn’t want to focus on the possibility of a recession at this time. He believes the markets will rebound once the virus abates.
“I think you’re going to see a tremendous, tremendous surge,” Trump said about the markets.
copy of new guidelines from the White House and CDC.
While the White House isn’t instituting a nationwide quarantine presently, Trump did make it clear that “hot spots” could potentially be placed under quarantine. Currently, the New Rochelle is considered a “containment zone” not a quarantined city.
Dr. Deborah Birx, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, added that anyone who is sick should stay home. Also, if anyone in a home is diagnosed with COVID-19, the entire house should quarantine in the home to prevent spread.
“We really want people to be separated at this time,” Birx stated. She also addressed millennials directly because changes in their behaviors could significantly affect the course of the virus. Millennials are connected to each other and can spread information across platforms.
copy of guidelines from the White House and CDC.
Ask the Doc! All things Covid-19
Health March 20, 2020
#BKP and Dr. William Whaley are joined by Dr. Raymond Tidman to discuss all things Covid-19.
Entertaining your children during the Coronavirus
Community, Lifestyle March 14, 2020
RABUN COUNTY, Ga – With children out of school for the foreseeable future, entertaining them might become a challenge for parents or guardians, hopefully, this article helps. Rabun County Schools decided to close for at least a week after because of the Coronavirus.
Those individuals responsible for children are advised to create a schedule in order to make the transition easier. However, don’t feel pressured to stick to do. Students obviously need to complete their COLD packets for the week, but structure will assist in keeping children on-track and focused.
Also, a child’s COLD packet might not take up an entire day, so it’s good to have options ready for that possibility.
Of course, it’s also important to keep children physically active when possible, if the day is nice, make time to play in the yard or create an activity space in the house.
Sample COVID-19 schedule for children at home. Courtesy of Facebook parents.
As equally important is alone time, if everyone is stuck at home, it could quickly devolve into fight night. To prevent that from happening try to schedule a time for everyone to separate for an hour or two. This way children and parents or guardians can entertain themselves in the manner they see fit.
Some additional online learning options are available outschool.com covers a wide range of topics and brainpop.com focuses on STEM courses. Scholastic is also offering 20 days of free learning courses for children.
Storyline Online is a free literacy program where celebrities read to K-5 children and associated activities.
Fetch Your News will update this post if any local options become available.
Public K-12 and Secondary Schools closed March 18 to 31
Announcements, State & National March 16, 2020
Atlanta, GA – In accordance with newly issued federal guidance, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Executive Order 3.16.20.01 closing all public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary public schools in Georgia from March 18, 2020, to March 31, 2020.
“To keep our students, teachers, and administrators safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, I am ordering the closure of all public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools in Georgia from March 18, 2020, to March 31, 2020,” said Governor Kemp. “This measure is critical to reducing local transmission in communities across our state, and I ask Georgians to continue to follow best practices – washing their hands regularly, isolating the elderly and chronically ill, and avoiding large events if possible – in the days and weeks ahead.”
For updates on COVID-19, follow @GeorgiaEMA, @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GEMA.OHS, @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook. For more information, visit the DPH’s coronavirus webpage at https://dph.georgia.gov/
Kemp declares Public Health Emergency, what does it mean?
Featured Stories March 15, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – On Saturday morning, Governor Brian Kemp officially declared Georgia’s first Public Health Emergency, freeing up resources and granting additional powers to Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA). The General Assembly will vote on the executive order on Monday.
So, what exactly does this executive order entail Georgians? In short, it guarantees a continuous supply of medical goods and other emergency materials, as well as giving DPH and GEMA powers to “taken any action necessary to protect the public’s health” with the governor’s permission.
The department of public health is authorized to “actively monitor” persons under investigation (PUI), including a risk assessment within 24 hours of identification, and twice-daily temperature checks for 14 days or until a negative test result.
Here’s the entire executive order for those who want to review it.
These actions include “implementing quarantine, isolation, and other necessary public health interventions in accordance with O.C.G.A. Code 31-12-4 and Code 38-3-51(i)(2) or as other authorized by law.
O.C.G.A. Code 31-12-4 addresses isolation and segregation of diseased persons stating the DPH and county boards can isolate or quarantine individuals suspected of harboring infectious diseases, or until they test negative for the contagion. The department also must widely publicize the rules and regulations for the quarantine.
O.C.G.A. Code 38-3-51(i)(2) lists the due processes afforded to those in quarantine and seeks to leave before the department of public health gives the okay.
Additionally, the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan is activated. DPH and GEMA must coordinate with state, federal, and local government, recovery operations, mitigation, emergency response activities, CDC, and the release of the national stockpile of goods.
The public must also be informed about public health operations, including education and prevention measures.
Commercial vehicles have certain restrictions lifted, so they can operate more freely to move supplies throughout the state.
Georgia Board of Nurses and Georgia Composite Medical Board can grant temporary licenses to applicants that are in good standing with an equivalent board in another state.
All state and local healthcare facilities, physicians, clinics, and personnel must comply with the governor’s orders.
Price gouging on products on goods and services necessary in this public health emergency is prohibited.
The Georgia National Guard was called in on March 14 to assist in the crisis.
The executive order expires on April 13, 2020, unless Gov. Kemp renews it.
Copy of Gov. Kemp Special Session proclamation.
Rabun Schools closed for a week due to COVID-19
Community, Rabun Co Schools March 13, 2020
RABUN COUNTY, Ga – Rabun County Schools will be closed starting Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20 due to COVID-19 precautions. The district will reassess on Thursday, March 19 for the following week.
As of Friday, March 13, Rabun County Schools has zero cases of COVID-19.
Students are expected to complete online learning packets starting Monday, and communication from teachers will be posted on Google Classroom or school’s website. Teachers are asked to make themselves “extremely available” to students, parents, and guardians during this time.
Starting Monday all travel including field trips will be canceled through Spring Break. Additionally, all athletic events are canceled through March 27, then the school will reassess with GHSA. Practices are also canceled until schools reopen.
Rabun County Schools Nutrition will provide meals at no cost to children from 2 to 18, and they do not have to be Rabun County School District students. Meals will be available for the entire week on Monday only. Those in need can pick meals at the Primary Bus Loading Zone from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Mountain City Flea Market from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Vista Ridge Apartments on Marsen Knob Dr. from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Dunlap Apartments from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; Stavemill Apartments from 10:40 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.; and Clayton-Duckett Apartments from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children must be present to pick up meals. The district asks anyone interested to complete the survey on Remind and the website to prepare for this service.
Chromebooks will also be issued to students who do not have a computer. The goal is one Chromebook per household. Parents and guardians are asked to notify the school through the survey as well. They will be instructed where to pick up Chromebooks as early as Monday.
The technology department is on-hand to assist all students with any questions.
Kemp: Public Health Emergency in Georgia Effective Tomorrow
Press Release, State & National March 13, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian Kemp’s office released a press release on Friday, March 13 to announce the intention to declare Georgia’s first public health emergency.
Following President Trump’s national emergency declaration today, Governor Kemp issued the following statement:
“Based on President Trump’s emergency declaration, I will declare a public health emergency for the State of Georgia tomorrow morning. This declaration will greatly assist health and emergency management officials across Georgia by deploying all available resources for the mitigation and treatment of COVID-19. In accordance with state law, I will call for a special session of the General Assembly to convene at the State Capitol at 8 AM on Monday, March 16, 2020 to ratify this action through a joint resolution.
“At this time, it is appropriate for faith-based organizations and similar entities to consider cancellation of public events and services. Contact your local public health office or consult official sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health, for helpful guidance on decision-making. Elderly citizens and those with chronic, underlying health conditions face a serious threat to their health, and we must do everything in our power to reduce risk associated with this virus. Continue to support one another, be mindful of potential exposure, use best practices to prevent infection, and pray for your fellow Americans in the weeks ahead.”
After reviewing state records, it appears that Governor Kemp’s declaration tomorrow will constitute Georgia’s first-ever public health emergency. The applicable code section is O.C.G.A. 38-3-51.
For updates on COVID-19, follow @GeorgiaEMA, @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GEMA.OHS, @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook. For more information, visit the DPH’s coronavirus webpage at https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus.
Rabun County Schools address extracurricular activities during Coronavirus
Press Release, Rabun Co Schools March 12, 2020
RABUN COUNTY, Ga – Rabun County Schools plans to continue with planned field trips and extracurricular activities but will check with the health department prior to traveling with students.
From the original press release:
Rabun County Schools has been actively monitoring the rapidly evolving Coronavirus. At this time, there are no changes to already approved student travel or extracurricular activities; however, we will consult public
health professionals in Rabun County and in the destination area prior to travel. This is subject to change at any time. A parent may choose for his/her child to opt-out of travel for any reason.
The health and safety of our students, families, and staff is our primary concern in this fluid situation. Decisions are
made to help mitigate and slow the spread of COVID-19 and to help protect the Rabun community.
To date, no known cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Rabun County.
If you have additional questions, please reach out directly to your school principal.
Kemp Authorizes Call of Georgia National Guard for COVID-19 Response
News, Press Release March 14, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp issued Executive Order 03.14.20.02 authorizing Adjutant General Tom Carden – at the request of Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Homer Bryson – to call up as many as 2,000 Georgia National Guard troops to State Active Duty to address novel coronavirus and COVID-19 in Georgia.
“Through extensive emergency preparedness training, the brave men and women in the Georgia National Guard stand ready to serve above and beyond their traditional military duties. In states of emergency, they are equipped to take necessary action to protect the health and safety of Georgia families in every region,” said Governor Kemp. “To assist with COVID-19 mitigation and critical services, including the transfer of Georgians currently at Dobbins Air Reserve Base to their homes, the Georgia National Guard will now be available to communities to ensure the steady supply of medical equipment, food, shelter, or related materials to keep Georgians safe in the weeks ahead.”
The Georgia National Guard is already assisting with the transfer of thirty-one Georgians – formerly passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship – from Dobbins Air Reserve Base to their homes today for isolation and monitoring by Department of Public Health officials.
Kemp issues call to action to all Georgians, schools, and local governments
Community, Featured, Health March 12, 2020ATLANTA, Ga – Governor Brian Kemp announced schools, childcare providers, local governments in Georgia now have the option to close, at least, for the next two weeks, starting this afternoon, during his latest COVID-19 press conference.
Mere hours after he confirmed, the first death in Georgia from COVID-19, Kemp gathered Speaker of the House David Ralston, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey, and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to reveal extra measures for Georgians regarding the virus.
Kemp’s administration changed messaging to protect the elderly and chronically ill Georgians from COVID-19.
“Our message is changing. Elderly Georgians and those with chronic underlying health conditions face a much higher risk of adverse consequences from exposure to coronavirus,” stated Kemp. “We need to help them to dramatically limit their exposure to the public for the foreseeable future.”
These individuals need to avoid mass gatherings, even faith-based events to protect themselves against the virus. Two COVID-19 patients in Bartow did share contact by attending the same church.
Kemp urged citizens to talk with their families and make plans to protect those at risk by picking up their groceries, prescriptions, and helping them in any way possible.
The call to close schools or government offices isn’t a mandate, but, rather, the option now available, when “prudent”, to help keep Georgians safe. However, if counties, schools, or childcare providers don’t see a need to shut down, then they do not have to close.
Additionally, all elder care facilities are now closed to visitation until April 10, 2020, except for family members and end of life services.
Non-essential travel and telework are now in effect for state government, but the government offices and Capitol will remain open. Kemp’s office will send out guidance to all agency leaders for implantation.
The governor also implemented four new committees as part of the coronavirus task force: Emergency Preparedness Committee, led by Insurance Safety and Fire Commissioner John King, Economic Impact Committee, led by State Economist Jeff Dorfman, Primary Care Physicians Committee, led by Dr. Ben Watson, and Homeless Community Committee, led by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Update on Testing Capabilities
Toomey stated that currently the state can perform 50 tests a day and the department of health has more equipment on the way as well as additional training. She hopes the number will be up to 100 tests a day by the end of next week. Right now, Georgia has enough materials to conduct 500 tests in part thanks to the support from the CDC.
“We are testing high-risk patients,” said Toomey.
GA DPH commissioner Dr. Toomey is hopeful that Georgia’s ability to test for COVID-19 will continue to grow.
20 percent of patients have more severe diseases and five percent need help breathing, so those who fall into the high-risk category are being tested first.
Lab Corp can now process tests, which should speed up the process. The CDC has eased restrictions on COVID-19 testing, so the M-95 masks are no longer necessary as part of protective equipment.
She stressed the importance of those who might have COVID-19 to call ahead because no one wants to infect those in the emergency room or waiting room.
Five New Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Cases in Georgia
Announcements, Featured March 11, 2020
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is awaiting confirmatory testing from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on five new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Georgia. The additional cases are in Charlton County, Fulton County and three in Cobb County. All but one individual (Fulton) are hospitalized. One of the Cobb presumptive positives has a travel history outside of the country, the sources of the other infections are unknown.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 and presumed positive cases of COVID-19 are broken down by county as follows:
Confirmed COVID-19 (6)
Fulton County 3
Floyd County 1
Polk County 1
Cobb 1
Presumptive Positive COVID-19 (16)
Fulton 3
Cobb 6
Fayette 1
DeKalb 2
Gwinnett 2
Cherokee 1
Charlton 1
The overall risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low, although elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions may be have increased risk for COVID-19. The best prevention measures for any respiratory virus are:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
Follow DPH’s Facebook and Twitter pag
For accurate and reliable information about COVID-19 log on tohttps://dph.georgia.gov/
General Assembly suspends the 2020 legislative session
Featured Stories March 12, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – Shortly after Governor Brian Kemp’s announcement concerning new protocols for Coronavirus, the Georgia General Assembly moved to suspend it’s legislative session, after tomorrow.
From the press release:
The Georgia General Assembly will suspend the 2020 legislative session indefinitely after Friday, March 13, the 29th Legislative Day. The suspension is out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of health and safety of members, staff and the public given the prevalence of the coronavirus. Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan and Speaker of the House David Ralston have mutually agreed to suspend the session and resume at a future date to be determined.
“We continue to urge calm and appropriate responses to the coronavirus situation. However, the current environment demands that we take additional preventative action,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “Speaker Ralston and I are working diligently to ensure that, at the appropriate time, the General Assembly resumes its critically important work.”
“We do not take this action lightly, but after discussions with Governor Kemp, we feel this is a prudent measure which will ensure an orderly legislative session,” said Speaker David Ralston. “I appreciate very much the cooperation of Lt. Governor Duncan, and working together, our House and Senate stand ready to support the state’s response to the coronavirus. We look forward to resuming the legislative session and returning to the people’s business.”
The House and Senate will reconvene for the 30th Legislative Day at a future date and time to be set by Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston under the terms of the joint adjournment resolution adopted by both chambers.
Earlier today, both the House and Senate adopted the Amended Fiscal Year 2020 state budget. That budget includes $100 million in funding to address any coronavirus-related needs which may arise.
Rabun County Schools issue statement on Coronavirus
Press Release, Rabun Co Schools March 11, 2020
The safety and well-being of all students and staff members is Rabun County Schools’ highest priority. Even though the immediate health risk of the Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) may be low, we want parents, students and staff to be assured that Rabun County Schools’ are planning for a range of scenarios and are working with the Rabun County Health Department to be prepared should the Coronavirus begin to have an impact in our community. At this time, there are no confirmed cases in Rabun County. That said, the best way to prevent infection by any respiratory virus is:
- Keep your distance. Avoid close contact with sick individuals, maintaining personal space to avoid getting germs from others
- Don’t share personal items (toothbrushes, towels, utensils, etc.).
- Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow, or with a tissue
- When a child has a fever, keep them at home until they are fever-free for24 hours without fever-reducing medication
- Flu shots are still available from the Rabun County Health Department
Current information on the COVID-19 is available on the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health websites at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
If you or anyone you have been in close contact with have traveled to China, Italy, South Korea, Iran or Japan in the last two weeks, please contact the Rabun County Health Department regarding related risks.