NGHS issues guide for visitors, patients and employees
News March 17, 2020
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Northeast Georgia Health System has issued this press release to guide visitors at each Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) hospital:
Each patient and visitor will be screened for COVID-19 as they enter. You can see a complete list of open entrances, updated visitation limitations and other helpful information at www.nghs.com/covid-19.
“These simple screening questions will help us protect all of our patients, visitors and employees as we try to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” said Supriya Mannepalli, MD, chair of the Infection Prevention & Control Committee for NGMC. “If a visitor is suspected for COVID-19, we will provide them with next steps to follow for testing.”
Physicians and hospital leadership are reviewing scheduled, elective surgeries. Hospital staff will contact patients if a surgery is canceled. If you have concerns about your scheduled surgery, please contact your physician’s office.
Cafeterias at all NGMC hospitals will continue to serve food, but all dining areas are closed until further notice. That means patients, visitors and employees may purchase food to take back to waiting areas, patient rooms, break rooms, etc.
“These decisions are being made with safety in mind,” says Carol Burrell, president & CEO of NGHS. “Our top priority is always the safety of our patients, visitors, employees, physicians and others who rely on and support NGHS.”
Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) was notified today of two confirmed positive tests for COVID-19. Both patients are currently being treated at NGMC Braselton.
“Our physicians, nurses and other staff are following all guidelines from the CDC to provide the best possible care,” says Anthony Williamson, president of NGMC Braselton. “That includes keeping the patients in negative pressure rooms, wearing personal protective equipment and following all recommended cleaning procedures to help keep patients and all others in the hospital safe. People in our community should continue coming to NGMC Braselton for care as they need it.”
If you have a fever and cough or difficulty breathing, these steps will help you find the care you need and limit the spread of COVID-19 in our region:
Call before you come
Please call your doctor’s office or an urgent care clinic for advice about where you should go for treatment.
If you already have an appointment scheduled and have recently traveled to an area affected by Coronavirus, please call the office before you leave your house.
Call 9-1-1 for emergencies
Calling 9-1-1 is always the fastest and most efficient way to get proper treatment for medical emergencies.
Consider staying home and completing an E-Visit
We have updated our online E-Visits to ask screening questions that may indicate if you have Coronavirus.
Just visit www.ngpg.org/evisit-info for instructions about how to complete an E-Visit from the comfort of your home.
ABOUT NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM
Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is a non-profit on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. Our team cares for more than 1 million people across the region through four hospitals and a variety of outpatient locations. Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has campuses in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder and Dahlonega – with a total of more than 700 beds and more than 1,100 medical staff members representing more than 50 specialties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.
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.
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.
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/
UPDATED Closings and Cancellations due to Covid-19/Corna Virus
News March 17, 2020
UPDATED 3/17
GOVERNMENT
Georgia General Assembly suspended indefinitely
Effective Wednesday, March 18th All offices of Ninth District Opportunity will close from March 18-26
Georgia Presidential Primary election delayed until May 19
All University System of Georgia institutions closed until Mar 29
Georgia High School Athletic Association has suspended all extracurricular activities and sports
Dawson County Schools will be closed from Mar. 16-31
Dawson County Senior Services and Transit closed until further notice. Meals on Wheels will continue.
Dawson County Parks and Recreation activities are suspended until further notice
Rock Creek Park and Veterans Memorial Park are closed until further notice.
Northeast Georgia Judicial District has limited all non-essential court matters until April 3
Dawson County Magistrate Court has canceled its civil hearing on March 18
Dawson County Superior Court has suspended all trials until April 3
Board of Commissioners has canceled a joint meeting with the Long Range Planning Commission scheduled for March 25
BUSINESSES
Chick-fil-A dining room is closed until further notice, but the drive-thru will be open
Publix Super Markets will close at 8 p.m. nightly until further notice
Walmart 24-hour stores open 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. until further notice
EVENTS
Dawson County Chamber of Commerce remains open as a “handshake free” zone. but the following events have been postponed: IGNITE-new member orientation; Eggs & the Economy breakfast; Mountain Madness 15k trail run; Business After Hours and Youth Leadership Dawson.
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.
UPDATED Closings and Cancellations due to Covid-19/Corna Virus
News March 18, 2020
UPDATED 3/18
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — Stay up to date with closings and cancellations in Dawson County and keep visiting this article daily to find out the latest closings and cancellations as they are announced.
GOVERNMENT
Georgia General Assembly suspended indefinitely
Effective Wednesday, March 18th all offices of Ninth District Opportunity will close from March 18-26
Georgia Presidential Primary election delayed until May 19
All University System of Georgia institutions closed until Mar 29
Georgia High School Athletic Association has suspended all extracurricular activities and sports
Dawson County Schools will be closed from Mar. 16-31
Dawson County Senior Services and Transit closed until further notice. Meals on Wheels will continue.
Dawson County Parks and Recreation activities are suspended until further notice
Rock Creek Park both gyms are closed until further notice but park will maintain regular hours
Veterans Memorial Park gym is closed until further notice but park will maintain regular hours
Northeast Georgia Judicial District has limited all non-essential court matters until April 3
Dawson County Magistrate Court is closed. Staff is available by phone or email. Call 706-344-3730
Dawson County Superior Court has suspended all trials until April 3
Board of Commissioners has canceled a joint meeting with the Long Range Planning Commission scheduled for March 25.
BUSINESSES
Chick-fil-A dining room is closed until further notice, but the drive-thru will be open
Publix Super Markets will close at 8 p.m. nightly until further notice
Walmart 24-hour stores open 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. until further notice
Dollar General strongly encourages shoppers to reserve the first hour of operation daily to seniors and those with underlying health concerns.
Target will reserve the first hour of shopping every Wednesday for the elderly and those with underlying health concerns
EVENT CANCELLATIONS/POSTPONEMENTS
The multi-employer job fair scheduled for the Goodwill Career Center April 2, 2020 has been canceled.
Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Eggs and the Economy scheduled March 19 postponed
Mountain Madness at Fausett Farms scheduled for Saturday Mar. 21 has been postponed until May 16
Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours scheduled Tuesday March 24 is cancelled
Bowen Goes Platinum scheduled for Friday, March 27 is postponed
Outlet mall reports employee tested positive for coronavirus
News March 16, 2020
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawson County reports on its website that a part-time employee has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
The report states, “We were notified that a part-time employee of a tenant at our property tested positive for Covid-19. That employee was last on property on March 4. The “tenant” closed for deep cleaning and has reopened.”
The report did not disclose the name of the employee, where the employee resides or the “tenant.” Georgia Department of Public Health’s daily coronavirus update reports that no confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Dawson County as of 11:43 p.m. Sunday.
Fetch Your News will update this article as soon as more information becomes available.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Chamber of Commerce announces postponements
News March 14, 2020
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. –The health and safety of our members and community is a top priority for the Dawson County Chamber. Click here to find the COVID-19 brochure created by the Center for Disease Control that we encourage you to print and share with your employees and customers.
Our Chamber office will remain open as a “Handshake-Free Zone”. In compliance with CDC guidelines, we have decided to postpone the following events that were scheduled to be held in the next two weeks:
ConnectDAWSON seminar, IGNITE-new member orientation, Eggs & the Economy breakfast, Mountain Madness 15k trail run, Business After Hours, and Youth Leadership Dawson. Committee meetings will be held virtually.
Please keep an eye on our website for updates on events, Chamber news, and resources to help your business weather this trying time.
Additionally, with the impacts of COVID-19 on our local business community already in effect, in addition to good hand hygiene and common-sense precautions with your employees and patrons, the Dawson County Chamber encourages all local businesses to consider the following:
For your business: Prepare for negative economic impacts.
Capital: Create, confirm, or expand your line of credit.
Staffing: Develop staffing plans for varying levels of customers and revenue (what does an 80% scenario plan look like?).
Insurance: Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and options.
Helpful links:
Small Business Administration Business response guidance and economic disaster injury loan program: https://www.sba.gov/page/guidance-businesses-employers-plan-respond-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
Business Continuity Plan guidance: https://www.ready.gov/business-continuity-plan
For your customers: Make your place of business as hygienic as possible and communicate what you are doing to customers so they feel comfortable visiting.
For your employees: Check, modify, and communicate HR policies regarding remote working, sick-leave, and compensation during a health crisis. Try to ensure your policies are as flexible and non-punitive as possible. Sick employees should be encouraged to stay home.
For your workflow: Cross-train employees for key functions so that daily schedules can continue relatively uninterrupted by potential employee absences. Where relevant, consider staggering start and end times to reduce large numbers of people coming together at the same time; and create and test remote employee collaboration systems (consider apps such as Slack and Zoom).
For your cashflow: Communicate with your landlord (or tenants) and lenders about expectations and request flexibility (better to have that conversation now).
For yourself: Eat well, sleep, and exercise. Taking care of yourself in this time of stress will improve your resistance to infection and resilience in managing difficult business situations. And of course, wash your hands all the time and don’t touch your face, or anyone else, for that matter.
For your Chamber: We exist to serve our members. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions about business resources during this difficult time.
For additional information about COVID-19, we encourage you to visit the Georgia Department of Public Health (https://dph.georgia.gov) and the Center for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html)
COVID-19 section has been added to Dawson County website
News March 14, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
The well-being and safety of our citizens is our top priority. We strive to do what we can to help keep our community and our families safe and healthy. Dawson County has remained in close contact with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and other federal and state agencies since February to monitor developments and updated guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19).
Out of an abundance of caution, several Dawson County departments have made the decision to follow the guidance of Governor Kemp to temporarily postpone non-essential services. We have established a COVID-19 section (https://www.dawsoncounty.org/pr/page/covid-19-coronavirus-dawson-county-updates) on our website for the most up-to-date information concerning changes to hours of operations and event cancellations. Important links and documents can also be found in this section.
We apologize for any inconvenience these closures and cancellations may cause, especially to those who have long enjoyed and relied on Dawson County’s recreation services. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we try to balance our ability to provide public services while preserving public safety.
The County will continue to assess the situation and communicate any further changes as quickly as possible. Please check the County’s website (https://www.dawsoncounty.org), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DawsonCountyGovernment) and Twitter page (https://twitter.com/DawsonCoGov) for the latest information on Dawson County’s response to COVID-19.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
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.
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.
USG institutions will suspend classes for two weeks
News March 12, 2020
Effective Mar. 16, 2020, all 26 of the University System of Georgia will suspend instruction until Mar. 29, 2020 according to a letter directed to all presidents in the system by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
The letter states:
Effective March 16, 2020, all University System of Georgia institutions will temporarily suspend instruction for two weeks to allow USG institutions to test their business continuity plans and online instruction modules and for the state office to continue to assess the current situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) in Georgia.
Students who are currently on spring break are strongly encouraged not to return to campus. Students on campus are asked to depart by close of business Friday, March 13, 2020 and to remain away until March 29, 2020. At this time, students are not being asked to move out of their dorms for the remainder of the semester. For students who are unable to leave campus, please establish a mechanism to safely accommodate those students on campus.
Please activate your relevant business continuity plans and ensure the operation of online instruction should that become necessary. Further guidance will follow as the situation warrants.
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.
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.