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.”
Courthouse closed for cleaning after potential COVID-19 exposure
Announcements, News April 5, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Courthouse will be closed to the public until Monday, April 13 for deep cleaning after the building experienced potential exposure to COVID-19.
Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris explained the situation on his Facebook on Sunday, April 5. Last week, March 31, “a small, impromptu swearing-in ceremony took place” for a new circuit court employee. The commissioner was unaware of the ceremony taking place.
At this event, an out of town guest attended, who received notification on Friday, April 3 that a “very close friend” had tested positive for COVID-19. Neith this individual nor the friend were from Union County.
Union County government has chosen to err on the side of caution and close the courthouse for “extreme cleaning” over the course of the next five days. The public can continue to conduct their courthouse-related business over the phone starting on Tuesday. The staff will be working from home. They are sorry for any inconvenience this might cause Union County residents.
Paris urged everyone to “PLEASE practice social distancing and STAY HOME, as much as possible. Shelter in Place! This Corona Virus is so dang easy to spread. Stay safe and DO NOT take COVID-19 for granted. Small mistakes can lead to large ones!!!”
Due to Gov. Brian Kemp’s shelter in place executive order, many precautions the county and city took to limit spread were undone. County commissioners can now only pass ordinances that enforce Kemp’s and any previously passed ordinances, not in accordance, were overturned. The order makes it impossible to pass or enforce an ordinance that bans rental properties from operating during the state of emergency.
County governments also have no control over state parks, which are open for business until the gov. decides to close them.
At this time, the Georgia Department of Public Health had reported one confirmed case in Union County.
Feed Union County 2020 initiative kicked off on Monday
Business, Community April 1, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – While many are adjusting to staying home, healthcare workers are working overtime to help keep everyone in the community safe. To show their appreciation, several organizations came together to form the Feed Union County 2020 initiative for those caring for the sick in Union County and for individuals in need.
The first soup drive was held on Monday, March 30 from 11:30 a.m. until the food ran out at Nani’s Restaurant. Marife Arrazcaeta, the owner of Nani’s, said she intends to continue the soup drive every Monday for individuals in need and for all first responders, elderly, families, nurses, and doctors.
Arrazcaeta spearheaded the effort inspired by Chef Jose Andres’ feed the hunger movement and began reaching out to other restaurants and food services in the community. For the first week, North Georgia Technical College Culinary Program donated vegetables, cream, and potatoes, and Foodland donated chicken.
“We are just trying to stay ahead of what is coming. We have been lucky we don’t a case jet. We will feed those who need it,” stated Arrazcaeta. “We are a strong tight community, and we are all in this together.”
Donations both monetary and food are welcomed and needed to continue the effort. Any restaurant interested in donating their inventory should contact Arrazcaeta at 706.745.0100. If someone would like to donate money to the effort, a fund is set up at BANK OZK under the name, “Feed Union County 2020.” The bank accepts cash, checks directly at the drive-thru window or please send donations to 51 D Earnest street Blairsville, Ga 30512.
Nani’s will be open to the public for to-go orders Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Here’s a list of resources available for those in need in Union County.
Also, if anyone would like a pick-me-up while working, teaching, or just stuck at home, check out Arrazcaeta’s update video’s on Nani’s Facebook page.
Editor’s note: Since receiving this quote, a positive COVID-19 case is being treated at Union General Hospital. The individual is a Towns County Resident.
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.
Statewide Judicial Emergency extended through May 13
Featured Stories, News, State & National April 6, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – Chief Justice Harold D. Melton issued an order today that extends the statewide judicial emergency until May 13, 2020. The Chief Justice first declared a judicial emergency on March 14 which was due to expire April 13.
While under a statewide judicial emergency, courts are ordered to remain open to deal with matters that are critical or “essential” to protect the “health, safety, and liberty of individuals.” As an example, essential court functions include such things as the issuance of search and arrest warrants and the granting of domestic abuse restraining orders. However, criminal trials and jury duty have been suspended statewide, and courts are urged to use teleconferencing and videoconferencing where feasible when conducting hearings or other court matters to avoid litigants, judges, and other persons from having to convene in the courthouse and risk exposure to COVID-19.
With today’s extension of the emergency, the order urges courts to avoid backlogs in nonessential matters where they can do so safely. “With regard to matters not deemed essential functions under the Statewide Judicial Emergency Order, courts and litigants are encouraged to proceed to the extent feasible and consistent with public health guidance, for example through the use of teleconferences and videoconferences, to reduce backlogs when the judicial emergency ends,” the order says.
“The threat of this virus is difficult for everyone,” Chief Justice Melton said. “Court personnel are no exception. We have to ensure that they can safely fulfill their mission.”
Chief Justice Melton said that mandating that only essential matters be addressed by the courts is a step toward protecting the safety of court personnel and the public. But Chief Justice Melton noted that with today’s order extending the judicial emergency, “I also want to encourage courts and counsel in nonessential matters to move those matters forward as much as possible and practicable to maintain the flow. We should do what we can safely do during this time to keep the courts’ backlog from growing too large.”
The order urges attorneys to remember their “obligations of professionalism.” Guidance on those obligations can be found in the Lawyer’s Creed and Aspirational Statement on Professionalism. (https://www.gabar.org/aboutthebar/lawrelatedorganizations/cjcp/lawyers-creed.cfm) In particular, attorneys are urged during this emergency to accommodate opposing counsel in either moving cases along or agreeing to continuances as appropriate.
The order states that the Chief Justice will give notice of the expected termination of the order “at least one week in advance to allow courts to plan the transition to fuller operations.”
See entire declaration here: CJ Melton_Extension_Order_signed_entered
The March 14 order states that courts “should remain open to address essential functions, and in particular courts should give priority to matters defined as those necessary to protect health, safety, and liberty of individuals.” The order lists the matters courts should prioritize, which including domestic abuse restraining orders, juvenile court delinquency detention hearings and emergency removal matters, mental health commitment hearings, and cases “where an immediate liberty or safety concern is present requiring the attention of the court as soon as the court is available.”
“Following Governor Kemp’s declaration today of a Public Health State of Emergency, I am directing the judicial branch of government to suspend all but essential court functions,” Chief Justice Melton said. “These critical matters will remain a priority in our courts.”
Criminal trials in which a jury already has been empaneled “shall continue to conclusion, unless good cause exists to suspend the trial or declare a mistrial,” the order states.
During the period of the order, which will terminate April 13 unless extended, the order suspends and grants relief from a number of judicial deadlines, such as the “time within which to issue a warrant” and the “time within which to hold a commitment hearing.”
The order states that, “To the extent court proceedings are held, they should be done in a manner to limit the risk of exposure, where possible, such as videoconferencing.”
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.
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.”
Blairsville City Council closes rental properties to fight COVID-19
Community, Health, News April 2, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In a special emergency meeting held on April 2, 2020, Blairsville City Council unanimously approved the closure of city rental properties for the next 28 to 30 days and issued a shelter in place order for city residents.
The city council and mayor took these actions in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 within Blairsville, Union County, and the North Georgia mountains. On April 1, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced he would sign an executive order for a statewide shelter in place to last until April 13.
From the ordinance:
“The City of Blairsville is closing to all tourists and leisure visitors. Effective immediately, no lodging establishment shall accept reservations until further notice, including extension to current reservations. Effective Thursday, April 2, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., all hotels, short term (as defined as less than 28 days) vacation rentals, and other transient rentals to include marinas, RV parks, campgrounds, Airbnb, VRBO, rental cabins, rental homes and time shares shall cease renting to tourists for 30 days. This ban shall not apply to rentals to transitory military personnel, first responders, health care workers, construction workers actively engaged in projects in the City or in Union County, City employees and contractors engaged in essential City services and others engaged in formal business in the City of Blairsville.”
See entire ordinance here: Ordinance 2020-02
The North Georgia mountains and communities like Blairsville have experienced an influx of out-of-towners since the initial COVID-19 outbreak in Georgia. Many from the metro-Atlanta area have tried to escape the virus by visiting second homes or hiking on the weekends. Local county commissioners asked the United States Forest Service (USFS) to close the Appalachian trailheads, and USFS has done so.
Orange Cones were also placed by GDOT along Neel’s Gap to prevent tourists from parking along the road and walking any trails. Georgia Forestry Service received direction to keep a closer eye on park-goers, not permitting groups larger than ten to congregate.
City council declared a state of emergency on March 25, 2020, which banned large public gatherings, closed on-premise dining and several non-essential businesses. Essential businesses are defined according to Union County’s first amendment in its state of emergency.
Non-essential businesses, not previously listed, are asked to close, work remotely, and at a minimum practice social distancing under the shelter in place directive.
No curfew was put in place at this time.
Mayor Jim Conley did state that the council could always come back and make the ordinance stronger if necessary. The city can make an ordinance stronger than the impending order from the governor, but not lesser.
Councilmember Tony Dyer made the motion to approve the ordinance. Councilmember Betty Easter seconded it and members Rhonda Mahan and Mary Ruth Cook also voted in favor of the ordinance. Buddy Moore was absent.
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.
Union General Hospital gives notice of positive COVID-19 case
Health, News April 1, 2020
PRESS RELEASE – Union General Hospital is providing notice to the public that it received its first report of a positive case of COVID-19 that is being cared for as an inpatient at our facility. This individual was admitted late during the evening of Tuesday, March 31, 2020. The patient was isolated in accordance with CDC and CMS guidance. The treatment plan has been implemented and is being monitored by the physicians.
Union General Hospital has been continuously preparing through its emergency operations plan for the likelihood of a COVID-19 patient. Our team has evaluated the hospital’s supplies, its cleaning processes, its staff and its capacity to ensure safe and effective care to patients. At this time, all suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients are being treated in a designated unit away from our OB Unit and regular Med/Surg Unit in an effort to physically separate the patients. Union General Hospital maintains an experienced and well-qualified medical staff with quality facilities and equipment.
The hospital will continue to evaluate any CDC and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance as this public and national emergency continues to unfold. Union General Hospital’s team, including the healthcare providers and first responders, are available to provide high quality and comprehensive healthcare to our neighbors in our region.
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, 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.
Union General releases new guidelines, designates sick and well clinics
Health, News, Press Release March 27, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In a press release issued by Union General Health System, the medical facility is updating its operating procedures and establishing sick and well clinics in the community.
In response to the Blairsville City Council’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency Ordinance, Union General Health System will no longer perform elective procedures/diagnostic testing, until further notice. The decision to perform procedures will be on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the patient’s physician, based on the needs of the patient.
*If you have a procedure or diagnostic testing that has already been scheduled, you will be contacted by the hospital if it needs to be postponed or rescheduled.
Beginning on Monday, March 30th, Union General Health System will designate certain clinics as either sick clinics or well clinics. Union General Family Medicine will be designated as a sick clinic seeing both sick children and sick adults, Union General Pediatrics will be designated as a well clinic only performing well-child visits and the Union General Hospital Young Harris Clinic will be designated as a well clinic only performing well-adult visits.
As a reminder, for the safety and well-being of our patients and staff, Union General Hospital and Chatuge Regional Hospital, are currently on lockdown, until further notice. All doors are locked and will remain locked except the Main Entrance/Emergency Room Entrance at Union General Hospital and the Emergency Room Entrance at Chatuge Regional Hospital. No visitors will be allowed until further notice.
If you need treatment at either facility, a wellness screening will be performed. A series of questions will be asked and your temperature will be taken. If you have a fever and respiratory symptoms and have traveled within a widespread affected area within the past 14 days, or had exposure to someone with a confirmed COVID-19 case, please ask for a mask immediately.
All Union General Health System affiliated facilities have taken COVID-19 precautions. Some of these include, the Union County Nursing Home and Chatuge Regional Nursing Home are no longer allowing any visitors into their facility to help protect the health of their residents. The Union General Wellness Center and Union General Hospital Suches Clinic have closed indefinitely to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Union General told Fetch Your News that its respective nursing homes are following CDC guidelines for long-term care facilities. These guidelines include:
- Restrict all visitation except for certain compassionate care situations, such as end of life situations
- Restrict all volunteers and non-essential healthcare personnel (HCP), including non-essential healthcare personnel (e.g., barbers)
- Cancel all group activities and communal dining
- Implement active screening of residents and HCP for fever and respiratory symptoms
COVID-19 is being increasingly reported in communities across the United States. It is likely that SARS-CoV-2 will be identified in more communities, including areas where cases have not yet been reported. As such, nursing homes should assume it could already be in their community and move to restrict all visitors and unnecessary HCP from the facility; cancel group activities and communal dining; and implement active screening of residents and HCP for fever and respiratory symptoms.
Here’s a copy of the CDC emergency preparedness checklist for nursing homes.
For more information on COVID-19 and the latest updates to Union General Health Systems facilities, please visit www.UnionGeneralHealthSystem.com.
Union County declares public health state of emergency, some businesses to close
Community, News, Police & Government March 26, 2020
UNION COUNTY, Ga – At 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris approved a state of emergency in Union County on the courthouse steps. The declaration is to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Union County.
The order goes into effect on March 30 at 12:01 am. and will last until April 30 at 11:59 p.m. It can also be rescinded at an earlier time by the commissioner or will automatically terminate if Gov. Kemp ends the statewide state of emergency. The procedures enacted are based on the current threat level in Union County and can be reassessed as the pandemic progresses in the state and Union County.
Blairsville City Council declared a state of emergency on March 25, which goes into effect at 9 p.m. on March 26.
Under this state of emergency, all restaurants in the county can only offer carry-out, curbside, or drive-thru services. All on-premise dining is prohibited while the order is in effect. Restaurants licensed to sell alcohol may continue to sell by the package in sealed containers without obtaining an additional license. However, the sale of beer or wine is only allowed with the purchase of a meal. It may not be sold separately.
Businesses that provide “body care services which require physical contact between the provider and client, including but not limited to, barbering, hair design, cosmetology, massage therapy, body waxing, or nail care shall be closed for business.” This directive doesn’t restrict any services provided under the direct supervision of a licensed medical doctor, nurse, dentist, physical therapist, chiropractor, or other healthcare professionals.
All establishments not mentioned in the state of emergency declaration must post signage on entrance doors informing customers to maintain at least six feet of distance between themselves and others. If stores can’t maintain the social distancing of six feet of separation, then only ten individuals can be allowed in at any one time.
Any business certified as “essential” by Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and pursuant to O.C.G.A. 38-3-58 or designated by the Governor as “critical infrastructure” or medial or health services are still free to conduct business.
Meeks Park playgrounds and the outside exercise areas are going to be closed on Wednesday, March 25. However, Meeks Park isn’t being shut down at this time and will be signs placed at the park’s entrance stating that it is open for local use only. This means that taxpayers or Union County residents may use the park for walking/ jogging if it’s not in an organized group larger than 10 people. Social distancing will also be in place at the park. No one should be within six feet of each other, unless immediate family.
Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 as recognized by the CDC can’t enter public areas, businesses, shops, public transportation facilities, restaurants, or any area where “the public ingresses or egresses.” This person should seek medical treatment with their primary care physician and follow their directions until cleared to return to public interaction.
Copy of ordinance.
All public gatherings – organized groups larger than 10 – are prohibited on any county-owned or controlled property. This doesn’t prohibit the use of sidewalks or pedestrian areas in parks for walking or other exercises as long as it isn’t part of an organized group of 10 or more.
The county is not issuing a shelter in place or curfew order currently but reserves the right to do so in the future. Residents can choose to quarantine themselves or shelter in place, but it’s not a current directive by the local government. This means individuals only leave their homes for groceries, medication, or medical assistant.
Union County Sheriff’s Office is authorized to enforce the orders, rules, and regulations enacted during the state of emergency.
Anyone who violates any provision of the ordinance could be subject to a misdemeanor charge with a fine up to $1,000 and imprisonment of up to 60 days for each separate violations. Individuals found assisting in “commission of a violation shall be guilty of separate offenses” as well.
Enotah District Attorney Jeff Langley informed Fetch Your News that each day the failure to comply continues it will count as a separate violation.
The EMA director is authorized to “obtain an injunction to restrain the violation of laws, code sections, orders, rules, and regulations that are contained in the GEMA act, the ordinance, or implemented by the commissioner.
The courthouse to closed to “casual traffic.” Someone must be granted permission from an employee to enter. Courthouse employees are still working. There are exceptions for the Clerk of Court Office and all court-related functions. Please visit the Union County Government website for details.
Paris hopes that the United States Forest Service (USFS) will close the Appalachian Trail and other public trails by Friday, March 27. This requires coordination with other counties from Georgia to Maine. The Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw issued a letter earlier in the week urging the USFS to close the trail. USFS must publicize the decision to close in order to keep people from the metro area and other parts of Ga, Tenn., or N.C. from entering the county.
Union County government can’t control federal or state highways to limit the number of people from entering the area. USDOT and GDOT must make those decisions. However, several metro-counties and some rural counties are now under a shelter in place directive, which should keep people from traveling to Union and potentially spreading COVID-19 or limiting local supplies.
On a Facebook post, Paris addressed the request from residents to close the county off to the individuals who aren’t necessarily considered “local”:
“Several have suggested that we keep everyone that is not local, out of the county. This is not practical or legal at this time. We cannot keep people from other towns or cities out of our stores. That is strictly the prerogative of store owners and managers. In addition, many of the people in our county may have an out of state tag, but they still own property here, pay taxes here and are part-time residents and certainly have the right to stay here.”
As of 12 p.m. on March 26, there aren’t any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Union County. However, several neighboring counties do have cases, including Fannin, White, Lumpkin, and Cherokee County N.C. It’s a good idea for all citizens in Union County to follow the CDC guidelines of hand washing and social distancing whenever possible to prevent the spread.
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.”
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.