North Georgia Technical College suspends classes
Announcements, Community March 12, 2020
UNION COUNTY, Ga – North Georgia Technical College will suspend classes and activities across all campuses until March 20.
From the school:
COVID-19 update:
In light of the current health issues and concerns resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19), North Georgia Technical College has made the decision to suspend classes and activities on all campuses until March 20, 2020.
Faculty and staff will be on campus next week. Dorm students will be allowed to stay in dorms and meals will be provided.
We have made this decision to address the health concerns surrounding COVID-19 while minimizing the disruption of delivering educational services. While a variety of factors influenced this decision, be assured that the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is always our primary concern. The emergency management team is meeting daily and will continue to develop answers, adjust plans as necessary, and communicate frequently. Please monitor the NGTC website for updated information and resources.
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.
BRMEMC release statement concerning COVID-19
Community March 12, 2020
Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation (BRMEMC) has created an internal task
force to address increasing concerns and plan for mitigating the effects of the Coronavirus
(COVID-19) on the Co-op and our surrounding communities. We have recently updated our
general Pandemic Response Plan to include the specific potential impacts of the Coronavirus on
our business continuity, while placing the highest value on the safety of our employees and
members. We are carefully monitoring global conditions as well as national and state
information sources, and are keeping our employees informed as new information emerges.
BRMEMC’s Pandemic response includes the potential closure of our office to the public, should
conditions deteriorate. We may eventually be forced to operate with a scaled-down crew here in
the office with the majority of our employees telecommuting if the infection rate in our local area
reaches critical levels. We will also continue with social distancing and may consider only
dispatching crews for maintenance and repairs of power outages to keep the power grid
functioning 100%. If this happens, all new construction projects may be suspended until the
infectious outbreak reduces to numbers well below a critical level.
We realize these actions will likely affect how we serve you, our members, on a daily basis.
However, we will remain available by phone and email, and we will certainly respond if power
outages occur. We want our members to know we take this situation very seriously, but are also
taking metered and responsible action based on sound medical advice and not emotion. We ask
for patience from our members as we work through this and certainly if we are forced to fully
engage the Pandemic Response Plan.
If you have any questions, contact us at (706) 379-3121 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Jeremy Nelms
General Manager
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.
Chamber of Commerce cancels events as precautionary measure
Announcements, Union County Chamber March 13, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Chamber of Commerce cancels all events for the next 14 days as a precaution against COVID-19.
From the Chamber’s Facebook page:
For the health and safety of our community, and with an abundance of caution, all Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce functions for the next 14 days have been postponed. We will be contacting the individuals affected to reschedule these events for a future date. The ribbon-cutting for Longhorn’s on the 17th will take place as scheduled since it is a corporate event.
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.
Union County Schools establish COVID-19 protocols
Board of Education, News, Park and Recreation March 10, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Schools (UCS) released a memorandum on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 detailing protocols for COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus.
Effective immediately, the two-page document details a 14-day quarantine and self-monitoring policy for students, employees, volunteers, and substitutes. It follows guidelines provided by the CDC, Union General Hospital, and the Union County Health Department. However, the protocols are subject to change as more knowledge about the virus becomes available.
The 14-day quarantine asks anyone who visited a level one or above country, came in contact with someone (a family member who recently traveled) who potentially has Coronavirus, or had close contact with someone with a confirmed case of the virus to stay home for 14 days. This begins on the first full day back in the United States.
CDC has an updated list of level two and three countries, which are Japan, Iran, South Korea, China, and Italy.
In order to return to school, the individual must fever free for 14 days. Anyone who believes they might have contracted COVID-19 should self-monitor for symptoms. “The Department of Public Health must be notified immediately at 1-866-PUB-HLTH, and the student/staff member should seek medical assistance,” explained the memorandum.
Those who have traveled to an area with widespread outbreaks are responsible for their transportation to and from wellness centers to receive daily health checks. This needs to happen “the first thing each morning during school throughout the monitoring period.”
During quarantine and self-monitoring students will receive assignments through digital learning, and absences will be excused.
Those who are self-monitoring should “be mindful of their respiratory function and overall general health.”
In a statement released by UCS Superintendent John Hill stated:
“The Union County School District understands the concerns attributed to the COVID-19, and we are working with the Georgia Department of Public Health and Union General Health System to develop plans and procedures that best meet the needs of our students, staff, and community.
At this time, we are monitoring the situation and will continue to work with our public health officials to maintain current best practices and understanding of the virus. The newness (novelty) of this virus creates additional concern for all.”
To help keep families safe against COVID-19, UCS suggests:
- “Keep children who are sick at home. Don’t send them to school.
- Teach your children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
- Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow.
- Teach your children to stay at least three feet away from people who are sick or avoid them altogether.
- People who are sick should stay home from work or school and avoid other people until they are better.”
For those interested in making handwashing more fun for themselves or their children, try timing the 20 seconds to your favorite song, like the opening of Black Parade by My Chemical Romance or like the graphic All Star by Smashmouth.
courtesy of Twitter user Tender_rachet.