COVID-19: How to behave if you get sick
Community, Press Release, UCFD April 16, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County EMA (UCEMA) offered details about how to properly care for oneself and others if potentially exposed to COVID-19.
The number of confirmed cases in Union County has grown over the past week and will likely continue to spread. So, people should consider the following:
“The first thing is to know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19. People who have been ill from this virus have reported that the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and most consist of flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
If someone has any of these symptoms, they must stay home and contact their doctor by phone immediately. They should not show up at the doctor’s office or the emergency room without calling. If someone does not have a doctor, they may contact the health department. The doctor or the health department will provide guidance as to what to do. This may or may not involve testing. People should not call 911 or go to the emergency room unless it is a true emergency.
There are two terms that people must be familiar with if they have been exposed or if they are sick. The terms are Quarantine and Isolation. Most people believe that they are on quarantine right now due to the shelter in place order, however, shelter in place means that you shouldn’t go out unless it is necessary.
Quarantine is used when a person may have been exposed to the virus. A healthcare provider or official may ask a person to quarantine. This means the person must remain at home for a period of fourteen days from the last known exposure or until test results come back. At their home, they must monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 which includes monitoring temperature twice per day. If they develop a fever of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher or develop signs and symptoms, then they must contact their doctor.
Isolation is another term that many people do not understand. Isolation means that a person has a positive test result, or their symptoms strongly suggest that they are positive. In this event, a person must go home, isolate themselves from everyone, and stay there until the symptoms are gone for several days. Most people can treat themselves at home and recover.”
For more information on COVID-19, symptoms, quarantine, isolation and what to do if exposed or sick, visit www.dph.georgia.gov or call the COVID-19 Hotline: (844) 442-2681.
District 2 Public Health announces new testing guidelines
Health, Press Release April 14, 2020
GAINESVILLE, GA – In a press release issued today by District 2 Public Health, it outlines that the state has expanded the testing guidelines to include those without symptoms if they meet certain qualifications.
“District 2 Public Health is ramping up specimen collection to help meet Governor Kemp’s call for increased testing. This is made possible by additional testing supplies, increased laboratory capacity and expanded testing criteria. The new testing guidelines will include these groups:
- Hospitalized patients
- The following people with symptoms:
- Healthcare workers, first responders, and other critical infrastructure workers
- Persons residing in long-term care facilities or other group residential settings
- Persons 65 years of age and older
- Patients with underlying medical conditions
- Household members or caregivers of any of the groups above
- Persons with close contact with a known COVID-19 case
- The following people without symptoms will also be tested as capacity allows:
- Healthcare workers, first responders, and other critical infrastructure workers that have been exposed to COVID-19
- Residents of a long-term care facility or other group residential setting experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19
If you feel that you meet any of these conditions, follow these three simple steps:
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Call your local health department and ask to speak to a nurse about COVID-19 testing.
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The nurse will review your situation and submit your information for verification.
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Public health will call you back to arrange an appointment at the site nearest to you.”
Here’s Fetch Your News’ daily updates of COVID-19 cases in Georgia.
DPH Release – Expanded Testing For COVID-19 In Georgia
Featured, Health April 15, 2020
Revised Testing Criteria and Increased Number of Test Sites
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is increasing the number of specimen
collection sites statewide for COVID-19 testing, and is revising the current testing criteria to
accommodate more testing of Georgia residents.
Effective immediately, all symptomatic individuals will be eligible for COVID-19 testing. Health
care workers, first responders, law enforcement and long-term care facility residents and staff will
still be prioritized for testing regardless of whether they are or are not symptomatic.
Referrals are still required, however, there are now two ways to be referred to a DPH specimen
collection site:
Local Health Department –
Individuals who meet COVID-19 testing criteria may now be referred to DPH specimen collection
sites by contacting their local health department. They will be screened by appropriate health
department staff and referred to the closest, most convenient specimen collection site.
Contact information for local health departments can be found on the DPH homepage, under COVID-19 in Georgia.
Health Care Provider Referral –
Health care providers and/or physicians can and should continue to refer patients for COVID-19
testing.
People should not arrive unannounced or without a scheduled appointment at a specimen
collection site, hospital, emergency room or other health care facility. Only individuals who have
been evaluated by public health or a health care provider and assigned a PUI # number will
be referred to these drive-thru sites.
Together we can stop further spread of COVID-19 in our state and save lives.
Stay home – the Governor has issued a shelter-in-place Executive Order that should be observed
by all residents and visitors.
Practice social distancing – keep at least 6 feet between yourself and other people.
Wash your hands – use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer (60% alcohol) if soap and water aren’t readily available.
Wear a mask – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the use of face
masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19, especially where socials distancing is difficult to
maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.), and especially in areas of significant community-
based transmission.
For more information about COVID-19 Click here or
Click Here.
For updates on the COVID-19 situation as it develops, follow @GaDPH, @GeorgiaEMA, and
@GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH, @GEMA.OHS, and @GovKemp on Facebook.
New Guidelines and Resources for High Risk Citizens
Community, News April 15, 2020
Raymond Tidman, MD
Blue Ridge, Ga. – Raymond Tidman, MD and Dillon Miller, MD of Blue Ridge Medical Group are releasing new guidelines to help protect those at greatest risk in our community from contracting Covid-19.
Members of the community that are in the high risk category are those that are 65 years or older, or those with COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes, severe obesity, heart disease, receiving treatment for cancer or have a condition that causes immune suppression.
Tidman and Miller are saying to those in this category, “We want you to build protection around you now and until there is a vaccine.”
They are recommending following the directions in place by Health Officials of self isolation, but to also be super aware of those that you allow in your presence. They are recommending that individuals in the high risk category identify a limited number of people you depend on to be around.
Make sure that the people who you do have to have contact with are aware of your situation and take the proper steps to protect you from the virus.
“This is to encourage you to build a virus free fortress around you, and yet allow you the personal contacts that you feel you need and trust,” Tidman and Miller say of the precautions.
Tidman and Miller want all of those who have symptoms or have had known contact to someone positive with the Covid-19 virus to move to the front of the line to be tested.
If you are in this high risk category and have been around someone with symptoms have them contact Blue Ridge Medical Group at this number: 706-946-4240. This is a dedicated line for this purpose and will be frequently monitored.
“If they have symptoms have them contact the number and we will be available to test them quickly,” Tidman and Miller sate in a release. “We will be a resource to them on the latest developments in defeating this virus.”
Author
Collins urges Windstream to provide increased access to rural broadband
Press Release, State & National April 10, 2020
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Reps. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Austin Scott (R-Ga.), and Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) today sent a letter to Windstream underscoring the importance of providing increased access to broadband – particularly in rural areas – in the midst of COVID-19.
“As representatives of thousands of Windstream customers, we write today regarding the impact coronavirus has had on broadband access in rural communities throughout Georgia,” they wrote. “In the past, we have written to you regarding the inadequate internet service our constituents are receiving despite your company’s acceptance of federal dollars to expand access. While we know Windstream has upgraded some areas that are more populated and less rural, many of our constituents continue to struggle with poor broadband speeds.”
For years, Windstream customers across Georgia have consistently struggled to gain access to reliable broadband speeds. Congress has taken significant steps toward expanding rural broadband infrastructure in recent years, including securing federal funding to providers in rural areas. However, some carriers – like Windstream – have failed to provide adequate broadband speeds to consumers despite collecting taxpayer dollars. As this pandemic is forcing more and more Georgians to rely on the internet, access to reliable broadband is more critical than ever before.
“Due to the coronavirus outbreak, thousands of Georgians are being forced to work, learn, and recreate from home. This undoubtedly has increased the strain on the networks your consumers depend upon. Over the past several years, we have heard complaints of a network that is overburdened and cannot keep up during peak use. Even though we have been calling for increased internet access in rural areas for years, this moment in time shows that Windstream has yet to meet the mark.”
Read the full letter here.
COVID-19 update from Union County EMA
Community, News, Press Release April 9, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County EMA (UCEMA) released an update to it’s Facebook page this week as COVID-19 confirmed cases grow in the community.
“Information on the COVID-19 virus changes at such a rapid pace that it is very difficult to keep up to date. We are attempting to keep everyone informed as to the latest happenings and information. There are cases in just about every county in Georgia, including Union County.
It does not matter how many people have come and gone in Union County; the virus has spread. The furthest, rural counties who do not have beautiful mountains, hiking trails, and vacation homes still have virus spread in their area. That should give you an idea just how easy this virus spreads.
[Union County is] at a critical time. Some studies and models have shown that the number of confirmed cases and deaths in Georgia are on the rise with a peak in late April. That is why slowing down the spread rate is very important. This virus will spread. The risk is real and should be taken very seriously. [The community needs] to slow down the spread in order to not overwhelm our healthcare system. Lives may depend on it.
UCEMA and the public have seen orders and actions from the national government down to the local level. The Governor of Georgia has issued an executive order “To Ensure a Safe & Healthy Georgia” which went into effect on Friday, April 3, 2020. The order is somewhat complicated, and everyone has questions as to what they can do; what they can’t do; and what will stay open or close.
There are too many orders to review in this column but the main points that we want to stress are the social distancing, restrictions on gatherings, sheltering in place, and certain businesses are to close. One quote from the order sums up the state of mind that everyone should have by stating that people should be “taking every possible precaution to limit social interaction to prevent the spread, or infection, of COVID-19 to themselves or any other person”. The complete order can be viewed on the Governor’s website www.gov.georgia.gov.
What UCEMA recommends is that people should stay at home over the next few weeks unless it is necessary to get out. Every activity that takes you from your home and is not necessary, can put you, your family, and your community at risk.
The Union County Emergency Management Agency is continuously working with everyone to meet this threat. They still strongly recommend following the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health guidelines on how to slow the spread of COVID-19. Please visit www.unioncountyga.gov or call GDPH Hotline at (844) 442-2681.
Kemp suspends short-term vacation rentals, parks remain open
News, State & National April 8, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – After issuing an extended shelter in place, Gov. Brian Kemp finally instituted a ban on short-term vacation rentals to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, the governor stopped short of closing state parks and beaches despite numerous calls from local governments to do so.
“I have also heard the concerns of many hardworking Georgians, including local elected officials, who fear that our state will become a vacation destination. As a result, and in accordance with public health guidance, I have signed an order to suspend short-term vacation rentals across Georgia,” stated Kemp.
The short-term rental ban identifies vacation rentals as residential properties that can be leased for 30 days or less and can be let by a third-party broker. The licensor is a limited liability corporation, corporation, partnership, person, or any other entity; and the licensee is a private person.
It DOES NOT apply to hotels, motels, campgrounds, extended-stay hotels, commercial transactions, and leases that serve as a person’s primary residence.
Additionally, any rental paid in full by 12:00 a.m. on April 9, 2020, may keep their reservation.
The order won’t prevent people from occupying their personal property.
Law enforcement is authorized to enforce the order, but not to evict anyone in a vacation rental.
Beginning at 12:00 a.m. on April 9, the ban will expire on April 30 at 11:59 p.m.
When asked about the closing of the state parks and beaches, Kemp said only 300 people visited the beaches over the weekend and everyone practiced social distancing.
Earlier in the week, 12 North Georgia Commission Chairmen joined together to ask Kemp to close state parks and the Mayor of Tybee Island also issued a statement expressing his dissatisfaction with Kemp’s decision to open state beaches and park.
As of now, all his state parks reports indicated everyone was following CDC guidelines and he sees no reason to close the parks. Kemp did say he would revisit the issue if he discovers park visitors aren’t practicing social distancing.
Kemp also reasoned that when gyms and other exercise facilities close, people will want to go somewhere to receive physical activity.
Long-Term Care Update
Except from Kemp’s speech:
“The Georgia Department of Public Health has determined that COVID-19 is spreading through nursing homes, inpatient hospice, assisted living communities, personal care homes, intermediate care homes, community living arrangements, and community integration homes. We have dramatically increased access to resources to these facilities to mitigate exposure, but we have to do more to protect these Georgians.
“Earlier today, I signed an executive order extending Georgia’s public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020. This measure will allow us to deploy more 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. I appreciate Lt. Governor Duncan, Speaker Ralston, and the General Assembly for working with us to ensure resources are available to proactively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This afternoon, I also signed an executive order mandating more aggressive infection control measures at long-term care facilities across Georgia. I’ll outline a few, key requirements. Facilities must adopt infectious disease transfer protocols with nearby hospitals. Visitors and non-essential personnel are strictly prohibited except in compassionate care situations. If feasible, these facilities must provide in-room dining services, and all group activities are canceled. Employees must wash or sanitize their hands after any interaction with a resident. Facilities must implement protocols to screen residents for fever and respiratory symptoms, and employees must be screened before starting a shift. If an employee is exposed, to the extent feasible, he or she must self-quarantine for fourteen days before returning to work. Facilities are required to implement universal and correct use of personal protective equipment, and we stand ready to coordinate delivery of supplies. Facilities must utilize hospital-grade disinfectants for frequent cleaning. If possible, residents with symptoms of respiratory infection need to be placed together, and facilities should have specific employees working only on affected units. To ensure compliance, I am empowering the Department of Public Health, National Guard, and Department of Community Health to issue directives to facilities to prevent, monitor, and treat COVID-19.
“Today, I am also signing an executive order to activate 1,000 additional National Guard members to assist in COVID-19 emergency response.
“In accordance with public health recommendations, I am also extending the statewide shelter in place order through April 30, 2020. All of the provisions of the statewide shelter in place order will remain in effect. I want to thank everyone who followed these directives, and I appreciate your patience.”
Georgia Primary moves to June 9 after extension of public health emergency
Press Release, State & National April 9, 2020
(ATLANTA) — Today, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced that, pursuant to the authority vested in him by O.C.G.A. § 21-2-50.1, he is postponing the Statewide General Primary/Presidential Preference Primary Election until June 9, 2020.
Yesterday, Governor Brian Kemp extended the current public health state of emergency until May 13, 2020. Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan and Speaker of the House David Ralston concurred in the Governor’s extension of the state of emergency.
“Due to the Governor’s extension of the state of emergency through a time period that includes almost every day of in-person voting for an election on May 19, and after careful consideration, I am now comfortable exercising the authority vested in me by Georgia law to postpone the primary election until June 9,” said Secretary Raffensperger. “This decision allows our office and county election officials to continue to put in place contingency plans to ensure that voting can be safe and secure when in-person voting begins and prioritizes the health and safety of voters, county election officials, and poll workers.”
Throughout this crisis, the Secretary of State’s office has been in close contact with county election officials across the state. Over the past week, the reports of mounting difficulties from county election officials, particularly in Southwest Georgia, grew to a point where county election officials could not overcome the challenges brought on by COVID-19 in time for in-person voting to begin on April 27. Additionally, current modeling by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation projects the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia will peak around April 24, only days before in-person voting was scheduled to begin. While challenges will certainly remain on June 9, these additional three weeks will give the Secretary of State’s office and counties time to shore up contingency plans, find and train additional poll workers, and procure supplies and equipment necessary to clean equipment and protect poll workers.
Emergency authority is something that should be exercised carefully, and moving an election should only take place in the rarest of circumstances. While Secretary Raffensperger previously expressed concern that he did not have the authority to move the primary election again, the Governor’s extension of the state of emergency to a time that includes almost every day of in-person voting for a May 19 election is sufficient to allow the Secretary to exercise the emergency authority given to him by O.C.G.A. § 21-2-50.1 and move the primary election to June 9.
“I certainly realize that every difficulty will not be completely solved by the time in-person voting begins for the June 9 election, but elections must happen even in less than ideal circumstances,” said Raffensperger. “Just like our brave healthcare workers and first responders, our county election officials and poll workers are undertaking work critical to our democracy, and they will continue to do this critical work with all the challenges that the current crisis has brought forth. This postponement allows us to provide additional protection and safety resources to county election officials, poll workers, and voters without affecting the November election.”
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger
The voter registration deadline for the June 9, 2020 election will be May 11, 2020. Early voting will begin on May 18, 2020. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 21-2-501, moving the primary election to June 9, 2020 will move the primary runoff to August 11, 2020.Pushing back the primary to June 9 gives Georgia election officials additional time to put in place contingency plans to allow for safe and secure voting, but pushing back the primary election any further could potentially have negative consequences on preparation for the November 3, 2020 General Election. Given existing deadlines to prepare and send ballots for the November election, particularly for military voters, moving forward on June 9 is the best way to ensure a successful election year in Georgia.
Absentee ballot applications for the upcoming primary election will continue to be accepted and processed by counties even if the application said May 19. Once county election officials properly verify the signature on the application, the voter will be sent an absentee ballot for the primary election now to be held on June 9.
Kemp and DECAL issue statement concerning essential travel
Press Release, State & National April 8, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp and Amy M. Jacobs, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), issued the following joint statement regarding measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while ensuring that our state’s essential workforce has access to licensed childcare.
“On Thursday, April 2, 2020, the Executive Order to Ensure a Safe & Healthy Georgia – commonly called the shelter-in-place order – was issued. The order became effective beginning Friday, April 3 at 6:00 PM and is set to expire Monday, April 13 at 11:59 PM. This order allows all licensed childcare facilities to remain open subject to certain restrictions, including social distancing and sanitation.
“We have received recent reports of law enforcement stopping people to ask for a letter authorizing their travel. The Executive Order to Ensure a Safe & Healthy Georgia does not require any worker to carry an authorization letter on Georgia’s roads. As a result, the order allows for any necessary travel by workers and families to and from a childcare facility during this public health emergency.
“Parents with children in private childcare represent Georgia’s hardworking families with jobs that are critical to supporting themselves and the larger community. Essential workers such as nurses, doctors, first responders, and state and municipal employees rely on childcare to allow them to perform the critical functions so desperately needed in a public health emergency. From the fireman to the stocker at the grocery store, without access to quality, licensed childcare, many of these workers would be forced to stay home, putting further stress on the system responding to this pandemic.
“Continuing to work closely with the Governor’s Office, Georgia Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DECAL is prepared to lead our state’s efforts in assisting our youngest children and their families through this unprecedented time. We will continue partnering with the childcare industry and advocates of early childhood education to creatively address the challenges we face now and the new challenges that will emerge going forward.
How is the DPH handling COVID-19 contact tracing?
Health, News April 6, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – All of North Georgia now has at least one Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed COVID-19 case. DPH is also responsible for notifying individuals who encountered COVID-19 patients so they can isolate or receive testing.
After a lab relays a positive test to DPH, “local epidemiologist or public health nurse will start a contact investigation by calling the person who tested positive for the disease,” explained Public Health District Two MPH, Dave Palmer. District Two included Union, Towns, Rabun, White, Lumpkin, Dawson, Habersham, Stephens, Hall, Hart, Banks, Franklin, and Forsyth.
DPH Districts throughout Georgia.
If an individual can’t answer or is a minor, then family members can answer the questions. The line of questioning includes how a person could have been exposed to the virus as well as who else might have been unknowingly subjected to COVID-19.
Currently, the only people being notified are those who had immediate and prolonged contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. In other words, they came within six feet or less and had more than 10 minutes of interaction. Symptomatic individuals will be directed to isolate, and asymptomatic people will be asked to quarantine. As scientists and epidemiologists, learn more about the virus, these recommendations could change.
Fetch Your News (FYN) asked about tourists who visited North Georgia, and then test positive once returning home.
Palmer stated that DPH relies on information provided by patients about where they had been recently, and he reiterated that only individuals with prolonged exposure would be contacted by DPH epidemiologists.
Additionally, he said, “There should not be any tourism per the governor’s shelter in place order. There should be no public gatherings. People out in public should only be there for essential reasons, food, banking, etc. and should be practicing social distancing.”
DPH Administrative Order on Public Health Control Measures, issued on March 23, instructs:
“Each isolated person shall avoid unnecessary physical contact with any and all persons and shall comply fully with the Isolation Protocol attached to this Order, which may be updated from time to time based on guidance from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention.”
See entire order here: administrative_order_of_commissioner_i_q_amended_3.23.20_003-01 (1) (2)
The Isolation Protocol, last updated on April 1, details best practices for positive individuals who treat themselves in the home. In short, these patients should do their best to separate from all inhabitants of the house, including pets, ensure surfaces remain clean, and don’t share commonly used household items.
According to DPH, isolation can end once:
- The patient hasn’t had a fever for at least 72 hours (that is, three full days of no fever without the use of a fever-reducing medicine); AND
- Other symptoms, such as cough and shortness of breath, have improved; AND
- At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
If placed under home isolation due to a laboratory-confirmed positive test result but have experienced no symptoms of COVID-19, patients may discontinue home isolation when at least 7 days have passed since the date of the first positive diagnostic test.
See entire isolation protocol here: covid-19_isolation_protocol_.revised_4.1.20_exhibit_to_ao (1)
Quarantined individuals or those identified as most likely to result in infection must remain in their homes for 14 days since last exposure to COVID-19. According to the DPH Administrative Order on Public Health Control Measures:
“During the period of quarantine, the quarantined person shall take his or her temperature twice per day and monitor any symptoms of respiratory illness. If at any time the quarantined person’s temperature is above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, or if the quarantined person experiences cough or shortness of breath, the quarantined person shall be considered a person with suspected COVID-19 and shall follow the requirements for isolation.”
FYN also asked if DPH would issue press releases or notify the public in some manner if a patient admitted to attending a public event. Palmer stated, “Because the virus is spreading, we are not issuing press releases about cases – they are reflected on the GDPH website.” He also added that no one should be attending public gatherings under the shelter in place order.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests temporarily shuts down additional recreation areas
Press Release, State & National April 3, 2020
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down additional recreation sites on the Chattahoochee National Forest to protect public health and safety.
The decision aligns with state and local measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“We continually consult leaders in our communities, in order to align with local, state, and federal decisions that protect public health and safety,” said Edward Hunter, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests’ acting forest supervisor. “We aim to implement the highest standard of public health and safety.”
Effective immediately, the following recreation sites are temporarily shut down:
Rabun County
- Hemlock Falls Trail and Trailhead, Parking Area
- Minnehaha Falls Trail and Trailhead
Towns County
- Indian Grave Gap Road (Forest Service Road #283)
White County
- Smith Creek Trail and Trailhead
- White Oak Gap Road (Forest Service Road #244)
Previously announced shutdowns include:
- All national forest developed campgrounds, group recreation sites, picnic pavilions, and all restrooms.
- Appalachian Trail trailheads including Dicks Creek Gap, Hogpen Gap, Neels Gap, Springer Mountain, Tesnatee Gap, Unicoi Gap, and Woody Gap.
- Trails and associated trailheads providing access to the Appalachian Trail including Andrews Cove Trail, segments of the Benton MacKaye Trail (from Fall Branch Falls to Springer Mountain), Byron Herbert Reece Memorial Trail, Dukes Creek Falls Trails, Duncan Ridge Trail, Dockery Lake Trail, Freeman Trail, Jacks Knob Trail, Jarrard Gap Trail, Logan Turnpike Trail, Long Creek Falls Trail, Panther Creek Falls Trail, Slaughter Creek Trail, Springer Mountain Trail, Raven Cliffs Falls Trail, and Yonah Mountain Trail.
Fannin County
• Aska Trail System
• Shady Falls Trailhead
• Long Branch Loop Trail
• Green Mtn. Connector Trail
• Deep Gap Trailhead
• Green Mtn. Trail
• Stanley Gap Trailhead
• Stanley Gap Trail
• Fruitkoff Trail Access
• Deep Hole Day Use Area
• Sandy Bottoms Day Use Area
• Old Dial Rd. and Padena Dispersed Camping
• Rock Creek Rd. Dispersed Camping
• Noontootla Dispersed Camping (FS 58)
• Sea Creek Falls Trail
Union County
• Helton Creek Falls Trail
Lumpkin County
• Dicks Creek Dispersed Camping Corridor
• Forest Service Road 42 Dispersed Camping Corridor (runs through Gilmer, Fannin, Lumpkin)
• Nimblewill Dispersed Camping Corridor
• Jake and Bull Dispersed Campsites (trail use allowed)
Towns County
• High Shoals Falls Trail
Guidelines for health and safety, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are available at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
The latest information about recreation sites is available at www.fs.usda.gov/conf, also on Facebook and Twitter at @ChattOconeeNF.
Kemp, Duncan, Ralston announce plans to extend Public Health State of Emergency
Press Release, State & National April 8, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp, Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, and House Speaker David Ralston announced plans to extend Georgia’s public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Under state law, the Governor may renew the public health state of emergency, which was otherwise set to expire on April 13, 2020. Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston agree it is necessary for the public health emergency to be renewed and will not be requesting a special legislative session, which was tentatively scheduled for April 15, 2020.
“To ensure the health and well-being of Georgians, I will extend the public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020. This measure will allow us to continue to deploy resources to communities in need, lend support to frontline medical providers, and keep preparing as we brace for potential patient surge in our healthcare facilities. We deeply appreciate the hard work of Georgians who are sheltering in place, using social distancing, and helping us flatten the curve. We are in this fight together,” said Governor Kemp. “I appreciate Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston continuing to work with us to ensure resources are available to proactively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I thank them for their support of an extended emergency declaration. In these unprecedented times, we ask Georgians for their continued patience and prayers, especially for first responders, law enforcement, and the healthcare workers caring for the medically fragile. They are going above and beyond to keep us all safe, and we will never be able to repay them for their sacrifices.”
“We must continue our aggressive fight against COVID-19,” said Lt. Governor Duncan. “By extending the public health state of emergency, we can ensure Georgians have access to every available state resource during this crisis. Together, Speaker Ralston and I are working closely with Governor Kemp to do all we can to make sure we are meeting the needs of every Georgian. The General Assembly will continue to remain vigilant and available to assist our citizens in any way possible.”
“The entirety of our state government is working to protect the health and safety of our citizens, and I appreciate the work of our state personnel and first responders during this challenging time,” said Speaker David Ralston. “While we have difficult days ahead, we continue to coordinate with both local and federal partners in responding to needs as they arise. As Georgians, we will persevere and emerge stronger on the other side.”
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.”