Union Fire/Rescue and EMA COVID-19 Response
Community, Press Release February 24, 2021
What’s “the new normal” for the community?
Community, Press Release, UCFD April 29, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Union County Fire Department and EMA issued the following statement concerning “the new normal” following COVID-19 and the governor’s reopening of the state’s economy.
“The Governor of the State of Georgia has signed an executive order on April 20th to allow certain businesses to open who have previously been ordered to close. This is being referred to as “opening up”. He followed up that executive order with another order on April 23rd that provided the guidelines for these businesses and extending other previous executive orders until May 13th. The businesses that are allowed to reopen must comply with certain restrictions and implement practices to reduce the exposure and spread of COVID-19. This can be very confusing and has raised a great deal of debate.
The “opening up” does not mean that we can throw caution to the wind or behave as if this is over. It is not over; this is our new normal for a while. The businesses that have chosen to open up must follow the restrictions and guidelines for the safety of employees and the customers. That is their responsibility. If anyone decides to go to these businesses, they must use common sense and practice all the precautions that have been taught over the last two months.
The new normal, for now at least, is practicing these precautions and preventive measures. This includes wearing a cloth mask. If you do not have a cloth mask by now, you are behind the times. People should get used to wearing a mask in public and get used to seeing others wearing them. The Governor’s executive order also “strongly encouraged” everyone to wear a mask when outside your home.
The mask is not only for your protection but for the protection of others. There is evidence that a person can be positive for COVID-19 and not be aware of it. They may have no signs and symptoms at all. They could also be spreading the virus without knowing it. This is why wearing a cloth mask in public is very important not only for your safety but for the safety of others.
According to the CDC, a cloth face covering or mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; be secured with ties or ear loops; include multiple layers of fabric; allow for breathing without restriction; and be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape. The CDC has more information on how to make and use a cloth mask.
This is our new normal for now. As I have stated before, we all have a part to play and it is very important that people take this seriously and do their part.”
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.
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.