STAFF REPORT :::

According to a statement released by the office of Governor Brian Kemp, four new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in Georgia patients, and the Georgia Department of Public Health is awaiting confirmatory testing.

Testing was completed today at the Georgia Public Health Laboratory and the results have been submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for verification.

One individual is from Fulton County, a second is from Cherokee County and two are from Cobb County.

None of the four have any connection to each other, and the sources of their infections are unknown.

All four patients have been hospitalized.

With the addition of these four presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, there are now six presumptive positives pending confirmatory testing by the CDC and five confirmed cases.

All Georgians are encouraged to follow basic prevention measures including:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.

If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and you develop a fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms.

For additional information about COVID-19, please visit dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or cdc/gov/coronavirus/2019/ncov/about/index.html.

STAFF REPORT :::

Georgia officials have identified Hard Labor Creek State Park in Morgan County as a location for the isolation and monitoring of people who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

According to a press release issued by the office of Governor Brian Kemp, he along with the Departments of Public Health, Public Safety and Natural Resources together reached this decision “out of an abundance of caution.”

No people are currently scheduled to be transferred to this location.

Kemp’s office and state officials are working to prepare the site.

Seven emergency trailers have been delivered and installed at the park, and related materials are en route for future use.

Once established, the Department of Public Safety will provide security for this location.
The isolated section of Hard Labor Creek State Park where emergency trailers and operations are established will be separated from the remainder of the property.

Authorities say to prevent the disruption of ongoing operations, access to this specific part of Hard Labor Creek State Park is strictly limited to official use.

STAFF REPORT :::

A Piedmont Fayette Hospital patient has tested presumptively positive for COVID-19 and officials are awaiting confirmatory testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Fayette patient is among five new presumptive positive results. Those include one each in Cobb and Gwinnett counties and two in Dekalb County.

These individuals are hospitalized and the sources of their infections are unknown.

The CDC has confirmed six COVID-19 cases including three in Fulton County and one each in Floyd, Polk and Cobb counties.

There are now 11 presumptive positive COVID-19 cases awaiting CDC confirmation including three in Cobb County, two each in Fulton, Gwinnett and Dekalb counties and one each in Fayette and Cherokee counties.

Governor Brian Kemp in a Monday afternoon press conference also announced that one previously-presumptive positive case involving an airline passenger had been determined to be negative.

According to a press release issued by Kemp later Monday night, that individual, a South Korean airline passenger who recently traveled from Incheon International Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, was initially tested after customs officials determined they “appeared to be displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19.”

The passenger was transported to the CDC’s airport quarantine unit for evaluation and was later transferred to a nearby hospital, where they were tested for COVID-19.

The Georgia Department of Public Health has now confirmed this individual does not have COVID-19.

State officials have notified federal and local partners – including airport officials – about this individual’s negative test result.

Authorities say the overall risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low, but they are now advising that elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions may be at increased risk.

All Georgians are advised to follow the following basic prevention measures:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.

If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and you develop a fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room or urgent care center and tell them about your travel and symptoms.

For additional information about COVID-19, please visit dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Maxwell Quartet, a Glasgow-based string quartet, is bringing the sounds and stories of bonnie Scotland to Griffin Auditorium, located at 234 E. Taylor St., at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17.

Presented by the Griffin Area Concert Association, the concert will feature Scottish folk music.

The Maxwell Quartet consists of four friends who grew up playing classical and folk music together in youth orchestras and music schools across Scotland.

Their concert will feature a combination of classical favorites and unforgettable original pieces, all tied together with stories of home.

Tickets for the Maxwell Quartet performance are $20, and children are admitted free with a ticketholder.

A group rate of $15 per ticket is available for groups of ten or more.

Tickets may be purchased at the door beginning at 7 p.m., online at www.brownpapertickets.com and locally at the Griffin Regional Welcome Center, the First National Bank main office and Zebulon branches and at A Novel Experience Bookstore in Zebulon.

For additional information, please visit www.griffinconcerts.org or call 770.228.3229.

STAFF REPORT :::

The COVID-19 Isolation Camp established in Hard Labor Creek State Park is now in use with a patient from Cherokee County.

According to a statement released by Governor Brian Kemp, this action was taken as a precautionary measure “in accordance with the state’s strategic plan to prepare for any and all scenarios as it relates to COVID-19 cases in Georgia.”

The statement went on to say, “The Governor’s Office is able to confirm this evening that the first patient, an individual from Cherokee County who tested positive for the virus, has now been isolated on the state park grounds in one of the mobile units. The individual was not able to isolate at their primary residence and was not in critical condition requiring any hospital admittance.”

Seven emergency mobile units have been set up in the state park, located in Morgan County, for use in isolating people who may have been exposed to COVID-19, or for individuals who have been diagnosed with the illness.

State public health officials determined that a specific section of Hard Labor Creek State Park would be best suited for isolation as the individual is treated by medical professionals.

“This site was specifically chosen for its isolation from the general public and ability to house mobile units in the short term,” said Georgia Emergency Management Agency Director Homer Bryson. “State public health staff will monitor the individual’s progress and work together with state law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community and the patient.”

The isolation camp at Hard Labor Creek State Park is closed to public access and is closely monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week by state law enforcement professionals.

STAFF REPORT :::

Five more Georgia residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in testing conducted by the Department of Public Health Laboratory.

Those results are considered presumptive positives and have been forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation.

These five latest cases involve one resident each from Charlton and Fulton counties and three from Cobb County.

Four of those five – all except the Fulton County resident – are hospitalized.

One of the Cobb County patients has a history of travel outside the country, but the source of the remaining four infections remains unknown.

Georgia currently has six confirmed cases of COVID-19 including three in Fulton County and one each in Floyd, Polk and Cobb counties.

State officials are now awaiting CDC confirmation on 16 presumptive positive test results from the DPH Laboratory.

Those include three patients in Fulton County, six in Cobb County, two each in Dekalb and Gwinnett counties and one each in Fayette, Cherokee and Charlton counties.

A statement from Governor Brian Kemps office says that moving forward, his office and the DPH will update COVID-19 case numbers on Twitter. That information will be available at @GovKemp. Information from the Department of Public Health will be available at @GaDPH.

Authorities say the overall risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low, but they are now advising that elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions may be at increased risk.

All Georgians are advised to follow the following basic prevention measures:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and you develop a fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room or urgent care center and tell them about your travel and symptoms.

For additional information about COVID-19, please visit dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html.

BRITTANY TENNANT :::
Gordon State College Communications Specialist

Through the voices of ordinary people in early 20th century America, Our Town is a timeless tale that reveals our societies fundamental struggles. Gordon State College Fine and Performing Arts presents Our Town, a play that was first produced in 1938 and rebelled against the saccharine, showy productions of the time at 7:30 p.m. March 11 and 6:30 p.m. March 12.

The play is commonly known for the splendor of living versus the yearning for those we love and lose and the humble sojourn of daily life versus the pure mystery of the hereafter.

“It’s wooed audiences with its promises of authenticity and satisfied attendees with its refreshing candor,” said Assistant Professor of Theater Lisa Cesnik Ferguson, who directs the play. “It does the same today. The play is also audacious – it interrupts scenes with a narrator who introduces himself as the ‘stage manager’ interacting with both the audience and the characters and breaking the fourth wall. The characters are elegant in their fallibility and we journey with them through daily-life, love, marriage and eternity.”

Admission to Our Town is free for faculty, staff and students with proper Gordon State College ID cards. Pricing for general admission is $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and $5 for children 18-years-old or younger. Tickets for groups of 10 or more are $5 each.

Prior to the Thursday’s performance, GSC’s Fine and Performing Arts Department will offer a special Dinner and a Show ticket combination with campus dining in the Highlander Dining Hall inside the Student Center. Dinner will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and the performance begins at 6:30 p.m. The price for the combination ticket to attend the all-you-care-to-eat dinner and the performance is $19.31 for adults and $14.31 for children 12 and under. Gordon students may use a meal swipe or Gordon Bucks for the dinner.

The mission of Gordon State College’s programs in Fine & Performing Arts is to celebrate the diverse expression of human emotion, thought, imagination, creativity and discovery by improving each student’s foundation in performance in the visual arts, music and theater.

STAFF REPORT :::

Two Gordon State College students may have been exposed to COVID-19 at an off-campus work location.

The Georgia Department of Public Health is expediting testing on the students to determine if they have acquired the viral infection.

According to a statement from GSC President Kirk A. Nooks, the students are currently quarantined at home, off-campus and are self-monitoring for symptoms.

Officials say the overall risk of COVID-19 to Gordon State College students is low. The Department of Public Health will contact anyone who may have been in close contact with either of the students and who may have been at risk of exposure.

The best prevention measures for any respiratory virus, including COVID-19 are:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Students are asked to remain calm and not panic, with officials advising that symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and that most cases are mild with symptoms similar to a cold.

If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

To reiterate, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in students at Gordon State College at this time, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

For additional information about COVID-19, please visit https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

STAFF REPORT :::

There are now 31 confirmed and presumed positive cases of COVID-19 in 12 Georgia counties.

The Georgia Department of Public Health is awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on three new presumed positive cases including two Dekalb County residents and one Lowndes County resident.

All three are hospitalized and the sources of their infection are unknown.

There are six new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Georgia.

Those six include one resident each of Lee and Floyd counties who are hospitalized, and the sources of their infections are unknown. Another is a Cobb County resident who is also hospitalized and has a history of travel outside the United States. Three are Bartow County residents, two of whom are hospitalized. The sources of their infections are unknown, but the third individual does share a connection with the Floyd County resident.

The overall breakdown of confirmed cases includes three residents each in Fulton and Bartow counties, two each in Floyd and Cobb counties and one each in Polk and Lee counties.

There are presumed positive COVID-19 cases in eight Georgia counties.

Those with presumed positive cases have tested positively for COVID-19, but health officials are awaiting final confirmation from the CDC.

The breakdown of those cases includes six Cobb County residents, four Dekalb County residents, three Fulton County residents, two Gwinnett County residents and one each in Fayette, Cherokee, Charlton and Lowndes counties.

Elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions may have increased risk for COVID-19.

All Georgians are advised to follow basic prevention measures including:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.

If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and you develop a fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room or urgent care center and tell them about your travel and symptoms.

For additional information about COVID-19, please visit dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html.

Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Public Health will also update COVID-19 case numbers on Twitter. Follow Kemp at @GovKemp and the DPH at @GaDPH.

STAFF REPORT :::

Officials with NASCAR have announced that upcoming races at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway will be held without fans in attendance.

“At this time, NASCAR will hold its race events at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway without fans in attendance. These events will be restricted to competitors, crews, officials and other necessary personnel to conduct the race,” NASCAR announced by written statement. “We will work with public health officials as we determine future scheduling beyond these events.”

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital is implementing changes in response to concerns regarding COVID-19.

All WellStar facilities are open and continue to operate under normal business hours. The measures now being taken are in an “abundance of caution.”

They include the assembly of a team of infectious disease and infection prevention specialists from the WellStar Health System who are communicating daily to remain up-to-date on the latest developments, and to maintain preparations for patient care.

In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and for the health and safety of patients and WellStar team members, visitors are now being screened at all locations for symptoms of COVID-19.

Visitors should expect to have their temperature taken, have any potential symptoms reviewed and be prepared to respond to questions regarding their travel history.

Visitors who do not pass the screening will be asked to refrain from visiting patients until they have been self-quarantined for 14 days or all symptoms are resolved.

No patient who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has recently traveled from regions with widespread community spread of this illness will be permitted to have visitors.

These measures are temporary and are being utilized to limit community spread of COVID-19.

WellStar officials stressed that there is still a very low risk for people to contract this virus, and that the WellStar system is well-prepared to meet the health care needs of the communities it serves.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

There are now six confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the 12-counties served by District 4 of the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Those six cases include five in Fayette County and one in Coweta County.

The District 4 region includes Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson counties.

“We are working closely with school systems and agencies in our region to provide guidance on COVID-19,” said Hayla Folden, public information officer. “COVID-19 is rapidly evolving and guidance is subject to change. The preparations currently underway in Georgia are based on the best scientific information we have from the CDC.”

Meanwhile, Georgia residents are strongly encouraged to practice prevention methods to control the spread of COVID-19.

One necessary step is the cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

“That’s actually one of the things we recommend everyone do – it’s not only about not touching your face, but also cleaning frequently touched surfaces. That’s one thing schools (and others) can do is clean frequently those common areas like lunch rooms and other spaces commonly used, to clean them in between use is one of the things we recommend,” Folden said.

She said these cleaning practices can prevent the community spread of many illnesses, not only COVID-19.

“People tend to pick up germs and then touch surfaces and leave them there – door knobs, counter tops, cabinet handles, refrigerator door handles, lunchroom tables, those sort of surfaces – so cleaning them frequently keeps other people from coming along and touching them and picking up germs from those surfaces,” Holden said.

Holden said District 4 Public Health will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and work with state and local partners and health care communities to incorporate the most up to date guidance in planning and preparation efforts.

The overall risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low, although elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions may have increased risk for COVID-19. The best prevention measures for any respiratory virus are:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

A daily status report page for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Georgia is now available. The report updates every night at midnight to ensure accurate and regular information is provided to the public. The new tool can be found on the DPH website.

For accurate and reliable information about COVID-19 log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

District 4 Public Health is dedicated to preventing disease, promoting health and protecting our communities against health threats through education, service, advocacy and collaboration.

District 4 Public Health serves people of all classes and economic status within Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson counties. Fees are based on income for those without insurance. For more information about District 4 Public Health, please visit http://www.district4health.org.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCSS) has announced that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, system offices and schools will be closed from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20.

In a written statement released to parents and the press, Superintendent James Smith explained this is a precautionary measure and stated, “This decision was made after consulting local health officials and recommendations from the Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia Department of Education and the Governor’s Office. During this time, in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, we will deep clean our schools, offices and buses.”

All GSCSS events and activities are cancelled effective Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 22, except the SAT being administered March 14 at Griffin High School and Spalding High School.

This includes all school events, extracurricular activities, school-related field trips, community school events, and facility rentals. All athletic practices and competitions will be suspended until March 27 in accordance with the recommendation by the Georgia High School Association.

In addition, all GSCSS staff work-related travel has been cancelled.

All GSCSS high school dual enrollment students should follow procedures set forth by their college or university and their guidelines for any coursework.

To minimize the interruption to student learning, the GSCSS will implement its continuous learning plan starting Wednesday, March 18. All GSCSS teachers will distribute learning materials to students to take home on March 13.

Parents and guardians of any students who were absent today will have an opportunity to pick up learning materials and their child’s medication (if needed) from school from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 16.

The district will remain in contact with District 4 Public Health, the Georgia Department of Education and other local and state authorities and continue to follow the guidance of the Governor’s Office and the CDC.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to update their emergency contact information in the parent portal of Infinite Campus; visit our district website http://www.spalding.k12.ga.us for more information and resources; and follow all GSCSS social media channels for updates, including Twitter: @GriffinSpalding, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSCSS/ and Instagram: @griffinspaldingschools.

Photo courtesy of Governor Brian Kemp.

STAFF REPORT :::

Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Public Health have announced that a COVID-19 quarantine facility is under construction on the Georgia Public Safety Training Center campus in Monroe County.

Officials say this area is for persons who test positive for COVID-19 and are unable to self-isolate.

This quarantine facility will accommodate 20 temporary housing units.

No patients are currently located at this quarantine facility.

“This is one of many measures that we’re taking to prepare for any scenario,” Kemp said. “I appreciate the hard work of GEMA, DPH and Monroe County officials to protect the health and safety of all Georgians.”

Monroe County is working with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security agencies and GPSTC officials to ensure the facility will meet the needs of potential patients while protecting the health and safety of Monroe County residents.

Authorities say all necessary precautions will be taken when moving and placing individuals in the quarantine facility.

Continuing COVID-19 updates will be available on Twitter at @GeorgiaEMA, @GaDPH and @GovKemp.

For additional information, please visit https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus.

STAFF REPORT :::

All jurors for Spalding County Superior and State Court jury trial calendars scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2020, have been released from jury duty for the week.

Those jurors are directed not to report to the Spalding County Courthouse.

All defendants and attorneys with cases on the March 16, 2020, Superior and State Court trial calendars are ordered to report to their respective courts at 9 a.m. Monday, March 16.

A press release issued by Spalding County Superior Court Chief Judge Christopher Edwards, Spalding County State Court Presiding Judge Josh Thacker and Spalding County Clerk of Courts Debbie Brooks said the spread of the coronavirus is a rapidly evolving situation that is being monitoring closely.

“The safety and security of the Spalding County community is of the utmost importance to our team,” the release stated. “Thank you for all your patience as well as your understand that we are all in this together.”

STAFF REPORT :::

Governor Brian Kemp has announced his intention to declare a public health emergency beginning Saturday morning.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, Kemp stated, “Based on President Trump’s emergency declaration, I will declare a public health emergency for the state of Georgia beginning 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 a.m. 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 risk 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.”

Authorities say a review of state records indicates Kemp’s declaration will constitute Georgia’s first ever public health emergency.

For updates on COVID-19, follow @GeorgiaFEMA, @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter.

For additional information, please visit the DPH website at https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus.

STAFF REPORT :::

Governor Brian Kemp on Saturday signed a public health state of emergency regarding COVID-19, followed by an address to Georgia residents.

Kemp’s speech follows in its entirety:

“My fellow Georgians: Over the past few weeks, our state has been facing an unprecedented public health threat with the spread of novel coronavirus. In only a matter of days, communities within the metro-Atlanta area and North Georgia have seen several cases, including hospitalizations, where the source of infection is unknown. Many of these cases have no connection to travel, and the capacity of our healthcare system remains at the forefront of my mind as we prepare for more local transmission. As of this morning, there are now sixty-four cases of COVID-19 in Georgia, which is our largest increase over a twenty-four period to date. This information will reflect on the Department of Public Health’s new website shortly.

There are now fifteen cases in Cobb, eleven cases in Fulton, eight cases in DeKalb, seven cases in Bartow, five cases in Cherokee, four cases in Fayette, three cases in Floyd, two cases in Coweta, two cases in Gordon, two cases in Gwinnett, and one case each for Lee, Henry, Lowndes, Polk, and Charlton counties. In Bartow, Cobb, and DeKalb counties, the number of cases doubled overnight. We have to remain vigilant, especially for our most vulnerable populations. For weeks now, my team has been working around the clock to make sure that we are ready for any scenario. We have increased capacity at our state lab to allow for coronavirus testing of specimens. Right now, we are processing 100 specimens per day, and by the end of next week, we will double it to 200 per day with the addition of new equipment and staff.

We continue to work closely with local healthcare providers, local government officials, private labs, emergency responders, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and our federal counterparts. Together, we are gathering pertinent information to share it with the public in a timely manner and utilize the resources at hand to respond to this unprecedented health emergency. We have called on daycares and schools to take necessary measures to keep students, teachers, and administrators safe. We have restricted visitation at specific state health facilities as well as correctional and juvenile justice facilities. We have called on faith-based organizations to consider cancellation of services to mitigate the risk of transmission. I have also asked state agencies to immediately implement telework policies for employees who are able to work remotely without causing a disruption in service to Georgians. We have fully activated the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency’s State Operations Center.

Yesterday, President Trump highlighted efforts to partner with the private sector and ramp up coronavirus testing. We are working on establishing independent test sites in every major region of Georgia, and we expect to announce those locations early next week. And out of an abundance of caution, I have worked with the General Assembly to appropriate 100 million dollars in emergency funding to address the spread of coronavirus in Georgia. As many of you know, yesterday afternoon, President Trump signed a national emergency declaration for our country. I deeply appreciate his administration’s leadership in this fight. Throughout this process, Vice President Mike Pence has also been an invaluable asset to state and local leaders – always ready to lend assistance, provide guidance, and connect us with the right federal partners to keep moving forward.

Based on President Trump’s emergency declaration, today I will declare a public health emergency for the State of Georgia. 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. If necessary, unlike other states of emergency, this declaration will allow the Department of Public Health to direct specific healthcare action in extraordinary circumstances. It suspends restrictions on hours of commercial vehicle operation and vehicle height, weight, and length thresholds to assist in preparation and response efforts. It authorizes the Georgia Composite Medical Board and Georgia Board of Nursing to grant temporary licenses to applicants who are in good standing in other states to assist in addressing healthcare needs.

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. Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan and Speaker David Ralston have expressed their full support, and I look forward to continuing to work with them on this important effort in the weeks ahead. I have also spoken to leaders of both parties in the General Assembly to explain the situation that we are facing and ask for their support.

This public health emergency is unprecedented for the State of Georgia, and I do not take this action lightly. It is a more specialized form of a state of emergency and allows for a more robust response to crisis specifically in the healthcare sector. As part of our planning efforts, we know that for most Georgians, the symptoms of COVID-19 are mild to moderate with no need for hospitalization, but for elderly citizens and those with chronic, underlying health conditions, the consequences can be severe. Yesterday afternoon, I met with epidemiologists from Emory University, the University of Georgia, Grady Health System, and Augusta University along with Dr. Kathleen Toomey, the state’s chief health officer and Commissioner of the Department of Public Health. I asked for their medical advice in addressing public health needs and utilizing mitigation tools in the days ahead. They all recommended immediate implementation of social distancing measures to flatten the epidemiology curve for exposure and mitigate patient surge at health facilities. Otherwise, we risk a run on critical resources for the sickest patients in our state. Now is the time to act.

According to the CDC, social distancing means postponing group congregations and large gatherings like sporting events and social functions. In his address yesterday, the President specifically mentioned staggering recess and lunch for schools which are not closed, limiting in-person meetings, increasing scheduled cleanings, and canceling work-sponsored travel. If they have not done so already, Georgians need to incorporate social distancing into their everyday lives. If you need more specific guidance, we are here to serve you. Contact your local public health office or consult official sources, such as the CDC and the Georgia Department of Public Health, for helpful guidance on decision-making. Remember: 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.

We will continue to provide updates to the public as we weather this crisis. I know how important transparency is in a time like this, and I will continue to operate with transparency. In the days and weeks ahead, we must remain supportive of one another, be mindful of potential exposure, use best practices to prevent infection, and pray for our fellow Americans. As I stand here today, I can see a painting of our state flag along the walls of this office where many governors have stood before me. Underneath the coat of arms, it says, “In God We Trust,” and I keep thinking about that as we take action to keep families safe. As this situation evolves, we will take appropriate action at the right time with the right resources. I am asking for God’s wisdom every hour.

Please pray for the patients, their loved ones, medical providers, and all of the people working to address this health emergency. We are in this fight together, and because of that, we will be stronger than ever before. Thank you, and may God continue to bless the State of Georgia.”

STAFF REPORT :::

John Hamilton, a 23-year veteran of Griffin Fire-Rescue, has been promoted to the position of chief.

Hamilton has served in all capacities during his service with Griffin Fire-Rescue, beginning as a firefighter and advancing to rescue tech, EMT, hazardous materials technician, rescue tech lieutenant, captain and since 2001, has served as GF-R’s operations officer.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in fire science management and a master’s degree in public administration from American Military University. He is a Department of Homeland Security certified emergency manager, a divemaster and public safety diver.

Hamilton in 2017 received Georgia Fire Chiefs certification. He is also an NPQ Fire Officer 4 and Fire Instructor 2 with ten years of teaching experience in the post-secondary setting.

He has served on many committees and work groups within the staff and community, including developing the Community Emergency Response Team program for the city of Griffin.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Griffin-Spalding County Library will be closed to the public beginning Tuesday, March 17.

The decision to close the library until further notice was made by the library administration and its Board of Trustees.

The Griffin-Spalding County Library averages approximately 450 patrons through the door daily.

Library officials say the decision was not made lightly, but from an abundance of caution and concern for the well-being of patrons and staff to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 through the community.

“It was very difficult for us to decide to close…but we don’t want to take a chance on sickness being spread by people coming in,” said Flint River Regional Library Executive Director Natalie Marshall.

If you do not have a library card, it is not too late to obtain one for use during the closure and beyond.

“If you do not have a library card, we will be open until 9 p.m. today and you are welcome to come in and obtain one. You’d be able to take out print materials, DVDs, whatever we have, normal library materials,” said Marshall. “The full library will be open today. We will be closing to the public as of the close of business today.”

For those who are unable to obtain a library card in person prior to the close of business today, there is an online application option available.

“Right now we are working on making sure that will work. If you go to our website, you’ll see a button that says Library Card, and you can apply for one online,” Marshall said. “You would need to follow up with a phone call to us during regular business hours and we will be able to give you access to the digital resources. Once we close, we won’t be giving out any print materials until we reopen, but people will be able to access digital books, audiobooks and databases.”

Marshall said patrons who already have a library card, but also have outstanding fines may also be able to utilize online services during the closure. Marshall said efforts are being undertaken to enable that access, but officials are uncertain it will be possible as local library administrators are cannot override PINES policies.

“We’re trying to make sure that even people with outstanding balances can access online, but we’re not sure what we can do at this time,” she said. (The GRIP will follow up on this aspect in coming days.)

One popular library offering – internet access – will remain available on a limited basis.
“It is available outside of the library. We would encourage people that they are able to use that, but we would encourage them not to congregate. That would negate the purposes of closing the library for social distancing, but yes, the WIFI will remain on and can be accessed outside in the parking lot,” Marshall said.

During the closure, late fees will be suspended. Library patrons need not make a trip to return books or other materials during this time. The due date of all items currently checked out will be extended throughout the closure.

At present, library staff will be available by phone to answer questions, reset library card passwords and explain online offerings.

Patrons are encouraged to take advantage of available digital collections including books, audiobooks, magazines, databases, language learning, test prep and more. Digital materials are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with your library card. Notices about how to access online resources will be posted on the library doors, website and social media.

It is uncertain how long the library closure may last.

“At the very least, this week and quite possibly this next week, as well,” Marshall said.