STAFF REPORT :::

The city of Griffin has issued a press release regarding its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is posted below in its entirety:

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve on an hourly and daily basis, the City of Griffin is committed to continuing to provide our citizens, visitors and staff with essential governmental services in the most convenient, efficient and professional way possible.

While taking all the necessary precautions that you have heard in the media and from other governmental organizations, we want to also assure you that we will be responsive to your governmental needs during this time of uncertainty.

Some of our methods of operation may change for a short time so we urge you to be patient and understanding, while limiting your requests for non-essential services.

Although we are not considering closing City Hall to the public at this time, we are preparing our staff and resources to be able to handle additional requests through telephonic and computer based applications.

Our public safety personnel will certainly answer calls for service; however, we request that non-emergency calls be kept to a minimum so our resources can be used to the fullest extent in cases of emergency. Routine reports and request for information may be handled by telephone during normal business hours. The health and safety of our first responders is absolutely essential to the health and safety of our community.

Also vital is the continuity of our reliable utilities. Because our water, wastewater, electric and telecom facilities are secure, we will continue to provide safe and reliable utility services to all our customers. In order to keep everyone safe and healthy, we ask that customers avoid personal contact with our customer service representatives by using alternative methods of communication and payment, and by doing business through on-line services, mail, drop-box locations, or telephone. Conducting business in this manner will insure no interruption of services for our customers.

Solid waste services are also essential to a healthy community and will continue on schedule. For the safety of our solid waste personnel, we ask that if your household has been identified as a COVID-19 patient or has residents under quarantine, that you call our solid waste department and advise our staff so that our employees can take extra precautions when handling your household waste.

With economic conditions conducive to positive growth in business, building and remodeling, we remind our businesses and contractors that permits, plans and occupational licenses can be accessed through on-line methods and our staff is available to answer any questions by phone. This will assist in keeping our customers and Development Services staff healthy with minimal need for personal contact.

Because the economic vitality of our community is crucial, we ask you to continue to patronize our local businesses while using recommended social distancing and hygienic techniques.

As we continue to monitor this unfamiliar and frightening phenomenon, rest assured that we are coordinating with our federal, state and local partners, including our Emergency Management Agency and our local and regional Department of Public Health. We ask that you be attentive to our news releases and social media posts and do not hesitate to contact our staff for any questions or concerns. Attached is a listing of the appropriate web sites, phone numbers, and other useful information to provide continuity of services as referenced above.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Public Safety
Emergencies, call 911 / Non-Emergency Responses, call 770-229-9911.

For routine reports and requests for info, call 770-229-6450 Monday thru Friday from 8:00a-5:00p.

Municipal Court
Pay by phone at 1-855-328-7770 or online at https://griffinga.governmentwindow.com/ticket.html

Utilities
2 Drop Box locations – 202 W. Solomon St. (parking lot) and Bank St. (next to the parking deck)

After Hours Drop box located at the end of the first lane in the drive thru.

Pay by phone by dialing 770-229-6403 and choosing option 1, pay online at cityofgriffin.com, or pay with cash at any CVS or Family Dollar location.

For questions and concerns email customerserviceemail@cityofgriffin.com

Solid Waste

Call 770-229-6421 from 7:30a – 4:30p Monday through Friday or visit http://cityofgriffin.com/Departments/CentralServicesandSolidWaste.aspx

Development Services

Occupational tax renewals, new business registration, and excise tax payments at http://cityofgriffin.com/Home/FileRepo.aspx or by email to kbennett@cityofgriffin.com

To obtain a permit visit http://cityofgriffin.com/Home/FileRepo.aspx

To submit a Code Enforcement complaint or for general questions and concerns call 770-233-4130 Monday through Friday from 8:00a-5:00p

Building inspections call 770-233-4132.

Plan reviews may be sent by email to BOTH bretthanes@caaprofessionals.com and acleveland@cityofgriffin.com

For additional building code questions or concerns mail bretthanes@caaprofessionals.com

For additional information about the City of Griffin, visit www.cityofgriffin.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofgriffin and on Twitter @CityofGriffin.

STAFF REPORT :::

Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix has announced temporary changes to responses to some non-emergency calls, calls for crimes that are not in progress or have already occurred and civil matters.

The temporary changes are being made in what was said to be “an ongoing effort to safeguard the health and wellbeing of both the Spalding County community and Spalding County Sheriff’s Office employees.”

If residents have a problem that is not an emergency, not in progress and does not require a deputy to respond to the scene, meet in person or recover evidence, they are asked to call 770.467.5408, a direct line to the Sheriff’s Office, and speak to a deputy to file a report.

This service will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. If your concern is after those hours, you may leave a message and a deputy will return your call the next business day.

For the next 30 days, the Sheriff’s Office will email you a copy of the report filed by phone after the report has been approved.

Deputies will be maintaining normal patrols across the county and responding to calls for service based on severity, whether the call is criminal or civil in nature, and if necessary, a deputy can respond in person.

If the call is not an emergency, has already occurred or is a civil issue not in progress, extended call response time may occur based on the prioritization of more urgent calls.
This would be a convenient opportunity for use of the phone-in reporting system, Dix said.

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is also offering a service for our elderly and those with compromised immune systems. If you fall into one of those categories and need assistance, beginning March 17, you can call the Sheriff’s Office at 770.467.4282 extensions 31404 or 31497. At those numbers, you can speak to a deputy if you need us to pick up and deliver medications or other essentials to you. This service will also be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“We are all in this together and we will continue to offer the service you have come to expect from the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office. The modifications to call responses are minor and will not affect your ability to receive the service your taxes pay for. Just as always, we will still be patrolling the county and responding to crimes in progress, emergency calls, and calls where there is a threat to life or limb. Our deputies, just like all public safety employees and many others in various job fields, come in to contact with a wide variety of people, places, circumstances, and things in their day to day chosen professions. By taking these proactive steps we are striving to keep the wellbeing of the public, deputies, and other employees in focus.”

STAFF REPORTS :::

Governor Brian Kemp has ordered closed all Georgia public elementary, secondary and post-secondary public schools from March 18 through March 30.

“To keep our students, teachers and administrators safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, I am ordering the closure of all public elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools in Georgia from March 18, 2020 through March 31, 2020,” Kemp said in a statement released Monday evening. “This measure is critical to reducing local transmission in communities across our state, and I ask Georgians to continue to follow best practices – washing their hands regularly, isolating the elderly and chronically ill and avoiding large events if possible – in the days and weeks ahead.”

Kemp said this action, Executive Order 3.16.20.01, is being taken under the guidance of the federal government.

For updates on COVID-19, follow @GeorgiaEMA, @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter.
For additional information, please visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website at https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Spalding County Tax Commissioner’s Office will be closed to the public from Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 20.

Tax Commissioner Sylvia Hollums said this decision is a precautionary measure to guard against the coronavirus COVID-19.

A drop box will be located in the courthouse lobby for property tax and tag renewal payments in for form of check or money order only.

Staff will continue to work, processing all mail-in payments and renewals as quickly as possible.

Hollums said homestead applications may be placed in the drop box or mailed to the Tax Commissioner’s Office by April 1.

Some services are available online.

Tag renewals and payment of insurance fines may be processed at https://eservices.drives.ga.gov/ and property tax payments may be made at http://www.spaldingcountytax.com.

“We will keep the public informed of possible future closings to the public as the status of the virus is updated. This decision is being made for the protection of the staff and the public. Please feel free to call the office with your questions and any assistance that we can provide over the phone and over the internet,” Hollums said. “Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.”

The Tax Commissioner’s Office may be reached at 770.467.4360 and http://www.spaldingcountytax.com for matters involving property taxes and at 770.467.4380 and by email at tags@spaldingcounty.com for matters involving tags.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

According to Dr. Ashton Harris, an epidemiologist with the Georgia Department of Public Health, there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 in Spalding County.

The GRIP sought and obtained this confirmation Tuesday morning.

However, there is now one confirmed case in Lamar County, bringing the total for District 4, which includes Spalding County, to 12.

That case count includes five in Fayette County, three in Coweta County, two in Henry County, and one each in Lamar and Troup counties.

That breakdown was also obtained Tuesday morning from Department of Public Health District 4 Public Information Officer Hayla Folden.

“One of the Coweta and the Lamar case were both tested at a private lab,” Folden said. “Those cases have not showed up on the DPH may yet, but we have received confirmation.”

Some confusion on the issue may be rooted in how data is maintained.

A patient may obtain medical treatment – which may include a test for COVID-19 – outside their county of residence.

Should it be determined a patient does have COVID-19, that case is documented by the patient’s county of residence, not the location of the health care provider.

When asked to confirm the status of any COVID-19 case in Spalding County, Folden said, “I do not have a Spalding County case on my list at this time. I went over it with the epidemiologist (Dr. Ashton Harris) to make sure. Case counts are based on the county of residence.”

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 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 :::

Governor Brian Kemp has signed an amended fiscal year 2020 budget that includes $100 million in emergency funding to address the spread of novel coronavirus and COVID-19.

“Over several months, I have worked closely with lawmakers to develop an amended fiscal year 2020 budget that reflects our priorities, reduces red tape in government, prioritizes public safety and puts Georgia families first,” Kemp said. “This budget includes $100 million in emergency funding to fight COVID-19 in the weeks ahead as we continue to see more cases in communities across Georgia, and I applaud the General Assembly’s strong support in these difficult times. Together, we will continue to fight for Georgians to ensure a safe, prosperous future for all.”

The Governor’s Office will publish signed and vetoed legislation online. Please check the website for regular updates.

For additional information on COVID-19, follow @GeorgiaEMA, @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter or visit https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus.

STAFF REPORT :::

Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Labor (GDoL) are addressing an increase in the number of partial claims filed as a result of businesses reducing work hours or temporarily closing their doors in light of recent developments regarding COVID-19.

“We are laser-focused on assisting the hardworking Georgians who have been impacted by the spread of the virus,” Kemp said. “Working with GDoL and our partners across the public and private sectors, we can ensure affected employees land on their feet and are made aware of other employment opportunities. Together, we will protect Georgia’s top-notch workforce as we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19.”

An emergency ruling made Tuesday by Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler requires employers to electronically file partial claims on behalf of employees whenever it is necessary to temporarily lay off workers.

“We are partnering with the Governor’s Office and our federal and state authorities to make sure we are able to get the citizens of Georgia paid,” Butler said. “We are working as an agency to provide innovative solutions to meet the needs of our customers, even when information is changing every day.”

Filing partial claims results in employees receiving unemployment insurance (UI) benefit payments faster, usually within 48 hours for claims filed electronically.

Employees for whom a partial claim is filed are not required to report to a GDoL career center, register for employment services or seek other work.

All Georgia employers will share in the cost of unemployment benefits paid to employees temporarily displaced due to COVID-19.

The Department of Labor is continuing to work with employees across Georgia to also get Georgians employed. Today, more than 101,000 jobs are listed online at www.EmployGeorgia.com for Georgians to access. The Department of Labor also offers online resources for finding a job, building a resume and many other re-employment needs.

“Our agency specializes in not only providing unemployment support for those out of work, even if temporarily, but also giving Georgians every opportunity to find work and reenter the workforce,” Butler said.

Additional information on filing an unemployment claim, details on how employers must file partial claims and resources for other reemployment assistance can be found at www.gdol.ga.gov, and Georgians may visit www.EmployGeorgia.com for access to today’s job opportunities.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners has announced action and precautions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and say local officials are closely monitoring all federal, state and local public health announcements.

Out of an abundance of caution, Spalding County will be taking the following necessary precautions to ensure the health and well-being of staff and all those who reside, work or visit Spalding County.

The Spalding County Senior Center, Fairmont Community Center, City Park Community Center and the AMBUCS Community Center are closed to the public until further notice. Programs, events, classes and athletic events are cancelled until further notice. No reservations are currently being accepted for any indoor or outdoor venues. For additional information, please contact Leisure Services at 770.467.4750 or visit http://www.spaldingcounty.com.

Meals on Wheels for our seniors will continue, and a plan is being devised to provide congregate meals to senior who depend on the Senior Center for meals. For additional information regarding these services, please contact Senior Nutrition Program Manager Doris Carter at 77.467.4076.

Spalding County Superior Court, State Court, Public Defender’s Office and District Attorney’s Office will be closed to the public until April 14. Magistrate Court has cancelled all court calendars and is closed to the public until further notice. Probate Court is closed to the public until further notice. Juvenile Court cases have been continued and will be rescheduled. Emergency cases will be handled on an as needed basis. The Spalding County Clerk of Courts Office will be open, and no closure is anticipated at this time. For all court contact information, please visit https://www.spaldingcounty.com/judicial/court-directory/.

The Spalding County Tax Commissioner’s Office is closed to the public until further notice. There is a drop box in the lobby of the courthouse for payments of property tax or tag renewals. Additionally, completed Homestead Exemption applications may also be placed in the drop box or mailed to the office by April 1. For additional information, to pay taxes online or renew your tag, please visit the Spalding County Tax Commissioners website at https://www.spaldingcountytax.com/#/ or contact the office at 770.467.4360.

The State of Georgia Department of Corrections has directed there will be no visitation of the inmates at the Spalding County Correctional Institute. For additional information, please contact the Spalding County Correctional Institute at 770.467.4760.

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has suspended all visitation at the Spalding County Jail and has implemented temporary changes to the way they respond to some non-emergency calls, calls for crimes that are not in progress or have already occurred and civil matters. For additional information, call the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office at 770.467.4282. Updates from the Sheriff’s Office can be viewed at https://www.spaldingcounty.com/public-safety/sheriffs-department/

The Flint River Regional Library is closed to the public until further notice. Late fees have been suspended and library staff will be answering phone calls during normal business hours to answer questions, reset library card passwords and explain their online offerings. Notices will be posted on the library doors, website and social media. For additional information, please contact call 770.412.4770 or visit https://www.frrls.net/flint-river-slider/griffin-spalding-county-library.

The Spalding County Board of Elections has closed the Elections Office to the public until further notice. Staff will be available to answer questions by phone or email. Early voting was suspended by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and the March 24 Presidential Preference Primary Election has been rescheduled to coincide with the May 19, 2020 General Primary Election. Early voting for the May 19, 2020 election will begin April 27 and run through May 15. For additional information, please call 770.467.4245 or visit https://www.spaldingcounty.com/department/elections-voter-registration/.

The Spalding County Fire Department will be limiting public access to the fire stations. If you have an emergency, please contact 911.

The Spalding County Courthouse Annex will remain open and conduct business as usual.

Spalding County authorities want to assure residents that officials are in constant contact with federal, state and local partners including the Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security and local and regional Department of Public Health representatives to ensure residents receive the most up-to-date news regarding the COVID-19 threat.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Department of Health has confirmed two additional deaths from COVID-19 in Georgia.

The two include a 42-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man, both of whom died in an Albany hospital.

In addition to COVID-19, each had existing medical conditions.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 and should always consult their health care provider if they are sick.

Long-term care facilities, nursing homes and congregate living settings for older people must strictly follow COVID-19 prevention measures to stop rapid spread of the virus.

All Georgians play a critical role in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the following guidance:

Practice social distancing by putting at least six feet between yourself and other people.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home if you are sick.

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

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

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

For updates on COVID-19 situations as they develop, follow @GaDPH, @GeorgiaEMA and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH, @GEMA.OHS and @GovKemp on Facebook.

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

STAFF REPORT :::

The state of Georgia has received an official statewide disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

According to a press release from Governor Brian Kemp, this will provide assistance in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans to impacted small businesses in all 159 Georgia counties.

“This is great news for Georgia small business owners,” Kemp said. “As we continue to navigate the impact of COVID-19 on our economy, small business owners can apply for much-needed funding to continue operation and pay their employees. My thanks to the Trump Administration for their swift action to protect small business owners throughout the country.”

The application is now live, and Georgia small business owners can go directly to the SBA for assistance. Small business owners should visit www.disasterloan.sba.gov for information and the application.

Loans are available for small businesses and non-profit organizations. While terms will be established on a case-by-case basis, many will have a 30-year repayment term with first payments not due for up to 12 months.

Businesses should expect to provide a tax transcript, financial statements and a profit and loss statement. Interest rates will range from 2.75 to 3.75 percent.

STAFF REPORT :::

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread throughout the state of Georgia, questions abound regarding testing for this newest strain of coronavirus.

Today, a joint statement about the prioritization of testing was released by Governor Brian Kemp, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the Homeland Security Agency (HSA):

“Many Georgians are eager to be tested right now, but we need to be mindful of our resources. We have to be in this fight together. According to federal and state health officials, we must start prioritizing COVID-19 tests for our most vulnerable populations and the people responsible for their care and safety. This will conserve precious medical supplies – like masks, shoe covers and gowns – which are becoming increasingly difficult to find for health care facilities due to overuse, export bans and hoarding. Georgia’s elderly, those with chronic, underlying health conditions, those who live in a long-term care facility like an assisted living facility or nursing home and those serving on the front lines as a health care worker, first responder, long-term care facility staffer or law enforcement need tests. The best way to serve the public is to protect the people who are protecting us in this battle. It is our responsibility to keep the elderly and chronically-ill safe, back our law enforcement and first responders and protect the doctors, nurses and health care providers working around the clock. We ask everyone to continue to pray for our nation in the weeks ahead.”

According to federal and state health officials, people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 do not need to be tested. Additionally, most people who are mildly or moderately ill with cold-like symptoms do not need to be tested.

The majority of people with COVID-19 can safely recover at home with self-isolation and symptomatic treatment.

Diagnosis through laboratory testing does not change the care they would receive.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 and should always consult their health care provider if they are sick.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revised its guidance on COVID-19 recovery.

The most important step in containing COVID-19 is that people who are sick with mild respiratory symptoms – fever and cough – should stay home and isolate themselves from others for at least seven days after their symptoms began or 72 hours after their fever has resolved and symptoms have improved.

If you have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, you must self-quarantine for 14 days.

Correctly washing your hands and maintaining social distancing by avoiding large gatherings and close contact with people who are sick are two of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

All  Georgians play a critical role in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the following guidance:

Practice social distancing by putting at least six feet between yourself and other people.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home if you are sick.

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

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

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

For updates on COVID-19 situations as they develop, follow @GaDPH, @GeorgiaEMA and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH, @GEMA.OHS and @GovKemp on Facebook.

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

STAFF REPORT :::

While city offices remain open to the public, effective immediately, everyone will be screened by a certified emergency medical technician prior to entry.

Authorities say the city of Griffin will continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic with evolving changes in procedure with the best interest of employees at the forefront of the decision-making process.

In order to limit exposure, delay or inconvenience, residents are reminded that a majority of city services can be handled in multiple ways without visiting city hall.
Process and contact information is located at cityofgriffin.com.

With regards to city utilities, customers should continue to abide by all city of Griffin service policies and procedures.

Payments will continue to be received by mail, drop box locations in the drive-thru, 202 W. Solomon St., and East Bank Street (by the drive-thru); online; bank draft; and electronic fund transfer.

Drop boxes have been added at the customer service lobby entrance for payments, including cash payments.

Third-party credit card processing fees charged on credit card payments made using online or phone services will be temporarily paid by the city of Griffin. However, due to processing and software changes, this change could take several business days. Officials are expecting the change as early as March 25, but it could be as late as April 1. Those paying by credit card may want to inquire on the status prior to payments being made.

A press release issued by the city of Griffin stated, “Please rest assured that the city will continue to provide clean and safe water, wastewater treatment, reliable electric service and sanitation services. Public safety first responders are at the forefront of our emergency services so please be patient and limit law enforcement requests to those calls of a serious nature where there is an immediate need for investigation. Public safety online services are also available on the city’s website. Your cooperation and support are appreciated as we continue to make decisions in the best interest of everyone.”

For additional information about the city of Griffin, please visit www.cityofgriffin.com, www.facebook.com/cityofgriffin or @CityofGriffin.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Rumors circulating that local high school graduation ceremonies have been cancelled are just that – rumors.

Officials of the Griffin-Spalding County School System say that decision has not been made.

“We haven’t made a decision on graduation. We have not decided anything on graduation ceremonies as of yet,” said GSCSS Executive Director of Communications and Partnerships Kimberly Willis Green. “The only thing we’ve been focused on is making sure our students are able to activate their digital learning and for those that don’t have digital, they have printed materials. That and the meal packages. We distributed three-day meal packages yesterday and we’ll be distributing five-day meal packages Monday at the same locations from 10:30 a.m. to noon.”

Not only has no decision been made regarding the fate of high school graduation ceremonies, Green said the issue has not even been discussed.

“We’ve not had any discussions regarding graduation ceremonies,” she said. “The district has not made a decision or an announcement regarding graduation activities.”

The system’s Continuous Learning Plan began March 13, and Green said it has been working well.

“One thing I can say is that it’s been positive, that our principals and counselors, everyone in the system, has jumped in with the Continuous Learning Plan,” Green said. “Everyone has been supportive and is being a resource to students during this time.”

The first week’s meal distribution program brought thousands of meals to area youth, and next week’s is shaping up to serve more.

“The meal packages are five days of breakfast and lunch per student, and child in the community and anyone with special needs 21 and younger,” Green said.

This week, 1,403 meal packages – or 4,209 meals – were distributed.

“Our staff is doing whatever they can to support our students while they’re away,” Green said.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Reports circulating that a Sun City Peachtree (SCP) resident has tested positive for COVID-19 are currently unconfirmed.

According to Spalding County Board of Health Chairman Johnie McDaniel, a patient from SCP has been tested, but those results are pending.

“What I found out is that someone at Sun City was tested Tuesday night. The results are not back yet. They did hospitalize this person on a presumptive basis, but as of now, the results are not back in,” McDaniel said. “It takes up to 48 hours for the results. Tonight, when the 48 hours has passed, it may be positive, but as of now, it’s neither positive nor negative. It’s in process.”

Statistics maintained by the Georgia Department of Public Health indicate there are now zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Spalding County.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A Spalding County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been involved in a wreck on Patterson Road.

“It’s a two-vehicle motor vehicle crash, one vehicle being a Sheriff’s Office vehicle,” said Maj. Dwayne Jones.

The Georgia State Patrol has been notified and is en route to investigate the wreck.

Jones had no specific details, but said injuries were being reported.

“There are complaints of injuries,” he said, later adding, “It’s going to be the other vehicle’s occupants.”

The deputy involved in the wreck appears to be uninjured.

Patterson Road is closed between Bulldog and Elder roads as this incident is being investigated.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Georgia Department of Public Health is reporting Spalding County now has its first confirmed case of COVID-19.

There are 26 confirmed cases in Georgia Department of Public Health District 4, which includes Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson counties.

Health officials are taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the general public by identifying and contacting individuals who may have had contact with the Spalding County resident who tested positive.

A daily status report page for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Georgia is available online. The report updates each day at noon to ensure accurate and regular information is provided to the public. The new tool can be found on the Georgia Department of Public Health website.

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.

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

STAFF REPORT :::

Governor Brian Kemp on Thursday addressed Georgians, providing updated information on the COVID-19 pandemic, how it is impacting Georgia and ongoing responses from the state and federal level. His address can be read in its entirety below.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
EDITORIAL COLUMN

To be cliché as I state the obvious, we’re living in uncertain times.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been met with an unprecedented global response that has virtually everyone scrambling to keep up with a constant flow of information.

While The GRIP will only report information obtained from vetted sources, that doesn’t necessarily prevent confusion. Information from an official source that is published at 2 p.m. can be contradicted by an update ten minutes later.

That doesn’t make either report untrue.

That doesn’t make The GRIP “fake news.”

It most certainly doesn’t make me a liar.

It’s indicative of the fact that this is an exceedingly fluid situation, and I am working quite hard to get information out to the public as soon as it’s reasonably possible.

This principle applies not only to The GRIP, but to other reliable sources of information, as well.

Monday afternoon, I reported that rumors of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Spalding County were false – that there was no confirmed case.

Later that night, the Griffin Daily News, WKEU and Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix reported otherwise, stating there was one confirmed case.

Numerous people reached out to me, asking if I had additional information about those reports, to which I responded that I did not, but would get to work on it. I immediately reached out to Hayla Folden, the Georgia Department of Public Health District 4 Public Information Officer, and when we spoke Tuesday morning, she affirmed that there was at that time no confirmed case of COVID-19 in Spalding County.

We discussed the reports others had made and the basis of those reports – a presentation made Monday night to the Spalding County Board of Commissioners by Dr. Olugbenga Obasanjo, Georgia Department of Public Health District 4 Medical Director.

We also discussed the apparent crux of the issue, which is the criteria used to compile statistical data – confirmed cases are reported based on the patient’s county of residence, not the location of the health care provider that ordered or performed the test.

I then did my job and reported the findings of my inquiry.

Based on the responses of many, rather than simply reporting factual relevant information, you would have thought I declared war against Sheriff Dix, the Griffin Daily News and WKEU.

I quickly lost count of how many people called me a liar and declared The GRIP “fake news.”

I was accused of creating confusion and causing panic.

Let me remind you, I reported GOOD NEWS – there were then zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Spalding County – but people didn’t care about that. They would much rather believe me to be unethical and dishonest.

Here’s the thing, folks – I’m not a liar.

My reports – all of them – have been truthful and factually correct.

Want to hear another really cool thing?

On Monday night, Sheriff Dix, the Griffin Daily News and WKEU did nothing but factually and accurately report information provided by a reliable, vetted source.

That information was later found to be incorrect, but there was no way for them to know that at the time their reports were made.

Here’s the awesome thing, though. NONE of us did anything wrong. We all acted in a professionally responsible manner.

Sadly, far too many people have apparently forgotten that as human beings, we are fallible.

We make mistakes. Unintentional, regrettable mistakes.

That is a far cry from behaving with malicious intent, which is what quite a few decent people have been accused of doing this week.

I spoke with Hayla Folden again yesterday.

Although I already knew the answer and felt awful for asking, I did ask the obvious question – did Dr. Obasanjo deliberately lie when he addressed the Spalding County Board of Commissioners in his official capacity?

Her response?

“No, not deliberately, no. That was just misinformation on our part where we were just running with information we had at the time.”

She elaborated, “He found out as he was speaking that it wasn’t a Spalding County resident and that didn’t come across. He was being sent messages as he was speaking, and he had already said that before he found out.”

In other words, the only thing Dr. Obasanjo is guilty of is being a human being.

A human being who has dedicated his life to serving others, but let us not allow that pesky reality to interfere with accusing him of being a liar. Yes, there are some who have wrongly inferred just that. What a shame.

Can we all just stop, please?

I can assure you I have nothing to gain by lying to my readers.

I won’t presume to speak for anyone else, but I feel confident that others maligned this week would likely concur.

Tensions are running high. I understand that. I’m not immune to life’s stresses, but as valid as our feelings may be, attacking one another does nothing to mitigate the risks we all face or alleviate the tension this situation causes.

That leads me to another important point. When mistakes are made, and it’s going to happen, for the love of all things holy, please remember that we’re human. It’s unnecessary and unhelpful to immediately assume the worst.

Over the past couple of days, I, myself, have made a few mistakes. Not at all shocking. They were typos and copy and paste mistakes. Real stupid stuff. I hate it when I get it wrong, but especially when it’s so easily avoidable. Anywho, what happened you may wonder?

Dear readers politely and with all civility point out my errors.

In turn, I acknowledged my gaffes, corrected them and thanked the readers for letting me know.

In each instance, my dear readers were understanding with the collective attitude of, “It happens.”

To summarize, I made unintentional mistakes, they were pointed out, I corrected them and we all went about living our lives.

No ugly words were exchanged.

No feelings were hurt.

The mistakes were quickly and simply resolved.

THAT is called being decent human beings.

I say it should be considered Adulting 101.

We all want information, but that endless stream can act as a catalyst that causes increased fear and anxiety. That doesn’t lead to sound decision making or a happy life, so may I offer a suggestion? If you find the constant flow of information is negatively impacting your life, take a break. Just walk away.

We live in the Information Age. Briefly tuning out the news – yes, that includes The GRIP – can be super healthy, and no worries. You won’t miss anything. Whatever was there an hour ago will be there two hours from now.

Step outside and enjoy this incredibly beautiful spring day.

To quote my beloved childhood hero, Mr. Rogers, let’s make the most of this beautiful day.

Remember, y’all, kindness counts.

(As of Thursday afternoon, March 20, there are three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Spalding County.)

Publisher’s note: The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Please consider making a donation that will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623

STAFF REPORT :::

The Department of Public Health reports there are now three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Spalding County.

Overall, there are 35 confirmed cases in District 4 which includes Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson counties.

Health officials are taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the general public by identifying and contacting the individuals who may have had contact with the Carroll County residents who tested positive. The household members of the positive cases are self- quarantined and in contact with Health officials for further instructions.

According to federal and state health officials, people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 do not need to be tested. Additionally, most people who are mildly or moderately ill with “cold-like” symptoms do not need to be tested. The majority of people with COVID-19 can safely recover at home with self-isolation and symptomatic treatment. Diagnosis through laboratory testing does not change the care that they would receive. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 and should always consult their healthcare provider if they are sick.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued revised guidance on COVID-19 recovery. The most important step in containing COVID-19 is that people who are sick with mild respiratory symptoms – fever and cough – should stay home and isolate themselves from others for at least seven days after their symptoms began or 72 hours after their fever has resolved and symptoms have improved. If you have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, you must self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.

Correctly washing your hands and maintaining social distance by avoiding large gatherings and close contact with people who are sick are two of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A daily status report page for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Georgia is now available. The report updates each day at noon to ensure accurate and regular information is provided to the public. The new tool can be found on the Georgia Department of Public Health 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.

Publisher’s note: The need for an independent press that reports without bias, with editorial content that isn’t driven by outside interests and that holds accountable those in authority is crucial to free nation.
The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Please consider making a donation that will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!

STAFF REPORT :::

Spalding County has implemented a website to cover the local state of affairs and keep residents informed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The website will include the latest updates on office closures or restricted access within Spalding County government offices, and press releases from Emergency Management, Homeland Security and the Department of Public Health.

A link to this website can be found at the top of the Spalding County government homepage at www.spaldingcounty.com.

Publisher’s note: The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Please consider making a donation that will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!