ACCGov Continues Closed Workstations with Telecommuting Operations (March 30 - April 3)

All Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) departments and offices will continue to operate under a modified closed workstations model the week of March 30 - April 3.

Most ACCGov services, programs, and offices will be closed during this time, but ACCGov will continue to provide essential emergency services such as public safety, emergency response, certain judicial functions, trash collection, and water and sewer services.

Many non-emergency staff will telecommute remotely during the week in order to answer questions and provide services remotely over the phone or online. Other staff will work in shifts on alternating days and maintain social distancing. In most offices, residents will be able to speak with staff directly even though offices are closed.

Residents are encouraged to call departments and offices - a list of phone numbers is available through www.accgov.com/directory - or visit department webpages at www.accgov.com instead of visiting ACCGov offices to see if services or information will be unavailable and which services will be provided online and over the phone.

Leisure Services Trails, Linear Parks & Riverside Parks to Close Monday, March 30

All Leisure Services buildings, parks, trails, linear trails, and riverside parks are closed until further notice as of Monday, March 30.

This includes Ben Burton Park, Dudley Park, the Greenway, Firefly Trail, and the Sandy Creek Nature Center trails that had previously been open while other facilities and parks were closed.

Although located in parks that were previously closed, outdoor basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts will also be locked to prevent use by the public.

Leisure Services-sponsored events, programs, and classes are cancelled through April 24.

35 Positive Cases Confirmed in Athens-Clarke County, 2 Deaths

The state Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) case tracker (https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report) confirms 35 positive cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Athens-Clarke County with two deaths as of 6:28 p.m. on March 29.

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 healthcare 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.

Information Sources

The response to COVID-19 involves both rapid and extensive changes and also deliberate measures that take some time to consider.

Once official information is released from the Georgia Department of Public Health, the Northeast Georgia Health District, the State of Georgia government, or other local partners, we will report it on www.accgov.com/coronavirus and social media.

Additionally, this COVID-19 update newsletter will go out at least daily with new information primarily about the ACCGov response and plans. It may also include some local area information of note as space allows.