Georgia Statewide Shelter-in-Place until April 13 Suspends ACCGov Ordinance

Just to clarify: the statewide shelter-in-place order signed by Governor Kemp that runs through April 13 (unless extended or changed) suspends the local Athens-Clarke County shelter-in-place ordinance and prevents local communities from enacting ordinances that are different from the statewide order.

As a result, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission could not extend the local shelter-in-place ordinance enacted on March 19 at their meeting on April 7 because the ordinance is currently suspended while the statewide order is in place.

Only after the statewide order ends (unless extended or changed) could a local shelter-in-place ordinance in Athens-Clarke County be approved again.

Details on the statewide ordinance now in effect is at www.accgov.com/coronavirus.

Judicial Emergency Extended until May 13

On Monday, April 6, Chief Justice Harold D. Melton of the Georgia Supreme Court extended the Statewide Judicial Emergency from April 13 to May 13.

The courts in Athens-Clarke County and the Western Judicial Circuit will continue to scale back court-related operations through May 13 in the same fashion as have been in place beginning March 16.

Details will continue to be updated at www.accgov.com/coronavirus.

Transit Service Changes to 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Beginning Wednesday, April 8 through April 30, Transit will operate under Weekend Day service level of nine routes provided with eight buses.

This level of transit service will provide on-street public transit from approximately 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. daily. Previously, Transit services were provided until 9:45 p.m.

Although the rides are fare-free and will utilize physical distancing measures, riders are encouraged to only ride Transit buses for essential needs and on a one round-trip rule.

For more details and restrictions, visit www.accgov.com/transit.

YouTube Video: How to Make Your Own Face Covering

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams shares a video with ways to create your own face covering in a few easy steps.

For full details and how-to instructions, visit the CDC "Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19" webpage.

78 Positive Cases Confirmed in Athens-Clarke County, 9 Deaths

The state Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) case tracker (https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report) confirms 78 positive cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Athens-Clarke County with nine deaths as of 6:28 p.m. on April 7.

The nine deaths range in age from 60-98. 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.