Georgia DPH distributes Remdesivir to hospitals for treatment of COVID-19
Health, Press Release May 18, 2020
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is distributing an initial allotment of the drug Remdesivir received from the federal government. Georgia received 30 cases, with 40 vials of the drug per case, enough to treat about 110 patients, depending on the duration of an individual’s treatment. Remdesivir is an antiviral medicine being used to treat hospitalized patients with serious symptoms caused by COVID-19 like low oxygen levels or pneumonia. It has been found to shorten the duration of disease in patients being treated in inpatient hospital settings.
Remdesivir is given intravenously (IV) and decreases the amount of coronavirus in the body, helping patients recover faster.
The distribution plan for Remdesivir in Georgia was developed by DPH leadership, including district health directors and emergency preparedness staff, in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for its use. It is based on the number of patients on ventilators, the most severely ill, and clinical best practices.
Georgia hospitals receiving Remdesivir reported 10 or more COVID-19 positive patients on ventilators, in addition to patients currently being treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a machine that takes over the work of the heart and lungs. These criteria are subject to change based on the availability of Remdesivir and
the development of patient care at hospital facilities across the state.
The following hospitals are receiving Remdesivir; Tift Regional Medical Center, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Grady Health System, Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, and Augusta University Medical Center.
“DPH is pleased to have the opportunity to share this promising treatment with hospitals on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., DPH commissioner. “While this drug is not a cure for COVID-19, getting it into the hospitals and improving patient outcomes is moving in the right direction.”
Georgia has received a second, much larger allotment of Remdesivir. DPH is surveying hospitals statewide over the weekend to determine need. This second allotment will be distributed next week.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. committed to supplying approximately 607,000 vials of the experimental drug over the next six weeks to treat an estimated 78,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients under an emergency use agreement (EUA). The donation to the United States is part of 1.5 million vials of Remdesivir the company is donating worldwide.
Remdesivir has not been approved by the FDA for widespread use because it is considered investigational, and it is still being studied. Remdesivir was originally developed for use against Ebola. Clinical trials for Remdesivir were done in Georgia at Emory University Hospital.
For more information about COVID-19 visit https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
For updates on the COVID-19 situation as it develops, follow @GaDPH, @GeorgiaEMA, and @GovKemp on Twitter, and @GaDPH, @GEMA.OHS, and @GovKemp on Facebook
UPDATE: COVID-19 status report 8/27
News April 3, 2020Updated 8/27 at 3 p.m.
ATLANTA – Georgia Department of Public Heath (DPH) reported at 3 pm Thursday (Aug. 27) there have been 263,074 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 5,393 deaths and 24,127 hospitalizations in the state.
There are 656 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Lumpkin County that have resulted in 12 deaths.
The DPH updates statistics daily at 3 p.m.
Kemp changes restaurant and childcare restrictions
Announcements, State & National May 13, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – On May 12, Gov. Brian Kemp continued to ease restrictions on certain industries – restaurants and childcare – to assist Ga businesses as the state returns to normal.
Childcare facilities now can operate with up to 20 children in a classroom instead of 10 as long as the instructor-to-child ratio is maintained. Departments of Early Care and Learning and Public Health reportedly okayed this expansion and ensured it could be accomplished safely.
Many parents in Ga are returning to work and have encountered difficulty finding childcare services.
“Childcare facilities must continue to adhere to thirteen minimum, mandatory criteria to be able to operate, including strict screening procedures and sanitation mandates for frequently touched items and surfaces. In that same vein, countless families have reached out to my office to discuss how summer camps can safely operate as we battle the spread of COVID-19,” Kemp explained.
Summer day camps have also received the okay to open on May 14 if facilities can meet the 32 requirements developed by the Department of Public Health, constituents, and summer camp operators. The CDC has yet to weigh in on the criteria, but Kemp appeared confident that their plan would move forward.
However, overnight camps are still closed, but eventually, these facilities might be able to open under a case by case basis.
As for restaurants, those who have already opened or considering opening can now allow up to 10 patrons per 300 sq. feet and seat groups of 10. Previously the maximum number at a table was six.
Kemp praised the food industry, “Throughout this pandemic, our restaurant owners and their employees have done a remarkable job in keeping local families fed. These hardworking Georgians have followed the rules, doing the right thing, even when it wasn’t easy.”
Live performance venues, bars, and nightclubs must remain closed through May 31, 2020.
The social distancing and gathering ban on more than 10 people are still in effect unless six feet of separation is possible. The ban applied to all non-critical infrastructure businesses, local governments, and organizations of all types, including social groups, informal get-togethers, and recreational sports, just to name a few. Georgians can expect these protocols to last through at least the end of the month.
“We continue to strongly encourage people to wear face coverings when out in public, and we thank everyone for their willingness to do the right thing,” Kemp added. “The shelter in place provision for medically fragile and Georgians aged 65 and older remains in effect through June 12, 2020.”
Starting on May 18, state agencies will begin transitioning back into in-office services.
As of noon today, Georgia has received its first shipment of Remdesivir from the federal government – thirty cases with forty vials of the drug per case. The Department of Public Health will determine how it will be distributed.
Nursing Home Testing
Georgia’s National Guard has tested 46% of all nursing home residents and 24% of staff at those facilities. However, an estimated 46,000 people who still need to be tested. In total, the Guard has tested 142 nursing homes. The National Guard will continue to test everyone at these facilities until they reach 100 percent.
The press conference did address the re-testing of facilities is new cases are found after the initial testing. Department of Community Health releases daily updates on the status of COVID-19 in nursing homes across Ga.
“As we aggressively test more nursing homes and long-term care facilities, we may see a sharper increase in positive test results. By doing this, it will allow medical providers to intervene earlier and try to mitigate adverse outcomes among vulnerable Georgians. Right now, nursing home, assisted living, and personal care home residents and staff make up 18.5% of our total positive cases, and 49% of total deaths involve nursing home, assisted living, and personal care home residents. We ask everyone to continue to protect the elderly and medically fragile, and we will continue to work around the clock to ensure quick, convenient testing is available for all Georgians,” Kemp explained.
Anyone in Ga can now be tested for COVID-19 either through their local health departments or by downloading the Augusta University ExpressCare app, visit augustahealth.org, or call (706) 721-1852.
“With nearly 250 staff in the field today, the Department of Public Health is making progress. Under the leadership of Dr. Toomey, DPH plans to have 1,000 staff deployed in the coming weeks. To streamline contact tracing across the state, we are rolling out a new online monitoring tool – the Healthy Georgia Collaborative – which allows Georgians to identify contacts and monitor symptoms. Health data remains completely confidential. This monitoring tool does not collect any data other than what is entered by the contact. This is how the process works: residents who test positive for COVID-19 will be contacted by trained public health staff, who will work with that individual to recall anyone that they might’ve had close contact with while infectious. Those contacts will then be interviewed by DPH to help us map and isolate the spread of COVID-19 in communities across the state. If you are contacted by DPH staff, we strongly encourage you to participate in the contact tracing program,” Kemp said about contact tracing.
The governor also urged anyone who needs to visit their doctor for regular appointments or concerns outside of COVID-19 to please do so. Doctors’ offices and emergency rooms have protocols in place to prevent individuals from contracting the virus. Now is not a time to gamble with anyone’s health to avoid COVID-19.
District 2 announces changes in specimen collection sites
Community, Health May 11, 2020
GAINESVILLE, GA – District 2 Public Health announces updates to schedules, testing criteria and specimen collection sites. Previous testing criteria was to test individuals with fever, cough and shortness of breath. Due to new testing criteria from Georgia Department of Public Health District 2 anyone with or without symptoms can now be tested for Covid-19.
The Specimen Point of Collection (SPOC) in Hall County will now operate as follows:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. The Hall County SPOC is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
A Specimen Point of Collection (SPOC) will be opened at Habersham County Health Department. This site will be open Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, and Sunday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. The Habersham site will begin operations on Saturday, May 16.
For convenience, we urge residents to call their local health department or the call center to schedule a time to get tested. With an appointment, the average time to get through the SPOC is three to five minutes. All county health departments will continue to schedule appointments during normal business hours, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The call center hours are: 8:30 am to 7:00 pm, every day including Saturday and Sunday.
Specimen Collection sites in Franklin and Towns Counties will continue to operate on Tuesday and Friday of each week. Residents can contact the call center above, or call Franklin County Health Department at 706-384-5575, or call Hart County Health Department at 706-376-5117 to schedule testing at the Franklin County Health Department. To schedule testing at the Towns County Health Department, residents can call Towns County Health Department at 706-896-2265, Union County Health Department at 706-745-6292 or Rabun County Health Department at 706-212-0289.
Remember, for your convenience an appointment is needed at each of the Specimen Point of Collection. Please call the call center 770-531-5600 or your local health department to schedule an appointment for testing.
Chamber virtual Business After Hours features NGHS COVID-19 presentation
News May 6, 2020
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Northeast Georgia Health Systems (NGHS) hosted the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce virtual Business After Hours Tuesday, during which staff from the Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin (NGMC-Lumpkin) provided an update on COVID-19.
Dr. Donna Whitfield, Chief of the Medical Staff said NGHS has administered about 700 COVID-19 tests since the outbreak in March. “I’m sad to say that we have seen two COVID-positive (Lumpkin County) deaths.”
There are currently 10 COVID-positive patients in the Lumpkin County hospital. “I’m proud to report that five of those have been cared for and been able to leave the facility and go back home,” Whitfield said.
So far, Lumpkin County has not seen a spike in coronavirus activity. “Now is not the time to relax, however,” she stated. “We’re not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination.”
Dr. Donna Whitfield
Whitfield warned of a possible second wave. “We understand everybody is ready to go back to some version of normalcy and a normal life and it’s OK to go back to work, we just stress simple precautions. Stick to the basics such as wear a mask, keep your distance from others, cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands regularly. All you have to do is look at Hall County to see how quick this virus can spread.”
Wednesday morning, Hall County reported 1,882 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 27 deaths.
Public Relations and Marketing Director Sean Couch explained what data could be found on the website at nghs.com.
Couch said, “It’s everything from what do you need to do if you’re sick, how can you help us during this time how can you donate supplies and material, how can you sew masks and gowns, which we have a critical shortage of right now, how can you access our pastoral care services.”
The website will also show when the coronavirus is projected to hit its peak, which currently is some time around mid-June.
Layne Michell, Executive Administrator of Operations, talked about the growth of NGMC-Lumpkin. “We opened our hospital here with 10 in-patient beds,” he said. “We are currently operating 23 in-patient beds and as of tomorrow, we will be operating 33.
Michell said the Lumpkin and Barrow County hospitals are preparing for a time when the Gainesville campus reaches overflow.
“We have had wonderful, strong (community) support,” Michell said. “That has been very important to the staff. It’s very heartwarming when you have the local restaurants show up at your door with lunch or drive by with some chocolates.”
He added, “We still want to take care of our non-COVID patients. Our ER is not really very busy right now. We’re seeing that patients seem to be a little nervous about coming to the hospital. We want to make sure everyone knows to keep coming. Don’t avoid the hospital.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
COVID-19 testing available to all Georgians
Press Release May 8, 2020
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has reached its goal of testing 100,000 individuals in 10 days. More than 108,000 tests were processed since Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H, set the DPH goal last week.
“This is an important benchmark for Georgia as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the state,” said Toomey. “Increased testing is critical to understanding where there are hotspots of infection and how best to mitigate them.”
Effective immediately, testing is available to all Georgians who request it, whether they have symptoms or not. There are more than 65 specimen point of collection sites (SPOC) throughout the state, with an additional 30 mobile SPOCs – locations and hours vary daily.
Individuals wanting to be tested can contact any Georgia public health department to schedule an appointment at a SPOC location convenient to them. Contact information for local health departments can be found on the DPH homepage at
For more information about COVID-19 visit https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
For updates on the COVID-19 situation as it develops, follow @GaDPH, @GeorgiaEMA, and @GovKemp on Twitter, and @GaDPH, @GEMA.OHS, and @GovKemp on Facebook.
Blue Angels, Thunderbirds to flyover Atlanta on Saturday
Announcements, State & National May 1, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – The Blue Angels and Thunderbird flyover on May 2 is in support of the state’s frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.
It will begin over Marietta at 1:35 p.m. and last 25 minutes, ending at 2 p.m. The Thunderbirds and Blue Angels flight path will take them over Buckhead, Sandy Springs, up to Roswell. The formations will then turn to the south over downtown, Atlanta airport, Fayetteville, and Peachtree City.
Residents are asked to safely view the flyover from their home-quarantine and to refrain from traveling. Social distancing should also be practiced.
Flight path for May 2.
These times are subject to change.
“America Strong is a way for both teams to show appreciation to the thousands of doctors, nurses, first responders, and essential workers out there serving on the frontline day-in and day-out,” said Cmdr. Brian Kesselring, U.S. Navy Blue Angels commanding officer and flight leader for the flyover. “This is an extraordinary and unprecedented time but we will get through this. We are all in this together.”
A formation of 6 F-16C/D Fighting Falcon and 6 F/A-18C/D Hornet aircraft will conduct these flyovers as a collaborative salute to healthcare workers, first responders, military, and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This mission, the second of several planned over the coming weeks, is the culmination of more than a month of planning and coordination between the two teams and numerous city and government offices.
The teams welcome and encourage viewers to tag the demonstration teams at @AFThunderbirds and @BlueAngels the flyover on social media with the hashtag #AmericaStrong and #Inthistogether.
For photos and video for America Strong, visit, https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/americastrong.
For more information on the Blue Angels, visit www.blueangels.navy.mil.
For more information on the Thunderbirds, visit www.afthunderbirds.com.
Shelter in Place order extended for medically fragile until June 12
Press Release, State & National April 30, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Executive Order 4.30.20.01 which extends the medically fragile shelter in place and the Public Health State of Emergency until June 12.
The entire statement from the governor is below:
“Tonight at 11:59 PM, the statewide shelter in place order for most Georgians will expire. However, moving forward, I am urging Georgians to continue to stay home whenever possible. I want to thank the people of our great state who heeded public health advice, afforded us time to bolster our healthcare infrastructure, and flattened the curve. We were successful in these efforts, but the fight is far from over.
“In accordance with our executive orders, businesses across the Peach State must continue to operate with strict social distancing and sanitation rules to keep customers and employees safe through May 13, 2020. Those rules vary by business type for a measured, health-driven approach.
“The health and well-being of Georgians are my top priorities, and my decisions are based on data and advice from health officials. I will do what is necessary to protect the lives – and livelihoods – of our people. I will formally extend our public health state of emergency through June 12, 2020, to continue enhanced testing across Georgia, ramp up contact tracing, and maintain effective emergency response operations in every region.
“To protect vulnerable populations, I will sign an order today requiring medically fragile and elderly Georgians to continue to shelter in place through June 12, 2020. In addition, I will order long-term care facilities – including nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, and similar community living homes – to utilize enhanced infection control protocols, ensure safer living conditions, and protect residents and staff from coronavirus exposure.
“Together, we will defeat this virus and emerge stronger. Thank you, and God Bless.”
Dahlonega City Council approves FY’20 budget adjustments
News April 21, 2020
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – In light of the COVID-19 impact on the local economy, City Council unanimously approved a series of recommended adjustments to the city’s FY’20 budget during Monday’s called meeting and work session.
The adjustments call for a reduction in projected revenue of approximately $2.5 million over six months. Each is subject to further review in light of new information obtained over time. Examples include implementation of the recent pay study, and previously approved FY20 annual performance-based adjustments to pay, which are eliminated to make the numbers work and retain trained personnel.
Development of the FY21 budget will be concurrent with actual results for the balance of FY20. If revenues improve during FY21, subsequent budget amendments will be recommended
Predicting revenue and expenses for the next 18 months is a guessing game even in more stable times. But these days are hardly stable. Just as council began contemplating the proposed changes, Gov. Brian Kemp made an announcement that will have a major impact on revenue projections.
Kemp announced plans to restart the state’s economy before the end of the week. Gyms, hair salons, barber shops and other businesses can reopen as long as owners follow strict social distancing and hygiene requirements.
“We recognize this is a very changeable plan,” City Manager Bill Schmid said.
The changes include the following projected revenue reductions:
- General Fund from $5,029,035 to $4,605,584.
- Water/Sewer from $8,545,963 to $7,368,441.
- Solid Waste $1,419,025 to $948,070
- Dahlonega Development Authority $391,841 to $307,841
- Hotel/Motel $456,038 to $269,000
- SPLOST $476,900 TO $313,965
- TSPLOST $704,834 to $594,244
- General Fund Capital Projects $2,742,083 to $2,890,719
The city has received numerous calls and emails from customers requesting extension of due dates for paying utility bills because of an inability to pay related to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Council unanimously approved a temporary suspension of late fees and disconnection service for two months, April and May 2020 for both residential and commercial customers.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Free testing available from Public Health in Gainesville on May 1
Press Release April 28, 2020
GAINESVILLE, GA – On Friday, May 1, District 2 Public Health will join the Georgia Mountain Food Bank to offer free food distribution to residents. The event will be held at the lower field at Allen Creek Soccer Complex in Hall County. One package of food per car can be picked up between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or until supplies run out. In addition, public health will be on hand to assist anyone who is sick to register for an appointment for free testing for Covid-19.
Allen Creek Soccer Complex is located at 2500 Allen Creek Rd, Gainesville, GA 30507.
Towns and Union County residents, who don’t want to drive across the mountain, can take advantage of the drive-up testing location at the Towns County Health Department. Please call ahead to make an appointment, the Towns’ number is (706) 896-2265. Union’s number is (706) 745-6292. This isn’t part of the May 1 event, just a full-time testing site to serve the community.
If you are sick now, call 770-531-5600 to schedule an appointment for free testing. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You must have an appointment to be tested. Also, a package of food will be given to each vehicle at the testing site while supplies last.
Georgia Dept. of Labor addresses unemployment options
Press Release, State & National April 22, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp and the Georgia Department of Labor are partnering to ensure Georgians understand their unemployment options as the state begins the safe reopening of businesses. Governor Kemp announced plans Monday to safely and incrementally reopen sectors of the economy, and today, Labor Commissioner Mark Butler encouraged employers to work with employees to determine a successful return to work plan.
“Thanks to Governor Kemp and his support, we were able to issue an emergency rule that increased the earnings exemption amount from $55 to $300 allowing individuals to make $300 a week without reducing their weekly benefit amount,” said Commissioner Butler. “If a business opens back up slowly and their employees are returning to work with reduced hours, employers can continue to file employer-filed partial claims on behalf of their employees.”
Pursuant to the emergency rule issued on March 26, 2020, an individual can make up to $300 per week without reducing their maximum weekly benefit amount, allowing employees to work reduced hours and still qualify for state weekly benefits and the federal $600 weekly supplement.
“As we take measured steps to reopen sectors of our state’s economy, it is vital that we continue to support Georgians trying to re-enter the workforce,” said Governor Kemp. “Commissioner Butler and the Department of Labor are working around the clock to do just that. Their action under historic circumstances will continue to give our state’s workforce viable options to put food on the table for their families as we fight COVID-19 together.”
Employer-filed partial claims account for 75 percent of the state’s 1.1 million claims since March 14. Employers are required to report an individual’s weekly gross wages when certifying on behalf of the employee with the GDOL. These employer-filed partial claims can include full-time and part-time employees, as long as employers are accurately reporting an individual’s weekly wages. An employer’s account will not be charged for claims filed against it for employer-filed partial claims during this time.
“Despite claims to the contrary, returning to work does not automatically eliminate an individual’s state unemployment eligibility,” said Butler. “In fact, we designed this provision to encourage employers to continue to file while returning employees to work to take advantage of the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) benefits.”
The rule states that earnings of $300 or less will not affect entitlement to benefits. Any amount over $300 will be deducted from a claimant’s weekly benefit amount, a payment determination based on an employee’s past wages. As long as a claimant is awarded at least $1 in state benefits, he or she is eligible to receive Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), the additional $600 weekly payment.
“This option was created with lower wage employees in mind,” said Butler. “Allowing Georgians to supplement their income by making an additional $300 or so a week while continuing to receive state benefits, and now the federal supplement, will allow them to continue to heal from the economic wounds brought about by COVID-19.”
If a decision is made by an employee to separate from his/her place of employment, the employee has the right to file an individual claim where an eligibility determination will be made based on the facts presented in the case.
“If an employee is concerned about returning to work due to exposure to COVID-19, we are encouraging employees to communicate with their employers on plans to safely return to work,” explained Butler. “We are all working together on getting Georgians back to work in a safe and stable environment.”
Information on filing an individual unemployment claim, details on how employers must file employer-filed partial claims, and resources for other reemployment assistance can be found on the agency’s webpage at www.gdol.ga.gov.
Georgia Board of Cosmetology and Barbers Issues Safety Guidelines for Reopening
Press Release, State & National April 22, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers issued guidance for the safe reopening of Georgia’s salons and spas.
“I deeply appreciate the work of Kay Kendrick and the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers to prepare guidelines for implementation by Georgia’s shops and salons,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As we begin the process of safely reopening our economy, it is critical that business owners, operators, and contractors adhere strictly to increased safety and sanitation guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Working together, I am confident that we can get these sectors back online and work to ensure the health and safety of all Georgians.”
“I am very happy that Governor Kemp decided that we can reopen our salons and spas,” said Kay Kendrick, chair of the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. “We have 95,000 licensees under our board, most of whom are independent contractors that have no other source of income.
“Under our sanitation laws and rules, we are charged with the responsibility of protecting consumers from the spread of contagious diseases everyday in our salons. By adding the safety guidelines that have been developed by the board and some of our industry leaders in the cosmetology and barber profession, we feel that our professionals will be able to do an even better job of protecting themselves and their clients. I trust that all our professionals will use these guidelines to be safe and protect their clients. “
Salon/shop owners and managers should use the OSHA “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19” as a guide for reopening. Below are some of the top-level guidelines for salon and spa operators to follow. The complete list of guidelines will be available here.
Temperature Checks: Salons should consider use of a touchless infrared thermometer to check the temperature of employees each day and of each client who enters the salon/shop.
Screening Questions: Ask each client entering the shop the following questions – Have you had a cough? Have you had a fever? Have you been around anyone exhibiting these symptoms within the past 14 days? Are you living with anyone who is sick or quarantined?
Limit People In Shops/Salons: Salons/shops should consider seeing clients by appointment only. Salons/shops should consider telephonic or online scheduling. Limit the number of persons in the waiting area of the salon/shop. It is recommended that clients wait outside the salon/shop in their vehicle until the cosmetologist or barber is ready to serve them. It is recommended that persons not being serviced in the salon/shop wait outside the salon/shop.
Maintain Social Distancing: Spacing between persons in the salon should be at least six feet at all times. Salons/shops should consider additional spacing between booths, divider shields, and/or alternate work schedules.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment and Best Practices: Salon/shop employees will be required to wear masks at all times. Salons may want to consider providing masks to clients. Clients should wear face masks to the extent possible while receiving services. Salons/shops should also make use of face shields, gloves, disposable or re-washable capes, smocks, neck strips, etc. These items should be disinfected or disposed of between each client. Employees should should arrive at the salon/shop showered and wearing clean clothing and change clothes before leaving the salon/shop each day. Hand washing with soap and warm water, for a minimum of 20 seconds will be required by employees between every client service.
Disinfection: All salons/shops should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to reopening. Disinfect all surfaces, tools, and linens, even if they were cleaned before the salon/shop was closed. Salons/shops should maintain regular disinfection of all tools, shampoo bowls, pedicure bowls, workstations, treatment rooms, and restrooms. Additionally, salons/shops should remove all unnecessary items (magazines, newspapers, service menus, and any other unnecessary paper products/decor) from reception areas and ensure that these areas and regularly touched surfaces are consistently wiped down, disinfected, and that hand sanitizer is readily available to clients and staff. Avoiding the exchange of cash can help in preventing the spread of the virus, but if this is unavoidable, be sure to wash and sanitize hands well after each transaction. The use of credit/debit transactions is preferred, using touch/swipe/no signature technology.
Administration: Employees who are sick will be expected to stay home. Salon/shop owners/managers should provide training, educational materials, and reinforcement on proper sanitation, hand washing, cough and sneeze etiquette, use of PPE, and other protective behaviors. Ensure break rooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized and not used for congregating by employees. Be flexible with work schedules/salon hours to reduce the number of people (employees and clients) in salons/shops at all times in order to maintain social distancing.
A full list of these guidelines will be made available on the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers’ website.
Lumpkin County School System employee tested positive for COVID-19
News April 19, 2020
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – Lumpkin County School Superintendent Dr. Rob Brown issued a press release Friday (Apr. 14) that states: “We were informed this afternoon that a Lumpkin County School System Employee tested positive for COVID-19. The employee last worked in a school on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, assisting with the meal service program. In accordance with HIPPA, we cannot disclose the identity of the affected person who is now self-isolating while recuperating.
The press release also states, “Those who worked in close proximity to the employee have been notified and instructed to self-isolate 14 days. As an added precaution all school areas the employee visited are being sanitized and disinfected.
“We remain in contact with our local Health Department and are applying every precaution to follow CDC and GADPH recommendations.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
COVID-19 will have a major impact on Board of Commissioners agenda items
News April 19, 2020
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – The COVID-19 pandemic will impact a number of issues the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners will decide when they meet in a voting session Tuesday (April 21) at 6 p.m. in the Administration Building.
That meeting will be preceded by a public hearing at 5:15 p.m. on abandonment of George Avery Road and a work session at 5:30 p.m. The public can view the meetings via teleconference by calling 1 929 436 2866. The ID to access the public hearing is 937 8088 2957. ID for the work session is 912 0787 2266. ID for the voting session is 927 2337 3831.
Agenda items affected by the virus range from renewal of county employees’ health insurance plan to the expansion of the county’s senior center.
A new county employee health insurance plan with a small premium increase to both employer and employee was scheduled to go into effect July 1. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Lincoln Financial has made a decision to assist with certain premiums by keeping the rates at their current level through Jan. 2021.
In 2017, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs granted the county’s request for a community development block grant to expand the senior center with a deadline of Nov. 2019. County commissioners were subsequently granted an extension through May 15, 2020. However, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the county is unable to meet the second deadline and commissioners will have to vote Monday on requesting a second extension.
The virus has also made a significant impact on the Park and Recreation Spring Sports program. None of the sports have had any games or meets this year and the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) has cancelled all district and state tournaments. The county has already purchased uniforms for the spring sports teams. Commissioners must decide whether to cancel the season and issue full refunds or account credits, cancel the season and issue refunds, minus the cost of uniforms, choose a start date for an in-house season for the age groups able to form an in-house league for baseball/softball or issue full refunds for Track & Field.
Another agenda item impacted by the virus is the county’s Local Emergency Operations Plan (LEOP). Staff has been directed to prepare operational plans that detail how essential services will continue to be provided to citizens, given the spread of the virus. The plans will then be incorporated into a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) that would become an annex to the LEOP.
Finally, the Board must vote on a request by Classic Cleaners to have its rent reduced or suspended due to the economic impact of the coronavirus. Classic Cleaners is under contract with Lumpkin County to rent the building in which the business is located. The specific request is to defer May’s payment, and divide it evenly throughout the remainder of 2020.
Other items on Monday’s agenda include:
- A resolution that the city and county proclaim the month of April 2020 to be Child Abuse Prevention Month, and urge all citizens to recognize this month by dedicating themselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families.
- Revision of the Lumpkin County Building Committee that includes the addition of four new members.
- Abandonment of George Avery Road.
- An update of the Hotel/Motel Ordinance that reflects the role of Host Compliance to manage complaints, renewals, and tax collections.
- A bond resolution for county recreation projects and refinancing of the Justice Center bond.
- Development Authority request for an intergovernmental agreement for full-time staff to be added to the county’s financial services and insurance. There would be no impact to the Lumpkin County budget for adding the services as the Authority agrees to pay the Finance Department $350/month for the financial services and add on costs for insurance.
- Approve a contract with Chattahoochee Group in the amount of $67,325 for the restoration, drainage and improvements of baseball fields at Yahoola Creek Park.
- Abandonment of a portion of Lawrence Road.
- Request to sell county-owned right-of-way off Cavender’s Creek Road.
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