GAINESVILLE, GA – In a press release issued today by District 2 Public Health, it outlines that the state has expanded the testing guidelines to include those without symptoms if they meet certain qualifications. “District 2 Public Health is ramping up specimen collection to help meet Governor Kemp’s call for increased testing. This is made […]
Read More »Kemp issues statewide emergency for severe weather damage
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Kemp declared a statewide state of emergency following severe storm damage across Georgia over the last twenty-four hours. “We are praying for those who lost loved ones overnight and the families dealing with severe storm damage. In coordination with private-sector partners, multiple state agencies – including the Georgia Emergency Management and […]
Read More »Thousands without power after overnight thunderstorms
HIAWASSEE, Ga – The overnight severe thunderstorms and high winds left 7,900 in the area without power and multiple trees blown down, and some flooding. Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC) is working to restore power. Some residents lost power around 12 a.m. until 7 a.m. due to trees across power lines. In his 8 a.m. […]
Read More »Chatuge Regional employee tests positive for COVID-19
HIAWASSEE, Ga – On April 10, 2020, Union General Health System issued the following release concerning a Chatuge Regional Employee who has tested positive for COVID-19. Towns County Health Department received notification at the time of test. The employee last worked at Chatuge on April 2 and wasn’t exhibiting symptoms at that time. Their positive […]
Read More »Severe weather forecasted for Sunday afternoon to Monday morning
HIAWASSEE, Ga – The National Weather Service Peachtree City (NWS) office has issued several severe weather warnings for North Georgia from Sunday into Monday. From the NWS: “There is an Enhanced Risk of severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes, across much of north and central Georgia this afternoon through early Monday morning, with a moderate risk for […]
Read More »Congressman Ferguson endorses Doug Collins for Senate
WEST POINT, GA – Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-GA) today became the first member of Georgia’s congressional delegation to endorse a candidate in the race to fill the seat formerly held by Senator Johnny Isakson. Ferguson, who represents Georgia’s 3rd Congressional district, also serves as Chief Deputy Whip on the House GOP leadership team. In a […]
Read More »Kemp asks Georgians to worship remotely on Easter
Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp urged Georgians to plan for online or call-in religious services, including Easter Sunday on April 12. “I greatly appreciate faith leaders across our state who have made the tough decision to stop the spread of COVID-19 by suspending in-person religious services. Their leadership is literally saving lives,” said Governor […]
Read More »Collins urges Windstream to provide increased access to rural broadband
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Reps. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Austin Scott (R-Ga.), and Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) today sent a letter to Windstream underscoring the importance of providing increased access to broadband – particularly in rural areas – in the midst of COVID-19. “As representatives of thousands of Windstream customers, we write today regarding the impact coronavirus has had on broadband […]
Read More »Georgia Primary moves to June 9 after extension of public health emergency
(ATLANTA) — Today, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced that, pursuant to the authority vested in him by O.C.G.A. § 21-2-50.1, he is postponing the Statewide General Primary/Presidential Preference Primary Election until June 9, 2020. Yesterday, Governor Brian Kemp extended the current public health state of emergency until May 13, 2020. Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan and […]
Read More »Kemp suspends short-term vacation rentals, parks remain open
ATLANTA, Ga – After issuing an extended shelter in place, Gov. Brian Kemp finally instituted a ban on short-term vacation rentals to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, the governor stopped short of closing state parks and beaches despite numerous calls from local governments to do so. “I have also heard the concerns of many […]
Read More »Kemp and DECAL issue statement concerning essential travel
Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp and Amy M. Jacobs, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), issued the following joint statement regarding measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while ensuring that our state’s essential workforce has access to licensed childcare. “On Thursday, April 2, 2020, the Executive Order […]
Read More »Kemp, Duncan, Ralston announce plans to extend Public Health State of Emergency
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp, Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, and House Speaker David Ralston announced plans to extend Georgia’s public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Under state law, the Governor may renew the public health state of emergency, which was otherwise set to […]
Read More »Update: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests closes additional recreation areas
Update from April 9: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests temporarily shuts down additional recreation areas in Lumpkin, Rabun, Towns, and Union counties – https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/conf/news-events/… The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down additional recreation sites on the Blue Ridge and Chattooga River Ranger Districts to protect public health and safety. The decision aligns with state and local measures […]
Read More »Details about Kemp’s shelter in place order
ATLANTA, Ga – Gov. Brian Kemp’s shelter in place order took effect on Friday, April 3 at 6 p.m. and will last until Monday, April 13, unless otherwise extended. The order came after Kemp reportedly just learned about asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19. Under the shelter in place order, Kemp placed travel restrictions on residents except […]
Read More »Gov. Kemp issues guidance for retailers, consumers amid COVID-19
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp joined the American Transaction Processors Coalition, Georgia Retail Association, and Georgia Food Industry Association in issuing guidance regarding the use of PIN numbers and other best practices at points of purchase as Georgia continues to fight the spread of COVID-19. Consumer Tips: If a contactless payment option is […]
Read More »Statewide Judicial Emergency extended through May 13
ATLANTA, Ga – Chief Justice Harold D. Melton issued an order today that extends the statewide judicial emergency until May 13, 2020. The Chief Justice first declared a judicial emergency on March 14 which was due to expire April 13. While under a statewide judicial emergency, courts are ordered to remain open to deal with […]
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