YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Young Harris College President Dr. Drew Van Horn addressed students in a Friday, March 20 letter following the closure of the college campus due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Dr.Drew Van Horn
Kemp, Williams: Officials Will Enforce Social Distancing at Parks, Lakes
Featured Stories March 29, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp joined Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Williams to issue the following joint statement:
“Across Georgia, there is a mandatory shelter in place order for medically fragile individuals, and gatherings of more than ten people are banned unless there is at least six feet between each person at all times. This order applies to all 159 counties.
“Fortunately, many Georgians are heeding these directives and following the advice of public health officials to stay safe and healthy. However, as we deal with the effects of coronavirus with school and business closures, people are eager for a change in scenery after days at home. They are traveling to nearby counties, heading outdoors for fresh air, and maximizing family time. Some are going to vacation homes, and others are hitting the lake, hiking trails, or campgrounds. We, too, enjoy exploring Georgia, but we urge people to stay mindful of social distancing, follow best practices, and avoid large crowds.
“The Department of Natural Resources will enforce the executive order limiting large gatherings with officials patrolling bodies of water and campgrounds. They are monitoring coves where people tend to congregate and, if necessary, using bullhorns to tell people to comply with the order. Officials will approach people in violation of the order and demand compliance for the well-being of our citizens and state. Local officials are also working hard to ensure compliance with local directives, which vary by city and county across our state.
“Please stay safe, enjoy your time outdoors, and follow our directives to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Together, we can flatten the curve and stop the spread of coronavirus.”
coronavirus COVID-19 Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division Gov. Brian Kemp
Appalachian Trail closes due to COVID-19 pandemic
News March 27, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – To protect public health and safety, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down trailhead facilities and other access points to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and nearby trails to prevent groups from congregating.
Click to read: Towns County recommends temporary closure of Appalachian Trail
The decision aligns with state and local measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Currently, recreation opportunities on the forest that support social distancing are still open for public use in other areas, including dispersed camping and other activities.
“We realize our communities and our visitors value the recreation opportunities the forest has to offer,” said Edward Hunter, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests Supervisor. “A lot of discussion and consideration went into this decision. The health and safety of our employees and the public remain our top priority.”
The following sites are affected by these changes:• Trailheads including Dick’s Creek Gap, Hogpen Gap, Neels Gap, Springer Mountain, Tesnatee Gap, Unicoi Gap, and Woody Gap
• Trails including Andrews Cove Trail, Benton MacKaye Trail (Springer Mountain to Falls Branch Falls section), Byron Herbert Reece Memorial Trail, Dukes Creek Falls Trails, Duncan Ridge Trail, Dockery Lake Trail, Freeman Trail, Jacks Knob Trail, Jarrard Gap Trail, Logan Turnpike Trail, Long Creek Falls Trail, Panther Creek Falls Trail, Slaughter Creek Trail, Springer Mountain Trail, Raven Cliffs Falls Trail, and Yonah Mountain Trail.
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests reminds visitors to recreate responsibly by avoiding gathering in groups of more than ten people and not engaging in high-risk activities, like rock climbing, that increase the chance of injury or distress. Also, note that law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19.
Guidelines for health and safety, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronav…/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
See the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests’ website for the latest recreation information at www.fs.usda.gov/CONF, also on Facebook and Twitter at @ChattOconeeNF
Georgia Appalachian Trail Club Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Union General releases new guidelines, designates sick and well clinics
Health, News, Press Release March 27, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In a press release issued by Union General Health System, the medical facility is updating its operating procedures and establishing sick and well clinics in the community.
In response to the Blairsville City Council’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency Ordinance, Union General Health System will no longer perform elective procedures/diagnostic testing, until further notice. The decision to perform procedures will be on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the patient’s physician, based on the needs of the patient.
*If you have a procedure or diagnostic testing that has already been scheduled, you will be contacted by the hospital if it needs to be postponed or rescheduled.
Beginning on Monday, March 30th, Union General Health System will designate certain clinics as either sick clinics or well clinics. Union General Family Medicine will be designated as a sick clinic seeing both sick children and sick adults, Union General Pediatrics will be designated as a well clinic only performing well-child visits and the Union General Hospital Young Harris Clinic will be designated as a well clinic only performing well-adult visits.
As a reminder, for the safety and well-being of our patients and staff, Union General Hospital and Chatuge Regional Hospital, are currently on lockdown, until further notice. All doors are locked and will remain locked except the Main Entrance/Emergency Room Entrance at Union General Hospital and the Emergency Room Entrance at Chatuge Regional Hospital. No visitors will be allowed until further notice.
If you need treatment at either facility, a wellness screening will be performed. A series of questions will be asked and your temperature will be taken. If you have a fever and respiratory symptoms and have traveled within a widespread affected area within the past 14 days, or had exposure to someone with a confirmed COVID-19 case, please ask for a mask immediately.
All Union General Health System affiliated facilities have taken COVID-19 precautions. Some of these include, the Union County Nursing Home and Chatuge Regional Nursing Home are no longer allowing any visitors into their facility to help protect the health of their residents. The Union General Wellness Center and Union General Hospital Suches Clinic have closed indefinitely to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Union General told Fetch Your News that its respective nursing homes are following CDC guidelines for long-term care facilities. These guidelines include:
- Restrict all visitation except for certain compassionate care situations, such as end of life situations
- Restrict all volunteers and non-essential healthcare personnel (HCP), including non-essential healthcare personnel (e.g., barbers)
- Cancel all group activities and communal dining
- Implement active screening of residents and HCP for fever and respiratory symptoms
COVID-19 is being increasingly reported in communities across the United States. It is likely that SARS-CoV-2 will be identified in more communities, including areas where cases have not yet been reported. As such, nursing homes should assume it could already be in their community and move to restrict all visitors and unnecessary HCP from the facility; cancel group activities and communal dining; and implement active screening of residents and HCP for fever and respiratory symptoms.
Here’s a copy of the CDC emergency preparedness checklist for nursing homes.
For more information on COVID-19 and the latest updates to Union General Health Systems facilities, please visit www.UnionGeneralHealthSystem.com.
Towns County recommends temporary closure of Appalachian Trail
News March 25, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw supported the closure of the Appalachian Trail due to the national COVID-19 outbreak to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Ranger District on March 25. Bradshaw stated that the closure of the trail, which crosses the eastern portion of Towns County, will support social distancing and ensure that local emergency services will not become overloaded.
Numerous rescues are performed on the famed Appalachian Trail by area first responders each year, a factor that Bradshaw took into consideration while planning for an uncertain future. Towns County declared a State of Emergency on March 24, a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Hiawassee is the first official town that the hikers reach when traveling north on the Appalachian Trail, or the last town on the long journey south. The Appalachian Trail extends through 14 states, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. An estimated 2 to 3 million visitors walk portions of the trail each year, including a few hundred who complete the entire 2,190-mile trek. Hikers often exit the trail to venture into Hiawassee at Dick’s Creek Gap, located next to Highway 76 in the eastern portion of Towns County.
Continue to follow FYN for updates on the potential closure of the Appalachian Trail.
Speaker Ralston asks Raffensperger to move Georgia Primary
Featured, News March 26, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston (Ga -7) sent a letter to Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) asking him to please move Georgia’s May 19th primary due to novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
In the letter, Ralston asserts that he would like the primary to be moved to a date of June 23 or later. He cites several other southern states that have already moved their May Primaries to June or July as a precautionary measure to keep the public safe.
An exert from the letter below:
“At the present time, our state, the entire nation and the world are confronted by a public health emergency of unprecedented magnitude.
Our prayer is that we will be on the other side of this difficult period sooner rather than later. However, the inescapable truth is that we do not know the duration of the immediate health peril. Reputable scientists and physicians cannot agree on its duration.
All of which means that the precautionary measures recommended by the CDC and adopted in executive order by Governor Kemp will continue for an unknown period of time.”
The Georgia Speaker of the House also addresses the right to vote as one of America’s “cherished freedoms” and it “should be free of impact from circumstances which create obstacles to its exercise.”
The May 19th primary puts Georgia over a month ahead of anyone else in the south.
View the full letter here. Secretary Raffensperger 3 26 2020
On Tuesday, March 24, Raffensperger announced that the Secretary of State’s Office would be mailing out absentee ballots to 6.9 Georgia voters for the May 19th primary. This was his answer to ensuring the health of Georgia voters and poll workers during the pandemic.
In a press release issued by Raffensperger on the absentee ballots, he said,
“Times of turbulence and upheaval like the one we Georgians face require decisive action if the liberties we hold so dear are to be preserved,” said Raffensperger. “I am acting today because the people of Georgia, from the earliest settlers to heroes like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Congressman John Lewis, have fought too long and too hard for their right to vote to have it curtailed. Georgia has faced challenges before and overcome them, and we can do so again through the grit and ingenuity that has made America a shining example for democracies around the world.”
In the 2016 and 2018 November elections, around 95 percent of Georgia voters opted to cast their ballot in person versus the 5 percent who did so by mail. With social distancing as the most important tool for limiting the spread of coronavirus, providing alternatives to voting in person is crucial. All Georgia voters can request and vote an absentee ballot for any reason.
While Secretary Raffensperger is encouraging as many voters as possible to vote by mail, some rely on in-person voting to exercise their right to vote privately and securely. People without internet or mail access, such as those experiencing homelessness; Georgians who need language assistance; and people with disabilities who rely on voting machines to cast their ballot will still be able to do so in person on the state’s new voting system. Additionally, research from the Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law shows that eliminating “in-person voting could disproportionately disenfranchise Black, Latino, and young voters”. Their right to vote too needs protection.
To that end, Raffensperger is taking extra steps to limit the threat of COVID-19 at the polling place. Poll workers will receive additional resources to clean the equipment regularly. In-person voters who show up to vote in person will be instructed to maintain a safe distance when waiting to vote.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger
These measures will protect poll workers as well. Understanding the extra risk Georgia’s generally elderly poll workers face, Raffensperger is working to help counties hire more and younger poll workers. Extra staff will allow those who feel sick to be absent from the polls without significantly impacting continuity while a younger pool of workers will increase resiliency in the face of the COVID-19 threat.
Towns County asks visitors to ‘stay home’ as crisis grows
News March 25, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga.- As the COVID-19 crisis sweeps the nation, Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw is asking tourists to think twice before visiting the area. As mountain residents struggle to find items that were once in ready supply at the county’s lone grocery store, the anxiety of travelers introducing the deadly virus to a highly susceptible community is a viable threat.
Towns County declared a State of Emergency in response to the growing pandemic.
In a county with limited healthcare options – combined with a steep senior population – Commissioner Bradshaw made it perfectly clear that the safety of residents, first responders, and healthcare providers is his top priority.
“I called Senator (John) Wilkerson,” Bradshaw said on Tuesday. “We had a long conversation and I asked him to please make it known to the Governor of Georgia Brian Kemp that we love our tourists. We do. We love our tourists. We love our visitors, right? Right now is not the time for visitors. We don’t want visitors right now. When this is over, we’ll welcome them with open arms.”
Click to read: Visitors flock to Towns County from heavy-hit areas
The commissioner explained that while he would require assistance from Governor Kemp and the Georgia Department of Public Health to legally “close the county down,” Bradshaw hopes that visitors will heed the advice of local, state, and national leaders and remain at home.
“We don’t need people flocking up here, you know, we don’t need that. For their health and ours,” Bradshaw said. “And the second thing I told Senator Wilkerson is please, talk to the governor and close the Appalachian Trail. If you get somebody on the trail and they don’t know they have this virus, and maybe it’s the third day into the trail and they become sick, our public safety has to go get them. That’s putting a strain on our public safety now and also exposing them to a virus.”
In a county that reaps the economic benefits of tourism, Bradshaw stressed that he will spare no expense when it comes to the health and safety of Towns County’s citizens and staff.
“We love our tourists. We want them back,” Bradshaw said. “But right now they need to stay home. So I’m just making that clear.” Bradshaw received high approval and appreciation from residents on social media following his bold stance. Towns County declared a State of Emergency on March 24, 2020, in response to the unprecedented health crisis, closing restaurant dining and numerous, at-risk businesses.
Appalachian Trail Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw coronavirus COVID-19 tourists Towns County State of Emergency
Kemp Closes K-12 Public Schools Through April 24
Announcements, News, Press Release March 26, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp issued Executive Order 03.26.20.02 closing public elementary and secondary schools for in-person instruction through April 24, 2020. Students may return to school on Monday, April 27, 2020.
“I am deeply grateful to State School Superintendent Richard Woods, the Georgia Department of Education, superintendents, and parents for keeping us informed and helping us make the right decision for our students,” said Governor Kemp. “Throughout this process, we will continue to seek the advice of public health officials, school leaders, and families to ensure the health and safety of the educational community. As we approach April 24, 2020, we ask for continued patience and flexibility since circumstances may change, but we encourage families to stay strong and follow the guidance of federal, state, and local leaders in the weeks ahead.”
The University System of Georgia and Technical College System of Georgia will remain closed for in-person instruction through the rest of the semester since students have already transitioned to all online learning.
To read Kemp’s latest update on the COVID-19 in Georgia, click here.
VIDEO: Towns County declares State of Emergency
News March 24, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Towns County declared a State of Emergency on March 24, 2020, in order to protect the health of its citizens. Effective at noon on Friday, March 26 through April 6, 2020, restaurants within Towns County are ordered to close with the exception of drive-thru, delivery, or curbside service. Restrictions do not apply to hospital cafeterias, nursing homes or similar facilities.
Video below
Establishments licensed to sell beer or wine may continue to sell alcohol by the drink in sealed containers without obtaining an additional license. The sale of beer or wine, however, must be incidental to the sale of food and cannot be sold separately.
All establishments offering body care services that require bodily contact between the provider and client shall be closed for business. Businesses include barbering, hair design, cosmetology, massage therapy, tattooing, body waxing, tanning salons, and nail studios. Restrictions do not apply to services offered by a licensed healthcare provider.
The City of Hiawassee and City of Young Harris enacted identical measures. Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby was in attendance, and in agreeance with the actions taken. Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales announced that city services will not be disconnected for 45 days due to customer non-payment, reminding residents that bills can be paid via dropbox at city hall, online, or by check.
There are no curfews in place at this time.
Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw strongly urged citizens to remain at home unless absolutely necessary, discouraging visitors and tourists from visiting the area until the threat of the virus is under control. Bradshaw stated that the State of Emergency may extend beyond April 6, depending on circumstances, and that more stringent measures may be enforced in response to the pandemic.
Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith, Hiawassee City Clerk Bonnie Kendrick, and Towns County Health Department Manager Laura Ide attended the called-meeting.
Continue to follow FYN for dedicated coverage of the COVID-19 crisis as developments occur.
Click to view Towns County closings
Visitors flock to Towns County from heavy-hit areas
News March 23, 2020
HIAWASSEE. Ga. – In recent days, FYN received a volume of reports from local citizens concerned with the surge of visitors from areas heavily afflicted with COVID-19. While Towns County is home to many part-time residents, several sweeps through the parking lot of the area’s lone grocery store on any given day or time confirmed a near 50/50 mix of local to out-of-state and metro-Atlanta license plates, with shoppers in search of food and supplies. Likewise, lodging accommodations are seeing a sharp spike in renters hoping to “shelter-in-place” away from urban environments. In an area that welcomes tourists with open arms, local residents are warning of potential repercussions in the midst of the pandemic.
An Atlanta resident appeals to fellow citizens on social media.
In a Georgia county with the top concentration of senior citizens, the demographic most vulnerable to virus complications, some fear not only shortages but the evident health risks involved with travel. While Towns County remains free of a confirmed coronavirus case at the time of publication, health officials warn that it is a matter of when, not if, COVID-19 arrives.
In reaction to an FYN report from Chief Medical Officer David Rearick of Onecare who focused on the dire consequences that may be in store for Fannin and Union counties, Towns County residents weighed-in. “This is how we should be looking at it in Towns County, also based on the population and any people that have immersed themselves in our community to escape their own, only to bring it with them,” Kelley Denton wrote.
“I’m curious about something,” John Dills asked in a social media group on Sunday. “With the governor refusing to take any steps towards a quarantine, and tourists who don’t see the necessity of staying home, can our city and county officials do anything to stop the influx of travelers until this virus is under control?”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp stated in a press conference last Thursday that the decision to close businesses or implement additional measures has been delegated to local officials.
Across the state border in nearby Graham County, N.C. officials are doing just that. In response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in neighboring Cherokee County, lodging accommodations were ordered to close on March 23, and travel restrictions – allowing only property owners and those conducting legitimate business to enter its border – are scheduled to go into effect on March 27. For similar measures to take place in Georgia counties, a local declaration of emergency is the initial step in following suit. While Towns County officials have given no indication of enacting such at press time, FYN remains confident that local leaders are diligently monitoring the unfolding situation.
Last week, Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw stated that the county was in “phase one” of mitigation. “My department heads have been working on this for a couple of weeks for where we’re at right now, for these closings, how we’re handling it, how we’re handling our employees,” Bradshaw said. “If it gets worse, and it possibly could and we pray that it don’t, but if it gets worse and we get people in the county that’s affected with it and showing positive to the virus, we are working now – the department heads and myself – on the next phase.”
Towns County Emergency Management Agency stated on Monday that the issue has been documented with the State.
County officials continue to urge calm, discouraging citizens from engaging in online speculation.
FYN remains in remote contact with Towns County authorities on a continual basis, vowing to provide now-news updates throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw coronavirus COVID-19 Graham County NC state of emergency Towns County virus travel
Young Harris College addresses students on campus closure
News March 22, 2020
“Dear Mountain Lion family,
Though we find ourselves in difficult times, I am continually amazed by the many acts of kindness and of grace that I witness among you every day. Whether it is a faculty member creating new course content on no notice to ensure that we keep offering instruction, a peer tutor learning how to use videoconferencing to keep assisting fellow students, or a staff member putting in long hours to answer every emailed question individually, I am in awe of your resilience and your extraordinary decency. You have made me proud to be a Mountain Lion since the day I set foot in the Enchanted Valley, but never more so than now.
The strength I see in our community makes me confident that we will weather this storm, though doing so will be no easy task. The danger of COVID-19 to our students, our faculty and staff, our loved ones, and the people of Towns County and the region is real. It poses a fundamental threat to lives and livelihoods. As President, it is my duty to do all in my power to mitigate this threat to our community. Therefore, today I announce that all spring 2020 courses will be offered online for the rest of the semester, and the May 9 Commencement ceremony will be postponed until a later date to be determined.
I understand that these actions will leave many of you feeling disappointed, disillusioned or angry. You are right to feel as you do. You didn’t become a Mountain Lion for online classes or conference call advising sessions. You became a Mountain Lion for exceptional classroom experiences and for one-on-one conversations in professors’ offices, for board games in The Towers’ common spaces and marshmallow roasts by The Village, for study sessions in the Miller Library and for games on Miller Field. All of these have been taken from you, and for that, I am profoundly sorry. Please know that I would not have made these decisions were there any other option, but with the health and safety of every member of our community at risk, this was necessary.
You will have questions. My team is still working on answers. Disaster management is typically organized into four phases: prevention, preparation, response and recovery. We are still responding to circumstances that change rapidly, and we will not have answers to all your questions until we have begun recovering from this pandemic. I ask for your continued patience as we work through a reality that was unimaginable to many of us just a few weeks ago.
To ensure that we limit the potential for transmission of the virus, the campus will be closed to all but essential staff. If you previously chose to stay on campus, you will be required to return home; exceptions will be approved only in extraordinary circumstances. If you left materials in your room, you will not be allowed to retrieve them until the Student Development staff can develop protocols for all residential students to do so safely. You should expect specific information about these and other procedures early next week. Again, please be patient.
In closing, I want to address the members of the Senior Class. You have been particularly affected by this emergency. You’ve been planning for Baccalaureate, for Vespers, and for Commencement for years now, and you feel that they’ve all been taken from you. Though they won’t happen as we all had hoped, we will make them happen somehow. I promise.
Stay strong, Mountain Lions, Drew L. Van Horn, Ph.D. President”
Volunteer for COVID-19 Response
Featured, Health March 24, 2020
Volunteer for COVID-19 Response
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is receiving offers from medical
professionals and other individuals looking for ways to help with the COVID-19 response. An
effective response relies on volunteers who are pre-credentialed and organized. Georgia
Responds is Georgia’s health and medical volunteer program which matches the skills and
credentials of medical and nonmedical volunteers to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in
Georgia.
Medical volunteers may be used to answer medical questions coming into the COVID-19
hotline, or assist at test specimen collection sites. Nonmedical volunteers may be used in
administrative roles at either the call-center or test collection sites, or provide interpretation or
other skills as needed.
To volunteer, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/georgia-responds and click on the “Register
Now” box. Registering only takes a few minutes. Prospective volunteers will be asked for their
name, address, contact information and occupation type. In order to be eligible for some
assignments, responders are encouraged to complete a profile summary, which includes skills
and certifications, training, medical history, emergency contact and deployment preferences
Once your skills and credentials are reviewed, you will be notified by a DPH representative.
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 6 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 the COVID-19 situation as it develops, follow @GaDPH, @GeorgiaEMA, and
@GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH, @GEMA.OHS, and @GovKemp on Facebook.
For information about COVID-19, visit https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Towns County suspends ‘non-essential’ expenditures
News March 20, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – In response and preparation, Towns County has suspended all “non-essential” government spending due to the COVID-19 crisis plaguing the nation. As a county that depends heavily on tourism dollars, the local economy has begun to suffer significant financial loss.
“As the county continues to take measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus within our community, there will be no unexpected expenditures. Due to the decrease of tourists’ activity and local social distancing, we also expect a significant decrease in revenues; sales tax, alcohol tax, fees for services, etc,” Towns County Finance Director Andrea Anderson announced to elected officials and department heads. “As no one really has any idea how long the country will face this pandemic event, it is imperative that we take action now in order to ensure that the county can continue to operate and protect the citizens of our community during this pandemic event.”
If an expenditure is not “absolutely imperative to operations,” it will be postponed until the pandemic is under control and the local economy increases, even if previously budgeted. Likewise, out-of-town training has been suspended unless deemed necessary.
Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw
“This is going to be very expensive,” Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw said, adding that the county’s main concern is to protect the health and well-being of its citizens and government employees. “We do have a rainy day fund. The county does have emergency money that we have saved…We’re not in a panic mode, nothing like that, but it is time to start watching our money right now because we don’t know how long this is gonna last.”
Thanks to prior planning for unexpected events by the county’s former commissioner, Bill Kendall, Towns County has maintained an emergency reserve fund in excess of $3 million since Bradshaw was elected to office in 2016.
Continue to follow FYN for local updates on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Andrea Anderson - Financial Director Bill Kendall Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw coronavirus COVID-19 economy finances pandemic Towns County reserve
UPDATE: Gov. Kemp instructs medically at-risk individuals to shelter in place
Featured Stories, State & National March 23, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – In a March 23 press conference, Gov. Kemp issued multiple executive orders and asked for the public’s help to ensure everyone is following CDC and Georgia Department of Health (DPH) guidelines during the country’s self-quarantine.
While Kemp is still hesitant to shut down all non-essential businesses or institute a statewide mandatory quarantine, he did issue an executive order to all medically fragile individuals to shelter in place. He listed off these individuals: the elderly, underlying conditions, cancer patients, or anyone suspected of having COVID-19.
In another executive order, Kemp closed all bars and nightclubs in the state and banned large gatherings (more than 10).
Kemp also said to fellow Georgians that if they see anyone not following the CDC of DPH guidelines, “call them out or report them to us.” He seemed prepared to take action against anyone not listening to his instructions or taking COVID-19 seriously.
“Fight this virus with everything you got,” stated Kemp toward the end of his press conference.
Georgians can also call the DPH COVID-19 hotline at (844) 442-2681. If they believe that they’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact their primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Do not show up at a clinic or emergency room unannounced.
Georgia now has 23 referral-only testing facilities in the state. Kemp released the location of the facilities in a tweet.
We now have 23 referral-only test sites across the state. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/lm37lPPP4J
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) March 23, 2020
Update from March 15, 2020 below
Gov. Kemp, Georgia Department of Health (DPH), and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) started construction of a quarantine zone in Monroe County on March 14, 2020. Additionally, the Georgia General Assembly ratified the executive order declaring a Public Health State of Emergency.
“This is one of many measures that we’re taking to prepare for any scenario,” said Gov. Kemp. “I appreciate the hard work of GEMA, DPH, and Monroe County officials to protect the health and safety of all Georgians.”
Gov. Brian Kemp
The quarantine space is for people who are unable to self-isolate and is located in the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) Campus in Monroe County. The quarantine space will be able to accommodate twenty temporary housing units. No patients are currently located at the facility.
Monroe County is working with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and GPSTC officials to ensure the facility will meet the needs of potential patients while protecting the health and safety of Monroe County residents.
Public Health Emergency Ratification
Kemp can now officially enforce all laws, rules, and regulations associated with the emergency; assume control of all state civil forces and helpers; seize property temporarily for public’s protection; exercise other duties deemed necessary for safety; use all the resources available of the state government; direct evacuation; suspend of alcohol, explosives, and combustibles; and provide temporary housing if applicable.
Since this is a public health emergency, Kemp also has the ability to “implement a mandatory vaccination or quarantine” in accordance with O.C.G.A. Code 38-3-51(i)(2). The Georgia Department of Health (DPH) already has this capability to mandate quarantine and vaccinations.
Additionally, Kemp can direct DPH’s efforts to coordinate the department’s response to the crisis from risk assessments, mitigation, responses, and recovery throughout the state.
The General Assembly also granted Kemp the ability to extend the state of emergency if the elected representative body can’t convene in time.
Original Article:
On Saturday morning, Governor Brian Kemp officially declared Georgia’s first Public Health Emergency, freeing up resources and granting additional powers to Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA). The General Assembly will vote on the executive order on Monday.
A Public Health Emergency is enacted when an infectious disease/illness presents an imminent threat and can potentially result in a high number of deaths and/or exposure could harm large amounts of people.
So, what exactly does this executive order entail for Georgians? In short, it guarantees a continuous supply of medical goods and other emergency materials, as well as giving DPH and GEMA powers to “taken any action necessary to protect the public’s health” with the governor’s permission.
The department of public health is authorized to “actively monitor” persons under investigation (PUI), including a risk assessment within 24 hours of identification, and twice-daily temperature checks for 14 days or until a negative test result.
Here’s the entire executive order for those who want to review it.
These actions include “implementing quarantine, isolation, and other necessary public health interventions in accordance with O.C.G.A. Code 31-12-4 and Code 38-3-51(i)(2) or as other authorized by law.
O.C.G.A. Code 31-12-4 addresses isolation and segregation of diseased persons stating the DPH and county boards can isolate or quarantine individuals suspected of harboring infectious diseases, or until they test negative for the contagion. The department also must widely publicize the rules and regulations for the quarantine.
O.C.G.A. Code 38-3-51(i)(2) lists the due processes afforded to those in quarantine and seeks to leave before the department of public health gives the okay.
Additionally, the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan is activated. DPH and GEMA must coordinate with state, federal, and local government, recovery operations, mitigation, emergency response activities, CDC, and the release of the national stockpile of goods.
The public must also be informed about public health operations, including education and prevention measures.
Commercial vehicles have certain restrictions lifted, so they can operate more freely to move supplies throughout the state.
Georgia Board of Nurses and Georgia Composite Medical Board can grant temporary licenses to applicants that are in good standing with an equivalent board in another state.
All state and local healthcare facilities, physicians, clinics, and personnel must comply with the governor’s orders.
Price gouging on products on goods and services necessary in this public health emergency is prohibited.
The Georgia National Guard was called in on March 14 to assist in the crisis.
The executive order expires on April 13, 2020, unless Gov. Kemp renews it.
Copy of Gov. Kemp Special Session proclamation.
Local nursing home requests letters from children
News March 19, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Many of Towns County’s most vulnerable residents, its senior citizens, are facing an added burden from the COVID-19 outbreak; loneliness. Brasstown Manor Retirement Community in Hiawassee closed its doors to visitors March 16, and the facility is requesting mail from the community to brighten its residents’ days during this difficult time. With students on leave from on-campus school, the gesture could provide a creative and meaningful exchange for children as well.
Residents of Brasstown Manor are sending messages to family members on Facebook with the help of staff.
“Why not write letters/draw cards for the elderly communities that are not able to see their loved ones during this difficult time,” Marketing Director of Brasstown Manor asked. “With that being said, the staff of Brasstown Manor will be accepting any letters/cards that children (or adults) would like to send! Feel free to drop them by the front door or you can mail them to the following address:
Attention Hannah Allen
108 Church Street
Hiawassee, GA 30546
“We would absolutely love to see the smiles that cross their faces and we will even post pictures of their reactions,” Allen said. “Let’s spread some joy and love during this extremely trying time.”
Do you know of good things happening in Towns County? Email [email protected]
Click for additional Towns County news
Ask the Doc! All things Covid-19
Health March 20, 2020
#BKP and Dr. William Whaley are joined by Dr. Raymond Tidman to discuss all things Covid-19.
Georgia Receives SBA Statewide Disaster Declaration
News, State & National March 19, 2020
Atlanta, GA – On March 18, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Georgia has received an official statewide disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This declaration will provide assistance in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans to impacted small businesses in all 159 counties in Georgia.
“This is great news for Georgia small business owners,” said Governor Kemp. “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 business and non-profit organizations. While terms will be established on a case-by-case basis, many will have a thirty-year repayment term with first payments not due for up to twelve 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%.
For more information, concerning Kemp’s action’s during COVID-19, click here.