Table of Contents
- Coronavirus Hotline
- About the Coronavirus
- Testing
- Announcements from Governor Kemp
- Gov. Kemp on Opening Parts of Georgia's Economy
- Kemp Releases Standards for Restaurants to Resume Dine-in Service
- Interim Guidance for K-12 Schools
- Scams
- List of Georgia PPE Suppliers
- How to Donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Veterans
- Telephone Townhall
- Travel Information
Coronavirus Hotline: (844)-442-2681
The State of Georgia has a COVID-19 hotline. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor, an urgent care clinic, or your local federally qualified healthcare center. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.
About the Coronavirus
- Read More About Symptoms
- If You Think You Are Sick
- How to Prepare Your Family
Testing
From the CDC website: CDC has developed a new laboratory test kit for use in testing patient specimens for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19. The test kit is called the “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase (RT)-PCR Diagnostic Panel.” READ MORE
Announcements from Governor Kemp
Shelter In Place
Bars and Nightclubs
Summer Camps
Gov. Kemp on Opening Parts of Georgia's Economy
"Given the favorable data, enhanced testing, and approval of our healthcare professionals, we will allow gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians, their respective schools, and massage therapists to reopen their doors this Friday, April 24, 2020. Unlike other businesses, these entities have been unable to manage inventory, deal with payroll, and take care of administrative items while we shelter in place. This measure allows them to undertake baseline operations that most other businesses in the state have maintained since I issued the shelter-in-place order.
"This measure will apply statewide and will be the operational standard in all jurisdictions. This means local action cannot be taken that is more or less restrictive. Over the next few days, we will continue to closely monitor existing and potential hotspots in our state. I stay in regular contact with local leaders across Georgia, especially those in Dougherty County, to ensure that we are providing adequate support. Right now, in Albany and Dougherty County, we are starting to see improvements. I talk to Commission Chairman Chris Cohilas on a regular basis to see if further action is warranted. Rest assured, if any community needs the state to intervene, we will do so with their input and partnership.
"The next point is an important one. The entities that I am reopening are not reopening for 'business as usual.' Each of these entities will be subject to specific restrictions, including adherence to Minimum Basic Operations, social distancing, and regular sanitation. Minimum Basic Operations includes, but is not limited to, screening workers for fever and respiratory illness, enhancing workplace sanitation, wearing masks and gloves if appropriate, separating workspaces by at least six feet, teleworking where at all possible, and implementing staggered shifts.
"Subject to specific social distancing and sanitation mandates, theaters, private social clubs, and restaurant dine-in services will be allowed to reopen on Monday, April 27. We will release more information in the next few days. Bars, nightclubs, operators of amusement park rides, and live performance venues will remain closed. In the days ahead, we will be evaluating the data and conferring with public health officials to determine the best course of action for those establishments. By taking this measured action, we will get Georgians back to work safely without undermining the progress that we have all made in the battle against COVID-19.
"Today’s announcement is a small step forward and should be treated as such. The shelter in place order is still active and will expire at 11:59 PM on April 30 for most Georgians. We urge everyone to continue to follow CDC and DPH guidance by sheltering in place as often as you can. Limit your travel and limit who goes with you on errands to prevent potential exposure. If possible, wear face masks or cloth coverings when you are in public to slow the spread of coronavirus. For medically fragile and elderly Georgians, make plans to shelter in place at least through May 13 – the date Georgia’s Public Health Emergency expires. READ MORE
Kemp releases standards for restaurants to resume dine-in service
From the AJC: "Gov. Brian Kemp issued guidelines Thursday for restaurants to resume dine-in service next week, forging ahead with his plan to ease coronavirus restrictions despite opposition from President Donald Trump, Democratic leaders and health experts.
The guidelines require restaurants that want to reopen Monday to adhere to 39 guidelines, including screening employees for signs of illness, requiring all staffers to wear face masks at all times and limiting capacity to no more than 10 patrons per 500 square feet." READ MORE (Official Guidance PDF)
Interim Guidance for K-12 Schools
From the CDC's website: This interim guidance is intended for administrators of public and private child care programs and K-12 schools. Administrators are individuals who oversee the daily operations of child care programs and K-12 schools, and may include positions like child care program directors, school district superintendents, principals, and assistant principals. This guidance is intended for administrators at both the school/facility and district level. READ MORE
Scams
Hang Up on robocalls - Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes.
Verify Information - Contact trusted sources to confirm information is correct. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov.
Know who you're buying from - Online sellers may claim to have in demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they don't.
Don't click on links from sources you don't know - They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
Do your homework - Don't let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don't do it.
Know of possible Coronavirus fraud? Then call the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF): 1-866-720-5721
List of Georgia PPE Suppliers, CLICK HERE
From the Georgia Department of Public Health: Disclaimer Statement: The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is collecting information from Georgia companies that indicate they are producing essential medical supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. GDEcD is sharing these companies’ information with Georgia’s units of local government and other potential in-state buyers of these essential medical supplies merely as a courtesy. The following product information and addresses were submitted by private companies to GDEcD, and this list does not constitute an endorsement of any particular company or product by the State or by GDEcD. GDEcD does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy of this information, or as to the quality or quantity of the products offered by these companies. Buyers use this information at their own risk. Buyers are encouraged to contact the companies directly, for product specifications, delivery options, and other information required for executing a purchase. Buyers are cautioned to make their own determinations regarding supplier responsibility, including but not limited to assessing whether the supplier has appropriate financial, organization and operational capacity, appropriate legal authority to do business in Georgia, a satisfactory record of integrity, and an acceptable performance record on past contracts. READ MORE
How to Donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
"Without Personal Protective Equipment, doctors and nurses have a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 or another illness that could surely sideline them from being able to help others," said Congressman Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga). "These individuals are on the front lines fighting the spread of the Coronavirus, so it is vital they have what they need, like PPE, to protect themselves. If you are a manufacturing company, construction company, or a school, with PPE that you can donate, please contact your local hospital or call my office. Every single piece of equipment donated will help.”
To Donate: If you are a manufacturer or distributor, please CLICK HERE, or
If you are an individual, please contact your local hospital or call Rep Loudermilk's office in Woodstock, Georgia: 770-429-1776
Veterans (Updated: March 22, 2020)
Atlanta VA Situation Update: In this time of crisis, the safety of our Veterans and staff is our number one priority. In order to minimize exposure to COVID-19, outpatient clinics and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) will be open for telehealth appointments only. No face to face visits will be conducted. Veterans are encouraged to schedule a virtual appointment by using My HealtheVet. In case of an emergency, Veterans should call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room. Please contact our Telephone Advice Program (TAP) at 404-329-2222 if you need medical advice or have a question. READ MORE
Telephone Townhall
On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, Rep. Loudermilk hosted a telephone townhall on the Coronavirus with Dr. Zachary Taylor, the Health Director for North Georgia Health (District’s 1 & 2), and Mr. Pete Quinones, President and CEO of Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
Travel Information
- Georgia Travel Updates & Notices
