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For a complete look at federal and state action related to the coronavirus, visit MWC’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Facts and Resources website.
Georgia General Assembly — Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Georgia Action on COVID-19
March 19
Atlanta mayor signs executive order limiting restaurants to take-out, closing bars and gyms
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced Thursday that she has signed an executive order limiting restaurants to take out service, closing bars, gyms, and other areas of gathering.
Georgia virus death toll rises to 10, total cases at 287
Georgia’s death toll from the coronavirus jumped to 10 on Thursday as state health officials also reported a sizable increase in the number of confirmed infections statewide.
Georgia DPH COVID-19 Daily Status Report
Small businesses in Georgia impacted by the coronavirus can get emergency disaster loans
Governor Brian Kemp announced Georgia has received an official statewide disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration. This declaration will provide assistance in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans to impacted small businesses in all 159 counties in Georgia.
Georgia Department of Education works to keep students safe, fed, and learning during COVID-19 outbreak
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues and all Georgia public school facilities are closed, many resources are available to students, parents and families to ensure children have access to food and learning opportunities.
Georgia power gives 1$M to support state COVID recovery
The Georgia Power Foundation, Inc. is investing $1 million in 2020 to support the state of Georgia in addressing the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Georgia Power continues to provide safe, reliable energy for its customers and works to ensure the safety and health of its employees, the company has recognized the strain the global health crisis has put on many families and individuals across the communities it serves.
March 18
Georgia opens first drive-thru COVID-19 testing site
Georgia’s first drive-thru COVID-19 testing site began, receiving participants at Jim Miller Park in Marietta on Wednesday afternoon.
Gov. Kemp signs budget including $100 million for fighting coronavirus
Gov. Brian Kemp signed Georgia’s amended fiscal year 2020 budget that will dip into the state’s rainy-day fund for $100 million that can be spent to combat COVID-19.
March 17
PSA from Gov. Kemp (recording)
State and Local Government: Community Development Services Updates
Additional Action to Assist Individuals Impacted by COVID-19
March 16
Kemp Executive Order
Kemp Executive Order – Closing public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools from March 18, 2020 to March 31, 2020 to stop the spread of COVID-19
Superintendent Woods suspends state testing administration, accountability requirements; other COVID-19 updates
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues and many public schools are closed to ensure the safety of students and staff, State School Superintendent Richard Woods is suspending the following until further notice:
- State assessment window/administration (including Georgia Milestones EOGs and EOCs, the Georgia Alternate Assessment/GAA 2.0, and all other required testing
- Teacher and leader evaluation (TKES/LKES) requirements and reporting
- State-level attendance-related consequences (including CCRPI, TKES/LKES, School Climate Star Rating, and make-up day requirements)
GCMB Emergency Practice Permit/Temp License in response to COVID-19
The Georgia Composite Medical Board announced today that it may approve and issue “emergency practice permits” to physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, and respiratory care professionals who wish to practice medicine during the public health emergency response to novel coronavirus, known as “COVID-19.”
University System of Georgia moving all classes online for remainder of semester
This includes Georgia Southern University, Savannah State University, East Georgia State College, and College of Coastal Georgia.
Directive from Georgia Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner
March 14
Kemp Executive Order
Authorizing the call of the Georgia National Guard to State Active Duty for preparation and response for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Kemp Executive Order
Declaring a Public Health State of Emergency for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Kemp declares public health emergency; 66 coronavirus cases in Ga.
March 12
Gov. Brian Kemp’s coronavirus task force confirms first virus-related death in Georgia
A member of Gov. Brian Kemp’s Coronavirus Task Force has confirmed that the state of Georgia has its first death from the 2019 novel coronavirus. New information from the Governor’s office was released about the vicitm, a 67-year-old male who was hospitalized at WellStar Kennestone and tested positive for COVID-19 on March 7.
Kemp advises against elderly people going to church
Gov. Brian Kemp in an afternoon press conference said the state’s message is changing, and that elderly Georgians and those with chronic and underlying conditions face “much higher risk of adverse consequences from exposure to coronavirus.”
March 2
Gov. Kemp: 2 coronavirus patients in Georgia
Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey said the patients live in Fulton County and contacted their doctor once one of them returned and felt sick.
Kemp: First Georgia COVID-19 death in Atlanta area and telework for most state workers
With Georgia reporting its first death from the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is banning non-essential state travel and asking state workers to telework if possible. Kemp also urged schools and daycares to consider closing for two weeks but did not make it mandatory.
February 28
New Coronavirus Task Force Named By Gov. Kemp
Gov. Brian Kemp announced Friday a new coronavirus task force for Georgia. It will assess the state’s preparations and procedures for preventing, identifying, and if needed, addressing cases of COVID-19.