Coronavirus Disease in Atlanta
On March 2nd, Governor Brian Kemp alongside many other state officials confirmed and announced Georgia’s first case of coronavirus disease. The Georgia Department of Public Health has been and will be very closely monitoring the Covid-19 outbreak and its impact on Georgia communities. In the meantime, there are ongoing investigations taking place to study how the virus is transmitted and how to prevent its spread.
The next day, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the city of Atlanta’s response and plans to prepare for the pandemic that will soon sweep over the city’s highly populated area. Mayor Bottoms issued a temporary stay-in-place order to curb the rising statistics. In her Executive Order, non-essential gatherings are prohibited while essential business, essential activities, and essential infrastructure are permitted if only by following social distancing rules. This order is set to stay in place until midnight on May 27th.
On April 7, 2020, Mayor Bottoms announced several rent relief efforts for seniors, families, and other residents who have lost income as a result of the pandemic. Those who are affected can certify their current income. If approved, a rent reduction will be issued depending on circumstance and situation for the months of April and May. Because isolating at home is so crucial to fighting coronavirus disease, Mayor Bottoms is providing help to those whose home situation is jeopardized.
Coronavirus Guidelines in Atlanta
It is recommended that citizens should wash hands often, use cloth face coverings when possible, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
If you have coronavirus symptoms, please quarantine effectively. If you want to get tested, call your state or local health department or a medical provider:
Georgia Department of Health: 844-442-2681
Fulton County Board of Health: 404-613-8150
DeKalb County Board of Health: 404-294-3700, Press 1 for Covid-19 related matters. After hours, call 1-844-442-2681
To find a 30-minute drive-thru testing center near you, visit: MinuteClinic
Check: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Corona’s Imprint on Healthcare 2020
The future of Covid-19 in Atlanta
As of Friday, June 12, Fulton County reported 4,638 total cases of Coronavirus and 242 deaths. While the caseload is not necessarily decreasing, Governor Kemp signed the executive order ” Empowering a Healthy Georgia” that ends Georgia’s Shelter in Place for those 65 or older on Thursday, June 11. Along with ending the shelter in place orders, “Empowering a Healthy Georgia” reduces restrictions on many other activities as well.
Gatherings
Gatherings of more than 50 people are still banned unless there are 6 feet of space between each person.
Restaurants and Dining Rooms
Effective on June 16 restaurants and dining rooms no longer have a party maximum for the number of people who can sit together. There is no limit on the number of customers allowed per square foot either.
Overnight Camps
Effective on June 16, campers and workers may not attend an overnight summer camp unless they have received a negative COVID-19 test within twelve days prior to starting camp.
Conventions
Effective on July 1, conventions can occur if it meets 21 specific requirements. A convention is outlined in the order as “an organized event of more than 100 persons that are required to register or obtain a license to gather for a common purpose at a single indoor facility or grouping of indoor facilities for more than four hours and in some cases for more than one day” and “shall include exhibitions, trade shows, conferences, and business retreats.”
Live Performance Venues
Effective on July 1, “live performance venues” may reopen for business if it complies with specific criteria based on whether it is designated as Tier I, II, or III.
Movie Theaters
Effective June 16, indoor movie theater and cinemas no longer have a limit on the number of people who may sit together at a party.
May be interested: Price Transparency 2020 – The Cost comparison of Healthcare Providers in the USA
Personal Care Businesses
Walk-ins are also now allowed at body art studios, barbershops, hair salons, their respective schools, massage therapy establishments, and tanning facilities subject to specific requirements
Mayor Bottoms issued an Executive Order giving a $7 million emergency fund to “support food programs for children and seniors, homeless preparedness, support to small businesses, and assistance to hourly wage earners and other areas.”
The full reopening orders for the city of Atlanta can be found here: Reopening Orders
It’s true, Covid-19 is testing the city of Atlanta like no other pandemic we’ve seen before. While we can’t do anything about coronavirus, we can do something about how you seek treatment for Covid-19 in Atlanta. At ZeaMed, our goal is to make healthcare simpler and more affordable for everyone, especially those who are underinsured, uninsured, or unemployed. Search and compare healthcare near you at ZeaMed.com and see how much you can save. We’re here to help our city get better.
Also read: Why Healthcare Price Transparency Could Save the World?
Sources:
Coronavirus news-Atlanta, Georgia
Covid-19 response in the city of Atlanta
Media Advisories
Healthcare FAQ’s