Coronavirus Updates: Georgia Cases Top 3,000, Deaths Hit 100

Despite orders for people to avoid public gatherings in the region, Albany Mayor Bo Dorough told a news conference Monday he’s still fielding complains about residents playing basketball in parks and hanging out at convenience stores. Bill Mathis, the elected chairman of neighboring Lee County, urged people to minimize trips outside their homes.

“When you go to the grocery store, please don’t take your family,” Mathis said. He urged residents to get outside for walks and bike rides, at a safe distance from neighbors, “so you don’t go stir crazy.”

Officials in Savannah and surrounding Chatham County announced that any visitors arriving by plane, train or bus will be have their temperatures checked and face questions aimed at identifying anyone with COVID-19 symptoms who may need to self-quarantine. Checkpoints for screening travelers are expected to open in a few days. The job should be less arduous considering the outbreak has already caused a steep drop in travel.

“The airport normally has several thousand people come through there each day,” said Dennis Jones, Chatham County’s emergency management director. “Right now the numbers are 600 to 700, I believe.”

Farther south on the Georgia coast, travelers entering neighboring Florida on Interstate 95 began hitting a new checkpoint. The Florida Highway Patrol was stopping travelers and having them fill out paperwork as part of its governor’s order that travelers from states hit hardest by the virus — such as New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Louisiana — must isolate themselves for at least two weeks upon entering Florida. A dozen troopers were to staff the checkpoint at all hours.

The private club that hosts one of Georgia’s most prestigious sporting events said it is donating $2 million to help pay for coronavirus testing and other relief efforts in the Augusta area. Augusta National Golf Club announced the donation a little more than two weeks after postponing The Masters golf tournament.

An infectious disease expert at Emory University said Monday that he expects the new virus’ daily toll will continue to escalate in the coming weeks. Dr. Carlos del Rio said a model closely watched by epidemiologists predicts deaths in Georgia will peak around April 23, possibly with more than 80 people dying each day. He noted any model used to predict the toll of the virus has flaws.

Similar warnings from del Rio prompted the Georgia Municipal Association last week to urge leaders of all 538 Georgia cities to impose curfews and close some businesses to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Monday praised del Rio for giving city officials “invaluable information.”

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

President Donald Trump declared a federal disaster in the state Sunday, clearing the way for federal aid.

Georgia Unemployment Numbers Expected To Surge

Georgia officials are expecting a surge in state unemployment numbers when they are announced later this week.

When Georgia reported official first-time unemployment numbers last week for the previous week, it was just above 12,000. At that time, Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said he knew a surge in numbers would be coming

“What I have seen from the numbers … you could see that go up 10 times easily when we get our final numbers.”

Butler says he expects those numbers later this week.

This comes as the federal coronavirus relief bill includes $600 a week for four months. That’s money on top of Georgia benefits for unemployment. Gig workers who do not pay into the state’s unemployment system, may now also be eligible for some benefits.

Program Donates Meals to Atlanta-Area health care workers

The Atlanta Hawks Foundation and State Farm have announced a program to donate 4,000 meals a week to health care workers in the Atlanta area.

With more than 2,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Georgia, hospitals have been inundated with patients.

Hawks owner Tony Ressler says the meals are a way to show appreciation for doctors, nurses and paramedics.

“We couldn’t be more proud to support all of the work they’re doing keeping us safe and doing the best they can do get us through this really difficult period.”

The meals are being prepared by Atlanta restaurants, providing much-needed business at a time when many of them have been forced to close their dining rooms.

Update for Georgia Drivers, Regarding Licenses

Georgia Department of Driver Service officials say most licenses set to expire before June 30 will be given a 120-day extension because of the coronavirus.

Officials say the service will resume in-person operations on April 1 but only for commercial drivers, by appointment only.

Under Gov. Brian Kemp’s public health emergency declaration, commercial drivers are considered essential. They are needed to deliver medical and emergency supplies.

MARTA Bus, Rail Changes Go Into Effect

MARTA officials are axing some services because of declining revenue and fewer people riding during the coronavirus pandemic.

The bus and rail changes take effect March 30.

In a statement, MARTA says it will reduce bus service by 30%, but some routes will add more buses so riders can practice social distancing.

Rail services will also run on a modified Sunday schedule with trains arriving about every 20 minutes.

MARTA’s Red and Gold Line trains are set to go to the airport. Green Line trains will turn back at King Memorial.

Officials say the train stop near Mercedes-Benz Stadium will also close until events at the stadium start back up again.

Last week, MARTA also suspended the collection of fares on buses. The move is to protect bus drivers from potential cases of COVID-19.