Coronavirus Updates: Atlanta United Scales Back Workouts After 2 Players Test Positive
Atlanta United defender Jeff Larentowicz, left, and New England Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell battle for a header during round one of an MLS Cup playoff soccer game in Atlanta in October 2019.
John Amis, File / Associated Press
Atlanta United has been forced to scale back workouts after two members of the team tested positive for COVID 19.
Those players have been isolated.
Team president Darren Eales said the risk of transmission cannot be eliminated entirely.
“There are things that are going to happen, and that’s why it’s so important that we have the consistent testing that we’re having to be able to flag it up so that you can limit any exposure once you get a positive test,” he said.
Eales said if all players test negative for the coronavirus Monday, the team will return to full-contact workouts.
The team is set to take part in an MLS tournament on July 8, with all matches taking place in Orlando.
After that, teams are expected to return to their home markets to continue the season.
Almost 66,000 Georgians have now been infected since the start of the outbreak, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported, and 2,648 people have died statewide.
APS Plans To Resume Face-To-Face Instructions — With Caveat
The new head of Atlanta Public Schools says if the coronavirus hasn’t spread significantly, APS will be able to resume face-to-face instruction when school starts August 10.
The district’s incoming superintendent Lisa Herring spoke Thursday in a virtual town hall about re-opening plans.
“That means that students and staff would report to our buildings on Day One,” she said. “But we would implement proactive, preventative practices and protocols in our buildings.”
Herring says APS is considering three different scenarios–depending on how much COVID-19 has spread.
Public health officials are expected to issue guidance soon on how to determine low, moderate and high levels of spread.
APS plans to announce its final re-opening plans in mid-July.
Disclosure: The Atlanta Board of Education holds WABE’s broadcast license.
Gas Prices Rising Steadily In Georgia
Gas prices in Georgia are following the national trend and continuing to tick up.
There was talk earlier this year that a gallon of gas could drop below $1. In some places in Georgia, that wasn’t too far off.
The oil cartel OPEC had flooded the market with cheap crude, and people were staying home because of the coronavirus.
But that changed, OPEC cut supply, the state opened again, and prices started to creep up slowly.
Now AAA says the average is at $1.92 a gallon for regular unleaded in Georgia, up 22 cents from just a month ago.
AAA says slower increases in gas prices will likely continue through the end of the month.
Music Midtown 2020 Officially Rescheduled
Music Midtown 2020 is now Music Midtown 2021. Coronavirus concerns led promoters to reschedule the mega-concert festival, now set for September 18-19 next year.
Current ticketholders can hang on to them, as they’re automatically valid. And if music enthusiasts want a refund, those are available starting today. Requests must be received by July 16.
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