Coronavirus Updates: Kemp Declares A Public Health Emergency

Updated Friday at 5:29 p.m.

Georgia is declaring a public health emergency starting Saturday, following President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration Friday.

This appears to be the first such declaration in the state, according to a statement from the governor’s office.

“At this time, it is appropriate for faith-based organizations and similar entities to consider cancellation of public events and services. Contact your local public health office or consult official sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health, for helpful guidance on decision-making,” Gov. Brian Kemp said.

“Elderly citizens and those with chronic, underlying health conditions face a serious threat to their health, and we must do everything in our power to reduce risk associated with this virus. Continue to support one another, be mindful of potential exposure, use best practices to prevent infection, and pray for your fellow Americans in the weeks ahead.”

Masters Tournament Postponed

Augusta National on Friday postponed the Masters, another massive hit to the spring sports calendar by the new coronavirus that already is responsible for the loss of March Madness and the delay of opening day baseball.

So much for that annual rite of spring and the first week in April devoted to the brilliance of dogwoods and azaleas, and Tiger Woods chasing another green jacket.

“Unfortunately, the ever-increasing risks associated with the widespread coronavirus have led us to a decision that undoubtedly will be disappointing to many, although I am confident is appropriate under these unique circumstances,” Masters chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement.

The Masters had been scheduled for April 9-12.

There are 42 cases of COVID-19 in the state, mostly in metro Atlanta and in northwest Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. One person — a 67-year-old man —- has died in Georgia.

Fulton County Shutters Some Public Spaces

Fulton County is closing its libraries, arts and culture centers and senior service centers because of coronavirus precautions starting Saturday.

While essential county staff will continue coming to work, all others will begin teleworking.

Fulton County Court jury trials and all non-essential business have also been suspended for 30 days.

More Metro Atlanta Schools Close

Several school districts in Metro Atlanta are temporarily closed as the World Health Organization called the coronavirus outbreak an official global pandemic this week.

Most districts, including Clayton, Paulding, Henry, DeKalb, Cobb and Fulton counties, said buildings will remain closed until further notice.

School officials say that teachers and students will still learn and work remotely.

Georgia officials ALSO confirmed the state’s first death from the coronavirus Thursday.

The 67-year-old man had underlying medical conditions, according to the governor’s office. He died at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.

More Cruise Ship Passengers Arrive At Dobbins

Two more planes carrying people who were on the cruise ship where nearly two dozen people had confirmed COVID-19 have arrived at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta this morning [Friday.]

This marks the third and fourth arrival of people from the Grand Princess Cruise ship.

The passengers have been medically screened by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ALL will begin a 14-day quarantine as a precaution. Quarantined individuals do not show symptoms of the illness.

Base officials didn’t specify the number of patients currently there.

Churches Rethinking How They Hold Service

The coronavirus pandemic has local religious leaders rethinking the way they will hold church services, communion and other related activities.

Rev. John Foster, senior pastor at Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta, told WABE they are following guidelines from the AME Church and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Foster said he is encouraging parishioners to use “social distancing” to combat the spread of germs.

“In other words skin-to-skin contact, we are trying to refrain from. So to replace that then we’re going to do elbow bumping and shoulder bumping. We can certainly wave at people, and things of that sort,” he said.

Foster said the church is encouraging members who are ill to watch service online from home.

North Point Community Church in Alpharetta’s website said on-site services are canceled this month.

Delta slashes flights by 40%

Delta Air Lines will cut existing flights by 40% to deal with a nosedive in travel demand, and it is talking to the White House and Congress about assistance to get through the downturn.

The 40% cut in passenger-carrying capacity is the largest in Delta’s history, surpassing reductions that were made after the September 2001 terror attacks.

And the outlook for airlines is still getting worse.

“The speed of the demand fall-off is unlike anything we’ve seen – and we’ve seen a lot in our business,” CEO Ed Bastian said in a memo to Delta’s 90,000 employees Friday.

“We are in discussions with the White House and Congress regarding the support they can provide to help us through this period. I’m optimistic we will receive their support,” he said, adding however that the airline “can’t put our company’s future at risk waiting on aid from our government.”

Bastian said the airline is preserving cash and reducing costs.

Georgia Supreme Court Advises Suspending Non-Essential Jury Trials

Georgia’s Supreme Court is advising state judges to think about suspending non-essential jury trials and other court matters to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

In a release Thursday, the Chief Justice announced that he has not yet declared a statewide judicial emergency, but many superior court judges have asked about suspending jury trials.

Political Campaigns Suspended

As Georgia school systems and workplaces close and switch to remote status, Georgia political campaigns are following suit.

For example, Senator Kelly Loeffler, who is campaigning for election in November, is temporarily postponing all large campaign rallies and events.

And a campaign event for former vice president Joe Biden..featuring Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and former Ambassador Andy Young…will now be held as a group phone call.

Parks And Historic Sites Still Open

Even, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to shut down Georgia school systems and workplaces, all state parks and historic sites are still open and welcoming visitors.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said that includes Hard Labor Creek State Park. It’s the park the state is temporarily using to isolate patients diagnosed with COVID-19

But, at nearly 6,000 acres, officials say less than one acre is in use for patients. Security is also in place to make sure people don’t wander into the area.

Park officials said it’s important for people to have access to nature and solitude. Amenities such as campsites, cabins, hiking trails, picnic areas and golf courses remain open.