Coronavirus live updates: What to know about COVID-19 in Middle Georgia on March 17
As COVID-19 continues to impact local schools, business and governments, the Telegraph is working to keep our readers informed about decisions that will impact them. This list will be updated throughout the day. If there’s an item you believe should be included in this list, please email breaking@macon.com. Here is what you need to know about how the new coronavirus is affecting Middle Georgia:
Macon-Bibb recreation facilities
The Macon-Bibb Parks & Recreation Department is temporarily closing all recreation centers due to concerns about the coronavirus.
Macon Water Authority to close customer service lobby
The Macon Water Authority will close its customer service lobby at its Second Street location until further notice.
School district closures
Gov. Brian Kemp ordered all public schools and universities to close from March 18-31. For an updated list of how local schools are transitioning to online learning and more details, click here.
Banking
Robins Financial Credit Union is recommending that its customers limit visits to branches and use self-service options due to concerns about the coronavirus.
The credit union is keeping all of its multiple branches in Middle Georgia, including in Bibb and Houston counties, open at this time and will notify customers if access to any branch locations needs to be temporarily limited in the future.
Customers received notification of the recommendation from the credit union.
Hiring events
The Georgia Department of Corrections announced Tuesday the cancellation of hiring events across the state, including the March 24 event at the South Georgia Technical College in Cordele.
The cancellations were made out of an “abundance of caution” due to coronavirus concerns, according to a state DOC news release.
Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office events postponed
Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office is postponing the April 17th Criminal Justice Resource Fair and Record Restriction Event and Victim Services Resource Fairs and a Women’s Self Defense Class planned for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in April.
The events will be rescheduled at a later date, according to a district attorney’s office news release.
Downtown eating
Many downtown restaurants are offering curbside pickup for customers and have reserved parking meters for people picking their food up.
Movie theaters
AmStar Macon at 5996 Zebulon Road in Macon Georgia is expected to temporarily close at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday due to coronavirus concerns, said general manager Trey Ivester.
How long the the theater will be closed is up in the air, but right now, the estimate is about four weeks, Ivester said.
Salvation Army of Greater Macon
The Salvation Army of Greater Macon announced Tuesday that it will continue to provide emergency shelter services.
“During times of war, famine, depression, and pandemics, the Salvation Army has remained ready to serve people in need for 155 years,” Maj. Andrew Gilliam, commander officer of the Salvation Army of Greater Macon “We are taking every precaution during these days while remaining humanitarian in our response.
“We will continue to feed, shelter, and help those in need,” he said.
The nonprofit is working closely with local, state and federal agencies to keep abreast of COVID-19, the release said.
Its staff, employees, volunteers and program participants are being informed of proper hygiene and prevention methods using the standards set by the Center for Disease Control, according to the release.
The agency is in need of cleaning supplies for the families, children, men, and women who are staying in its facilities. Please call 478-746-8572 to donate.
Perry Dogwood Festival cancels
The Perry Chamber of Commerce has announced cancellation of the Perry Dogwood Festival due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The festival had been scheduled for April 18-19.
The city of Perry previously canceled other community events through April.
Perry to air its council meeting Tuesday live on Facebook
Viewers can watch the 6 p.m. live stream on the city’s Facebook page, or listen by calling 425-436-6367 and using access code 850369.
“Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by taking advantage of these options!” the city urged in an email.
All pre-council meetings are canceled until further notice.
Georgia COVID-19 hotline
The State of Georgia has a COVID-19 hotline.
“If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor, an urgent care clinic, or your local federally qualified healthcare center,” the Georgia Department of Public Health said on its website. “Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.”
The hotline number is 844-442-2681.
Coronavirus cases in Georgia
Here’s the most recent number of COVID-19 cases in Georgia. This list will be updated later today with new numbers from the state, as will the map below.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 9:09 AM.