Coronavirus live updates: What to know about COVID-19 in Middle Georgia on March 18

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:

Houston County resident tests positive for COVID-19

A Houston County resident tested positive for COVID-19, according to a press release from the North Central Health District. The person is isolated in their home. NCHD is working to identify people who potentially could have been exposed to the patient when they were infectious.

Bibb County school meals

The Bibb County School Nutrition Program will provide bagged lunches to students in the Macon-Bibb Community during the districts closure related to COVID-19. The program begins today and meals will be served through at least March 27 for anyone aged 18 and younger. Visit www.bcsdk12.net for more information.

United Way suspends Golden Eagle awards

The United Way of Central Georgia suspended the Godlen Eagle Awards program due to the impact of COVID-19. Here’s more:

“One hundred and seventy-eight students were nominated by their teachers, coordinators, and administrators for this prestigious program and United Way wants to thank all of those students and teaching staff, who worked diligently to prepare materials to submit within the earlier time frame this year provided in the Golden Eagle Awards program. All of the nominees’ materials have been submitted to judges in each category for review as we decide the best way to continue the program once government recommended group meeting limitations are lifted.”

Central Georgia Technical College suspends on-campus classes

Starting today and extending through March 27, all Central Georgia Technical College instruction has been moved to a “distance learning format.” Spring break, March 30-April 3, will continue as scheduled. Students are encouraged to check their student email for more information.

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.

Downtown eating

Many downtown restaurants are offering curbside pickup for customers and have reserved parking meters for people picking their food up.

More movie theater closings

Georgia Theatre Company, which owns and operates Galleria Mall Cinemas and Houston Lake Cinemas in Houston County, announced the temporary closure of all of its theaters.

“We will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation very closely and will post the latest company news on our website,” the announcement said. “We will open to the public as soon as we can and will provide a safe and clean environment for you to enjoy all of your favorite movies in a communal setting. “

Peach County

All Peach County Parks and Recreation activities have been suspended, while courts are operating in a limiting capacity, the county government posted on its Facebook page.

“You are asked to please contact the appropriate court prior to visiting the Peach County Courthouse to ensure that we contain the potential spread of the virus,” the post said.

The post includes the phones numbers of the various courts and county departments.

Peach Public Libraries are also temporarily closed.

“No courthouse weddings and weapon permitting/renewals are suspended at this time,” the post said.

Georgia Department of Driver Services

The Georgia Department of Driver Services has suspended all road testing — non-commercial and commercial — until further notice. The decision was made out of “abundance of caution,” the agency said on its website.

Additionally, some of its offices are closed due to work shortages. Those in Macon-Bibb, Warner Robins and Perry and other parts of the midstate remain open.

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 18, 2020 at 9:00 AM.