Coronavirus live updates: New cases confirmed in Middle Georgia, plus other news for March 22

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 novel coronavirus is affecting Middle Georgia:

Number of COVID-19 cases grow in Middle Georgia

According to the noon update from the Georgia Department of Health, Peach County has reached three cases and Twiggs County has its first case of the new coronavirus.

Houston, Bibb and Monroe counties each have one case. Baldwin and Laurens counties each have two cases each.

The total number of cases in Georgia is now at 620 confirmed cases and 25 deaths as of 7 p.m. on Sunday. No new Middle Georgia cases were reported between noon and 7 p.m.

Bibb Schools changing lunch delivery schedule

Bibb County School district announced that meals will no longer be delivered daily, but will instead be delivered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Monday and Wednesday deliveries will contain two days worth of meals. Friday deliveries will have a single meal package.

All meal packages will include breakfast and lunch.

Announcement on Macon business closures coming

Macon Mayor Robert Reichert is scheduled to hold on press conference at 11 a.m. Monday to announce additional measures to help prevent the spread of new COVID-19 cases.

The press conference will address the closure of businesses as well as other recommendations. Macon-Bibb County’s assistant to the county manager for public affairs Chris Floore told the Telegraph that they have been looking at different types of businesses including restaurants, bars and salons in an attempt to stop the gathering of more than 10 people.

The goal, according to Floore, is to continue to flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19.

Health departments scale back services during outbreak

North Central Health District announced in a release that local health departments in Baldwin, Crawford, Hancock, Houston, Jasper, Jones, Macon-Bibb, Monroe, Peach, Putnam, Twiggs, Washington and Wilkinson Counties will limit services until further notice.

Those in need of clinical services should call ahead to make an appointment. These changes go into effect immediately.

Here is the list of services that will be available:

• STD & HIV testing
• Birth control
• Tuberculosis program
• Immunizations for children age 5 and younger
• Tdap vaccination
• Hepatitis A vaccination
• Medicaid enrollment for women’s health and pregnancy
• WIC program vouchers

This story was originally published March 22, 2020 at 12:10 PM.