Coronavirus live updates: Mayor Reichert press conference, plus other news for March 23

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:

Reichert orders restaurants, bars to close

Macon-Bibb Mayor Robert Reichert declared a state of emergency at his Monday press conference and ordered restaurants, bars and some other businesses to close. Click here for the details.

Governor order vulnerable Georgians to shelter in place

At a 5 p.m. press conference, Gov. Brian Kemp announced an executive order requiring Georgians vulnerable to COVID-19 to shelter in place and prohibiting meetings of more than 10 people unless they’re able to maintain a distance of six feet from each other. Here’s more.

Robins Air Force Base reports second case

Robins Air Force Base announced Monday afternoon a second case of COVID-19 on base, which was reported in the past 24 hours. The employees reside in Houston and Henry counties.

A second Bibb County COVID-19 case

Macon-Bibb County now has two confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, according to the state’s noon update. Middle Georgia now has 12 cases with confirmed infections in Peach (3), Baldwin (2), Laurens (2), Houston (1), Monroe (1) and Twiggs (1).

Robins Financial Credit Union to limit “access to physical branch locations”

Robins Financial Credit Union announced, beginning Tuesday, that access to physical branch locations will be limited to minimize the risk to members and staff.

“Drive-thru service will be available at branches as well as limited in-branch appointments,” the credit union said in a release. “Requests for appointments will be done using the request form on the COVID-19 information page on the Robins Financial Credit Union website. Additionally, customer service agents are available during normal business hours to assist members over the phone at 478-923-3773 or 800-241-2405.”

Southern Company Gas earmarks $2.5M for COVID-19 recovery

The Southern Company Gas Foundation, Southern Company Gas and its subsidiaries are investing $2.5 million this year to support coronavirus (COVID-19) relief efforts in California, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, according to a press release.

“These are unprecedented times, and it’s more important than ever for us to engage with those who know our communities’ needs best,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company Gas. “Whether it’s supporting health care providers and first responders or agencies focused on helping businesses and their employees get back on their feet, we are committed to providing resources where they are needed most.”

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.

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 23, 2020 at 9:00 AM.