Coronavirus live updates: What to know about COVID-19 in Middle Georgia on March 26
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:
Bibb Athletics postponing games and practices in accordance with school closures through April 24
The continuation of spring sports will be not be reevaluated before April 24 and practices and games will not resume before that date, according to a release from Bibb Athletics.
“Our goal remains to have spring sports in 2020, if at all possible,” the release said. “The safety and security of our students, coaches, their families and our fans continues to be our top priority.”
Motor vehicle registrations
The Georgia Motor Vehicle Division is extending all motor vehicle registrations that have expired from March 16 and will expire by May 14. The registrations are extended through May 15.
The extension applies to personal passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and vehicles registered in the Georgia International Registration Plan. The extension also includes temporary operating permits, or drive-off tags, issued when a vehicle is purchased.
MWA to suspend public fishing at Javors Lucas Lake
The Macon Water Authority will put a stop to public fishing at Javors Lucas Lake on March 27 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision falls in line with others in the region to close public recreational facilities, such as Bibb-County’s shutdown of LAke Tobesofkee.
MWA officials added they were seeing a larger number of guests, especially from out of town, coming to fish at Javors Lucas Lake during this first month of the season, a trend that would normally be welcomed, but not in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emergency Declarations
Several cities and counties in Middle Georgia have declared states of emergencies and placed restrictions on certain businesses and public gatherings, including Macon-Bibb County and Warner Robins. Milledgeville has modified its declaration.
Perry creates Q&A guide
To help its residents negotiate its executive order to combat the spread of COVID-19, the city has created a Question and Answer guide.
The guide answers frequently asked questions related to the impact of the executive order on every day life such as: Can I go to a restaurant? Can I walk my dog? What should I do if I’m sick?
Houston County resident first confirmed COVID-19 death in midstate
The death is the first related to the new coronavirus in the North Central Health District’s 13 county area, which includes Macon-Bibb, Peach, Twiggs, Monroe, Baldwin, Jones and Washington counties.
Middle Georgia Case numbers
The Telegraph will provide updates twice a day on the number of cases reported from Middle Georgia counties following the state’s noon and 7 p.m. updates.
Statewide Case Numbers
The Telegraph will also provide updates twice a day on the number of cases reported across the state, and update the live map below. This story and map are based on the most recent information from the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Restaurants still providing delivery, to-go service
Amid the shutdown, area restaurants are still providing curbside, delivery and to-go service. Here’s a list of local, downtown Macon restaurants that are still operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a link to the “Robins To-Go” Facebook page/group set up by Robins Regional Chamber on deliveries, take-out and related information in the Warner Robins area.
This story was originally published March 26, 2020 at 9:00 AM.