Coronavirus live updates: What to know about COVID-19 in Middle Georgia on March 30
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:
Robins Air Force Base reports its fourth case of COVID-19
Robins Air Force Base announced in a Facebook post Sunday it has one new case of the new coronavirus, which brings the base to four cases.
The base announced its first case of coronavirus on March 21 when a civilian employee tested positive for COVID-19, according to a Telegraph article.
Navicent Health urges community to donate blood
Navicent Health, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will sponsor six mobile blood drives in Bibb and Baldwin counties during the month of April.
The American Red Cross has canceled multiple blood drives across the United States during the coronavirus pandemic, which has contributed to a national blood shortage, according to a news release.
During the blood drives, ARC employees will follow strict guidelines to ensure people’s safety. They will not accept blood from anyone who presents symptoms, has traveled or has been in contact with a COVID-19 positive person in the past 28 days, according to the release. Employees will also have a health check before every shift, and the equipment will be sterilized after each donor.
The blood drives in Bibb County will be held in the Medical Center, Navicent Health’s visitor parking lot at 752 Hemlock St. Here are the dates and times.
- April 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- April 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- April 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The blood drives in Baldwin County will be held at the Navicent Health Baldwin Wellness Center at 821 North Cobb St. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 7, 14 and 21.
The total number of cases in Middle Georgia
Bibb County and its surrounding counties have 63 cases of the new coronavirus, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website.
Houston County has the most reported cases at 15, and Bibb County is close behind with 14 confirmed cases. Laurens County has 12 cases. Houston and Peach counties are the only two counties in Middle Georgia to report deaths with one in each county.
Georgia has a total of 2,683 confirmed cases and 83 deaths. The majority of the cases are in the metro Atlanta area, according to the DPH website. A new update will be available at noon on Monday.
Macon Judicial Circuit courtrooms installing TeleCourt system
Macon Judicial Circuit coutrooms will install a new video conferencing system that should be live sometime in the next several weeks, according to a press release.
Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney David Cooke announced today that his office would use $15,000 “seized from criminals” to pay start-up costs for the “TeleCourt” system. Here’s more:
“The Macon Judicial Circuit will be the third jurisdiction in Georgia to install the system which connects courtrooms with Georgia prisons, eliminating the need for inmates to be driven to court for certain hearings. Instead, inmates can remain in prison and interact with the judge, prosecutor, defense attorney and court reporter through a secure video link. Adjacent to the prison courtrooms, inmates have access to a private room equipped with an unmonitored phone for privileged conversations with an attorney.”
Mercer University School of Engineering releases design files on surgical mask prototype
Mercer University School of Engineering faculty and students have been working to design reusable 3D-printed face masks for medical professionals in locations where supplies like protective mask are running low.
Following a successful fit test, Mercer plans to to continue fabricating masks to distribute to medical facilities and healthcare practitioners. The goal is to provide an alternative for healthcare workers until FDA-approved personal protective equipment is available.
President Trump approves major disaster declaration for all counties in Georgia
Governor Brian P. Kemp announced on Sunday that President Donald Trump has declared a major disaster for all 159 Georgia counties due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This will allow for federal aid to be used for impacts related to the new coronavirus.
“Georgia is grateful for this designation, as it will enable the state to continue partnering with federal agencies in a coordinated fight against this pandemic,” Kemp said in the release. “The presidential declaration is a critical step in providing additional assistance to our state and local governments as they continue to respond to COVID-19.”
Warner Robins suspending bulk trash pickup
Warner Robins solid waste collection contractor has suspended bulk waste pick up from March 30 through April 10. Warner Robins resident’s all trash must be placed in containers. They will only collect trash fully contained inside the trash can. with the lid completely closed. Yard waste will continue to run as scheduled.
In case you missed it
Over the weekend, Amazon’s Macon facility announced a positive case, Bibb County School District reported a third Southwest High School employee had been diagnosed with COVID-19, Houston County schools adjusted their meal program and Kroger instituted new pharmacy hours for high-risk shoppers.
This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 9:20 AM.