Coronavirus live updates: What to know about COVID-19 in Middle Georgia on April 2

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:

Houston County Schools employee tests positive

A Houston County School District employee tested positive for COVID-19, the district said in a release. The employee worked in the school nutrition program.

Robins Air Force Base reports additional COVID-19 cases

Robins Air Force Base announced in two recent Facebook posts that it has additional positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the total apparently to seven cases. The latest cases include a Monroe County resident and two Houston County residents. The first case, a civilian worker on base, was announced March 21. The base has not been posting accumulative totals as of Thursday nor releasing additional information about those cases.

Mercer University waiving SAT, ACT requirements for first-year applicants

Those seeking to enroll in Mercer University’s undergraduate program may apply as “test optional” for admission for the summer or fall semesters, waiving SAT and ACT requirements.

The move is in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and the cancellation of spring testing dates. Other admission requirements and criteria remain in place, according to a Mercer University news release.

“Admitted students who submit an enrollment deposit by May 1 secure a spot in Mercer’s incoming class and may proceed with next steps in the enrollment process to prepare for housing assignment, course registration and summer orientation,” according to a Mercer University news release. “All enrollment deposits will be refundable until June 1.”

Also, deadlines to submit a housing contract, statement of student responsibilities and Mercer academic profile have been extended to June 1. The housing self-assignment period has been extended to June 3-10.

“At Mercer we take great care in serving our students. In response to COVID-19, we want to give prospective students and their families additional time and resources to help in their college decision process,” Kelly Holloway, assistant vice president for enrollment management, said in the release.

All campus visits have been postponed through April 30. A virtual campus tour and and webinars can be viewed at undergrad.mercer.edu/visit-campus.

For more information, contact the Office of University Admissions at 800-840-8577, 478-301-2650 or admissions@mercer.edu. Students may also contact their admissions counselor via phone or email.

Georgia Military College suspends testing requirements for admission

Georgia Military College announced on Facebook the suspension of test requirements for admission for summer and fall quarters. No Accuplacer testing, SAT or ACT requirements will be needed for admission, the post said.

Macon-Bibb MTA suspends Bellevue Express route

The Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority has suspended the Bellevue Express route until further notice, according to a MTA news release. The Bellevue regular route will continue to run.

Additionally, only one bus will serve the Eisenhower route. This bus route will run from 5:20 a.m. until noon and 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

March 23, MTA launched multiple changes, including free ridership, testing passenger temperatures outside the transfer station and reducing bus service to weekend levels.

The bus service continues to run Monday through Saturday.

Rebuilding Macon indefinitely postpones city-wide work day

Rebuilding Macon, a nonprofit organization in Middle Georgia that provides home repairs to low-income homeowners free of charge, has indefinitely postponed its annual city-wide work day.

The event is normally held on the last Saturday in April.

“This large-scale effort has long been the life blood of our organization and it is with a heavy heart that we must postpone it,” the nonprofit said in its quarterly newsletter. “The health and safety of our volunteers and our homeowners remain a top priority.

“We know that to ensure a positive and impactful community work day, it must be pushed to a later date. As we continue to monitor public health concerns, please stay connected to our website for updates regarding when this event will take place.”

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.

This story was originally published April 2, 2020 at 9:01 AM.