Coronavirus live updates: Goodwill accepting PPE donations, other Middle Georgia news for April 4

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:

Warner Robins called meetings may be viewed on Cox, Facebook

Monday’s called meetings of the Warner Robins mayor and council and the city’s public facilities authority may be viewed on Cox Channel 14 and on the city’s Facebook page.

Only city employees will be allowed in council chambers at city hall for the 12 p.m meetings. There are no pre-council meetings Monday.

“These meetings will be conducted by teleconference under the provisions of official Code of Georgia Annotated § 50-14-1(g) in compliance with C.D.C. guidelines for social distancing,” notes a city news release.

Also, residents may find answers to questions about utility payments, transfers or disconnects on the city’s Facebook page.

Flint Energies closes drive-thru service, limits work to essential services

Flint Energies has closed its drive-thru service, according to a company news release.

Services are available online, through the Flint Energies mobile app or by phone. Payments can also be made via night deposit boxes and kiosks.

Also, Flint Energies is limiting its daily work activities to include only essential services.

“This means that we will continue responding to outages, maintaining our call center, and addressing various reliability issues,” the release said. “However, all other non-essential activities and services are being suspended until further notice.”

The move is in response to Gov. Brian Kemp’s shelter-in-place order, the release said.

Additionally, Flint Energies has suspended disconnections of service for nonpayment until further notice.

“A suspension of disconnects does not equal bill waivers,” the release said. “Members are encouraged to pay what they can to avoid a larger bill amount later. Pay Your Way members will continue to receive daily usage alerts during this time.”

Customers who need to make payment arrangements, including those affected by COVID-19, are asked to contact Flint Energies at 1-800-342-3616 or by email at hello@flintemc.com.

Power outages may be reported via our website, the Flint Energies mobile app, by text or by calling 1-800-342-3616.

Goodwill accepting PPE donations for first responders

While Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia has temporarily closed all 16 resale training stores in its 35-county service delivery, most of its donation centers remaining open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to collect Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, for first responders.

Gently-used clothing and household items are also being accepted, according to a Goodwill Industries news release.

With its stores now temporarily closed at least until May, the Middle Georgia nonprofit is seeking financial gifts to offset revenue previously generated from the stores.

Store revenues fund employment placement and education services through Job Connection career centers free of charge to job seekers. Goodwill is providing virtual career services. To donate, click here.

The nonprofit has furloughed 510 employees of its 644-person workforce since March 20.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision, but it was necessary to protect our employees and simultaneously stabilize our nonprofit social service organization to serve the forthcoming tsunami of unemployed citizens,” James K. Stiff, Goodwill of Middle Georgia president, said in a news release. “We hope these actions will position us to fully reopen, resume services and rehire those impacted when the global health crisis subsides.”

Bibb schools update free-meal services to children

The Bibb County School District continues to offer meals at no charge for children while schools are closed but staring Tuesday, distribution will be limited to two days a week to curb exposure to COVID-19.

The grab-and-go deliveries will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, according to a school system news release.

Delivery on Tuesday will include Tuesday and Wednesday’s lunch and Wednesday and Thursday’s breakfast. Delivery on Thursday will include Thursday and Friday’s lunch and Friday and Monday’s breakfast.

For the list of updated meal delivery sites, click here. For more information, visit the school system’s website.

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 in Georgia 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 4, 2020 at 9:50 AM.