Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced this afternoon that he is extending the mandatory closure of live performance venues, bars, and nightclubs through May 31.
A previous executive order had the closures expiring as of Wednesday evening.
"We believe that waiting a little bit longer will enhance health outcomes and give folks the opportunity to prepare for safe reopening in the near future," Kemp said.
However, restaurant dining will experience a loosening of restrictions.
"We are taking another step forward empowering restaurants to expand operations safely only if they choose," Kemp said.
This includes allowing up to 10 patrons per 300 square feet of public space in restaurants and dining room, and increasing party size per table from 6-10 people.
The shelter in place provision for "medically fragile" Georgians age 65 and over remains in effect through June 12.
Other mandatory industry-specific restrictions remain in effect through the end of May.
"We continue to strongly encourage people to wear face coverings while out in public," Kemp said.
Kemp unveiled a state contact-tracing initiative, the Healthy Georgia Collaborative.
"With nearly 250 staff in the field today the Department of Public Health is making progress," Kemp said. "DPH plans to have 1000 staff deployed in the weeks ahead," rolling out the new online monitoring tool.
The tool will allow the DPH to identify contacts and monitor symptoms. "Health data will remain completely confidential," Kemp said.
"Residents testing positive will be contacted by staff who will work with individuals to recall anyone they might have close contact with," he said, with the contacts being reviewed "to help map and isolate the spread of COVID-19."
Kemp said that summer camps in Georgia will be allowed to operate as soon as May 14, "if they can meet 32 minimum criteria" for safety and sanitation. However, no overnight summer camps will be allowed for the time being.
As of May 18, Kemp said, "specific divisions of state agencies will begin to phase back into limited in-person operations."
A previous executive order had the closures expiring as of Wednesday evening.
"We believe that waiting a little bit longer will enhance health outcomes and give folks the opportunity to prepare for safe reopening in the near future," Kemp said.
However, restaurant dining will experience a loosening of restrictions.
"We are taking another step forward empowering restaurants to expand operations safely only if they choose," Kemp said.
This includes allowing up to 10 patrons per 300 square feet of public space in restaurants and dining room, and increasing party size per table from 6-10 people.
The shelter in place provision for "medically fragile" Georgians age 65 and over remains in effect through June 12.
Other mandatory industry-specific restrictions remain in effect through the end of May.
"We continue to strongly encourage people to wear face coverings while out in public," Kemp said.
Kemp unveiled a state contact-tracing initiative, the Healthy Georgia Collaborative.
"With nearly 250 staff in the field today the Department of Public Health is making progress," Kemp said. "DPH plans to have 1000 staff deployed in the weeks ahead," rolling out the new online monitoring tool.
The tool will allow the DPH to identify contacts and monitor symptoms. "Health data will remain completely confidential," Kemp said.
"Residents testing positive will be contacted by staff who will work with individuals to recall anyone they might have close contact with," he said, with the contacts being reviewed "to help map and isolate the spread of COVID-19."
Kemp said that summer camps in Georgia will be allowed to operate as soon as May 14, "if they can meet 32 minimum criteria" for safety and sanitation. However, no overnight summer camps will be allowed for the time being.
As of May 18, Kemp said, "specific divisions of state agencies will begin to phase back into limited in-person operations."
Thursday, May 7, 2020
The Savannah Police Department is investigating the death of a 38-year-old man at a President Street homeless camp Thursday morning.
"Officers responded to the camp at President Street and Truman Parkway just after midnight and discovered Christopher Johnson deceased as a result of an apparent cutting," police report.
Detectives have identified a possible suspect in the investigation. They are continuing to follow leads in an attempt to locate the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the SPD Crime Tip Line at (912) 525-3124 or to Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020.
"Officers responded to the camp at President Street and Truman Parkway just after midnight and discovered Christopher Johnson deceased as a result of an apparent cutting," police report.
Detectives have identified a possible suspect in the investigation. They are continuing to follow leads in an attempt to locate the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the SPD Crime Tip Line at (912) 525-3124 or to Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020.
Outrage has built steadily over the past week about the Feb. 23 killing of Ahmaud Arbery, an African American man, by two white men who are seen on video tracking him down in their pickup truck and shooting him.
Tomorrow morning, May 8, on what would have been Arbery's 26th birthday, supporters of his family and civil rights advocates are encouraging people to "Run With Maud."
Running, jogging, walking, or even jogging in place are encouraged, all while observing social distancing.
"Our community here in Brunswick, GA, lost an avid runner on 2/23/2020, while out on a run Ahmaud Arbery’s life was taken away from us, by a group of men who falsely suspected him of wrong doing. Those men have not been arrested and the community is still searching for answers," organizers say.
"Please show your support as a runner, jogger, or walker and dedicate a 2.23 mile workout to Ahmaud Arbery, in your favorite place to run or walk, this Friday, May 8, 2020, which is Ahmaud’s birthday. Please post a short dedication, message or video, with the hashtag."
Recommended hashtags are #JusticeForAhmaud and/or #IRunWithMaud.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is only just now getting involved with the case, after weeks of inaction by the Glynn County Police Department, in whose jurisdiction the killing happened.
The GBI is technically prohibited from investigating a case unless requested by an elected official or district attorney; it was left to Liberty County District Attorney Tom Durden to do so earlier this week.
In a tweet, the GBI originally said that Glynn County Police only requested that the GBI investigate some threats against police and investigate who released the now-infamous video of the shooting.
A Glynn County grand jury will convene as soon as possible, given the pandemic, to consider charges against Gregory and Travis McMichael, the two men seen on video shooting Arbery during a struggle after they chased him down in the truck while he was on foot, unarmed.
Gregory McMichael is a former Glynn County Police officer and former investigator with the local District Attorney's office.
Police originally said the two men were justified in the killing since it was, in their judgment, done in self-defense — after they pulled the guns on Arbery, who was unarmed and on a public street, and who struggled with the men to keep from being shot.
Tomorrow morning, May 8, on what would have been Arbery's 26th birthday, supporters of his family and civil rights advocates are encouraging people to "Run With Maud."
Running, jogging, walking, or even jogging in place are encouraged, all while observing social distancing.
"Our community here in Brunswick, GA, lost an avid runner on 2/23/2020, while out on a run Ahmaud Arbery’s life was taken away from us, by a group of men who falsely suspected him of wrong doing. Those men have not been arrested and the community is still searching for answers," organizers say.
"Please show your support as a runner, jogger, or walker and dedicate a 2.23 mile workout to Ahmaud Arbery, in your favorite place to run or walk, this Friday, May 8, 2020, which is Ahmaud’s birthday. Please post a short dedication, message or video, with the hashtag."
Recommended hashtags are #JusticeForAhmaud and/or #IRunWithMaud.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is only just now getting involved with the case, after weeks of inaction by the Glynn County Police Department, in whose jurisdiction the killing happened.
The GBI is technically prohibited from investigating a case unless requested by an elected official or district attorney; it was left to Liberty County District Attorney Tom Durden to do so earlier this week.
In a tweet, the GBI originally said that Glynn County Police only requested that the GBI investigate some threats against police and investigate who released the now-infamous video of the shooting.
A Glynn County grand jury will convene as soon as possible, given the pandemic, to consider charges against Gregory and Travis McMichael, the two men seen on video shooting Arbery during a struggle after they chased him down in the truck while he was on foot, unarmed.
Gregory McMichael is a former Glynn County Police officer and former investigator with the local District Attorney's office.
Police originally said the two men were justified in the killing since it was, in their judgment, done in self-defense — after they pulled the guns on Arbery, who was unarmed and on a public street, and who struggled with the men to keep from being shot.
Savannah’s Salvation Army (TSA) has partnered with local agency, Feed The Hungry and Georgia State Representative Carl Gilliard from Garden City to host a ‘Feed Our City’ event this weekend. 3,000 meals will be available to those in need, as well as food for their animal companions, this Saturday, May 9 starting at noon at TSA’s Community Center, 3000 Bee Rd. in Savannah.
Socially distanced food preparation will be undertaken by volunteers the day before the event, at TSA’s Community Center kitchen. Meals will be distributed via curbside pickup on May 9, in line with US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
“I am elated that Feed the Hungry is returning ‘home,’ since the first holiday dinner we ever hosted was with The Salvation Army. We are glad to be partnering with the Salvation Army as they have worked diligently to serve the community during this Coronavirus pandemic,” said Rep. Carl Gilliard.
“We have come together through great team work to help those who need it most at this time, and we are looking forward to providing the most vulnerable with a comforting meal.”
“We are so excited to partner with Feed the Hungry and Representative Carl Gilliard for this wonderful event! We have a great history and natural synergy in serving those that need us most, especially during these financially stressful times,” said The Salvation Army of Savannah’s Major Paul Egan.
Socially distanced food preparation will be undertaken by volunteers the day before the event, at TSA’s Community Center kitchen. Meals will be distributed via curbside pickup on May 9, in line with US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
“I am elated that Feed the Hungry is returning ‘home,’ since the first holiday dinner we ever hosted was with The Salvation Army. We are glad to be partnering with the Salvation Army as they have worked diligently to serve the community during this Coronavirus pandemic,” said Rep. Carl Gilliard.
“We have come together through great team work to help those who need it most at this time, and we are looking forward to providing the most vulnerable with a comforting meal.”
“We are so excited to partner with Feed the Hungry and Representative Carl Gilliard for this wonderful event! We have a great history and natural synergy in serving those that need us most, especially during these financially stressful times,” said The Salvation Army of Savannah’s Major Paul Egan.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
WRUU FM 107.5, Savannah's community radio station, has received a Community Grant from the Savannah Downtown Neighborhood Association in the amount of $600.
"Each year, the DNA makes grants to community organizations that have an impact on the greater downtown area. Each application goes through a review process overseen by the DNA Board of Directors, which makes the selections," a spokesperson for the station says.
The $600 grant will be used by the community radio station to upgrade equipment in its production studio, which is used to record interviews and public service announcements.
The noncommercial station is staffed entirely by volunteers and is funded by donations from listeners and local businesses.
That’s why the grant from the DNA is so important, according to Dave Lake, WRUU’s general manager.
“Donations that we receive during our annual pledge drive are used to keep the lights on and keep the station on the air. The DNA grant will allow us to make improvements that we would not be able to undertake otherwise," Lake says.
“We are truly a community radio station are we are focused on serving the needs of our listeners,” Lake says. “Receiving this grant affirms the importance of our mission to provide a voice and visibility in Savannah for community organizations and encourages us to continue creating radio programming that’s informative, educational, and entertaining.”
WRUU also streams from its website at wruu.org.
"Each year, the DNA makes grants to community organizations that have an impact on the greater downtown area. Each application goes through a review process overseen by the DNA Board of Directors, which makes the selections," a spokesperson for the station says.
The $600 grant will be used by the community radio station to upgrade equipment in its production studio, which is used to record interviews and public service announcements.
The noncommercial station is staffed entirely by volunteers and is funded by donations from listeners and local businesses.
That’s why the grant from the DNA is so important, according to Dave Lake, WRUU’s general manager.
“Donations that we receive during our annual pledge drive are used to keep the lights on and keep the station on the air. The DNA grant will allow us to make improvements that we would not be able to undertake otherwise," Lake says.
“We are truly a community radio station are we are focused on serving the needs of our listeners,” Lake says. “Receiving this grant affirms the importance of our mission to provide a voice and visibility in Savannah for community organizations and encourages us to continue creating radio programming that’s informative, educational, and entertaining.”
WRUU also streams from its website at wruu.org.
Monday, May 4, 2020
As the original shelter-in-place Executive Order is lifted for the state of Georgia, "visitation is anticipated to increase in coastal communities, including Jekyll Island," a Jekyll Island Authority spokesperson said in a statement today.
"The health and safety of residents, and those who work on or visit the island, is a top priority for the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) which will focus on a ‘rolling reopening’ of facility operations to ensure this," they report.
Hotels and the Jekyll Island campground will all be maintaining a 75% occupancy cap for the next several weeks.
Some amenities began to reopen this past weekend (May 2) under limited operations and reduced occupancy. Others, including Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, will not open until later in the month, at a reduced occupancy.
An opening date for Summer Waves and island playgrounds has not yet been set.
The Jekyll Island Convention Center will welcome its first returning group in June within CDC guidelines, and the JIA does not anticipate being fully operational with all facilities until at least this time.
All JIA staff that have contact with guests will be required to wear assigned masks and will be reminded of proper hygiene.
All JIA-operated facilities, hotel and campground properties, and many island restaurants and businesses, will be displaying signage that outlines what guests can expect from these facilities while on the island.
Jekyll Island beach facilities, including beach pavilions, picnic areas and beach restrooms, will continue to remain closed alongside the Department of Natural Resources extended Administrative Order through Wednesday, May 6.
The Order prohibits the use of chairs, coolers, tents and umbrellas, groups over 10 people, and requires that all people must be at least 6 feet apart unless under the same household. Georgia State Patrol continues to lead enforcement, with assistance from Jekyll Island Park Rangers.
"The health and safety of residents, and those who work on or visit the island, is a top priority for the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) which will focus on a ‘rolling reopening’ of facility operations to ensure this," they report.
Hotels and the Jekyll Island campground will all be maintaining a 75% occupancy cap for the next several weeks.
Some amenities began to reopen this past weekend (May 2) under limited operations and reduced occupancy. Others, including Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, will not open until later in the month, at a reduced occupancy.
An opening date for Summer Waves and island playgrounds has not yet been set.
The Jekyll Island Convention Center will welcome its first returning group in June within CDC guidelines, and the JIA does not anticipate being fully operational with all facilities until at least this time.
All JIA staff that have contact with guests will be required to wear assigned masks and will be reminded of proper hygiene.
All JIA-operated facilities, hotel and campground properties, and many island restaurants and businesses, will be displaying signage that outlines what guests can expect from these facilities while on the island.
Jekyll Island beach facilities, including beach pavilions, picnic areas and beach restrooms, will continue to remain closed alongside the Department of Natural Resources extended Administrative Order through Wednesday, May 6.
The Order prohibits the use of chairs, coolers, tents and umbrellas, groups over 10 people, and requires that all people must be at least 6 feet apart unless under the same household. Georgia State Patrol continues to lead enforcement, with assistance from Jekyll Island Park Rangers.
