Friday, April 10, 2020
After coming under fire in recent weeks for his handling of the COVID-19 crisis, Governor Brian Kemp today urged Georgians "to plan for online or call-in religious services, including Easter Sunday on April 12."
"I greatly appreciate faith leaders across our state who have made the tough decision to stop the spread of COVID-19 by suspending in-person religious services. Their leadership is literally saving lives," said Governor Kemp.
However, the request is non-binding — Kemp's shelter-in-place executive order, passed a week ago, doesn't restrict churches as a matter of law.
"To all Georgians celebrating Easter this Sunday, I am pleading with you to not attend any services in person. If you attend worship services in person, you risk exposure to coronavirus - potentially endangering your life, the lives of your neighbors, and your loved ones. I know this decision is difficult, but we will get through this together.”
For drive-in services, law enforcement have received reports that people are not staying in their vehicles. "For example, people will leave their cars to let their children play, go to nearby restrooms, or otherwise congregate," a spokesperson for the Governor says.
"I greatly appreciate faith leaders across our state who have made the tough decision to stop the spread of COVID-19 by suspending in-person religious services. Their leadership is literally saving lives," said Governor Kemp.
However, the request is non-binding — Kemp's shelter-in-place executive order, passed a week ago, doesn't restrict churches as a matter of law.
"To all Georgians celebrating Easter this Sunday, I am pleading with you to not attend any services in person. If you attend worship services in person, you risk exposure to coronavirus - potentially endangering your life, the lives of your neighbors, and your loved ones. I know this decision is difficult, but we will get through this together.”
For drive-in services, law enforcement have received reports that people are not staying in their vehicles. "For example, people will leave their cars to let their children play, go to nearby restrooms, or otherwise congregate," a spokesperson for the Governor says.
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
In a regular briefing this morning, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said he is pleased that local citizens seem to be doing a better job observing social distancing.
"I want to thank those who are taking social distancing seriously," Johnson said.
"However, there were some gatherings, some stores, some businesses that still do not seem to get the point."
Specifically, he cited "local seafood establishments and neighborhood discount dollar stores" as sites where a lot of violations are occurring.
Johnson had been so incensed by widespread disregard that at last Tuesday's briefing, he threatened a citywide curfew if things didn't improve quickly.
Johnson thanked Walmart and other big box stores for amending policy on how many people can be in a store at a time. That move came after a viral video of a large brawl in a Walmart on the Southside — which Johnson himself was coincidentally able to witness in person.
Johnson admitted that there have been "mixed messages" on the issue of City parking, with citizens unsure of whether it's the first hour that's free, or whether parking is totally free.
"We messed that up," he said, vowing to fix the confusing communications issue. "Everybody has to know what the game plan is."
City Manager Pat Monahan said there was never an intention to make on-street parking completely free, as many citizens were either told or understood.
"The problem with free on-street parking is folks don't park in the parking garages," Monahan said. "But any citations issued Monday and today will be forgiven."
Monahan confirmed that ONLY the first hour of parking is free downtown.
All other parking violations will be ticketed as usual, he said.
Johnson reiterated that City sanitation services are at reduced staff to allow for safe social distancing of truck crews. There will only be two crew members on each truck for the time being.
"We want to practice what we preach," he said.
This also means that services are reduced, however. Only regular trash will be picked up — NO items will be taken to recycling, NO yard waste and NO bulk items will be picked up.
Mayor Johnson said that you can use your yellow recycling bin to put regular trash in — which will not be recycled — but asked that citizens fill up the regular bins first.
You can take your recycling, yard waste or bulk items to the Dean Forest Road Landfill or Bacon Park Transfer Station.
Johnson confirmed that the only legal shelter-in-place protocol current in effect is the Governor's recent and controversial executive order.
Johnson reiterated that he extended the City's own order to May 1 specifically to protect the City if the governor's order expires on April 13, as is currently scheduled.
On an unrelated but timely note, Johnson encouraged Savannahians to take advantage of whatever extra time they might have on their hands to fill out the U.S. Census.
"It takes less than five minutes, took me only four," he said. "At this critical time every Savannahian needs to count."
Johnson said less than 40 percent of City residents have been counted so far.
"I want to thank those who are taking social distancing seriously," Johnson said.
"However, there were some gatherings, some stores, some businesses that still do not seem to get the point."
Specifically, he cited "local seafood establishments and neighborhood discount dollar stores" as sites where a lot of violations are occurring.
Johnson had been so incensed by widespread disregard that at last Tuesday's briefing, he threatened a citywide curfew if things didn't improve quickly.
Johnson thanked Walmart and other big box stores for amending policy on how many people can be in a store at a time. That move came after a viral video of a large brawl in a Walmart on the Southside — which Johnson himself was coincidentally able to witness in person.
Johnson admitted that there have been "mixed messages" on the issue of City parking, with citizens unsure of whether it's the first hour that's free, or whether parking is totally free.
"We messed that up," he said, vowing to fix the confusing communications issue. "Everybody has to know what the game plan is."
City Manager Pat Monahan said there was never an intention to make on-street parking completely free, as many citizens were either told or understood.
"The problem with free on-street parking is folks don't park in the parking garages," Monahan said. "But any citations issued Monday and today will be forgiven."
Monahan confirmed that ONLY the first hour of parking is free downtown.
All other parking violations will be ticketed as usual, he said.
Johnson reiterated that City sanitation services are at reduced staff to allow for safe social distancing of truck crews. There will only be two crew members on each truck for the time being.
"We want to practice what we preach," he said.
This also means that services are reduced, however. Only regular trash will be picked up — NO items will be taken to recycling, NO yard waste and NO bulk items will be picked up.
Mayor Johnson said that you can use your yellow recycling bin to put regular trash in — which will not be recycled — but asked that citizens fill up the regular bins first.
You can take your recycling, yard waste or bulk items to the Dean Forest Road Landfill or Bacon Park Transfer Station.
Johnson confirmed that the only legal shelter-in-place protocol current in effect is the Governor's recent and controversial executive order.
Johnson reiterated that he extended the City's own order to May 1 specifically to protect the City if the governor's order expires on April 13, as is currently scheduled.
On an unrelated but timely note, Johnson encouraged Savannahians to take advantage of whatever extra time they might have on their hands to fill out the U.S. Census.
"It takes less than five minutes, took me only four," he said. "At this critical time every Savannahian needs to count."
Johnson said less than 40 percent of City residents have been counted so far.
Friday, April 3, 2020
In a highly controversial development, the new shelter in place order from Ga. Gov. Brian Kemp — taking effect at 6 p.m. Friday — does in fact reopen the beaches at Tybee Island, at least for the time being.
The beaches had previously been closed by local order on March 20.
It sounds contradictory, but the governor's order explicitly overrides any local ordinance — and his order says the beaches can stay open as long as people observe social distancing and there are no large gatherings.
In a Facebook post Friday afternoon, Tybee area State Rep. Jesse Petrea attempted to clarify the situation and calm tempers:
"Early this AM, I notified [Tybee] Mayor Sessions that this would impact the beach in that it was not expressly closed in the new order. Indeed, I contacted the DNR Commissioner early this AM to understand the matter," Rep. Petrea writes.
"He explained that it would allow exercise on the beach by individuals/family groups but NO congregating. Moreover, he explained that Rangers were to be patrolling the beach to enforce strict social distancing."
Petrea goes on:
"I contacted the Mayor to advise of how to address the issue with the Governors office and the DNR. I then contacted he Governors office to explain the depth of concern that was likely to come from the issue due to spring break etc. I offered the Mayor and council members who I spoke with my support of local government and advised them to make a petition to the Governors office," he writes.
The state Department of Natural Resources — charged with oversight of Georgia's beaches, which are all public property by law — today issued a directive that no chairs, tents, or umbrellas would be allowed on the beach but not restricting access.
As of Friday evening, confusion reigned, with Tybee officials vowing to keep entrance to the beach closed off — since DNR's authority according to the strict letter of the law applies to the beach only, from high-tide to the water.
In a separate but relevant development, at least five Tybee Island police officers are reportedly in a quarantine situation due to exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
The beaches had previously been closed by local order on March 20.
It sounds contradictory, but the governor's order explicitly overrides any local ordinance — and his order says the beaches can stay open as long as people observe social distancing and there are no large gatherings.
In a Facebook post Friday afternoon, Tybee area State Rep. Jesse Petrea attempted to clarify the situation and calm tempers:
"Early this AM, I notified [Tybee] Mayor Sessions that this would impact the beach in that it was not expressly closed in the new order. Indeed, I contacted the DNR Commissioner early this AM to understand the matter," Rep. Petrea writes.
"He explained that it would allow exercise on the beach by individuals/family groups but NO congregating. Moreover, he explained that Rangers were to be patrolling the beach to enforce strict social distancing."
Petrea goes on:
"I contacted the Mayor to advise of how to address the issue with the Governors office and the DNR. I then contacted he Governors office to explain the depth of concern that was likely to come from the issue due to spring break etc. I offered the Mayor and council members who I spoke with my support of local government and advised them to make a petition to the Governors office," he writes.
The state Department of Natural Resources — charged with oversight of Georgia's beaches, which are all public property by law — today issued a directive that no chairs, tents, or umbrellas would be allowed on the beach but not restricting access.
As of Friday evening, confusion reigned, with Tybee officials vowing to keep entrance to the beach closed off — since DNR's authority according to the strict letter of the law applies to the beach only, from high-tide to the water.
In a separate but relevant development, at least five Tybee Island police officers are reportedly in a quarantine situation due to exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Gov. Brian Kemp's newest executive order, a "shelter in place" directive, will likely have little impact on residents within Savannah city limits — who have already been under a similarly strict order for over a week.
The new statewide shelter in place protocol, revealed this evening, takes effect at 6 p.m. Friday and lasts through April 13.
It will limit Georgians to travel only to and from jobs, and for “essential services."
It allows residents to leave their homes to buy groceries and takeout food, purchase medical equipment or pharmacy products, seek health care, or exercise outside.
It bans all indoor or seated restaurant dining — service is limited to takeout or delivery.
All these restrictions are already in place under Savannah Mayor Van Johnson's order, in effect from March 24.
The state order in some ways will actually loosen Savannah's restrictions, which divide work into "essential" and "non-essential" categories.
The new, superseding state policy instead lists criteria for “minimum basic operations” and “critical infrastructure" for a business to stay open.
Haircare/nail facilities, gyms, fitness centers, theaters, performance venues, bowling alleys, massage therapists, and tattoo/body artists and recreational indoor activities are to close. (Again, most are already closed in the City of Savannah.)
Bars and nightclubs had already been closed by a previous state order, and will remain so.
The new order specifically says that firearms and ammunition stores are NOT to be restricted in operation, and can stay open as per usual if they comply with the same social distancing protocol as other businesses.
All non-prohibited businesses are required to maintain strict social distancing policies and to allow for working remotely whenever possible.
Some Chatham County residents outside Savannah will feel the impact — in some areas, dine-in service has still been available. That will all stop by Friday evening.
See the order here.
The executive order supersedes all local and county measures.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Savannah Police Violent Crimes detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old man Tuesday evening, March 31.
"At around 8:30 p.m., officers responded to a residence on the 200 block of W. 60th Street and located Dschwane Baldwin with a serious gunshot wound. Baldwin was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries," police report.
Detectives are continuing to investigate this homicide: "This is not believed to be a random shooting at this time."
The homicide is the tenth of 2020 recorded in Chatham County.
Anyone with information can contact detectives at (912) 525-3124 or CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tips can also be submitted through a CrimeStoppers online tip portal at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=757. Tipsters may qualify for a reward up to $2,500, depending on the severity of the crime.
"At around 8:30 p.m., officers responded to a residence on the 200 block of W. 60th Street and located Dschwane Baldwin with a serious gunshot wound. Baldwin was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries," police report.
Detectives are continuing to investigate this homicide: "This is not believed to be a random shooting at this time."
The homicide is the tenth of 2020 recorded in Chatham County.
Anyone with information can contact detectives at (912) 525-3124 or CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tips can also be submitted through a CrimeStoppers online tip portal at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=757. Tipsters may qualify for a reward up to $2,500, depending on the severity of the crime.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
At a press conference this Tuesday morning, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson excoriated citizens who aren't observing social distancing "like it's a weird game of hide and seek."
Saying that while driving around, "Over the weekend I rode by various parks and I witnessed large gatherings of people playing team sports.... acting like it's Picnic in the Park. This is not acceptable."
Mayor Johnson said if the behavior continues, he will have no choice but to close all parks and institute a form of curfew. (Despite rumors to the contrary, no curfew is currently in effect.)
"If some of these cavalier attitudes and actions do not change and things do not improve quickly, please be assured dramatically more restrictive actions will be ordered," the Mayor warned.
"Savannah could be shut down in a way never before seen in our history. Please, please, please, help us to help you."
Johnson urged that the essential businesses who are still allowed to stay open to do a better job protecting employees from risk of infection.
He reiterated a previous observation that "Walmart has become the new club," referring to too much socializing by customers at places of business.
The Mayor said that Savannah's current 19 COVID-19 cases and two deaths as of this morning are "really a snapshot two weeks ago. We are living life two weeks behind the curve. What happens today we won't see for another two weeks," directly referencing "that foolishness in Forsyth Park" as a potential vector for future infections.
Johnson said that walking and exercising are fine, but "what we saw in Forsyth Park over the weekend was a party... my feeling is that people have been lulled into a false sense of security."
Saying that while driving around, "Over the weekend I rode by various parks and I witnessed large gatherings of people playing team sports.... acting like it's Picnic in the Park. This is not acceptable."
Mayor Johnson said if the behavior continues, he will have no choice but to close all parks and institute a form of curfew. (Despite rumors to the contrary, no curfew is currently in effect.)
"If some of these cavalier attitudes and actions do not change and things do not improve quickly, please be assured dramatically more restrictive actions will be ordered," the Mayor warned.
"Savannah could be shut down in a way never before seen in our history. Please, please, please, help us to help you."
Johnson urged that the essential businesses who are still allowed to stay open to do a better job protecting employees from risk of infection.
He reiterated a previous observation that "Walmart has become the new club," referring to too much socializing by customers at places of business.
The Mayor said that Savannah's current 19 COVID-19 cases and two deaths as of this morning are "really a snapshot two weeks ago. We are living life two weeks behind the curve. What happens today we won't see for another two weeks," directly referencing "that foolishness in Forsyth Park" as a potential vector for future infections.
Johnson said that walking and exercising are fine, but "what we saw in Forsyth Park over the weekend was a party... my feeling is that people have been lulled into a false sense of security."
Monday, March 30, 2020
A State of Emergency has existed in Chatham County since March 22, but today Chatham County Commission Chairman Al Scott announced new measures intended to keep the COVID-19 virus from entering the county and spreading.
"This amendment goes a step further — it's a step that the mayors couldn't take on their own," he said.
Specifically, anyone entering the County by airplane, bus, train, or at the port will be given a "preliminary test on the way in. We will be checking their temperatures and they will fill out a questionnaire," Scott said.
This will include all those coming in on commercial airline flights.
"All persons entering Chatham County who have been on a cruise ship, airplane, bus or train are required to self-isolate for the next 14 days," said CEMA Director Dennis Jones.
"Any person showing fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 is required to seek immediate medical attention," Jones said.
"This may go as far as anything we've done locally, with the exception of canceling the St. Patrick's Day Parade," Chairman Scott said.
The March 22 declaration already required social distancing measures in county restaurants outside the City of Savannah, which has restricted restaurants within City limits to takeout only.
Bars are now closed throughout Chatham County and all municipalities within it.
Dr. Lawton Davis of the Coastal Georgia Health Department said Chatham County has seen a 300 percent increase in confirmed cases in just the last week.
"Some who focus on the numbers seem to believe we've been relatively lucky so far," Davis said. "Maybe we have, but we must not be complacent."
Davis said COVID-19 typically takes 3-6 weeks to show an "explosion" in cases after initially confirmed in an area.
"Our first cases were confirmed about a week and a half ago. I fully expect our numbers to increase very rapidly over the next several weeks," he said. "And that only represents positive tests, where testing has been very limited."
Davis concluded with a cautionary note.
"To those of you who seem to think you're invincible, or that this is just a joke, please wake up."
"This amendment goes a step further — it's a step that the mayors couldn't take on their own," he said.
Specifically, anyone entering the County by airplane, bus, train, or at the port will be given a "preliminary test on the way in. We will be checking their temperatures and they will fill out a questionnaire," Scott said.
This will include all those coming in on commercial airline flights.
"All persons entering Chatham County who have been on a cruise ship, airplane, bus or train are required to self-isolate for the next 14 days," said CEMA Director Dennis Jones.
"Any person showing fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 is required to seek immediate medical attention," Jones said.
"This may go as far as anything we've done locally, with the exception of canceling the St. Patrick's Day Parade," Chairman Scott said.
The March 22 declaration already required social distancing measures in county restaurants outside the City of Savannah, which has restricted restaurants within City limits to takeout only.
Bars are now closed throughout Chatham County and all municipalities within it.
Dr. Lawton Davis of the Coastal Georgia Health Department said Chatham County has seen a 300 percent increase in confirmed cases in just the last week.
"Some who focus on the numbers seem to believe we've been relatively lucky so far," Davis said. "Maybe we have, but we must not be complacent."
Davis said COVID-19 typically takes 3-6 weeks to show an "explosion" in cases after initially confirmed in an area.
"Our first cases were confirmed about a week and a half ago. I fully expect our numbers to increase very rapidly over the next several weeks," he said. "And that only represents positive tests, where testing has been very limited."
Davis concluded with a cautionary note.
"To those of you who seem to think you're invincible, or that this is just a joke, please wake up."
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
While it was first considered one of the "essential businesses" allowed to remain open during Savannah's Shelter-In-Place order from Mayor Van Johnson, that's going to change.
"After receiving regulatory guidance from the state, barbershops, beauty parlors, nail and personal care salons will close on Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m.," a City spokesperson says.
Because that industry is largely regulated and permitted at the state level, it proved difficult to ascertain whether it could be included in a municipal order.
The order only applies to businesses within City of Savannah limits.
"Additional clarifications include pawn shops, title pawn shops, landscaping services and moving services are considered essential businesses and may remain operational. Vape stores are not permitted to stay open. Automobile dealerships can operate their service departments, but they may not operate their sales departments. Real estate maintenance and rental services and work to execute contracts currently in existence are allowed, but all other real estate work should be performed remotely," the City reports.
"After receiving regulatory guidance from the state, barbershops, beauty parlors, nail and personal care salons will close on Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m.," a City spokesperson says.
Because that industry is largely regulated and permitted at the state level, it proved difficult to ascertain whether it could be included in a municipal order.
The order only applies to businesses within City of Savannah limits.
"Additional clarifications include pawn shops, title pawn shops, landscaping services and moving services are considered essential businesses and may remain operational. Vape stores are not permitted to stay open. Automobile dealerships can operate their service departments, but they may not operate their sales departments. Real estate maintenance and rental services and work to execute contracts currently in existence are allowed, but all other real estate work should be performed remotely," the City reports.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson this morning passed a shelter-at-home order, prohibiting all non-essential business and non-essential travel.
Dine-in restaurant services will be prohibited and restaurants will be limited to takeout only.
"If you're not working and you're not shopping for groceries, please stay home," Mayor Johnson said. "All travel except for essential travel is prohibited."
In addition, private gatherings outside of the members of a single household are prohibited.
The order goes into effect midnight tonight and stays in effect until April 8 or later if City Council orders.
Parks and squares will remain open for exercise purposes, but social distancing requirements should be followed. Tennis/basketball facilities must close.
"For better or worse this is our reality for the next couple of weeks. The only way to stem the threat is to remain at home as much as possible," he said.
Essential businesses include healthcare, grocery stores, media, gas stations, shipping services, social services, laundry, home care, residential and daycare facilities for seniors and children, professional services such as legal and accounting, restaurants (but only for delivery and carryout).
Hair and nail care can stay open, but with social distancing rules.
Liquor stores ARE considered essential businesses; many other cities instituting COVID-19 restrictions also put them in the essential category. This keeps those with addictions from going into sudden withdrawal and further challenging the healthcare system.
Private construction projects with a current permit can continue.
About Ga. Gov. Brian Kemp's executive order yesterday, the Mayor said "I don't feel it goes far enough."
But, "we're not shutting the city down," he said, "we're asking you to rediscover your home."
The order only applies to activities within the City of Savannah.
Dine-in restaurant services will be prohibited and restaurants will be limited to takeout only.
"If you're not working and you're not shopping for groceries, please stay home," Mayor Johnson said. "All travel except for essential travel is prohibited."
In addition, private gatherings outside of the members of a single household are prohibited.
The order goes into effect midnight tonight and stays in effect until April 8 or later if City Council orders.
Parks and squares will remain open for exercise purposes, but social distancing requirements should be followed. Tennis/basketball facilities must close.
"For better or worse this is our reality for the next couple of weeks. The only way to stem the threat is to remain at home as much as possible," he said.
Essential businesses include healthcare, grocery stores, media, gas stations, shipping services, social services, laundry, home care, residential and daycare facilities for seniors and children, professional services such as legal and accounting, restaurants (but only for delivery and carryout).
Hair and nail care can stay open, but with social distancing rules.
Liquor stores ARE considered essential businesses; many other cities instituting COVID-19 restrictions also put them in the essential category. This keeps those with addictions from going into sudden withdrawal and further challenging the healthcare system.
Private construction projects with a current permit can continue.
About Ga. Gov. Brian Kemp's executive order yesterday, the Mayor said "I don't feel it goes far enough."
But, "we're not shutting the city down," he said, "we're asking you to rediscover your home."
The order only applies to activities within the City of Savannah.
Monday, March 23, 2020
Nourish Natural Bath of Savannah announces a drive-thru soap distribution for Wed., Mar. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their location at 5501 Abercorn St.
Each vehicle will receive one free liquid soap with no exceptions. Nourish asks that participants remain in their vehicle and prepare a spot in the backseat for staff to place the products.
"As there have been confirmed cases of this virus in Savannah, we would like to stress that the safety and well-being of our staff and the community are of our utmost concern during this time," says Kiley of Nourish. "Therefore, strict precautionary measures will be taken to keep our staff and the public safe with minimal face-to-face contact."
If you or someone you know would like to deliver complimentary soap to those with no vehicle access, please contact Kiley at 912-777-5479.
Each vehicle will receive one free liquid soap with no exceptions. Nourish asks that participants remain in their vehicle and prepare a spot in the backseat for staff to place the products.
"As there have been confirmed cases of this virus in Savannah, we would like to stress that the safety and well-being of our staff and the community are of our utmost concern during this time," says Kiley of Nourish. "Therefore, strict precautionary measures will be taken to keep our staff and the public safe with minimal face-to-face contact."
If you or someone you know would like to deliver complimentary soap to those with no vehicle access, please contact Kiley at 912-777-5479.
