Sunday, March 22, 2020
After days of criticism for not doing so much earlier, Chatham County Commission Chairman Al Scott has signed a resolution declaring a State of Emergency in Chatham County effective immediately.
However, in some ways the measure still falls short of restrictions currently in effect in the City of Savannah.
Under today's order, "All eating establishments, bars, and nightclubs within the County shall reduce indoor seating capacity and ensure seating is sufficient to achieve 6 foot social distancing. If restaurants, bars, and nightclubs cannot achieve the 6 foot social distancing protocol they are ordered to close," a County spokesperson says.
The resolution calls for the "immediate closure of all indoor recreation, fitness and entertainment facilities. Restaurants capable of providing take-out, delivery or drive-through service are encouraged to increase these services to avoid in-house dining as much as possible."
The City of Savannah last week closed all bars which don't serve food, and prohibited all guided and walking tours. Funerals and weddings within City limits are strongly encouraged to be ten or fewer people.
Chatham Area Transit (CAT) remains operational throughout the County at this time. Citizens are encouraged to use public transit only when necessary to travel to and from work and when shopping for essential items.
The resolution will be in effect until April 22 or "shall be terminated in conjunction with the termination of Governor Kemp’s State of Emergency."
However, in some ways the measure still falls short of restrictions currently in effect in the City of Savannah.
Under today's order, "All eating establishments, bars, and nightclubs within the County shall reduce indoor seating capacity and ensure seating is sufficient to achieve 6 foot social distancing. If restaurants, bars, and nightclubs cannot achieve the 6 foot social distancing protocol they are ordered to close," a County spokesperson says.
The resolution calls for the "immediate closure of all indoor recreation, fitness and entertainment facilities. Restaurants capable of providing take-out, delivery or drive-through service are encouraged to increase these services to avoid in-house dining as much as possible."
The City of Savannah last week closed all bars which don't serve food, and prohibited all guided and walking tours. Funerals and weddings within City limits are strongly encouraged to be ten or fewer people.
Chatham Area Transit (CAT) remains operational throughout the County at this time. Citizens are encouraged to use public transit only when necessary to travel to and from work and when shopping for essential items.
The resolution will be in effect until April 22 or "shall be terminated in conjunction with the termination of Governor Kemp’s State of Emergency."
To adapt to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, Leopold's Ice Cream has instituted new measures.
The dining room is closed and only six guests will be allowed inside the shops at once. Guests will not be able to sample before ordering.
The use of cones is suspended and ice cream will be served in to-go containers only.
Paper menus will not be available. Instead, guests can view the menu by scanning a QR code at the door, or by visiting the website: https://www.leopoldsicecream.com/flavors-menu/cafe-menu/
Additional sanitation stations are available at every location.
Curbside pickup is encouraged for food, beverage and ice cream. Visit the website to place an order or for additional details: www.leopoldstogo.com.
The Broughton Street location will be open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. The airport kiosk will be open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., and the shop from 12 p.m. from 7 p.m.
The dining room is closed and only six guests will be allowed inside the shops at once. Guests will not be able to sample before ordering.
The use of cones is suspended and ice cream will be served in to-go containers only.
Paper menus will not be available. Instead, guests can view the menu by scanning a QR code at the door, or by visiting the website: https://www.leopoldsicecream.com/flavors-menu/cafe-menu/
Additional sanitation stations are available at every location.
Curbside pickup is encouraged for food, beverage and ice cream. Visit the website to place an order or for additional details: www.leopoldstogo.com.
The Broughton Street location will be open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. The airport kiosk will be open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., and the shop from 12 p.m. from 7 p.m.
Friday, March 20, 2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Coastal Heritage Society sites will be closed until further notice beginning March 21.
They include: Georgia State Railroad Museum, Harper Fowlkes House, Old Fort Jackson, Pin Point Heritage Museum, Savannah Children's Museum and Savannah History Museum.
They include: Georgia State Railroad Museum, Harper Fowlkes House, Old Fort Jackson, Pin Point Heritage Museum, Savannah Children's Museum and Savannah History Museum.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Tybee Island has closed its beaches and bans the open consumption of alcohol city wide. These restrictions took effect Friday, March 20, at 10 AM.
"While there have been no identified COVID-19 cases on Tybee Island, this latest move ensures that CDC-recommended precautions such as social distancing and limited gatherings are being followed," a City of Tybee spokesperson said.
While there were discussions of limiting access to the island via Highway 80. "Highway 80 is still open to traffic at this time," said Tybee Mayor Shirley Sessions
"We also have extended a grace period and suspended late fees for business/occupational licenses and utility bills," says Sessions. "You may continue to mail in your tax bills or put tax bills and water bills in the drop box in front of city hall."
"While there have been no identified COVID-19 cases on Tybee Island, this latest move ensures that CDC-recommended precautions such as social distancing and limited gatherings are being followed," a City of Tybee spokesperson said.
While there were discussions of limiting access to the island via Highway 80. "Highway 80 is still open to traffic at this time," said Tybee Mayor Shirley Sessions
"We also have extended a grace period and suspended late fees for business/occupational licenses and utility bills," says Sessions. "You may continue to mail in your tax bills or put tax bills and water bills in the drop box in front of city hall."
Thursday, March 19, 2020
In a special City Council meeting today conducted by conference call, Mayor Van Johnson proposed to close all bars and nightclubs in Savannah that don't serve food, cease all guided and narrated tours, and limit restaurant service to fifty percent capacity or takeout service only.
Johnson signed the order, but will also seek approval by Council vote at the next Council meeting, expected Friday afternoon.
The measure goes into effect 8 a.m. this Saturday, March 21. A tentative end date is April 5, but that is subject to change.
The emergency declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic would also
mandate the closing of all gyms, fitness centers, movie theaters and live performance venues in City limits.
"When we close businesses we're also closing livelihoods. There's simply not any work. We also recognize that at this time people still need to get to food... restaurants still have a very important role," Mayor Johnson said.
Another measure would make all parking in the City free for one hour, "to support takeout operations," the Mayor said.
The proposal happened hours after Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance-Bottoms ordered a similar measure.
"A lot has happened since last Thursday," Johnson explained, referring to the meeting last week in which the St. Patrick's Day Parade and festival were canceled, but all businesses otherwise left open and unregulated.
"I have been on the phone with the governor's office and several phone calls with mayors," Johnson said. "We've also been on daily calls with the Coastal Health District."
The proposal comes the same day that the state of Georgia experienced a dramatic ramping-up of confirmed COVID-19 cases, with ten deaths. As of this writing, Chatham County still has no confirmed case.
The closest cases are in Beaufort County, S.C., and Glynn County and Effingham Counties in Georgia.
"This means there is asymptomatic transmission occurring in coastal communities," Johnson said of the Glynn County cases, which are within our regional health district. (The news about the Effingham case broke after the meeting's conclusion.)
"Not everyone with respiratory symptoms needs to be tested," Johnson said, pointing out that prioritization of testing is needed due to the relative scarcity of tests.
In other news, very limited drive-through testing for those who with PRIOR physician approval will be introduced this Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Jennifer Ross complex.
However, only 90 tests will be available, according to City Manager Pat Monahan. These tests will "not be for the general public" at large, the Mayor said.
Mayor Johnson urged anyone who thinks they need care to CALL FIRST before showing up at the ER or the doctor's office, to keep from infecting uninfected patients and staff at the location.
Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier expressed a concern about the quality of available information for the public.
"People have a lot of time to sit home and interject on social media," she said, suggesting that there should be one place to go to for credible local information.
Mayor Johnson recommended calling 311 for the time being, a City service expected to be ramped up significantly soon.
Johnson signed the order, but will also seek approval by Council vote at the next Council meeting, expected Friday afternoon.
The measure goes into effect 8 a.m. this Saturday, March 21. A tentative end date is April 5, but that is subject to change.
The emergency declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic would also
mandate the closing of all gyms, fitness centers, movie theaters and live performance venues in City limits.
"When we close businesses we're also closing livelihoods. There's simply not any work. We also recognize that at this time people still need to get to food... restaurants still have a very important role," Mayor Johnson said.
Another measure would make all parking in the City free for one hour, "to support takeout operations," the Mayor said.
The proposal happened hours after Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance-Bottoms ordered a similar measure.
"A lot has happened since last Thursday," Johnson explained, referring to the meeting last week in which the St. Patrick's Day Parade and festival were canceled, but all businesses otherwise left open and unregulated.
"I have been on the phone with the governor's office and several phone calls with mayors," Johnson said. "We've also been on daily calls with the Coastal Health District."
The proposal comes the same day that the state of Georgia experienced a dramatic ramping-up of confirmed COVID-19 cases, with ten deaths. As of this writing, Chatham County still has no confirmed case.
The closest cases are in Beaufort County, S.C., and Glynn County and Effingham Counties in Georgia.
"This means there is asymptomatic transmission occurring in coastal communities," Johnson said of the Glynn County cases, which are within our regional health district. (The news about the Effingham case broke after the meeting's conclusion.)
"Not everyone with respiratory symptoms needs to be tested," Johnson said, pointing out that prioritization of testing is needed due to the relative scarcity of tests.
In other news, very limited drive-through testing for those who with PRIOR physician approval will be introduced this Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Jennifer Ross complex.
However, only 90 tests will be available, according to City Manager Pat Monahan. These tests will "not be for the general public" at large, the Mayor said.
Mayor Johnson urged anyone who thinks they need care to CALL FIRST before showing up at the ER or the doctor's office, to keep from infecting uninfected patients and staff at the location.
Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier expressed a concern about the quality of available information for the public.
"People have a lot of time to sit home and interject on social media," she said, suggesting that there should be one place to go to for credible local information.
Mayor Johnson recommended calling 311 for the time being, a City service expected to be ramped up significantly soon.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor’s Declaration of Emergency, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson and Aldermen will hold daily updates, beginning Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 3 p.m., to discuss updates pertaining to COVID-19 measures, and updates on City operations and management.
These meetings will be available to the public via phone. The public may access the meeting at 1-425-436-6365, with access code 109735.
These are being put in the category of "Special Called Meetings" of City Council.
These meetings will be available to the public via phone. The public may access the meeting at 1-425-436-6365, with access code 109735.
These are being put in the category of "Special Called Meetings" of City Council.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Mayor Van Johnson this Tuesday morning said that there will be no mandatory restrictions or curfews in place for the time being in response to COVID-19.
"We're asking people to stay home. That's the safest way for our citizens, if at all possible," the Mayor said.
"People have to use common sense. For bars and restaurants, that might mean look at going to half or a third of your [seating] capacity," he said.
Johnson said that while the Centers for Disease Control have recommended no in-person events larger than 50 people, "the President has advised limiting gatherings of ten people or more. So that leaves us in the middle somewhere."
Johnson advised that local events should follow the CDC guidelines.
"We cannot continue business as usual," he said. "We could be celebrating the Feast of St. Patrick today, but we're not doing that. That gives you an idea of the magnitude of what we face."
For social and religious events, such as weddings and funerals, Johnson said, "we have to look at postponing or something different to avoid bringing people together."
The City is encouraging all small businesses to apply for Small Business Association loans.
"It's reasonable to expect layoffs of staff are on the way which exacerbates the problem we have," Mayor Johnson said.
Lawton Davis, director of the local Health District, said "I fully support" the Mayor's decision and process.
As of this morning 121 cases have been reported in Georgia, with no confirmed cases in Chatham County or contiguous Georgia counties.
"My opinion is this will be longer rather than shorter," Davis said about the duration of the pandemic and associated measures.
Municipal services will continue, with possible measures to limit public access to some City buildings. Savannah City Council meetings are likely to go at least partially remote.
"We're asking people to stay home. That's the safest way for our citizens, if at all possible," the Mayor said.
"People have to use common sense. For bars and restaurants, that might mean look at going to half or a third of your [seating] capacity," he said.
Johnson said that while the Centers for Disease Control have recommended no in-person events larger than 50 people, "the President has advised limiting gatherings of ten people or more. So that leaves us in the middle somewhere."
Johnson advised that local events should follow the CDC guidelines.
"We cannot continue business as usual," he said. "We could be celebrating the Feast of St. Patrick today, but we're not doing that. That gives you an idea of the magnitude of what we face."
For social and religious events, such as weddings and funerals, Johnson said, "we have to look at postponing or something different to avoid bringing people together."
The City is encouraging all small businesses to apply for Small Business Association loans.
"It's reasonable to expect layoffs of staff are on the way which exacerbates the problem we have," Mayor Johnson said.
Lawton Davis, director of the local Health District, said "I fully support" the Mayor's decision and process.
As of this morning 121 cases have been reported in Georgia, with no confirmed cases in Chatham County or contiguous Georgia counties.
"My opinion is this will be longer rather than shorter," Davis said about the duration of the pandemic and associated measures.
Municipal services will continue, with possible measures to limit public access to some City buildings. Savannah City Council meetings are likely to go at least partially remote.
The Neighborhood Dining Group (NDG), which owns Husk Savannah and several major restaurants in Charleston, S.C., and throughout the Southeast, announces the "immediate temporary closure of all our restaurants, effective March 17, 2020. Our communities deserve the most cautious measures in these uncertain times, and we feel it is impossible to operate our businesses knowing our staff and guests are at risk, even with precautionary measures such as limiting guests and tables and extensive sanitation.and our restaurant ownership group than the safety and health of our guests, our staff, and the communities in which we serve," NDG said in a statement this morning.
"These unforeseen circumstances will cause temporary layoffs for our staff. Despite the significant financial challenges, we are making several commitments to our amazing team of nearly 500 employees," NDG says.
"All staff and management will receive compensation through March 29. Additionally, NDG will continue health insurance benefits through April 30. After that, we expect staff to be able to take advantage of unemployment insurance and any federal assistance offered. We will re-evaluate this evolving situation at the end of April."
The Neighborhood Dining Group includes Husk (Charleston, Nashville, Savannah, & Greenville), McCrady's (Charleston), Minero (Charleston & Atlanta) and Delaney Oyster House (Charleston).
"These unforeseen circumstances will cause temporary layoffs for our staff. Despite the significant financial challenges, we are making several commitments to our amazing team of nearly 500 employees," NDG says.
"All staff and management will receive compensation through March 29. Additionally, NDG will continue health insurance benefits through April 30. After that, we expect staff to be able to take advantage of unemployment insurance and any federal assistance offered. We will re-evaluate this evolving situation at the end of April."
The Neighborhood Dining Group includes Husk (Charleston, Nashville, Savannah, & Greenville), McCrady's (Charleston), Minero (Charleston & Atlanta) and Delaney Oyster House (Charleston).
Monday, March 16, 2020
Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) announces that the school campus, located at 705 E. Anderson Street, "will transition from on campus instruction to distance learning after Spring break concludes at the end of this week," a spokesperson says.
All classes at SCA will take place using an online format beginning on March 24, 2020 when students return to their studies to complete the semester’s curriculum.
All classes at SCA will take place using an online format beginning on March 24, 2020 when students return to their studies to complete the semester’s curriculum.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
While saying that they have so far "not received any patients who have tested positive for COVID-19," Memorial Health Hospital announced Sunday afternoon several changes to its entrance protocol, effective Mon. March 16.
Public entrances to the hospital will be:
• ER (24/7)
Monday – Friday
• Main Hospital Entrance (5:30am – 7pm)
• Heart & Vascular Institute (5am – 7pm)
• Day Surgery (4:30am – 4pm)
Weekends
• Main Hospital Entrance (7am – 7pm)
• Heart & Vascular Institute (7am – 7pm)
Additional visitation restrictions will be implemented:
• Only one (1) well adult visitor per patient at all times
• Visitation hours are 6am – 7pm
• Children 18 and under will not be allowed to visit
"Special consideration will be given to those in critical care, neonatal intensive care unit, maternity center and at the Children’s Hospital, on a case-by-case basis," a spokesperson says.
When visitors or patients arrive on campus, "they should utilize the public entrances. Greeters will be screening at those entrances with a list of basic questions to help ensure that patients get the care they need while not potentially exposing others to the virus."
Please do not visit the hospital if you:
• Have a fever
• Have a cough or shortness of breath and have traveled outside the US in the past 14 days
• Have had direct contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
Public entrances to the hospital will be:
• ER (24/7)
Monday – Friday
• Main Hospital Entrance (5:30am – 7pm)
• Heart & Vascular Institute (5am – 7pm)
• Day Surgery (4:30am – 4pm)
Weekends
• Main Hospital Entrance (7am – 7pm)
• Heart & Vascular Institute (7am – 7pm)
Additional visitation restrictions will be implemented:
• Only one (1) well adult visitor per patient at all times
• Visitation hours are 6am – 7pm
• Children 18 and under will not be allowed to visit
"Special consideration will be given to those in critical care, neonatal intensive care unit, maternity center and at the Children’s Hospital, on a case-by-case basis," a spokesperson says.
When visitors or patients arrive on campus, "they should utilize the public entrances. Greeters will be screening at those entrances with a list of basic questions to help ensure that patients get the care they need while not potentially exposing others to the virus."
Please do not visit the hospital if you:
• Have a fever
• Have a cough or shortness of breath and have traveled outside the US in the past 14 days
• Have had direct contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
