COVID-19 Cases Increase Here

Jasper County has six confirmed cases of COVID-19, as of Wednesday morning, and that number will likely go up.

Last Thursday, Ga. Gov. Brian Kemp announced a shelter in place order that took effect at 6 p.m. Friday. That superseded the local state of emergency that had been declared. The statewide state of emergency order was extended Wednesday morning until May 13.

County Commission Chairman Bruce Henry made an announcement last Friday asking citizens to follow the governor’s advice. The order also encourages residents to support local businesses as much as possible while maintaining social distancing.

“Consider attending local church services on social media.”

And he asked that everyone pray for our county, our state, and our country.

The county Courthouse and Monticello City Hall have been closed to walk-in traffic for some time now and they remain closed. Business can be conducted by calling the office you need. If in-person help is needed, there are people working in the Courthouse and City Hall who can provide that help. Most are working from home.

The Jasper County Commission was planning to meet Monday, with it aired on Facebook Live as the public would not be welcome, but after the shelter in place order, the commission opted to postpone its meeting. Likewise the Monticello City Council has postponed its regularly scheduled meeting which would have been next Tuesday.

Jasper County schools are on spring break this week, but the School Board is scheduled to meet next Tuesday, April 14.

The Jasper County Extension Service this week announced that all UGA Extension office staff members in the state are telecommuting. The Jasper County office is now closed to the public, but Janice Arnold will be there on Monday and Tuesday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. to collect any soil and water samples. Please call the office, 706-468-6479, ahead of time to let her know that you’re coming.

“Our office phone messages are being checked remotely every two hours, said Kasey Hall, Jasper County Cooperative Extension Service Coordinator.

“We are still serving clients over the phone and by email. All 4-H in-person programming has been suspended through May 8, and we are awaiting information regarding our scheduled events and competitions in the coming weeks and months.”

Interested persons may leave a message on the office number or speak with Mrs. Hall, 4-H Agent and office coordinator, by calling 706-468-6448.

The Jasper County Landfill is currently closed.

County Manager Mike Benton said last year during April, when the county offers free dumping for residents of household garbage there were lines with many people in and out. Therefore, to avoid times that could result in exposure to staff or clients, the landfill is closed.

The county is keeping the most up-to-date information on its website and Facebook page, so check often to see what has changed.

In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to follow CDC guidelines which include staying six feet apart from others, frequent, thorough hand washing, and cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.

Many people locally are making face masks that can be made with scrap material and elastic which can be found in many items. Elastic is pretty much sold out at area fabric stores, but headbands and ponytail holders also work. People are being pretty innovative.

Also, cover coughs and sneezes—If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

Throw used tissues in the trash.

Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Clean and disinfect—Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Disinfectants can be made at home by diluting household bleach or by using a 70 percent alcohol solution.