COVID-19 Safeguards Remain
The Jasper County Commission will meet next Monday, April 6, at 6 p.m., for its regular meeting. However, the meeting will be held in the large Courtroom in the Courthouse, and interested persons are invited to attend remotely, as the meeting will be live-streamed on the county’s Facebook page.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the county commission chairman, along with the mayors of Monticello and Shady Dale, declared a state of emergency for the county last week, and it continues until Monday. Community leaders agreed Tuesday to extend the emergency declaration, and subsequent rules, until April 30.
As social distancing remains the norm, small businesses in Jasper County and across the state are struggling. Congress passed the CARES Act which will help many of the small businesses, but locally most are trying to maintain a presence while following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for social distancing.
Last week we reported that Venture Medical was not testing for COVID-19, but were informed this week that indeed it is. The practice has had no positives as of Monday. Actually, the number of cases in Jasper County did not rise this week, with our count remaining at two cases, and no deaths.
Locally, dining in is not an option at any restaurant, but they are offering carry-out. In addition, small shopkeepers are struggling. The Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce last week presented a COVID-19 Bingo, to encourage residents to support their local businesses. Among other things, it recommended buying a gift card to a local spa or beauty service, or perhaps to a local restaurant.
We are all in this together and it is an excellent time for the community to stand together and support each other, while remaining at least six feet apart.
Turtle Cove has officially closed its beaches, effective Tuesday of this week. The club found a need to do it as Governor Kemp and Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Williams on Sunday said officials will start enforcing social distancing at parks and lakes in all of the state’s 159 counties.
Local Department of Natural Resources agents confirmed they are patrolling Jackson Lake as well as all state parks to enforce the social distancing order.
The order says:
Across Georgia, there is a mandatory shelter in place order for medically fragile individuals, and gatherings of more than 10 people are banned unless there is at least six feet between each person at all times. This order applies to all 159 counties.
Fortunately, many Georgians are heeding these directives and following the advice of public health officials to stay safe and healthy. However, as we deal with the effects of coronavirus with school and business closures, people are eager for a change in scenery after days at home. They are traveling to nearby counties, heading outdoors for fresh air, and maximizing family time. Some are going to vacation homes, and others are hitting the lake, hiking trails, or campgrounds. We, too, enjoy exploring Georgia, but we urge people to stay mindful of social distancing, follow best practices, and avoid large crowds.
The Department of Natural Resources will enforce the executive order limiting large gatherings with officials patrolling bodies of water and campgrounds. They are monitoring coves where people tend to congregate and, if necessary, using bullhorns to tell people to comply with the order. Officials will approach people in violation of the order and demand compliance for the well-being of our citizens and state. Local officials are also working hard to ensure compliance with local directives, which vary by city and county across our state.
Please stay safe, enjoy your time outdoors, and follow our directives to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Together, we can flatten the curve and stop the spread of coronavirus.
