The cases of Coronavirus in Georgia are unfortunately still growing. I’m also sorry to see some public panic with people hoarding items like toilet paper, water, bleach and hand sanitizer. During these troubling times, it is best for everyone to keep a cool head. Solid factual information about the Coronavirus is important in making good decisions about your health and that of your loved ones. It’s much better to rely on official sources and not rumors. In this email, I’m going to give you some resources that will help you during this time.
COVID HOTLINE
The State of Georgia has a COVID Virus Hotline. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel Coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.
(844) 442-2681
GETTING HELP
Gwinnett County has a list of resources from where to get food, help with utilities and public health information. CLICK HERE
KEEPING UP TO DATE
The Georgia Department of Public Health has a daily status report. It is updated at noon and 7 PM daily.
https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report
SMALL BUSINESS
If you own a small business and need help, our state has been approved for disaster loan assistance. https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Declarations
Georgia Department of Labor
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) is beginning to see an increase in the number of partial claims filed as a result of businesses reducing work hours or temporarily closing their doors as a result of recent developments of COVID-19. As of an emergency ruling this week by the Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler, employers are mandated to electronically file partial claims on behalf of their employees whenever it is necessary to temporarily lay workers off. All Georgia employers will share in the cost of unemployment benefits paid to employees temporarily displaced due to COVID-19 easing the stress on business owners during this health crisis. These emergency rulings will help to simplify the process and get workers paid. All career centers are closed to the public, but employees are still working to process claims. Additional information can be found on the following link
https://dol.georgia.gov/blog/new-information-filing-unemployment-partial-claims-and-reemployment-services or by contacting Tammy Liner, Phone: 404.232.7383, Email: Tammy.Liner@gdol.ga.gov
Department of Driver Services
DDS has issued a 120-day extension for drivers 60 years old and older in driver license renewals. The following link has details of the extension and other related information. https://dds.georgia.gov/coronavirus-covid-19
Nursing Homes
Many of you are concerned about visiting loved ones in nursing homes. Here are the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare rulings on restricting visitors to nursing homes. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-announces-new-measures-protect-nursing-home-residents-covid-19
STAYING WELL
Here are The Centers for Disease Control recommendations for preventing the spread of the Coronavirus.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
I know this is a lot of information at once and a lot of links but I hope it is helpful information during this time.
I will be updating you as I get more information. Please stay safe, healthy and at home unless there is an emergency.