Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report - Friday - April 3, 2020 - 7 PM Update

Today’s significant increase in cases is in part due to additional laboratories reporting to DPH, and also improvements in electronic reporting from other laboratories. Patient information is often incomplete and DPH works to complete the records, so data will change over time.

Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report For: 04/03/2020

These data represent confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to the Georgia Department of Public Health as of 04/03/2020 18:28:43.
A confirmed case is defined as a person who has tested positive for 2019 novel coronavirus.

Trion Police Update On High Speed Chase That Ended In Driver's Death Of A Self-Inflicted Gunshot

Commissioner Winters' Daily COVID-19 Report - Friday - April 3, 2020

FOR APRIL 3, 2020 1:00 PM RELEASE

CHATTOOGA COUNTY OPERATIONS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Chattooga County is working hard to ensure the health and safety of our employees that deliver critical services as well as the safety and welfare of our residents. With 3 confirmed COVID-19 case certain departments within Chattooga County will be limiting operations until further notice. All County facilities will operate under limited access to the public according to the Governor’s Emergency Health Order and the Governor’s Shelter-In-Place Order. In accordance with that Order some county employees that are able to, will telework or in staggered shifts. Please contact the specific office that you are needing to access to allow them to assist you in providing essential services. Specific information for the departments is listed below. With the fluid nature of this pandemic, operations can change at any time. Chattooga County will continue to update citizens through local media channels and social media on the Chattooga County, Georgia EMA/ 911 on Facebook. Please contact the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office at 706-857-0700 for more information and all department contacts and phone numbers are listed on our County website www.chattoogacounty.org by clicking on the Government Tab. Our intent is to update this daily with any new information or changes for departments that may occur and post on the Chattooga County EMA/911 Facebook and the www.chattoogacounty.org website

*Governor Kemp has issued a Shelter-In-Place for the State of Georgia to take effect Friday April 3, 2020 at 6:PM and will extend to April 13, 2020. We do expect this to be extended. Please contact any office with any questions concerning the order.

Monitoring Data for Chattooga County

· 3 confirmed cases in Chattooga County per Georgia Department of Public Health. Please watch the Georgia Department of Public Health Website at https://dph.georgia.gov/georgia-department-public-health-covid-19-daily-status-reportfor COVID-19 official case counts released each day at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

· Urgent Care Patient In-take Level- MODERATE with Increases

· Unacast Cell Movement Data- County Score of D- with a -25%-40% decrease in cell phone movement data. This information can be tracked at https://www.unacast.com/covid19/social-distancing-scoreboard. This information was last updated 4/2/2020 on Unacast. This data confirms increased movement within the County.

Please limit movement and take social distancing steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Chattooga County has extended our State of Emergency Order until April 24, 2020.

Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office- The Commissioner’s Office will operate under limited access to the public but will be accessible by contacting 706-857-0700 or 706 857-0701.

Superior Court— The Judicial Emergency Order will run through April 13. Extension possible.

Clerk of Court Office— The Chattooga County Clerk’s Office is open for ESSENTIAL matters. We will be at work and able to help you by phone or through online services. See information below.

Clerk’s Office – 706/857-0706 Pay your (County) traffic tickets – www.payyourtix.com Real Estate efiling & search – www.gsccca.org

Real Estate search – gasearch.kofile.us Civil efiling – www.peachcourt.com

Probate Court & Elections – Our office has been and will continue to be open for ESSENTIAL matters with the exception of the following directions. We are alternating our work days manning the office with one person at a time. Judge Payne is getting his messages and can operate from his home.

There is a correction sent from the State Office of Vital Records: We will continue to accept ESSENTIAL walk-in requests. You need to complete a written request form in the hallway with your pertinent information, present photo ID, and pay $25.

Marriage licenses may still be applied for only under ESSENTIAL needs. You must apply online at georgiaprobaterecords.com, call our office to verify we have received the transmittal, and make an appointment for a marriage license. You must present photo ID and a final divorce decree or death certificate if you have a previous marriage. Marriage licenses are $66 without counseling and $26 with 6 hours of certified counseling.

New gun permits cannot be applied for during this time. If you already have a license and your expiration date is coming up we will extend the time period with no penalty.

Chattooga County EMA/911- The office will be closed to the public but citizens can access the non emergency number at 706-857-3400 or in an emergency call 911. Also please follow the Chattooga County EMA/911 Facebook Page for the most updated information.

Chattooga County Health Department- Currently, the Chattooga County Health Department is providing essential services only, such as for Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. We are trying to provide WIC via telephone with an online nutrition component. This can change quickly daily based on our role. Please call our office for details in place of coming into the clinic. 706-857-3471

Chattooga County Extension Service (4-H) – The Chattooga County Extension Service will operate under limited access to the public but will be accessible by contacting 706-857-0744 or uge1055@uga.edu . Individual Staff can be reached through email as follows: Rebecca Thomas, County Extension Coordinator rbt@uga.edu ; Kim Snow, Administrative Assistant kpsnow@uga.edu ; Zach White, 4-H Agent zwhite@uga.edu ; Kendra Stallings, ANR Program Assistant ks6@uga.edu ; and Claudia Navichoque, EFNEP Program Assistant cnavichoque@uga.edu . We are still open and conducting business practicing social distancing via teleworking. Citizens can stay updated on resources through our webpage www.ugaextension.org/chattooga or exploring the Chattooga County Extension Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/chattoogaext/

Some Current Points of Interest within Extension Programming: · https://extension.uga.edu/topic-areas/timely-topics/emergencies.html – COVID- 19 resources from Governmental and Agency Resources along with virtual resources for families · Home Gardening Resources – https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/chattooga/agriculture-and-natural-resources/home-gardening-.html including a growing calendar, planting chart, Starting a Home Garden, Gardening in Containers, and several videos for reference · https://extension.uga.edu/content/extension/publications/series/detail.html?id=71&name=Home%20Garden Home Garden Publications · https://www.facebook.com/chattoogaext/ – Daily post surrounding educational zoom sessions and learning opportunities

· Sign Ups are being taken for Cooking on a Budget On-line Classes. All interested individuals must send an email to rbt@uga.edu for registration information

· The CDC Diabetic Prevention Program is meeting weekly via Zoom on the virtually on-line platform.

District Attorney’s Office— To be updated

Juvenile Court— To be updated

State Court – ( Judge John Dennis) I have cancelled the calendared State Court arraignments and bench trials for April. They will be continued, at least tentatively, until May. I hope by the end of the month or by mid- April, we will be in a better position to proceed. Inasmuch as I am in the Courthouse Annex and the Courthouse is usually shoulder to shoulder, I think it a better course to continue social distancing is simply not possible in that venue. I cannot simultaneously have an open court and practice social distancing.

I will continue to address probation matters as the situation warrants.

Sheriff’s Office/Jail— Deputies respond to and meet with many citizens throughout their shift and often times within the citizens home. Sheriff’s Office staff have been asked to avoid shaking hands, stand about 6 feet away from citizens that they are meeting or talking with. Also, if you request a deputy

for a report or other reason please step outside, if feasible, and meet with them. Deputies have been authorized to handle certain reports via telephone. These precautionary measures will not hinder or damper a criminal investigation.

Jail: Since we have a large population of individuals housed in a confined space, we will be taking precautionary measures at the jail as well. The one that will most likely affect family of incarcerated persons are revised visitation schedules. Also, services where outside individuals are allowed to meet with inmates i.e. church services and drug counseling services are suspended for now.

Registrar’s Office- Our office is closed to the public at this time. Absentee By Mail ballots are a great way for voters to cast a ballot from the privacy of their homes.

Absentee By Mail Information:

* Absentee By Mail Applications are being sent to all active registered voters. Inactive voters are still eligible to request an absentee ballot but will not automatically receive a request from the State.

* All requests must include a signature of the person making the request. You may make a request on behalf of a family member who is disabled or temporarily living outside of the county. All other requests must be made by the voter.

* Electronic signatures are not accepted.

* Party selection is required because this is a primary. Voters may choose between Democratic, Republican, or Non-Partisan. (Non-Partisan ballots do not contain Democratic or Republican races/questions.)

* For an application for an absentee ballot, visit https://sos.ga.gov/admin/files/Absentee_Ballot_Application_2018.pdf

* Absentee ballot applications may be accepted by mail, email, or fax.

* Absentee By Mail Ballots must be received by May 19, 2020 and are accepted through the mail. (After our office opens to the public, ballots may be hand delivered as well.)

Registration/Record Update Information: * To find an application to register to vote, go to registertovote.sos.ga.gov

* Registration applications (or an application updating information for an already registered voter) are accepted by mail. They are not accepted by fax or email. You may also submit a registration application online if you have a Georgia Driver’s License or State Issued ID card (ID only card issued by the Department of Driver Services), your name has not changed since your ID was issued, and you give permission to the Department of Driver Services to share your signature with our office.

*The registration deadline for the May 19, 2020 Primary is April 20, 2020.

Advance Voting Information:

* Advance Voting is scheduled to begin April 27, 2020 for the General Primary.

* During this time, individuals who have not already cast a ballot in the Presidential Preference Primary who select either a Democratic or a Republican ballot will also receive the Presidential Preference Primary on the ballot. Individuals who already cast a ballot in the Presidential Preference Primary will only receive a ballot for the General Primary.

We will have one member of staff available in the office from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm on weekdays. You may contact us by phone at (706) 857 – 0739, email us at chattoogaregistrar@gmail.com, or fax us at 706-857-0739.

Public Works—Chattooga County Public Works will continue to operate with appropriate distancing procedures in place.

Chattooga County Sanitation and Remote Dump Sites— The Transfer Station will remain open and the Remote Dump sites will remain open. Remote Site attendants have been directed to keep a safe distance and not assist with dumping trash or recycling material. Citizens will need to be able to dispose of their refuse and recyclable items without the assistance of the attendants.

Tax Assessors’ Office—Starting Monday, March 16, 2020, the Chattooga County Tax Assessors’ office, located at the Chattooga County Courthouse Annex, will be closed to public access. Citizens can visit https://www.qpublic.net/chattooga to determine a method of application and/or delivery for Real Property Returns, Personal Property Returns, Homestead Exemption Applications, etc., which will still be accepted. The property appraisal staff will continue to visit properties during this time but will refrain from as much face-to-face interaction as possible.

The Tax Assessor’s Office is waiting on guidance from the Department of Revenue on extensions for certain filing deadlines. Once this notification is made it will be released and possible extensions put in place.

Tax Commissioner’s Office—The Chattooga County Tax Commissioner’s office, including the tag and property tax offices, will be closed to public access. We strongly encourage all tag renewals and property tax payments to be made through our website at www.chattoogatax.com . To help our customers, beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 we will waive late penalties on payments and the credit card transaction fee on online payment will be waived for property taxes. Mobile Home property taxes that are due April1 will be extended to April 15th and Fi Fas will not be filed until April 15.

Magistrate Court—The Magistrate Court will work with the Superior Court and the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office to ensure the safety of all citizens who use Magistrate Court and our employees. We realize this may delay the scheduling of cases beyond the normal times and hope that the citizens understand the reason why. We continue to monitor the situation and appreciate the understanding of our customers. Citizens are urged to call our office if they have any questions or concerns.

Chattooga County Animal Control– We currently are asking all citizens who wish to surrender a pet to call and make an appointment. We will take all the information needed over the phone for the surrender and email a surrender form to be signed and sent back. When you arrive, we ask that you please stay in the vehicle and call the shelter at 706-857-0679. We will come out to the vehicle to retrieve the animal and complete the process.

Chattooga County Water Department—The Chattooga County Water Department will continue to offer current level of services as long as staffing is available to support. They request that customers attempt to make payments via mail, online, or by telephone instead of in-person, if possible. Any customers wishing to start a new service should make the initial request via telephone at 706-734-2827 as opposed

to in-person. In some instances, the transaction may be completed without an in-person visit. At any rate, the initial phone can provide an opportunity to share any information necessary to minimize the amount of time required in the office. You can pay your bill online at www.chattoogawater.org.

Chattooga County Senior Center- The Chattooga County Senior Center will be closed for activities for the next two weeks. Home meal delivery will continue. Currently all Senior Citizens that normally attend the Senior are being delivered a meal now. Extra meals have been ordered and we currently are able to fill all requested assistance needs.

Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce- The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce office is closed, but Executive Director Cindy Rivers is available by phone (706.857.4033) or email (chamber@chattoogacounty.org). All Chamber events have been suspended until further notice. Updates to our website and Facebook page are kept current, and a new Facebook group has been created: Together4Chattooga in order to offer an environment for businesses to post their updates and connect with consumers.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) now offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, renters, and homeowners located in Chattooga County affected by coronavirus. Access more details on how to apply at https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19 or call our office for help.

The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) is temporarily suspending in-person requirements for services. Claims may be filed through their website: dol.georgia.gov or call our office for help. Facebook is launching a $100 million grant program for small businesses. They’ve also created a Business Hub with tips on how businesses can survive the coronavirus outbreak.

Chattooga County Agricultural Center- The Ag Center will be closed for two weeks

Chattooga County Civic Center- The Civic Center will be closed for two weeks.

Chattooga County EOA Office- Closed to the public until further notice. If you are in need of assistance please call the Jasper Office at 706-692-5644. Please leave your name, number and need and they will get back to you. We ask for patience and understanding at this time.

Chattooga County Library- (Trion and Summerville Locations) – Based on recommendations from the CDC, Governor Kemp, and Commissioner Winters the Chattooga County Library System will be closed to the public through at least April. At that point, a decision will be made whether to reopen. While libraries normally invite people to come to libraries during emergencies, that is not the best option at this time because virus containment works best when all gathering spaces are closed.

People can park in our parking lot and take advantage of our free Wi-Fi at both library locations in Summerville and Trion. The password for Summerville is chattooga1234 and the Trion Public Library password is trion1234 . Our patrons are invited to take advantage of our FREE online resources including e-books, e-audiobooks, and e-magazines for both adults and children through GADD, e-read kids, and TumbleBooks. You can also search a recipe database. Available through the library system’s website: chattoogacountylibrary.org . You can use a smartphone as well as other Internet capable devices to do this.

If you have a library item due, your due date will automatically be extended until May 1st. All overdues fees will be waived during this time. Limited email support will be provided during this time. Email either sstephens@chattoogacountylibrary.org or sbaker@chattoogacountylibrary.org . Watch our Facebook at Chattooga County Library for other activities such as a preschool storytime on Thursdays at 10:30.

Chattooga County Transit- We will be transporting Dialysis patients to and from the dialysis center until further notice.

For more information, please contact the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office at 706-857-0700 or e-mail at chattcom@windstream.net or jwincom@windstream.net

Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report - Friday - April 3, 2020 - Noon Report

Today’s significant increase in cases is in part due to additional laboratories reporting to DPH, and also improvements in electronic reporting from other laboratories. Patient information is often incomplete and DPH works to complete the records, so data will change over time.

Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report For: 04/03/2020

These data represent confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to the Georgia Department of Public Health as of 04/03/2020 11:28:41.
A confirmed case is defined as a person who has tested positive for 2019 novel coronavirus.

WZQZ Afternoon COVID-19 Report - Friday - April 3, 2020

Many Chattooga County businesses are altering the way they do business during this COVID-19 pandemic.  WZQZ is committed to bringing you timely and relevant information as we all get through this period of time together.  Here are some updates regarding businesses and government services in Chattooga County.

• WZQZ is committed to our community and making sure that we get out timely, relevant information to our area.  We are also committed to the small businesses that operate in Chattooga County.  They are the lifeblood of our radio station and our community.  For the month of April, WZQZ will be offering FREE RADIO ADS for small businesses in our county.  See details here.
• Jerry’s Drive In – We are open the same hours as always. From 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturaday.
• Crossroads Family Pharmacy – is open regular hours but you are asked to use the drive-through only.
• Guffin & Eleam – The office is currently closed for in-person visits, but we remain available to serve you by phone or email. Please call the office at 706-857-3494 or visit our website at www.guffinandeleam.com for more information.
• Morris Jewelers – Closing today for two weeks
• Duff’s Flowers & Gifts – is closed and will reopen on April 13th.
• The Computer Shop in Summerville is open today from 10 AM – 6 PM.
• Merle Norman / Ga-Ga’s Boutique is closing today.
• Pay – N- Tote will be closing for two weeks starting this evening.
• Jefferson’s in Summerville is now closed until further notice.
• The Academy for Little People will remain closed until April 10
• Dollar General Stores are dedicating the first hour they are open to Senior customers, age 65 and older.
• Sweet P’s current hours and days of operation  Tuesday and Wednesday 11-3pm, Thursday and Friday 11-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11-3pm!
• Connie Smith Tax Service is open by appointment only call 706-978-1996 to schedule an appointment..
• The Willow Tree is now open Monday – Friday from 11 AM – 2 PM…they close daily from 2 PM – 4 PM for cleaning and then reopen from 4-8 PM.  Call 706-857-4007 for curbside and takeout orders.
• Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 8AM -5:30PM and Saturdays from 8AM-3PM.  Closed all day on Wednesday.
• The Breakers at Trion is open by appointment and can show units available.  Call 706-622-3323
• Teloga Country Store will serve you at their drive-thru window.  All store items plus prepared food can be served at the drive-thru. Truck drivers can park and walk up to the window.
• H&R Block in Summerville is offering “Drop Off Service.”  Drop your tax return off and they will take care of the rest.  They are open Monday – Friday 9 AM-6 PM and Saturday from 9 AM – 5 PM.
• The Factory Connection in Summerville is closed.  Check their Facebook Page for details on reopening
• Lookout Mountain Community Services is still open but is altering their approach to service delivery.  See more information at www.lmcs.org
• Thatchers in Summerville is now open for curbside & pickup only.  Their hours are Tuesday-Thursday 11am-8pm and Friday & Saturday 11am-9pm
• Sub Delight in Summerville has closed.  Watch their Facebook Page for re-opening information.
• Dirt Tow Deli in Gore is altering their hours.  They will be open Monday – Friday from 6 AM until 2 PM – closed Saturday & Sunday.  They will be doing curb-side service.  Call them at 706-857-1589 and they will bring your food or grocery order to your car. Truck drivers are welcome to stop and eat the phone number is posted outside the store.
• The Ruby Slippers is temporarily closed.
• DIRT has closed, but is offering online service.  See their Facebook Page for details
• L M TAX SERVICE is still open regular hours Monday through Friday 9-7 and Saturday 9-2. Please call 706-766-2064
• Tax Masters 101 is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Other times are available by appointment. To schedule an appointment call 706-808-0777. Our office is located at 9733A Rome Blvd (Ingles shopping center).
• North Ga Income Tax Service has a DRIVE THUR OPEN on Thursday and Fridays 1 PM until 6 PM unless appointment is made. 11195 Highway 27 Summerville across from McDonald’s..
  706.728.5926
• Crushed Tomato is closing their Summerville location for the next two weeks.  The LaFayette location is still open.
• Los MaGuey Mexican Restaurant will be offering Call -In and Car Hop (Sonic Style) Take Out Orders. (706) 859-8348. A 10 % Discount will be given for orders over $20.
• The Chattooga County Farm Bureau is open for business. However, out of an abundance of caution, they have CLOSED their lobby. Please call the office at 706-857-3214 for assistance.
• The Chattooga County Water Department on Old Highway 27 in Trion is closed to the public.  Use online payments or the drop box located at the Water District office.
• The Chattooga County School System is delivering meals to children.  Children age 18 and under will receive the meals.  Meet at bus stops to receive the meals. Meals may be delivered by bus, van, SUV or truck. Please be watching for either a school bus or another vehicle, which will be clearly marked with an official Chattooga County Schools emblem. Please be at your usual bus stop between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.  Pick-up meals will continue to be available at each school from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon daily. Meals will not be delivered the week of spring break.
• The Chattooga County Extension Office is closed to the public.  Gardening supplies will be available outside the Extension Office – WEATHER PERMITTING
• Trion Drugs is open with drive-thru only service
• CVS Pharmacy is now offering prescription delivery.  See their web site for details. CVS
• NGEMC’s lobbies are now closed to the public; however, full service is available via the drive-thrus, online, or over the phone. All disconnections are suspended through the end of March, and we will reevaluate this policy and timeframe as the situation develops. NGEMC recently added a new service, CheckOut, which allows members to make payments at area retailers such as CVS and Dollar General. Learn more about this and other payment options at www.ngemc.com/waytopay.
• Domino’s in Summerville is offering “No Contact Delivery” and “No Contact Carryout”
• Lucky’s in Menlo is accepting “Call-In Grocery Orders” from the Elderly & Anyone with a Compromised Immunity. Call in your order, and they will gather your items and call back to confirm amount and payment form. They will make you aware of any possible substitutions or out of stock items. They will arrange a pick up time with you. Lucky’s says, “During this trying time, we at Lucky’s Supermarket want to do all we can to protect the health and well-being of our most vulnerable customers. To place an order, or for any further questions, please call us at (706)862-6454 or (706)852-2425.” Lucky’s Supermarket in Menlo is reserving the right to limit quantities on certain items. No rainchecks will be issued.
• The Teloga Fire Department announced that they would help out the elderly and those suffering from compromised immune systems by picking up groceries for them.  The fire department says that they are offering the service for the Teloga Community and close-by areas.  If you need some items from the store and are uncomfortable making that trip, leave them a message on their non-emergency number (706) 734-4430
• Wal-Mart is now open from 7 AM – 8:30 PM
• Oakview Nursing & Rehab remains closed to the public.
• Morrison Surveyors is asking customers to call ahead and they will meet you outside if you need a plot or survey.  If you need a survey done, please call ahead at 706-857-4621.  They are not accepting walk-in customers.
• Most law offices in the county are closed without an appointment.  If you need to speak to an attorney, you should call ahead.
• McDonald’s in Summerville is offering FREE Breakfast and FREE Lunch to children under 12 Monday-Friday.  Breakfast hours are from 7-10 AM and lunch is 11 AM – 2 PM.   Breakfast can be a sausage, chicken or jelly biscuit.  Lunch can be a hamburger, cheeseburger or 4 piece McNugget.
• Menlo Restaurant is offering curb-side service.  Call your order in at 706-862-2281.  You can find a copy of their menu on their Facebook Page.
• Most county governmental offices are closed except for ESSENTIAL services.  The Chattooga County Tax Office is Closed to the public.  The Courthouse is open – but only for essential business.  Call ahead for the County Clerk or Probate Judge’s office. Menlo, Lyerly,  Trion & Summerville have closed their municipal offices to the public.  Payments can be made online or using their drop boxes.
• In response to the recent development of COVID-19, the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) is temporarily suspending in-person requirements for services provided by the agency. In accordance with Governor Kemp’s recommendation, the GDOL is providing online access to unemployment services, partial claim access for employers, and other reemployment services. HOW TO FILE Unemployment Claims
• The Small Business Development Center is available to help. Their focus during this unique and challenging time is helping small businesses with a tactical plan, cash flow issues, and connecting them with resources that may be of help. This is a free service. Contact Richard Montanaro at the SBDC, Rome: 706.622.2006 | rome@georgiasbdc.org

Deputies Stop Burglary In Progress

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader says that deputies stopped a burglary in progress this morning.  The incident happened in the pre-dawn hours when deputies patrolling the Austin Avenue area near Memorial Drive.  The sheriff said that the deputies were able to apprehend the suspect before they made off with any of the items stolen.  WZQZ News will have more on this story when the incident report is released by the sheriff’s office.

Altercation In Lyerly Ends In Stabbing - Two Arrested

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader said that deputies were called to a Lyerly address in the early morning hours of Friday regarding an altercation that originally started as an argument between a boyfriend and girlfriend over a dog.

The sheriff said that two men and a woman went to the woman’s grandmother’s house in Lyerly.   The woman was invited in to the grandmother’s residence, but the two men forced their way into the house.  During the ensuing altercation one man was stabbed and one man was hit over the head with a skillet.  The grandmother also received cuts from the fray.

Sheriff Schrader said that one of the men was transported to the hospital and will be facing charges after he is released; the other man was arrested and booked into the Chattooga County Jail.

WZQZ News will have more information and the identities of the men involved once the report is released from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

Arrest Report - Friday April 3, 2020

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday April 3, 2020:

Local Guidance On Shelter In Place

Information for Residents of Chattooga County Concerning the COVID-19 Pandemic
State of Georgia Shelter-in-Place Order
Updated : April 2, 2020

What Does Shelter In Place Mean?

You should stay at home and only leave when necessary to:
Get essential items such as food, supplies, household items, prescriptions, take-out orders. LIMIT TRIPS AND ONLY GET WHAT YOU NEED.

Seek medical care, visit a doctor or dentist, get medical supplies, pet emergencies or other health-related needs.

Go outdoors for fresh air, take walks with your family, walk your pet, play in your yard. ALL PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, EQUIPMENT AND AMENITIES ARE CLOSED.

Go to work if employed by an essential business or work outside of the county.

Take children to/from other parents home per your custody agreement.

Care for a family member outside of the home.

Is there a curfew?
No, we do not have a curfew in place.

Do I need a permit to go to work?
No, you do not need a special pass or permit to drive to work

Are social gatherings permitted?
No, gatherings public or private are not allowed inside or outside.

Essential vs Non-Essential

What are considered essential businesses?
This includes, but is not limited to, businesses such as grocery stores, gas stations, hardware/building supply stores, hospitals, doctors’ offices/health care facilities, pharmacies, manufacturing and industry, public works, law enforcement, newspaper and media, banks/financial institutions, car dealerships (sales by appt. only) maintenance/repair shops/services, taxis, legal services, mail services.
What are considered non-essential businesses?
This includes, but is not limited to, salons and barber shops, tattoo shops, recreational facilities, gyms.
How do I know if I need to go to work?
Ask your employer. If they are deemed essential and are open, you would need to report to work as directed. All businesses must implement 6ft social distancing protocols.
If I’m an essential business, can I still close.
Yes. Any help reducing the spread of the virus and helping people shelter in place is appreciated.
I’m an essential business, what are my requirements?
Businesses are required to implement social distancing protocols and enhance sanitation measures.
Where can I report concerns about my place of business as violating the Governor’s Executive Order?
Go to www.gov.georgia.gov click on Contact Us and then click on Constituent Services and complete the form.

Restaurants

Can restaurants be open?
Restaurants can be open for drive-through, pick up or delivery. No dine-in services are permitted. While working, employees must maintain social distancing protocols and sanitation measures.
Can people wait for their pick up order inside?
You can offer curbside or drive-through.
Can restaurants sell alcohol to-go?
Restaurants are allowed to sell unopened containers of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for take-out consumption off-premises.

Outside Activities

Are Parks and Playgrounds open?
All parks, their facilities and amenities are closed to the public.
Can I walk on the sidewalks in my neighborhood?
Yes, as long as you maintain the social distancing from others.

County-Related Questions

Are the Courthouse and other County Departments open to the public?
Our facilities are operating under limited access to the public for essential services until further notice. Water customers may still make payments through the drive-though, online or by phone.

Will garbage drop-off continue?
Garbage drop-off will continue at all remote sites and at the Transfer Station.

How can I get current updates and other County information? Please follow the Chattooga County EMA/911 Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. County Information can be found on the Chattooga County Website at www.chattoogacounty.org and by following local media.

COVID-19 Related Questions:

How can I find updates on current COVID-19 cases? The Georgia Department of Public Health reports this daily at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM at https://dph.georgia.gov/georgia-department-public-health-covid-19-daily-status-report.
Where can I find social distancing information and recommendations?
The Center for Disease Control’s website has guidelines and recommendations on social distancing and more. Find information at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

Can we provide specific information regarding confirmed COVID-19 cases?
The Northwest Georgia Public Health District has instructed us not to disclose information on specific COVID-19 cases. Health officials have assured us they have contacted persons at risk of exposure. Please direct questions or concerns to the Northwest Georgia Public Health District at 706-295-6704.

Have a question not covered above?
email us your question at chattcom@windstream.net or jwincom@windstream.net

More Test Positive For COVID-19 At Rome Nursing Home

The number of residents at Rome Health and Rehabilitation Center on Redmond Circle who have tested positive for COVID-19 continues to grow. The nursing facility said on Thursday that 15 residents have tested positive. Of those 15, four are being treated at a hospital.

“We continue with our process for screening all staff each shift. If staff show signs and symptoms of respiratory illness they are asked to go home and self-isolate,” Annaliese Impink, the spokesperson for Rome Health and Rehabilitation Center said. “We are screening all outside essential healthcare personnel prior to entering the center and we remain on restricted visitation to all others.”

High Speed Chase Ends In Fatality

The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office was involved in a high speed chase on Thursday night. According to information received by WZQZ News, the chase began on Highway 27 near Pennville and ended just north of Trion. The driver of the vehicle reportedly took his own life after being stopped by law enforcement. WZQZ News will have more information as it becomes available.

Chattooga DFCS Updates COVID-19 Office Procedures

Currently, the lobby at Chattooga County Department of Family and Children Services is closed. However, DFCS is open for business in a way that restricts direct contact for everyone’s protection from COVID-19. Please visit Gateway.ga.gov to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, as well as to complete renewals for those programs. Renewals due in March and April will be pushed out another six months. Paperwork and verification information for renewals can be put in the drop box or mailed to the office. Requests for paper applications to apply for SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid and TANF can be mailed to applicants by calling the Customer Contact Center at 1-877-423-4746 or by calling the local number at 706-857-0817. When calling the local number, it may be necessary to leave your name and address and phone number, if you would like a call back. Paper applications need to be returned to the drop box on the side door of the DFCS office or mailed to the office at 102 Highway 48, Summerville, GA 30747. Applicants can also do their application or renewal by phone by calling the Customer Contact Center at 1-877-423-4746 which is a great option if you do not have internet access and is faster than the mailing option.

Some recipients will notice additional SNAP benefits due to the pandemic. There is nothing the recipient will need to do as the additional benefit amount will just be added to their EBT cards.

Concerns of child abuse and neglect can be reported to 1-855 GA Child (1-855-422-4453) Neighbors and family are even more important at this time in reporting these concerns about children in our community.

Georgia Secretary Of States Leaves Moving The May Primary Up To The Governor

Georgia’s elections chief is leaving it up to the governor and state legislature whether to postpone the May 19 primaries another month after a prior delay in the face of coronavirus.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger already has put back Georgia’s originally scheduled March 24 presidential primary to May 19, coinciding with the state and local primaries. But Georgia House Speaker David Ralston and all 11 Republican members of the state’s congressional delegation are pushing to delay all of the primaries until mid-June.
Such a delay would be both impractical and unlawful, Raffensperger said earlier this week.

But in an interview with Capitol Beat News Service Wednesday, Raffensperger said he would not stand in the way of the General Assembly or Gov. Brian Kemp if they decide to take the necessary executive and legislative actions to delay the May 19 primaries.

To do so, Kemp would need to extend the public health emergency Georgia is under because of the COVID-19 outbreak beyond its current April 13 expiration date, Raffensperger said. State lawmakers would also need to reconvene and pass legislation to push back the state and local primaries from their May 19 date, as well as the presidential primary by another 45 days.

Georgia Lags Behind In COVID-19 Testing

Georgia is still one of the least-tested states per capita. There have been over a million tests for COVID-19 reported nationwide.

Georgia has tested about 200 people per 100,000 residents for the virus. New York state has tested about more than 1,000 people per 100,000 residents.

To the south, Florida has tested more than 60,000 people and has only reported 77 deaths, and has tested about 280 people per 100,000 residents.

With tests being reserved and rationed for only the most ill or frontline health care workers, it’s still hard to know exactly how widespread the infections are. One effective tool epidemiologists have at mitigating community spread is identifying positive patients and retracing their steps to find other people that might have the virus.

That’s difficult to do if you don’t know you have the virus. Plus the commercial labs that have added capacity are still facing backlogs of up to a week in some cases.

In hard-hit places like Albany, people are dying before their test results can come back.

GPB

Political Candidates Told To Remove "Large Signs" From Triangle At Trion

Political candidates in Chattooga County were sent scrambling on Thursday after they were made aware that the Town of Trion is limiting the size and number of signs at the Triangle intersection near Highway 27.

WZQZ News spoke with several political candidates who had circulated word among themselves that the Town of Trion had voted to change their sign ordinance at last week’s town council meeting and will no longer allow political signs “bigger than a yard sign” at the Triangle.

The town says they will remove signs not in compliance today.

WZQZ News contacted Trion Town Hall on Thursday afternoon and was told that any signs taken down from the Triangle by city workers will be available for pickup at Trion Town Hall.

State Unemployment Benefits Extended

The Georgia Department of Labor has implemented new emergency rules for unemployment benefits… due to a flood of new claims in the COVID crisis.     One extends the length of time an individual can collect benefits from 14 weeks to 26 weeks.

Another rule provides that the first $300 of wages earned in a week will not count against eligible unemployment benefits paid.  For example, if an individual has been laid off and takes a part-time job, he/she can now make up to $300 during the week and still receive their full unemployment amount.

Georgia unemployment benefits have now been expanded to cover individuals temporarily unable to work due to the COVID-19 public health emergency who plan to return to work when the emergency ceases.

To assist applicants in the claims process, the GDOL has also implemented a new Claims Status Dashboard that will allow applicants to track their claim.

Information on filing an unemployment claim, details on how employers must file partial claims, and resources for other reemployment assistance can be found on the agency’s webpage at gdol.ga.gov.

DOD To Provide 100,000 Body Bags At Request Of FEMA

The Department of Defense plans to provide 100,000 body bags at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the coronavirus death toll is expected to rise, the DOD confirmed this week.

“DOD and the Defense Logistics Agency have a longstanding arrangement with FEMA to procure key commodities from DLA’s industrial partners during crisis response operations,” a DOD spokesperson said in a statement. “DLA is currently responding to FEMA’s prudent planning efforts for 100,000 pouches to address mortuary contingencies on behalf of state health agencies.”

The Defense Logistics Agency – an agency within the DOD — manages the “global supply chain” for the U.S. military, according to its website. The DOD will pull from its stockpile of 50,000 bags and plans to purchase more, according to Bloomberg News.

Shaw Closing Down Many Of Its Operations

Citing a disruption of business associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Shaw Industries has announced they will temporarily suspend many of its manufacturing operations in the U.S.

The staggered, temporary shutdowns will begin on April 6 and operations will ramp back up over time based on market demand, with some operations starting back up as soon as April 13.

Shaw will support its associates during this time by filing for their unemployment benefits.

Below is a letter from Tim Baucom, President, Shaw Industries

As we all experience unprecedented circumstances that are impacting every aspect of our daily lives, Shaw is committed to supporting our associates and their families, our customers and our communities through this difficult time.

COVID-19 continues to impact Shaw, our economy, our customers and our suppliers. Due to the disruption of business associated with the pandemic, Shaw will temporarily suspend many of its manufacturing operations in the U.S. The staggered, temporary shutdowns will begin on April 6, 2020. The operations will ramp back up over time based on market demand, with some operations starting back up as soon as April 13, 2020. Shaw will support its associates during this time by filing for their unemployment benefits.

During these temporary shutdowns, sales, distribution, administration, and some manufacturing facilities will continue to operate to meet the needs of our stakeholders, including our customers, our associates, and the communities where we operate.

Shaw has an expansive soft and hard surface inventory in North America and a diverse supply chain both in the U.S. and internationally. We currently do not anticipate any major service disruptions.

Since the outbreak of this pandemic, we have developed comprehensive, emergency response policies and procedures to support our associates during these challenging times. We care about our associates’ safety while they are at work, as well as when they are at home and in the community. It will truly take all of us working together to defeat this virus.

Highlights of our policies and procedures include:

• If an associate determines he/she is unable to work or is uncomfortable at work, they can choose to stay home. This allows associates to make the best choices for their families. Associates may use their regular paid or unpaid time off options.
• Should an associate have a confirmed case of COVID-19 or be placed into quarantine at the request of local health officials, a medical professional, or Shaw, the associate will receive paid leave for up to 14 calendar days.
• For work taking place at Shaw facilities, we’ve implemented enhanced, extensive cleaning methods that occur at the beginning and end of every shift.
• We have limited in-person meetings and are avoiding plant-to-plant travel.
• Shaw’s Employee Assistance Program is available at no cost to associates and their households.
• We’ve provided frequent updates regarding our policies and procedures and remind our associates of health and safety guidelines to follow at work and in their personal lives to maintain their health and safety.

Additionally, while our facilities are shut down, the company will continue to enhance cleaning protocols and social distancing practices, and further train leaders regarding how to best operate our facilities during these unprecedented times.

To learn more about Shaw’s COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts, visit https://shawinc.com/covid19.

Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report - Thursday - April 2, 2020 - 7 PM

Today’s significant increase in cases is in part due to additional laboratories reporting to DPH, and also improvements in electronic reporting from other laboratories. Patient information is often incomplete and DPH works to complete the records, so data will change over time.

Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report For: 04/02/2020

These data represent confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to the Georgia Department of Public Health as of 04/02/2020 18:28:36.
A confirmed case is defined as a person who has tested positive for 2019 novel coronavirus.

Governor Issues Shelter In Place Order

Governor Kemp Issues Shelter in Place Order

Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp issued a shelter in place order for the state of Georgia. The order will be effective beginning Friday, April 3rd, at 6:00 PM and expire Monday, April 13th, at 11:59 PM.

View the executive order HERE.

View the guidance and FAQs for the executive order HERE.

WZQZ will have more on the governor’s Shelter In Place Order in upcoming newscasts and online