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National and State Update-Ben Moser

Ben gave the following updates for Day 32 of the National Emergency over the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 from national, state and local news sources:

• With more than 550,000 confirmed positive cases and 22,000 deaths, the United States is the epicenter of the global pandemic
• New cases of the coronavirus are certain to arises when restrictions are eased stated Dr. Anthony Fauci. The economy could have a rolling reentry as early as next month
• China reported its highest number of new coronavirus cases since early March, most of them involving people retuning form other countries; new cases lead to new restrains on travel
• The United States, Saudi Arabia and Russia lead the pack in record cuts for oil outputs, as part of an agreement 23 countries commit to withholding 9.7 million barrels a day from the world’s market in an attempt to stabilize world oil prices and economies
• In Georgia, a contract with PAE has been executed to build a 200-hospital bed alternate care facility in the Georgia World Congress Center
• In Alabama, a reminder to visit altogetheralabama.org for COVID-19 resources

Columbus Area Updates      

Columbus Consolidated Government Update-Mayor Skip Henderson

Mayor Henderson gave the following updates:

• As of 7:00pm yesterday, there are 156 confirmed cases in Muscogee County and 4 deaths
• Hospitalization rate has not spiked or surged, if it does it will be in the next 7 to 10 days
• Continue to be amazed at people in the community and how they are reaching out to help each other
• Thanks to the River Valley Regional Commission there is now a group of trained volunteers to help with senior lift assist. This frees up the city’s fire department and EMS who are under added stress due to COVID-19 calls.
• The Mayor thanked everyone for helping to mitigate this virus

Department of Public Health (Columbus Health Department) Update-Natalie Mann

Natalie gave the following updates:

• The health department will be doing testing today from 9:00am to 1:00pm
• There are 156 confirmed cases in Muscogee County, 239 in Sumter County and 111 in Randolph County;
• Check the Department of Public Health website for daily updates

Muscogee County School District Update-Dr. David Lewis

Dr. Lewis gave the following updates:

• Distribution of printed instructional packets are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, April 15 and April 16 at the school’s sites from 7:00am-9:00am, 11:00am-1:00pm, 5:00pm-7:00pm
• Instruction for pickup, returning completed packets and grading have been sent out to parents and the media

Alabama State House Representative Update-Chris Blackshear

Representative Blackshear gave the following updates:

• There are 3611 cases in Alabama
• There are 239 cases in Lee County with 6 deaths
• There are 202 cases in Chambers County with 8 deaths
• There are 24 cases in Russell County
• There are 457 hospitalized; 95 reported deaths with 61 of those confirmed
• Tomorrow the Alabama Department of Public Health will conduct drive-thru testing at the Russell County Health Department from 10:00am-2:00pm EST; client must have an appointment and meet certain criteria; Call 334-297-0251 for more information

Columbus Area Vulnerable Population Update

Home for Good Update-Pat Frey

Pat gave the following updates:

• On Friday, they had a webinar with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)on access to services and encouraging collaboration between Continuum of Care, Department of Public Health and Emergency Management Agency. The key is to make sure that once the pandemic is over that individuals experiencing homelessness can access permanent housing
• Tomorrow at 1:30pm, there is a mega-waiver conference call with HUD for service providers

Crisis Fund Update-Betsy Covington

Betsy gave the following updates:

• The grant committee is in the process of second round grants from the fund; they will be announcing soon
• For non-profit organizations that need assistance please go to CFCV.org/coronavirus
• First results from the Coronavirus Impact Non-Profit Assessment Tool have been posted for non-profits that are not necessarily on the front lines serving the vulnerable population; results will be updated each Monday; any non-profit that has been impacted can complete the tool; the tool gives organizations a way to tell their story
• Contact anyone at the Community Foundation but specially JJ Musgrove if there are any questions about the tool
• Reminder to encourage others to support the fund

Open Forum Updates

Georgia Power Update-Lisa Smith

Lisa gave the following updates:

• Last night storms caused power outages throughout the state
• There are about 2,500 customers in Columbus without power
• Ask for everyone’s patience as all power should be fully restored by tomorrow