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National and State Update-Ben Moser
Ben gave the following updates for Day 48 of the National Emergency over the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 from national, state and local news sources:
- It has been 100 days since a 35-year-old man presented to an urgent care clinic in Washington State with a four-day history of cough and fever and tested positive for the coronavirus. His was the first case to be detected in the United States. Since then more than 1 million people have tested positive in the United States
- Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading epidemiologist said that a second round of the virus in the fall and winter is inevitable but just how bad it is will depend on the progress the United States makes in the coming months
- President Trump issued an executive order that gives the federal government broad powers to ensure that meat and poultry processing plants remain open during the pandemic
- The United States economy shrank at a 4.8% pace in the first quarter as the coronavirus spread the steepest contraction since the last recession
- In Georgia, Governor Kemp is unlikely to extend the statewide lockdown for most Georgians past its scheduled expiration of 11:59pm Thursday. However, he has ordered elderly and medically fragile to remain at home until at least May 13, 2020; other restrictions such as bar closures remain in force until that date; many businesses do appear poised to open their doors on Friday. Among them are Lennox Square, the Mall of Georgia and other shopping malls and retail outlet centers
- In Alabama. Governor Ivey announced Tuesday that the state will permit retailers, beaches and some businesses to reopen on Thursday. She will not be extending Alabama’s Stay at Home Order, instead she will issue a new Safer at Home Order that encourages social distancing measures such as staying at home but does not require it. The order will go into effect Thursday at 5pm
Columbus Area Updates
Department of Public Health (Columbus Health Department) Update-Natalie Man
Natalie gave the following updates:
- There are a total of 1392 cases in our 16-county health district
- There are 291 cases in Muscogee County; 159 in Crisp County; 120 in Dooley County; 75 in Macon County; 156 in Randolph County; 370 in Sumter County
- The testing site at the health department will be closing at noon today in expectation of inclement weather
Muscogee County School District Update-Dr. David Lewis
Dr. Lewis gave the following updates:
- Nothing new to report today
Department of Family and Children Services Update-Jennifer St John of United Way
Jennifer gave the following updates:
- Tonika Wadley, Program Director for Muscogee County Department of Family and Children Services is unable to join the call this week; Mrs. Wadley provided the following updates to Jennifer:
- They have seen a drastic decline in the number of reports being made to their agency regarding child abuse and/or neglect
- With schools being closed and children not as visible in their communities, they will likely continue to see a decrease in reporting
- The following website can be shared with the listeners on the call to help them with resources and reporting while working virtually: https://spotstopandsupport.constantcontactsites.com/
Columbus Area Vulnerable Population Update
Home for Good Update-Pat Frey
Pat gave the following updates:
- She had the opportunity to attend a Georgia Municipal Association webinar on yesterday to discuss best practices that communities are using across the state for serving the vulnerable population
- Hub Continuum of Cares have begun meeting weekly; at the next meeting on Friday, they will be planning for the funds that will be coming into the communities
- The National Data Conference that was canceled due to the pandemic will now be held virtually; any service provider or community member can attend. The dates are Monday through Wednesday, May 4, 5, 6, 2020. They are one-hour meetings about the use of data for making decisions. See the attached link: https://www.hudexchange.info/trainings/spring-2020-nhsdc-hud-virtual-conference/
- Update from yesterday: There will be a virtual monthly Housing Navigation meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 3:00pm. The meeting is open to all participants of the Continuum of Care and anyone in the community that would like to participate. See the attached information/link:
https://meetingsamer8.webex.com/meetingsamer8/j.php?MTID=m52c0eff74454c4940cc8afd82cbb781e
Home for Good invites you to join this Webex meeting. Meeting number (access code): 622 524 218 Meeting password: 6BZcRF2Tsf2 (62927328 from phones and video systems) Tuesday, May 5, 2020 3:00 pm | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) | 1 hr. Join meeting Join by phone Tap to call in from a mobile device (attendees only) +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll Global call-in numbers Join from a video system or application Dial 622524218@meetingsamer8.webex.com You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number. Join using Microsoft Lync or Microsoft Skype for Business Dial 622524218.meetingsamer8@lync.webex.com Need help? Go to http://help.webex.com |
Coronavirus Response Fund (Crisis Fund) Update-Betsy Covington
Betsy gave the following updates:
- This week’s grant awards in the amount of $34,000 goes to four organizations: American Red Cross, Bethany Christian Services, Hope Harbour and Stewart Community Home. Details can be found at cfcv.com/coronavirus
- This brings the total distributed by the fund to $726,600; thanks to our generous community
- AFLAC has issued a challenge. They will match individual gifts to the fund up to $2,000 for a total of $100,000; please go to cfcv.com/coronavirus to donate
- Reminder to non-profits to go to cfcv.com/coronavirus and fill out the form if you need help
Open Forum Updates
No updates today