The EAST COBBER has collected recent statistics and developments concerning the COVID-19 crisis. Stay Healthy, East Cobbers!

  • The US has more than 855,869 confirmed cases and more than 48,000 deaths from COVID-19, the highest in the world, according to the most recent figures from Johns Hopkins University.
  • The Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report has documented 21,102 confirmed cases and 856 deaths as of Thursday, April 23 in the state of Georgia.
  • 1,284 Cobb residents have been diagnosed with the new coronavirus and 65 deaths caused by COVID as of midday Thursday, April 23, according to the state Department of Public Health.

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Georgia Governor Issues Exec. Orders Re-opening Some Businesses

On Monday, April 20, Governor Kemp announced that some businesses will be allowed to re-open prior to the end of his previously-announced State of Emergency.

VIEW THE GOVERNOR’S LATEST EXECUTIVE ORDER HERE

Included in the Executive Order: 

  • Medical practices, dental practices, orthodontics practices, optometry practices, physical therapists, ambulatory surgical centers, physicians performing elective surgeries, healthcare institutions, medical facilities and any and all other healthcare-related practices and services that have ceased operations should begin treating patients in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service guidelines and provisions of the Executive Order.
  • April 24 – All gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, estheticians, hair designers, massage therapists may begin in-person Minimum Basic Operations as defined by the Executive Order.

Additionally, in his remarks he said:

  • April 27 – Subject to social distancing and sanitation mandates, theaters, private social clubs and restaurant dine-in services will be allowed to reopen.
  • Bars, nightclubs, operators of amusement park rides and live performance venues will remain closed.
  • The Shelter in Place Order is still active and will expire on April 30 at 11:59 p.m.
  • Medically fragile and elderly Georgians should shelter in place at least through May 13.
  • For places of worship, holding in-person services is allowed, but under Phase One guidelines, it must be done accordance with strict social distance protocols.

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Cobb County Parks Reopening

Cobb PARKS personnel are out working to prepare some of the county’s trails and “passive” parks for reopening this Saturday. See  www.cobbcounty.org/COVID19 for a list of facilities that will reopen.   Looks like Ebenezer Park, Noonday Creek Trail  and Hyde Farm are the only parks located in East Cobb that are opening. Based on Public Health guidelines, those who use these facilities must adhere to social distancing and wear masks.

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Another Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing Site Opens at KSU

Under the direction of Governor Brian Kemp, the Georgia National Guard has selected Kennesaw State University to host a new, drive-thru site to test Georgians for COVID-19. The testing site, located on the university’s Kennesaw campus, will be commanded by the Georgia National Guard, with testing performed by medical personnel from Augusta University. This is a continued collaboration between the State and the University System of Georgia to utilize the assets of institutions like Kennesaw State and August University in the fight against the coronavirus. 

Testing will be by appointment only; no walk-up testing will be allowed in order to protect workers. The testing facility at Kennesaw State will operate daily, from 8am to 12pm and will be able to facilitate 240 tests each day. This location will be operated as a controlled environment with personnel following the strictest health and safety protocols. 

Individuals may request a virtual screening for the virus at www.augustahealth.org or download a virtual screening app for their smart phone through AU Health ExpressCare. Through this virtual screening, medical officials can assess symptoms and assist individuals who meet the testing criteria, in finding an appointment to be tested at a state facility near their home, including at Kennesaw State.

Individuals who need additional assistance or information should visit the Georgia Department of Public Health or call the COVID-19 hotline at (844)-442-2681. 

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Cobb County Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for April 28th at 1:30 PM. It can be viewed on TV23 or on youTube. Cobb Community Foundation, United Way of Greater Atlanta NW Region and Cobb Collaborative are requesting that the Cobb County Board of Commissioners allocate $1 million to help non-profits purchase and distribute food to Cobb Countians in need.