VOTE! It’s Election Day
Press Release May 24, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — It’s Election Day in Georgia. All eyes will be on the gubernatorial race where incumbent Brian Kemp is expected to handily defeat former Senator David Perdue despite President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Perdue.
This 2022 General Primary and Non-partisan General Election follows weeks of early voting that shattered turnout records and produced 857,000 votes, three times the number of votes recorded in the 2018 mid-term election. The turnout should silence Democrat claims that the new Georgia voting law would suppress the vote. Republicans cast 406,000 votes to Democrats 299,000.
If the polls are correct, US Senate candidate Herschel Walker, who also has Trump’s endorsement, will run away from five Republican challengers much as the legendary running back used to run away from opponents at the University of Georgia.
Other high-profile races to be contested include US Congress, Lt. Governor and Secretary of State. and attorney general. Here in Forsyth County several down-ballot races will garner a lot of attention, including State Representative races in the 24th, 25th, 27th, 28th and 48th districts.
Parents with children in the Forsyth County School System will have their eyes on the Board of Education races in District 1 and District 5. Former hospital CEO Dennis Scheidt is trying to unseat Chairman Wes McCall in the District 1 race and Mike Valdes and Erin Knight are the candidates in District 5.
Polls will open at 7 am and are expected to close at 7 pm.
Forsyth County joins Atlanta Regional Commission
Press Release July 2, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
FORSYTH COUNTY, — Ga. Forsyth County has joined the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), leaving the Georgia Mountain Regional Commission (GMRC), effective July 1, 2021.
With the addition of Forsyth County to the ARC, the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency for various metro-Atlanta counties and cities now serves 11 counties including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale.
“After decades of a fruitful and mutual relationship with GMRC, Forsyth County looks forward to the regional partnership that ARC will bring,” said Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Cindy Jones Mills. “The transition over to the Atlanta Regional Commission will give Forsyth County residents a stronger voice about our future in key areas, including transportation planning and water quality. I would like to express my gratitude to my fellow board members and to the local legislative delegation for the many months of hard work that made this possible.”
In Fall 2019, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners petitioned for the County to move from the GMRC to the ARC. The Georgia Senate and House approved a resolution in March 2021 for a move to the ARC, followed by Gov. Brian Kemp signing HR 130 transferring Forsyth County to the ARC effective July 1, 2021.
“Forsyth County is one of the most dynamic and important parts of metro Atlanta. In many ways, the County’s fast-growing and evolving population reflects the future of our region,” said ARC Board Chairman Kerry Armstrong. “This growth also brings ever-increasing challenges in long-range planning. We look forward to having Forsyth join our efforts in improving the quality of life for everyone in the Atlanta region.”
About the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC):
ARC is the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 74 other cities. ARC serves as a catalyst for regional progress by focusing leadership, attention and planning resources on key regional issues.
State Board of Education approves resolution on the teaching of race in state’s classrooms
News June 3, 2021
ATLANTA – Meeting in special session today (June 3) the Georgia State Board of Education voted 11-2 in favor of a resolution that supports Gov. Brian Kemp’s contention that “critical race theory (CRT) is a dangerous ideology that should not take root in the state’s standards or curriculum.”
While the resolution does not specifically mention CRT or any other concept, it does refer to the characteristics that many CRT opponents have used to describe the concept.
“Concepts that impute fault, blame, a tendency to oppress others, or the need to feel guilt or anguish to persons solely because of their race or sex violate the premises of individual rights, equal opportunity, and individual merit underpinning our constitutional republic, and therefore have no place in training for teachers, administrators, or other employees of the public educational system of the State of Georgia” the resolution states.
It further states that the department believes no federal grant should be accepted that includes curriculum that would “indoctrinate students in social, or political, ideology or theory, or promote one race or sex above another” and that educators should not teach anything suggesting that one race or sex is superior to another or that members of a race should feel guilty about their identity.
In 2017, the Forsyth County School System adopted a strategic plan it calls “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).” Angry parents turned out in large numbers at a school board meeting last month to charge that DEI is no more than CRT in disguise. It is unclear how today’s ruling will impact the school system.
The resolution also appears to address the widely-discredited 1619 Project by stating that no teacher should teach that “the advent of slavery in the territory that is now the United States constituted the true founding of the United States; or that, with respect to their relationship to American values, slavery and racism are anything other than deviations from, betrayals of, or failures to live up to, the authentic founding principles of the United States, which include liberty and equality.”
A Resolution
of the State Board of Education of the State of Georgia
June 3, 2021
WHEREAS, all public educational systems of the State of Georgia operate on the principle that all
teachers, administrators, other employees, and students in the respective educational system are,
and are to be treated as, individuals endowed with equal inalienable rights, without respect to race
or sex; and
WHEREAS, concepts that impute fault, blame, a tendency to oppress others, or the need to feel
guilt or anguish to persons solely because of their race or sex violate the premises of individual
rights, equal opportunity, and individual merit underpinning our constitutional republic, and
therefore have no place in training for teachers, administrators, or other employees of the public
educational system of the State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, for the same reasons, such concepts should not be inculcated in students of the public
educational system of the State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, true civic education is not political action itself but rather preparation for life; and
WHEREAS, respect for the liberties of students and teachers, the views of a politically diverse
citizenry, and the tradition of institutional neutrality that flows from these, means that political
activism has no place in education funded by the State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, the free speech, conscience, and religious liberty rights of teachers and students ought
to be respected; and
WHEREAS, the ability of the citizens of the state of Georgia and its publicly funded school
districts to control K-12 curriculum content in courses on history, civics, social studies, and similar
topics through their elected representatives should not be ceded to either the federal government
or private entities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
We, the State Board of Education for the State of Georgia;
- Believes the United States of America is not a racist country, and that the state of Georgia
is not a racist state,
- Affirms we will continue making decisions affecting K-12 public education based on the
best interests of all students regardless of their race or sex, and that our collective focus
remains that of providing the highest quality education to every child in Georgia without
political bias or political influence,
- Affirms that Education in Georgia should reflect our fundamental values as a state and
nation – freedom, equality, and the God-given potential of every individual,
- Affirms that we will not support, or impart, any K-12 public education resources or
standards which (i) indoctrinate students in social, or political, ideology or theory, or (ii)
promote one race or sex above another,
- Believes that no state education agency, school di district, or school shall teach, instruct, or
train any administrator, teacher, staff member, or employee to adopt or believe any of the
following concepts: (a) one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex; (b) an
individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive,
whether consciously or unconsciously; (c) an individual should be discriminated against or
receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of the individual’s race; (d) members of
one race cannot or should not attempt to treat others without respect to race; (e) an
individual’s moral standing or worth is necessarily determined by his or her race or sex; (f)
an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed
in the past by other members of the same race or sex; (g) an individual should feel
discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or
her race or sex; (h) meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist, or
were created by members of a particular race to oppress members of another race; (i) fault,
blame, or bias should be assigned to a race or sex, or to members of a race or sex because
of their race or sex.
- Believes that no teacher, administrator, or other employee in any state education agency,
school district, or school administration shall approve for use, make use of, or carry out,
standards, curricula, lesson plans, textbooks, instructional materials, or instructional
practices that serve to inculcate in students the following concepts: (a) one race or sex is
inherently superior to another race or sex; (b) an individual, by virtue of his or her race or
sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously; (c)
an individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly
because of the individual’s race; (d) members of one race cannot and should not attempt to
treat others without respect to race; (e) an individual’s moral standing or worth is
necessarily determined by his or her race or sex; (f) an individual, by virtue of his or her
race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the
same race or sex; (g) any individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other
form of psychological distress on account of his or her race or sex; (h) meritocracy or traits
such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist, or were created by a members of a particular
race to oppress members of another race; (i) that the advent of slavery in the territory that
is now the United States constituted the true founding of the United States; or (j) that, with
respect to their relationship to American values, slavery and racism are anything other than
deviations from, betrayals of, or failures to live up to, the authentic founding principles of
the United States, which include liberty and equality,
- Believes that no teacher of history, civics, U.S. government and politics, social studies, or similar subject areas, whether for regular credit or advanced placement credit, shall be compelled by a policy of any state education agency, school district, or school administration to discuss current events or widely debated and currently controversial issues of public policy or social affairs,
- Believes that teachers who choose to discuss current events or widely debated, and currently controversial issues of public policy or social affairs shall, to the best of their ability, strive to explore such issues from diverse and contending perspectives,
- Believes that in any course on history, civics, U.S. government and politics, social studies, or similar subject areas, whether for regular credit or advanced placement credit, no school shall require, make part of such course, or award course grading or credit to, student work for, affiliation with, or service learning in association with, any organization engaged in lobbying for legislation at the local, state, or federal level, or in social or public policy advocacy,
- Believes that in any course on history, civics, U.S. government and politics, social studies, or similar subject areas, whether for regular credit or advanced placement credit, no school shall require, make part of such course, or award course grading or credit to, lobbying for legislation at the local, state, or federal level, or any practicum, or like activity, involving social or public policy advocacy,
- Believes that no federal grant shall be applied for, or federal funding accepted, if such grant or funding requires or encourages the teaching of the concepts or implementation of the practices set forth in paragraphs (6) through (11) above, or if such grant or funding requires or encourages training teachers in such concepts or practices,
- Believes that no private funding shall be accepted by state education agencies or school districts for curriculum development, purchase or choice of curricular materials, teacher training, professional development, or continuing teacher education pertaining to courses on history, civics, U.S. government and politics, social studies, or similar subject areas, whether for regular credit or advanced placement credit, and
- Will, if not already codified, consider actions codifying in part or whole paragraphs (6) through (13) herein within State Education Rules filed with the Georgia Secretary of State as “Department 160. RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.” In this resolution, “school” means public school, including open-enrollment charter school.
Forsyth County pitches in after E4 tornado spreads destruction in Newnan, Heard, Coweta counties
Featured Stories, News March 30, 2021
NEWNAN COUNTY, Ga. – Late Thursday evening and into the early morning hours of Friday an E4 tornado that experts say was more than one mile wide and packed winds of 170 mph ripped through Newnan, Coweta and Heard counties, spreading devastation as it went.
When catastrophic weather events like that occur, it takes hundreds, even thousands, of first responders and volunteers to help the victims begin to put their lives back together.
On Saturday (Mar. 27), Forsyth County sent two utility trucks and two crews to assist in restoring power to the city of Newnan. Two Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department jet vac trucks, along with two crews, were used to assist in resetting power poles in the ground and constructing power lines.
One of the crews returned to Forsyth County on Sunday with the second crew assisting with the restoration of power utilities until Monday. Both crews reported devastation like they had never seen before.”
Gov. Brian Kemp toured the area over the weekend and declared a state of emergency. “As someone who’s responded to several storms in this state, this is different to anything I’ve ever seen,” he told the Newnan Times Herald.
Photos courtesy of Forsyth County Government
Sen. Gooch reviews first week of Gen. Assembly
News, Press Release January 18, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
By: Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega)
ATANTA — On Monday, Jan. 11, members of the Senate and the House officially gaveled in to begin the 2021 Legislative Session. The new session brings with it many familiar motions and procedures, including formally electing our President Pro Tempore, Secretary of the Senate, and Sergeant at Arms. All members of the General Assembly, both new and returning, were also officially sworn in to begin their new terms in office. In the Senate, we have eleven members who will be experiencing their first session with us and I am looking forward to getting to know them all as work to make Georgia as great as it can be.
While there were many similarities between this session and others I have experienced, new protocols have been introduced as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has drastically changed the way we do business at the Capitol. To start, all members of the General Assembly and Capitol staff are required to undergo COVID-19 testing twice a week. For those who test positive, a robust contact tracing program has been implemented to mitigate exposure of the virus. Additionally, seating in our committee rooms has been spaced out in order to socially distance committee members and new procedures have been introduced to promote fewer crowds on the Senate floor. I’m happy to report that testing and tracing has been working as intended and we are confident these measures will reduce the risk of an outbreak while we are in session.
Importantly, we are continuously working to get the COVID-19 vaccine to those in the most need. First, it is important to note that there are currently two different COVID-19 vaccines available in Georgia: Pfizer and Moderna. Both are proven to be effective and require two doses, but they differ in that Pfizer requires the doses being administered three weeks apart and Moderna requires 28 days. Right now, Georgia is receiving 120,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine each week and they are being deployed in three different phases. We are currently in the first (Phase 1), and doses are being administered to healthcare workers, employees and residents of long-term care facilities, first responders, and adults aged 65 and above. We will then move to the next phase which will include non-healthcare essential workers, followed by the final phase which will include those between the ages of 16-64 with preexisting medical conditions. If you fall into any of the groups that make up Phase 1, I encourage you to find a COVID-19 Vaccination Site near you and follow additional guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website.
On Thursday, we heard the annual State of the State Address delivered by Governor Brian Kemp. This speech highlighted a few of the Governor’s main budget priorities for the upcoming budget cycle, with a particular emphasis being placed on areas impacted by COVID-19. Specifically, the Governor is proposing $1.2 billion over the next few years to public education and $1,000 to go towards educators to ensure schools can reopen safely. Additionally, the Governor called for increased investment in rural broadband infrastructure, to expand high-speed internet access to communities such as ours.
Next week, these proposals will be examined in closer detail when members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees will meet to examine the state’s current and projected budgetary needs. “Budget Week” is one of the most important times of any legislative session, perhaps none more important than the one we are about to witness. If you ever have any questions about any of the legislative proposals we take up, progress on COVID-19 vaccinations or any budgetary items, please feel free to contact my office.
# # # #
Sen. Steve Gooch serves as the Senate Majority Whip. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and White counties and portions of Forsyth and Pickens counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9221 or via email at [email protected].
21 counties to receive disaster relief funds
Featured Stories January 15, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
ATLANTA –Governor Brian Kemp requested a Major Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Zeta based on joint federal, state and local preliminary damage assessments totaling more than $22 million. The disaster declaration approved by President Donald Trump makes public assistance available for 21 counties in Georgia.
“The declaration will provide resources to help offset the costs of Tropical Storm Zeta,” said Chris Stallings, GEMA/HS Director. “It will be a great help to the communities recovering from this event.”
Public Assistance is available to state and local government entities and qualified not-for-profit organizations in Banks, Carroll, Cherokee, Dawson, Douglas, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Lumpkin, Paulding, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White Counties. It will provide financial aid for debris removal and repairs to roads, bridges and power infrastructure for up to 75 percent of the cost for the project.
In addition, under this declaration all areas in the State of Georgia are eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. HMGP provides assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.
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As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.
State Rep. McDonald angered by lack of communication with Secretary of State’s Office
Featured Stories January 12, 2021
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – As rookie District 26 State Rep. Lauren McDonald (R-Cumming) prepared for his second day in the Georgia General Assembly, election reform and his anger over how Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger handled the Jan. 5 election was clearly on his mind.
State Rep. Lauren McDonald
“Dealing with the Secretary’s Office was horrible,” he said. “When you tried to get answers you couldn’t get through to them and they wouldn’t return calls. Out of respect for people running for office, especially statewide office, there should have been better communications with their office. That was my big disappointment.”
On election reform, McDonald said, “We have to get rid of the no-excuse ballots. That has got to change. You have to do a lot of listening when it’s your first term in office and one idea I heard floating around is the appointment of an elections commission to oversee all statewide elections. We have to have fair elections in this state. Both sides deserve that.”
Another front-burner issue this year is COVID-19. “That falls on us to get this vaccine out promptly,” he said. “State health departments are having a tough time with distribution right now because of a lack of staff.” The rollout of Gov. Brian Kemp’s plan to expand access to the coronavirus vaccine to people 65 and over hit a wall Monday as health department websites crashed and phone lines were overwhelmed. Georgia Department of Public Health officials called for patience Monday.
Lawmakers will receive committee assignments later this week. McDonald said he hopes to serve on Regulated Industries, Transportation and Game, Fish and Parks, which hears legislation on the state’s natural resources, including Lake Lanier.
“The lake is very important to me,” McDonald said. “The Army Corps of Engineers is a pretty powerful group and I want to work with them to make sure they continue to work with our citizens.”
McDonald’s father Lauren “Bubba” McDonald Jr. was re-elected to a fifth term as Georgia Public Service Commissioner Jan. 5. He served in the Georgia House for 20 years.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Eric Trump addresses Evangelicals in Cumming as the president hosts historic peace agreement
News September 15, 2020
A massive crowd estimated at between 500-600 welcomed Eric Trump to Cumming Tuesday.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – A wildly enthusiastic pro-life, pro-Trump, pro-law enforcement crowd welcomed President Donald Trump’s son, Eric, to the Evangelicals for Trump, rally at the Reid Barn today (Sept. 15).
A crowd estimated at between 500 and 600 cheered Gov. Brian Kemp when he warned that if we do not elect Donald Trump, the nation will descend into “lawlessness and anarchy and we will all lose everything we worked so hard for.”
Kemp added, “So let’s make a promise to each other and God almighty we’re not going to let that happen and we’re going to deliver a victory for Donald Trump.”
The governor invited the entire Trump family to move to Georgia and when it was his turn to speak, Trump said he would like to move to Georgia. “I would like to get the hell out of New York,” he said.
On the same day his father was hosting a historic peace and trade agreement between Israel, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, the president’s son was serving red meat to the faithful.
“Look at what this country is facing. The Democrat Party has become the party of atheists. This is not the party of JFK. It is a radical, radical party. They’re okay with removing God in the Pledge of Allegiance. They’re okay with kneeling for the National Anthem. They’re okay with the American flag burning. Do you know what this country is not okay with? All of that.”
He then turned his attention to his Dad’s opponent Joe Biden and said, “Biden hasn’t done a damn thing the last four years. When someone in the crowd shouted ’47 years,’ Trump quickly agreed, joking, “I was getting to that. You’re taking my material.”
He reminded the audience of the many Biden contradictions in the campaign saying the former vice president once said would defund the police. Three days later in Pittsburgh he said he would not do so. He also said he would ban fracking, Trump stated, but later said he would not. He added that if Biden is elected, Kamala Harris, who once compared the police to the KKK, will be calling the shots. “These people are insane,” he concluded. “And the media feeds into this nonsense. They let them get away with it.”
Before ending, he looked out over the massive crowd and noted, “Biden in his entire campaign hasn’t pulled this many people.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Loeffler bus tour to arrive in Cumming Thursday
News September 1, 2020
Sen. Kelly Loeffler
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Senator Kelly Loeffler’s “All About Georgia” statewide bus tour will roll into Forsyth County Thursday (Sept. 3).
Loeffler is scheduled to arrive at Sawnee Mountain Park Community Building at 3 p.m. It will be the second of three stops that day following an appearance in Gilmer County. At 5 p.m., she will be at Smoke House BBQ in Hall County.
Senator Johnny Isakson resigned his senate seat due to deteriorating health last December and Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Loeffler to fill the position until a special election could be held Nov. 3.
Loeffler will face stiff opposition in the special election which currently has 21 candidates. All candidates, regardless of party, will be placed on the same ballot. Party labels will be printed on the ballot and if no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff election to be held on Jan. 5.
Loeffler, Republican 9th District U.S. Congressman Doug Collins, and Democrats Raphael Warnock and Matt Lieberman are considered the front runners at this point.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
2020, following Senator Johnny Isakson‘s resignation effective December 31, 2019. Governor Brian Kemp appointed Kelly Loeffler to serve as Isakson’s replacement, effective January 6, 2020, until the special election.
Kemp opens bars and renews state of emergency
State & National May 28, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – Gov. Brian Kemp decided to continue the state of emergency and stay at home order for the elderly and at-risk individuals through July 12. However, the governor also announced the reopening of bars, amusement parks, night clubs, professional sports, and overnight summer camps.
Music venues must remain closed.
Kemp issued timelines for the lifting of each restriction.
May 31 Openings
- Overnight Summer Camps
June 1 Openings
- Gatherings of 25 people will be allowed – if the area meets space requirements
- Bars
- Night Clubs
- Professional Sports
- Amateur Sports
June 12 Openings
- Amusement Parks
- Water Parks
Georgia will not mandate citizens to wear masks, but Kemp highly encourages everyone to wear masks in crowded areas and public places.
66 percent of nursing home residents have been tested for COVID-19. On June 1, the Department of Public Health will move to once-daily updates of coronavirus numbers.
Shelter in Place order extended for medically fragile until June 12
Press Release, State & National April 30, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Executive Order 4.30.20.01 which extends the medically fragile shelter in place and the Public Health State of Emergency until June 12.
The entire statement from the governor is below:
“Tonight at 11:59 PM, the statewide shelter in place order for most Georgians will expire. However, moving forward, I am urging Georgians to continue to stay home whenever possible. I want to thank the people of our great state who heeded public health advice, afforded us time to bolster our healthcare infrastructure, and flattened the curve. We were successful in these efforts, but the fight is far from over.
“In accordance with our executive orders, businesses across the Peach State must continue to operate with strict social distancing and sanitation rules to keep customers and employees safe through May 13, 2020. Those rules vary by business type for a measured, health-driven approach.
“The health and well-being of Georgians are my top priorities, and my decisions are based on data and advice from health officials. I will do what is necessary to protect the lives – and livelihoods – of our people. I will formally extend our public health state of emergency through June 12, 2020, to continue enhanced testing across Georgia, ramp up contact tracing, and maintain effective emergency response operations in every region.
“To protect vulnerable populations, I will sign an order today requiring medically fragile and elderly Georgians to continue to shelter in place through June 12, 2020. In addition, I will order long-term care facilities – including nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, and similar community living homes – to utilize enhanced infection control protocols, ensure safer living conditions, and protect residents and staff from coronavirus exposure.
“Together, we will defeat this virus and emerge stronger. Thank you, and God Bless.”
April 27 to be a day of prayer for Georgia as fight against COVID-19 continues
Press Release April 25, 2020
Atlanta, GA – On Monday, April 27, Governor Brian P. Kemp will join Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, Speaker David Ralston, and faith leaders from across Georgia in holding a Day of Prayer service in the rotunda of the Georgia State Capitol at 10:00 a.m. As the state continues to battle COVID-19, Kemp, Duncan, and Ralston are calling on all Georgians and members of the faith community around the state to participate by posting videos of their prayers on social media throughout the day.
“Our unprecedented battle with COVID-19 has proven the resolve of the people of Georgia to fight hard, come together, and do what is necessary to stop the spread of the virus,” said Governor Kemp. “While we cannot all be together right now, we can join with one another in prayer for our frontline healthcare workers, first responders, law enforcement, business owners, local leaders, and fellow Georgians as we continue the important work of fighting COVID-19 and safely reopening our state. On Monday, I am calling on all Georgians to participate in our Day of Prayer by posting on social media and showing their support for their fellow citizens.”
“COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on countless lives across our state and nation. In the midst of tremendous loss, uncertainty, and anxiety, I look forward to joining together in prayer,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “Faith and prayer are a comfort to millions of Georgians, and whatever your background, I hope Monday will be a chance for us to focus on those who are hurting and seek wisdom for the hard road ahead.”
“I’m very proud of the response to this crisis by our state government and local and federal partners as well as healthcare workers and frontline personnel,” said Speaker David Ralston. “In such trying times, it is appropriate that we come together to pray for those battling this disease and its impact as well as those who have tragically lost loved ones. I join with Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Duncan, and all Georgians in praying for the mercy and comfort of our Lord as we look forward to brighter days ahead.”
To ensure adherence to social distancing guidelines, the Day of Prayer service will not be open to the general public. Georgians are encouraged to participate via livestream at www.facebook.com/GovKemp at 10:00 a.m.
Georgia Dept. of Labor addresses unemployment options
Press Release, State & National April 22, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp and the Georgia Department of Labor are partnering to ensure Georgians understand their unemployment options as the state begins the safe reopening of businesses. Governor Kemp announced plans Monday to safely and incrementally reopen sectors of the economy, and today, Labor Commissioner Mark Butler encouraged employers to work with employees to determine a successful return to work plan.
“Thanks to Governor Kemp and his support, we were able to issue an emergency rule that increased the earnings exemption amount from $55 to $300 allowing individuals to make $300 a week without reducing their weekly benefit amount,” said Commissioner Butler. “If a business opens back up slowly and their employees are returning to work with reduced hours, employers can continue to file employer-filed partial claims on behalf of their employees.”
Pursuant to the emergency rule issued on March 26, 2020, an individual can make up to $300 per week without reducing their maximum weekly benefit amount, allowing employees to work reduced hours and still qualify for state weekly benefits and the federal $600 weekly supplement.
“As we take measured steps to reopen sectors of our state’s economy, it is vital that we continue to support Georgians trying to re-enter the workforce,” said Governor Kemp. “Commissioner Butler and the Department of Labor are working around the clock to do just that. Their action under historic circumstances will continue to give our state’s workforce viable options to put food on the table for their families as we fight COVID-19 together.”
Employer-filed partial claims account for 75 percent of the state’s 1.1 million claims since March 14. Employers are required to report an individual’s weekly gross wages when certifying on behalf of the employee with the GDOL. These employer-filed partial claims can include full-time and part-time employees, as long as employers are accurately reporting an individual’s weekly wages. An employer’s account will not be charged for claims filed against it for employer-filed partial claims during this time.
“Despite claims to the contrary, returning to work does not automatically eliminate an individual’s state unemployment eligibility,” said Butler. “In fact, we designed this provision to encourage employers to continue to file while returning employees to work to take advantage of the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) benefits.”
The rule states that earnings of $300 or less will not affect entitlement to benefits. Any amount over $300 will be deducted from a claimant’s weekly benefit amount, a payment determination based on an employee’s past wages. As long as a claimant is awarded at least $1 in state benefits, he or she is eligible to receive Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), the additional $600 weekly payment.
“This option was created with lower wage employees in mind,” said Butler. “Allowing Georgians to supplement their income by making an additional $300 or so a week while continuing to receive state benefits, and now the federal supplement, will allow them to continue to heal from the economic wounds brought about by COVID-19.”
If a decision is made by an employee to separate from his/her place of employment, the employee has the right to file an individual claim where an eligibility determination will be made based on the facts presented in the case.
“If an employee is concerned about returning to work due to exposure to COVID-19, we are encouraging employees to communicate with their employers on plans to safely return to work,” explained Butler. “We are all working together on getting Georgians back to work in a safe and stable environment.”
Information on filing an individual unemployment claim, details on how employers must file employer-filed partial claims, and resources for other reemployment assistance can be found on the agency’s webpage at www.gdol.ga.gov.
Georgia Board of Cosmetology and Barbers Issues Safety Guidelines for Reopening
Press Release, State & National April 22, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers issued guidance for the safe reopening of Georgia’s salons and spas.
“I deeply appreciate the work of Kay Kendrick and the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers to prepare guidelines for implementation by Georgia’s shops and salons,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As we begin the process of safely reopening our economy, it is critical that business owners, operators, and contractors adhere strictly to increased safety and sanitation guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Working together, I am confident that we can get these sectors back online and work to ensure the health and safety of all Georgians.”
“I am very happy that Governor Kemp decided that we can reopen our salons and spas,” said Kay Kendrick, chair of the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. “We have 95,000 licensees under our board, most of whom are independent contractors that have no other source of income.
“Under our sanitation laws and rules, we are charged with the responsibility of protecting consumers from the spread of contagious diseases everyday in our salons. By adding the safety guidelines that have been developed by the board and some of our industry leaders in the cosmetology and barber profession, we feel that our professionals will be able to do an even better job of protecting themselves and their clients. I trust that all our professionals will use these guidelines to be safe and protect their clients. “
Salon/shop owners and managers should use the OSHA “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19” as a guide for reopening. Below are some of the top-level guidelines for salon and spa operators to follow. The complete list of guidelines will be available here.
Temperature Checks: Salons should consider use of a touchless infrared thermometer to check the temperature of employees each day and of each client who enters the salon/shop.
Screening Questions: Ask each client entering the shop the following questions – Have you had a cough? Have you had a fever? Have you been around anyone exhibiting these symptoms within the past 14 days? Are you living with anyone who is sick or quarantined?
Limit People In Shops/Salons: Salons/shops should consider seeing clients by appointment only. Salons/shops should consider telephonic or online scheduling. Limit the number of persons in the waiting area of the salon/shop. It is recommended that clients wait outside the salon/shop in their vehicle until the cosmetologist or barber is ready to serve them. It is recommended that persons not being serviced in the salon/shop wait outside the salon/shop.
Maintain Social Distancing: Spacing between persons in the salon should be at least six feet at all times. Salons/shops should consider additional spacing between booths, divider shields, and/or alternate work schedules.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment and Best Practices: Salon/shop employees will be required to wear masks at all times. Salons may want to consider providing masks to clients. Clients should wear face masks to the extent possible while receiving services. Salons/shops should also make use of face shields, gloves, disposable or re-washable capes, smocks, neck strips, etc. These items should be disinfected or disposed of between each client. Employees should should arrive at the salon/shop showered and wearing clean clothing and change clothes before leaving the salon/shop each day. Hand washing with soap and warm water, for a minimum of 20 seconds will be required by employees between every client service.
Disinfection: All salons/shops should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to reopening. Disinfect all surfaces, tools, and linens, even if they were cleaned before the salon/shop was closed. Salons/shops should maintain regular disinfection of all tools, shampoo bowls, pedicure bowls, workstations, treatment rooms, and restrooms. Additionally, salons/shops should remove all unnecessary items (magazines, newspapers, service menus, and any other unnecessary paper products/decor) from reception areas and ensure that these areas and regularly touched surfaces are consistently wiped down, disinfected, and that hand sanitizer is readily available to clients and staff. Avoiding the exchange of cash can help in preventing the spread of the virus, but if this is unavoidable, be sure to wash and sanitize hands well after each transaction. The use of credit/debit transactions is preferred, using touch/swipe/no signature technology.
Administration: Employees who are sick will be expected to stay home. Salon/shop owners/managers should provide training, educational materials, and reinforcement on proper sanitation, hand washing, cough and sneeze etiquette, use of PPE, and other protective behaviors. Ensure break rooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized and not used for congregating by employees. Be flexible with work schedules/salon hours to reduce the number of people (employees and clients) in salons/shops at all times in order to maintain social distancing.
A full list of these guidelines will be made available on the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers’ website.
Kemp easing restrictions and opening some businesses
Featured, Featured Stories, News April 20, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – In a 4 p.m. press conference Gov. Brian Kemp outlined a plan to reopen the Georgia economy in accordance with Phase One of President Trump’s plan.
Starting on Friday, April 24, gyms, fitness centers, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors, estheticians, their respective schools, bowling alleys, and massage therapists can open back up. However, they must follow social distancing guidelines and sanitation policies.
“Unlike other businesses, these entities have been unable to manage inventory, deal with payroll, and take care of administrative items while we shelter in place. This measure allows them to undertake baseline operations that most other businesses in the state have maintained since I issued the shelter-in-place order,” stated Kemp.
On Monday, April 27, restaurants can reopen their in-dining services as long as social distance and sanitation protocols are in place.
Entertainment businesses like event venues and bars are still closed until data supports reopening.
Social distancing is still in place across Georgia and the Shelter in Place order is in effect until April 30.
“Do what you can to help those in need. For places of worship, holding in-person services is allowed, but under Phase One guidelines, it must be done in accordance with strict social distancing protocols, Kemp added. “I urge faith leaders to continue to help us in this effort and keep their congregations safe by heeding the advice of public health officials. Of course, online, call-in, or drive-in services remain good options for religious institutions.”
The governor stressed businesses that are being allowed to open back up to practice good common sense or he will take necessary steps. He added that cases will probably continue to go up, but the state is better equipped to combat the virus with more hospital beds and contact tracing.
Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey added that the number of COVID-19 cases in Georgia has plateaued and now in decline. She said that they are following the gating data standards as set by Dr. Deborah Birx and the COVID-19 task force.
Bar graph from DPH demonstrating daily change in confirmed cases.
Toomey said that Georgia will meet the two-week decline in cases by the time the April 30 shelter in place order ends. According to her, the death rate in Georgia has dramatically fallen. Toomey said this is due to more widespread testing and identifying cases earlier.
It should be noted that last week Georgia still had multiple days of over 700 new cases added during the daily reports. The highest confirmed cases day was on April 6, 2020. The highest death day was also on April 6 with 40 deaths recorded by DPH.
However, it’s been previously reported that DPH and associated labs have a backlog of tests to process. These numbers are still subject to change. More testing facilities are opening across the state, including Gilmer and Towns.
Also, several people who are either asymptomatic or demonstrating only minor symptoms are being tested for COVID-19, so these numbers could be much larger. Please continue to follow social distancing for the time being.
Graph depicting daily number of COVID-19 deaths.
Telemedicine Option
From Kemp’s press conference:
“As many of you know, Augusta University Health launched a telemedicine app as part of their comprehensive plan to screen, test, and treat Georgia patients through an algorithm designed by experts at the Medical College of Georgia. This app has enhanced public health while reducing exposure for our doctors, nurses, and medical staff. We are encouraging symptomatic Georgians to download the app this week and begin the screening process. Georgians can access the app by visiting AugustaHealth.org or downloading AU Health ExpressCare on your smartphone. You can also call (706) 721-1852. This free app is user-friendly, and through this app, physicians and advanced practice providers from Augusta University Health and the Medical College of Georgia are available to users twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. If you begin to display symptoms consistent with COVID-19 – day or night – you can log onto AU Health’s telemedicine app or call to get screened by a clinician. If you meet criteria for testing, staff will contact you to schedule a test at one of the state’s designated testing locations near your home. Your healthcare information will be securely transmitted to your designated testing site.
“This streamlined process reduces stress on both the patient and testing site workers. Once you arrive for your appointment, you will provide a specimen for testing. From there, we will leverage the power of several key academic institutions in the state to process tests. These include Augusta University, Emory University, Georgia State University, and the Georgia Public Health Lab. In roughly seventy-two hours, you will be able to access your test results via a secure patient portal, and a medical provider will contact you directly if you are positive. The clinician will assist you with enrolling in a self-reporting app by Google named MTX where – with patient consent – the Department of Public Health can use enhanced contact monitoring and tracing.”
Here’s a link to Fetch Your News’ daily COVID-19 updates.
Kemp easing restrictions and opening some businesses
Featured, Featured Stories, News April 20, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – In a 4 p.m. press conference Gov. Brian Kemp outlined a plan to reopen the Georgia economy in accordance with Phase One of President Trump’s plan.
Starting on Friday, April 24, gyms, fitness centers, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors, estheticians, their respective schools, bowling alleys, and massage therapists can open back up. However, they must follow social distancing guidelines and sanitation policies.
“Unlike other businesses, these entities have been unable to manage inventory, deal with payroll, and take care of administrative items while we shelter in place. This measure allows them to undertake baseline operations that most other businesses in the state have maintained since I issued the shelter-in-place order,” stated Kemp.
On Monday, April 27, restaurants can reopen their in-dining services as long as social distance and sanitation protocols are in place.
Entertainment businesses like event venues and bars are still closed until data supports reopening.
Social distancing is still in place across Georgia and the Shelter in Place order is in effect until April 30.
“Do what you can to help those in need. For places of worship, holding in-person services is allowed, but under Phase One guidelines, it must be done in accordance with strict social distancing protocols, Kemp added. “I urge faith leaders to continue to help us in this effort and keep their congregations safe by heeding the advice of public health officials. Of course, online, call-in, or drive-in services remain good options for religious institutions.”
The governor stressed businesses that are being allowed to open back up to practice good common sense or he will take necessary steps. He added that cases will probably continue to go up, but the state is better equipped to combat the virus with more hospital beds and contact tracing.
Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey added that the number of COVID-19 cases in Georgia has plateaued and now in decline. She said that they are following the gating data standards as set by Dr. Deborah Birx and the COVID-19 task force.
Bar graph from DPH demonstrating daily change in confirmed cases.
Toomey said that Georgia will meet the two-week decline in cases by the time the April 30 shelter in place order ends. According to her, the death rate in Georgia has dramatically fallen. Toomey said this is due to more widespread testing and identifying cases earlier.
It should be noted that last week Georgia still had multiple days of over 700 new cases added during the daily reports. The highest confirmed cases day was on April 6, 2020. The highest death day was also on April 6 with 40 deaths recorded by DPH.
However, it’s been previously reported that DPH and associated labs have a backlog of tests to process. These numbers are still subject to change. More testing facilities are opening across the state, including Gilmer and Towns.
Also, several people who are either asymptomatic or demonstrating only minor symptoms are being tested for COVID-19, so these numbers could be much larger. Please continue to follow social distancing for the time being.
Graph depicting daily number of COVID-19 deaths.
Telemedicine Option
From Kemp’s press conference:
“As many of you know, Augusta University Health launched a telemedicine app as part of their comprehensive plan to screen, test, and treat Georgia patients through an algorithm designed by experts at the Medical College of Georgia. This app has enhanced public health while reducing exposure for our doctors, nurses, and medical staff. We are encouraging symptomatic Georgians to download the app this week and begin the screening process. Georgians can access the app by visiting AugustaHealth.org or downloading AU Health ExpressCare on your smartphone. You can also call (706) 721-1852. This free app is user-friendly, and through this app, physicians and advanced practice providers from Augusta University Health and the Medical College of Georgia are available to users twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. If you begin to display symptoms consistent with COVID-19 – day or night – you can log onto AU Health’s telemedicine app or call to get screened by a clinician. If you meet criteria for testing, staff will contact you to schedule a test at one of the state’s designated testing locations near your home. Your healthcare information will be securely transmitted to your designated testing site.
“This streamlined process reduces stress on both the patient and testing site workers. Once you arrive for your appointment, you will provide a specimen for testing. From there, we will leverage the power of several key academic institutions in the state to process tests. These include Augusta University, Emory University, Georgia State University, and the Georgia Public Health Lab. In roughly seventy-two hours, you will be able to access your test results via a secure patient portal, and a medical provider will contact you directly if you are positive. The clinician will assist you with enrolling in a self-reporting app by Google named MTX where – with patient consent – the Department of Public Health can use enhanced contact monitoring and tracing.”
Here’s a link to Fetch Your News’ daily COVID-19 updates.