Coronavirus live updates: What to know about COVID-19 in Chattahoochee Valley on March 17
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about coronavirus in the Chattahoochee Valley. Check back for updates.
River Dragons’ season ends abruptly
The Columbus River Dragons’ inaugural season is over.
The Federal Prospects Hockey League and its Board of Governors have voted that the 2019-20 season will be canceled effective immediately. Member clubs were informed of the decision on Monday afternoon.
The River Dragons were fourth in the Eastern Division standings and had clinched a playoff spot.
Below is the full statement from River Dragons president and general manager Scott Brand:
“We are obviously extremely disappointed in how this all ended, but we are ecstatic with the fan support and corporate partnerships we were able to achieve through the shortened season. Columbus has been and always will be a tremendous sports town especially when it comes to ice hockey. Our team was well on its way to what we believe to be a strong playoff run and we were approaching our goal of 100,000 fans in the Civic Center in year one.”
“In regards to those of you who are season ticket holders or those who had purchased tickets to a game that has now been canceled, please allow us the opportunity to first work with the players to get them home safely and give ample time to create a system that can offer more rewards to our fans than a standard ‘credit or refund’ situation. We will offer refunds, but we’d like to offer more enhanced options to reward our fans in our first year for showing their support.”
“There should be no doubt that our ownership group is 100% committed to playing the 2020-2021 season and beyond here in Chattahoochee Valley.”
Public Elementary, Secondary, Post-Secondary Schools Closed
In accordance with newly issued federal guidance, Governor Brian Kemp signed Executive Order 3.16.20.01 closing all public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary public schools in Georgia from March 18 to March 31.
“To keep our students, teachers, and administrators safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, I am ordering the closure of all public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools in Georgia from March 18, 2020 to March 31, 2020.” Kemp said.
“This measure is critical to reducing local transmission in communities across our state, and I ask Georgians to continue to follow best practices — washing their hands regularly, isolating the elderly and chronically ill, and avoiding large events if possible — in the days and weeks ahead.”
Dollar General dedicates first hour of operations to senior customers
Dollar General Corporation announced plans to dedicate the first hour of each shopping day to senior shoppers, as well as amend store operating hours beginning March 17.
Dollar General is strongly encouraging that the first hour of operations each day be dedicated solely for the shopping needs of senior customers, who are one of the groups most vulnerable to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Other customers are encouraged to plan their shopping trips around this window of time.
Additionally, all stores plan to close one hour earlier than current close times to allow employees to clean and re-stock store shelves, as well as for their health and wellbeing. Stores will continue to maintain current opening hours. Normal operating hours by individual store locations are available here.
Columbus mayor holds press conference
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson hosted a news conference Tuesday with the District Health Director of the Department of Community Health, Dr. Beverley Townsend, City Manager Isaiah Hugley, School Superintendent David Lewis and representatives from Fort Benning and area hospitals. They sought to calm public fears related to COVID-19.
“Right now we’re at a pandemic, but it’s escalated to pandemonium and panic,” Townsend told reporters and others gathered at the City Services Center off Macon Road.
She said the risk to the general public remains low, overall, and everyone does not have to be tested for the virus. The seasonal flu and pollen allergies can cause some of the symptoms people associate with COVID-19, she said.
“Not everyone can be tested because not enough tests are available,” she said, adding that testing is ramping up, and more samples are being collected.
People with reason to suspect they have the virus should not go directly to a doctor’s office or emergency room, but call first to report their condition. Patients must go through a physician, to be tested, and they should not just show up at a commercial laboratory that’s conducting the tests, she said.
She said the state has a COVID-19 hotline residents can call for further advice. The number is 1-855-962-0955.
Video of the news conference is posted to the mayor’s Facebook page. Here is a link.
Confirmed cases in Georgia rise
The Georgia Department of Public Health on Tuesday confirmed 146 cases of COVID-19 in the state — up by 25 from Monday’s count.
A majority of the confirmed cases are in the Atlanta metro area.
Of the confirmed cases, 40% are ages 60 and older, and 46% are between the ages of 18 and 59.
One person who tested positive for the new coronavirus in Georgia has died since the disease first appeared here.
SEC cancels all spring sports
The SEC on Tuesday canceled all spring sports because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Here’s the full statement from the league:
The Southeastern Conference today announced that all regular season conference and non-conference competitions are cancelled for the remainder of the 2019-20 athletic year, including all remaining SEC championship events, due to continuing developments related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
In addition, all spring football games are cancelled and there will be no pro days conducted by SEC institutions.
“This is a difficult day for all of us, and I am especially disappointed for our student-athletes,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “The health and well-being of our entire conference community is an ongoing priority for the SEC as we continue to monitor developments and information about the COVID-19 virus.”
Other athletics activities, including team and individual practices, meetings and other organized gatherings, whether required or voluntary, remain suspended through at least April 15.
SEC member institutions will continue to provide their student-athletes with care and support to meet needs in areas including academics, medical care, mental health and wellness, nutrition and housing as needed.
The SEC and its member institutions will continue to communicate with public health officials and medical experts to determine the best path forward related to coronavirus pandemic.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 8:39 AM.
