Coronavirus live updates: Global Payments announces pay cuts, plus other news for March 30
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in the Chattahoochee Valley. Check back for updates.
Global Payments announces pay cuts
Global Payments’ salaried employees will take a 10% pay cut and other executives will forgo various benefits as COVID-19 continues to affect businesses internationally.
The 10% cut will affect salaried employees in the United States and other countries where allowed. CEO Jeff Sloan will voluntarily forgo 100% of his base salary and 100% of any bonus opportunity for the remainder of the year.
The company’s Executive Leadership Team will voluntarily take 50% base salary reductions and forgo 100% of any bonus opportunity for the remainder of the year. The Board of Directors will waive 100% of their cash retainers for 2020.
“As we continue to assess the ongoing impact of COVID-19, it is imperative that we proactively take actions to protect our businesses, safeguard the long-term financial stability of our company and minimize disruption of our exceptional team member base,” Global Payments spokesperson Emily Edmonds said in a statement. “By taking these measures now, we can best ensure ongoing success for our business and our 24,000 team members globally as the economy recovers.”
Dollar General announces discount to medical, guardsmen and first responder communities
Beginning Monday, Dollar General will provide all medical personnel, first responders and activated National Guardsmen with a 10% discount on qualifying purchases.
Individuals can present their employment badge or ID at more than 16,300 stores to receive the discount.
Dollar General will offer the discount through April 30, 2020 and plans to evaluate the possible extension of the offer in the coming weeks, based on the evolution and status of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dan and Kathelen Amos give $1 million to renovate former Doctor’s hospital for coronavirus patients
Aflac’s Chairman and CEO Dan Amos and his wife Kathelen have donated $1 million to Piedmont Columbus Regional to help the hospital treat COVID-19 patients in an isolated environment.
The $1 million gift will be used to renovate the 5th floor of the old Doctor’s Hospital building, which is not currently in use, located on Piedmont’s Midtown campus. The Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation is seeking to match the Amos’ gift with funds from the community. The $2 million would enable the hospital to create a dedicated unit of 29 beds and seven ICU beds for patient care.
In a news release, Piedmont representatives said they anticipate a major increase in the number of COVID-19 patients who require critical care hospitalization. Hospital officials said they hope to create the new floor in 10 days. The new floor would allow Piedmont staff to keep COVID-19 patients in a single area and prevent contact with other patients, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Coroner confirms first death in Muscogee County
A local official has confirmed the first death in Muscogee County related to the new coronavirus.
Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan told the Ledger-Enquirer on Sunday that an 85-year-old man died at 4:13 p.m. in the intensive care unit of Piedmont Columbus Regional’s Midtown campus. The man had previously tested positive for the virus.
The man was a Columbus resident, according to the coroner.
Georgia reports more than 2,800 coronavirus cases and 87 deaths.
The Georgia Department of Public Health at noon Monday confirmed 2,809 cases of COVID-19 in the state, up by 126 from the last update at 7 p.m. Sunday.
Statewide, 87 people have now died from the novel coronavirus, an increase of four since 7 p.m. Sunday.
The Georgia Public Health Laboratory and private labs had conducted a total of 12,566 COVID-19 tests. The state has tested 1,895 people. Private labs have tested 10,671 state officials said.
The state health department reports 707 people have been hospitalized due to the virus.
This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 9:31 AM.
