COVID-19 updates: Columbus issues mask mandate for government buildings, plus more news
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information and numbers regarding the coronavirus in the Chattahoochee Valley.
Georgia’s coronavirus case totals update each day at 3 p.m. Check back for more updates throughout the day.
COVID-19 numbers fo July 21 in our area
GEORGIA
Muscogee County and its surrounding areas reported a total of 8,845 (9,062) cases in the 3 p.m. Tuesday update from the Georgia Department of Public Health. The total is an increase of 217 cases from Monday.
265 total deaths were reported in the area, an increase of eight since yesterday.
Here’s a breakdown by county of total cases, deaths and hospitalizations:
- Muscogee: 3520, 67, 360
Troup: 1939, 45, 204
- Sumter: 675, 53, 158
Chattahoochee: 504, 1, 9
Harris: 522, 14, 55
- Crisp: 340, 13, 50
Meriwether: 290, 4, 35
- Dooly: 226, 14, 46
Stewart: 234, 4, 48
- Randolph: 228, 26, 38
Macon: 151, 10, 36
Marion: 114, 3, 14
Talbot: 107, 3, 16
- Clay: 67, 2, 5
- Taylor: 54, 2, 13
Webster: 35, 2, 7
- Schley: 31, 1, 7
Quitman: 25, 1, 5
A full county-by-county breakdown from the Georgia Department of Public Health can be found here.
Georgia’s West-Central Health District covers 16 counties: Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor and Webster.
Troup and Meriwether counties are not in the West-Central Health District but because of their proximity to Columbus, the Ledger-Enquirer will track those numbers as well.
ALABAMA
The number of novel coronavirus cases in Alabama has now reached 69,075 according to the Alabama Department of Public Health’s dashboard at 3:40 p.m. EST Tuesday.
The number of reported cases in Lee County stands at 2,088 while Russell County’s total stands at 950.
There have been 599,098 tests performed statewide. The state reported 1,268 total COVID-19-related deaths as of Monday.
The state of Alabama reports the number of presumed recoveries from COVID-19 on a weekly basis. On July 21, the state reported 29,736 presumed recoveries throughout Alabama.
To view the full list of Alabama COVID-19 cases, click here.
Columbus issues mask mandate in city government buildings
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson on Tuesday announced that masks are mandated to be worn by anybody entering city government buildings.
Those buildings are:
- The Government Center
- Recorder’s Court
- Civic Center
- Ice Rink
- Government Center Annex
- City Services Center
Georgia delays start of high school football season
High school football for Georgia High School Sports Association member schools will not start on time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The GHSA on Monday voted to postpone the start of the 2020 high school football season to early September, or two weeks later than originally planned. The decision was made during a Board of Trustees meeting and passed unanimously.
Muscogee school board approves Columbus property tax rate
The Muscogee County School District’s board is keeping the same millage rate for Columbus residents to pay in property taxes.
The fiscal year 2021 millage rate will be 23.321 mills, the same as the current year, said Cathy Williams, finance committee chairwoman, during the last two of three public hearings Monday morning and evening.
MCSD superintendent changes reopening plan for Columbus schools
Muscogee County School District superintendent David Lewis has changed when and how to reopen Columbus public schools amid the coronavirus pandemic.
During the school board’s monthly meeting Monday night, Lewis said MCSD will reopen Aug. 17, one week later than scheduled, and conduct all classes virtually instead of allowing an in-person option for at least the first three-and-a-half weeks.
Chattahoochee Valley Libraries to reopen 24-hour kiosks
The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries will reopen its 24-hour kiosks at 10 a.m. July 28.
The two automated libraries are located at 1241 Double Churches Road in Columbus and 6600 Flat Rock Road in Midland.
Most services previously offered at the locations will be available, including:
- Browsing a 340-item collection of popular books and DVDs for all ages.
- Materials requested or placed on hold by patrons can be designated for pick-up at the locations.
- Account management, including placing hold requests.
Patrons will not be able to return materials to the kiosks. Returns will be accepted at branch locations during operating hours and quarantined for 4 days prior to being recirculated. Book drops remain closed.
Columbus Civic Center to host drive-in movie night
The Columbus Civic Center is hosting a drive-in movie night at 9 p.m. Friday, July 31. Gates open at 6 p.m.
General admission is $30 per vehicle, with VIP pricing at $30 (VIP parking and a large popcorn).
The movie shown will be “Sonic: The Hedgehog.”
Food trucks, music and other activities will take place. Early arrival is recommended.
Tickets can be purchased at the Columbus Civic Center box office, online at TicketMaster.com or ordered by phone (1-800-745-3000).
This story was originally published July 21, 2020 at 10:30 AM.
