To download notes, click here.
National and State Update-Ben Moser
Ben gave the following updates for Day 46 of the National Emergency over the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 from national, state and local news sources:
- Global markets rose as governments around the world discuss when and how to reopen businesses and get their economies back on track
- Seeking relief from a heat wave thousands of people crowded beaches in Southern California this weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic despite a statewide stay at home order implemented by the Governor last month
- Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator stated that some form of social distancing will probably remain in place throughout the summer
- Dow futures are advancing with investors anticipating that stimulus efforts and the easing of the lockdown measures may help kickstart the economy
- In Georgia, Governor Kemp announced that the launch of a mobile COVID-19 testing initiative to set up drive thru sites in communities without access to testing is beginning today, Monday, April 27, 2020. The mobile unit will travel on a rotating basis. The sites are supported by Walmart, eTrueNorth and state and local officials
- In Alabama, Governor Ivey and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris were working over the weekend to firm up a timetable to reopen the state. The current stay at home order is set to expire on April 30
Columbus Area Updates
Columbus Consolidated Government Update-Mayor Skip Henderson
Mayor Henderson gave the following updates:
- There are 275 confirmed cases in Muscogee County with 4 confirmed deaths which is expected to rise to 5(waiting on confirmation)
- With regards to the Governor’s orders, some hair salons, nail salons, gyms and other businesses did reopen on Friday; very strict and comprehensive list of guidelines that they must adhere to
- Restaurants are scheduled to reopen dine in today; some examples of their guidelines include: no buffets, no self-serve areas (i.e. drinks), screening and evaluation of employees for fevers, all employees will have to wear face coverings, only 10 patrons per 500 square feet of floor space are allowed in the facility; some are choosing not to reopen for dine in at this time
- Seeing a very gradual increase in hospitalizations; resources still able to handle any possible surges
- Still preparing for a surge but maybe much more moderate than originally thought; credit social distancing and staying home; curve has been relatively flat; time will tell; monitoring closely
Alabama State Representative Update-Chris Blackshear
Representative Blackshear gave the following updates:
- There are 6429 confirmed cases in Alabama
- There have been 73,732 Alabamians tested statewide
- There is a total of 845 hospitalized statewide
- There are 219 confirmed deaths statewide
- There are 365 cases in Lee County; 285 in Chambers County; 53 in Russell County
- There is a conference call this morning with the Governor to get some guidance concerning reopening of the state. Alabama’s order expires Thursday, April 30
Department of Public Health (Columbus Health Department) Update-Natalie Man
Jack Lockwood gave the following updates on behalf of Natalie:
- There are 356 cases in Sumter County
- Continuing drive thru testing at the Columbus Health Department and other health departments in the district
Muscogee County School District Update-Dr. David Lewis
Dr. Lewis gave the following updates:
- There has been wide discussion, but no decision has been made yet about when schools will reopen in the fall
Columbus Area Vulnerable Population Update
Home for Good Update-Pat Frey
Pat gave the following updates:
- Great weekly meeting with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) this past Friday afternoon
- The following links are attached:
- Webinar this afternoon for all Emergency Solution Grants recipients
- Allowable Cost for Infectious Disease Preparedness
- All HUD webinars since early April
- Webinar on Friday, May 1, 2020 for Testing for COVID-19 in Homeless Shelters
https://www.hudexchange.info/trainings/courses/covid-19-office-hours-for-esg-recipients/
https://www.hudexchange.info/homelessness-assistance/diseases/#covid-19-webinars-and-office-hours
Coronavirus Response Fund (Crisis Fund) Update-Betsy Covington
Betsy gave the following updates:
- The Global Payments/TSYS match was met on Friday; grateful for their generosity and the way the community responded to the opportunity
- The weeks grant awards will be announced mid-week; frontline organizations are doing incredible work
- Asked callers to email her at bcovington@cfcv.com to let her know who has been on the call, so that they can reach out and fill gaps in groups that are not on the call; want to make sure that they are being responsive to the community
Open Forum Updates
No updates today
