March 18th, 2020 – 9:30 AM
Gordon County Government –
As Gordon County Officials continue to monitor the evolving situation surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we believe that it is in the best interest of our employees and the public to implement the following action.
Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, as a precaution, and to limit exposure from person to person contact, Gordon County Government will restrict public access to public County buildings and facilities. Gordon County will continue to provide services and encourages the use of online services at gordoncounty.org. All County employees will be required to report daily as normal. As this situation continues to develop, adjustments may be made, if necessary, to facilitate the delivery of services.
Residents needing to conduct business with a County department, after an attempt to use online services, should contact that department by phone or e-mail. Contact information for County departments is available on Gordon County’s website: www.gordoncounty.org.
This action will remain in place for at least the next 14 days and may be extended as necessary.
Again, we urge all residents to remain calm and follow the advice and recommendations of public health professionals which includes:
- Washing your hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Staying home when you are sick
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Cleaning/Disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Calling your healthcare provider if you experience any flu-like symptoms
If you are scheduled to appear for court, PLEASE contact your lawyer, Public Defender, or the court office that pertains to your case to determine when / where to appear.
For more information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, please visit the Georgia DPH website and the CDC website.
As of March 18, 2020, Gordon County still has only 2 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and those citizens have been isolated and treated with appropriate care.
We apologize for any inconvenience, but, we feel this action is necessary to comply with the actions and directives of the President, Governor, and Georgia Supreme Court to maintain social distancing and slow the spread of COVID-19.
Gordon County Senior Citizens Center
● Senior Center is closed to public access.
○ Nutrition will be delivered.
○ Welfare calls will be made.
Calhoun Recreation Department and Gordon County Parks and Recreation
● Recreation Departments are closed to public access.
○ Gyms are closed to organized activities, games, practices, and all gatherings.
General Government and Utility Departments
● Key staff with laptops and necessary software to work remotely if needed.
● Calhoun Utilities at 700 West Line Street has been closed to public access. Drive-thru services are available
for utility customers.
● City Hall is open and staff is on duty, but we strongly encourage all non-emergency business to be delayed
or call 706-629-0151 for assistance. Please visit www.cityofcalhoun-ga.com for additional contact
information for all city services.
● The Calhoun Depot has been closed to public access and no rentals are being booked at the Calhoun Depot
or McConnell Center. Call 706-602-5570 for assistance. Most Downtown Calhoun shops and restaurants
are offering curbside services.
● The Calhoun Depot has been closed to public access and no rentals are being booked at the Calhoun Depot
or McConnell Center. Call 706-602-5570 for assistance. Most Downtown Calhoun shops and restaurants
are offering curbside services.
●
Local Schools
In consideration of Governor Kemp’s executive order issued on March 16, as well as the latest guidance from the CDC, Calhoun City and Gordon County Schools will remain closed through spring break, which ends on April 10.
Teachers will make contact with students in order to continue instructional activities through April 3.
No assignments will be given the week of spring break.
Additionally, all field trips scheduled for the remainder of the school year will canceled for the duration of the closures.
● Both city and county schools are closed pursuant to the Governor’s Order.
● Staff is calling students and families to ensure that they have the resources needed.
● Food programs have been put in place for all students.
● The Presidential Preference Primary has been postponed until May 19, 2020.
○ If someone has already voted for their presidential preference, then only the general primary
election will be on the ballot.
○ If someone has not already voted for their presidential preference, they will have the general
primary election and the presidential preference on the ballot.
Municipal Court
● Calhoun Municipal Court has postponed all court proceedings through March 23 rd , with additional court
date delays expected.
Police Department
● Calhoun Police Department will conduct services as usual for all emergency situations.
● All non-essential fingerprinting has been discontinued until further notice.
● Availability to file non-emergency incident reports over the phone by calling E911’s non-emergency
numbers at (706) 629-0911 or (706) 602-0911. Callers will be connected to an officer who will determine if
the event in question qualifies for an over the phone incident report.
Fire Department
● City of Calhoun firefighters remain at a constant state of readiness and training.
● City of Calhoun firefighters are following CDC and Department of Public Health guidelines.
● Protocols have been put in place to protect our firefighters from possible exposure to COVID 19.
● Public entry to the firehouses has been restricted to impede unnecessary contact and increase social
distancing.
Other Departments
● Building Inspection, Public Works, and Animal Control are open at this time, and are adhering to best
practices of proper sanitation and social distancing.
Other Organizations
● Advent Health Entrance points have been limited and screening stations are open at all available entrances;
visitation has been limited.
● Chamber of Commerce has canceled all events and meetings.
● George Chamber Resource Center will be closed until March 30, 2020.
● Boys and Girls Club is closed.
● Calhoun Gordon County Library is closed.
● All meetings at the at the Ag Center conference room have been canceled.
● Santek Environmental confirms that Redbone Ridges Landfill and convenience centers remain fully
operational and fully staffed. They will continue to operate on normal hours.