For the most up-to-date information on the Coronavirus, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and https://dph.georgia.gov/georgia-department-public-health-covid-19-daily-status-report
Gordon County Update Regarding COVID-19
April 29, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE….
We want to take this time to let our citizens know that Gordon County, Calhoun, and leadership and public safety from all municipalities continue to work alongside each other to address issues relevant to COVID-19 within our community. Today we held the ninth meeting via web conference of the Calhoun-Gordon County COVID-19 Pandemic Task Force comprised of all local governments, state government, public safety agencies, schools, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, public health, churches, non-profit organizations, and our hospital. These weekly meetings serve as tools to make sure we are all collaborating together to stay up to date on our current situation as well as that around our nation.
This local task force was created early in the stages of the COVID-19 response. By coming together collaboratively to assess cases and needs early, often and ongoing we feel this has helped us to keep our case numbers down relative to many other counties within our state although they have risen each week. Our goal would have been to keep cases affecting our citizens at zero as we realize every number reported is one of our families affected. For this reason, we must remain diligent in our efforts.
As the Governor begins to open our state back up for business we realize more and more people will begin slowly going back to normal but we urge this to be a “new normal.” Please continue to utilize social distancing techniques when you can and utilize frequent hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching any area of your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with any people who are sick, stay home if you are sick, cover your cough and sneeze and disinfect frequently touched items.
The next Task Force meeting is scheduled for May 5th. We will continue to work daily to be prepared to protect our citizens and visitors no matter the threat we are faced with. We also continue to ask for your prayers for our community, our state, and our nation.
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Gordon County Update Regarding COVID-19
April 4, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE….
As we enter our first full day of the Governor’s Executive Order to shelter in place we want to take the time to give an update on our current numbers as well as strongly encourage all of our citizens to follow the order by staying home as much as possible, continue to practice social distancing and also continue to wash your hands often while also keeping your hands away from your face.
“By looking at our current numbers, compared to some of our surrounding communities, it is evident as citizens that for the most part you have worked to “flatten the curve” here in Calhoun and Gordon County and we thank you for that,” said Becky Hood, Chairperson of the Gordon County Board of Commissioners. “Calhoun and Gordon County Governments along with both school systems took actions in mid-March that have also assisted in keeping our numbers where they currently are. There is more that can and has to be done though so let’s not grow complacent in this very important time in battling this invisible enemy of COVID-19. Each case that is added is one more than what we want,” she added.
By doing your part there is not only the effect that is reflected so far in our numbers but the effect you are having on our hospital and our first responders.
“All of these agencies are working extremely hard and long hours to protect our community and our people,” said Emergency Management Director Courtney Taylor. “We ask all citizens to continue to use the E9-1-1 system as needed but use it for true emergencies to not overtax our resources that may be needed for a real emergency. Also, know that all callers will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms for anyone in the residence. This is a quick process and we ask callers to be honest with their answers. A response is initiated no matter the screening outcome but it does let our responders know the proper type of protection to wear to the scene.”
The numbers released by the Department of Public Health (DPH) as of today at noon confirm 6,160 positive cases now in Georgia which is up from 5,967 last night at 7 p.m. Deaths in the state of Georgia went from 198 cases at 7 p.m. up to 201 today at noon.
As for Gordon County, per the DPH, we currently remain at twenty-one confirmed positive cases and two deaths as of today’s noon report. Just as a reminder, DPH cases are assigned to each county by the address of the resident, not where they were tested. Also, this is all the information that has been shared with Gordon County as due to HIPPA laws we do not know the names of any patients or fatalities.
As always we ask everyone to continue to pray for our community, our state, and our nation. We will continue to update as information changes and becomes available.
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Gordon County Update Regarding COVID-19
March 31, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE….
The numbers released by the Department of Public Health (DPH) as of today at noon confirm 3,817 positive cases now in Georgia which is up from 3,028 last night at 7 p.m. Deaths in the state of Georgia went from 100 cases at 7 p.m. up to 108 today at noon.
As for Gordon County, per the DPH, we are now at sixteen confirmed positive cases and one death as of today’s noon report. AdventHealth Gordon numbers reported today to Gordon County Emergency Management for cases tested at their facility are as follows:
six positive results, thirty-six negative results, and twenty pending results. Just as a reminder, DPH cases are assigned to each county by the address of the resident, not where they were tested. Also, this is all the information that has been shared with Gordon County as due to HIPPA laws we do not know the names of any patients or fatalities.
We also want to take this time to let our citizens know that Gordon County, Calhoun, and leadership and public safety from all municipalities continue to work alongside each other to address issues relevant to COVID-19 within our community. Today we held the fifth meeting via web conference of the Calhoun-Gordon County COVID-19 Pandemic Task Force comprised of all local governments, state government, public safety agencies, schools, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, public health, churches, non-profit organizations, and our hospital. These weekly meetings serve as tools to make sure we are all collaborating together to stay up to date on our current situation as well as that around our nation.
We also want our community to know that while these meetings are weekly we are working daily together to combat this virus here in Gordon County and taking steps to make sure we are prepared for different scenarios that could present themselves. Our focus is on social distancing as evidenced by the joint resolution between the county and all municipalities last week. We need our citizens to heed these directives to assist in keeping us all safer as well as doing the small things like covering your cough and washing your hands. The best-case scenario is that by practicing these things we are able to keep our numbers here in Gordon County at a lower count than some of our surrounding communities.
We are all working hard on keeping the best-case scenario in play at the same time we assure the public that we are planning for a more worst-case scenario if necessary. Plans are in place and have been reviewed and updated that would address issues that we would face in this type of scenario to include surge capacity plans for our hospital, alternative care site plans if we must offer medical care in other locations, as well as casualty plans. These plans were all created in hopes that we never have to use them but they are in place and ready to be enacted if the need arises.
We have approached this by trying to get information out to our public that would not cause fear and panic but instead would urge our citizens to be mindful of their surroundings and use common sense precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases including COVID-19. Some of these steps are:
- Stay at home if at all possible.
- Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people and practice social distancing by maintaining 6 feet of physical separation from others at all times.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
We will continue to work diligently to be prepared to protect our citizens and visitors no matter the threat we are faced with. We continue to ask for your prayers for our community, our state, and our nation.
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Gordon County Update Regarding COVID-19
March 26, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The numbers released by the Department of Public Health (DPH) as of today at noon confirm 1,525 positive cases now in Georgia which is up from 1,387 last night at 7 p.m. Deaths in the state of Georgia went from forty-seven cases at 7 p.m. up to forty-eight today at noon.
As for Gordon County, per the DPH, we remain at nine confirmed positive cases and one death as of today’s noon report. AdventHealth Gordon numbers reported today to Gordon County Emergency Management for cases tested at their facility are as follows: three positive results, twenty-one negative results and nineteen pending results. Just as a reminder, DPH cases are assigned to each county by the address of the resident, not where they were tested. Also, this is all the information that has been shared with Gordon County as due to HIPPA laws we do not know the names of any patients or fatalities.
We also want to take this time to report some good news for most of you which is the arrival of sunshine and warmer temperatures over the next few days in Gordon County. However, we do want to ask our citizens to remain vigilant to COVID-19 guidelines as you possibly plan activities to enjoy this beautiful weather. Social distancing is still a key factor in controlling this virus so please keep distances of at least six feet from others and keep gatherings to below the threshold of ten people. Do yard work, enjoy a bike ride, clean the garage, go for a hike or go for a walk but please remember to do this responsibly and with yours and everyone else health in mind.
Remember to continue to wash hands often, cover your cough and practice the aforementioned social distancing. As always we ask everyone to continue to pray for our community, our state, and our nation. We will continue to update as information changes and becomes available.
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Joint Resolution Declaring a State of Emergency
March 24, 2020
On Monday, March 23, 2020, the City of Calhoun and Gordon County adopted a joint resolution declaring a state of emergency. Read the full resolution by clicking the link below.
Joint Resolution Declaring a State of Emergency
Gordon County Update Regarding COVID-19
March 22, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The numbers released by the Department of Public Health as of today at noon confirm 600 positive cases now in Georgia which is up from 555 last night at 7 p.m. Deaths in the state of Georgia went from twenty cases at 7 p.m. up to twenty-three today at noon.
As for Gordon County, we remain at four confirmed positive cases as of today’s noon report. Just as a reminder, cases are assigned to each county by the address of the resident, not where they were tested.
Also today we want to take this time to give our citizens a way to dispel some of the rumors that have been going around about COVID-19. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has now created a page that can be visited at https://www.fema.gov/Coronavirus-Rumor-Control
Remember to continue to wash hands often, cover your cough and practice social distancing. As always we ask everyone to continue to pray for our community, our state, and our nation. We will continue to update as information changes and becomes available.
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Gordon County Update Regarding COVID-19
March 21, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The numbers released by the Department of Public Health as of today at noon confirm 507 positive cases now in Georgia which is up from 485 last night at 7 p.m. Deaths in the state of Georgia went from thirteen cases yesterday up to fourteen today at noon.
As for Gordon County, we remain at three confirmed positive cases as of today’s report. Just as a reminder, cases are assigned to each county by the address of the resident, not where they were tested.
We also want to take the time to remind everyone of a few items of importance related to COVID-19. This is a very serious virus causing a serious situation. The Coronavirus is three times more contagious than the flu. Our neighboring county of Bartow’s numbers have jumped to 56 total confirmed cases. We need to continue to take positive steps to protect Gordon County’s families and our community. We can continue to do that by following established guidelines including washing hands, social distancing and avoiding unnecessary travel.
Also, we would like to remind everyone when calling 9-1-1 to utilize it for emergencies only and be honest and complete when answering the screening questions put in place for your protection and the protection of our responders. These questions are utilized to determine protective equipment that needs to be worn by responders as we are working to preserve the supply that we currently have. No matter your answers to the questions assistance will be dispatched to your emergency. Help our responders protect themselves while they work hard to take care of you.
Finally, but of utmost importance, continue to pray our community, our state, and our nation. We will continue to update as information changes and becomes available.
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Gordon County Update Regarding COVID-19
March 17, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gordon County continues to monitor and assess the COVID-19 situation relying on information being passed down from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). Based on this information the following items have been put into action in our community:
Calhoun Gordon County COVID-19 Task Force
- Local Government, Public Safety, Public Health, Faith Based Organizations, VAC and Public School officials formed a task force to address the concerns and to form a plan in the response to the COVID-19 situation.
- The Task Force has been meeting weekly.
- The Task Force has developed a protocol to protect first responders who may be responding to emergency calls pertaining to COVID-19 risks.
Local Governments
- Closed Senior Center.
- Nutrition will be delivered.
- Welfare calls will be made.
- Closed Recreation Department.
- The staff is being crossed-trained.
- The Sonoraville gym is being sanitized to be ready if needed for other uses.
- Equipped key staff with laptops and finance software to work remotely if needed.
- Highlighted online services on social media and websites.
- Monitoring CDC and Department of Public Health websites for updated information.
- Continue to monitor the situation via briefings from the Governor’s office, the White House, and the Department of Homeland Security.
- Supporting first responders
- Providing sanitation stations as available at the tax commissioner’s office.
- Submitted a Continuity of Government Plan to departments to fill out.
- Working closely with Gordon EMA and Georgia Emergency Management Agency
- Has met in person with Calhoun to coordinate responses and phone calls with Resaca and Fairmount.
- All county staff department heads met for a round table discussion and planning regarding needs and responses.
- Reviewed a Gordon County Pandemic Plan.
- Pushing notifications to departments and the public.
- Administration has been personally checking in with departments and officials to determine needs.
- Vulnerable employees to stay home and telecommute if possible. Could be assigned to call elderly to provide social contacts.
- Coordinating with other counties by telephone
- Tracking meetings and time for federal/state reimbursement opportunities.
- Human resources are accepting applications by email only at this time.
Cities in Gordon County
- County Administration has personally called on all cities to ascertain if they have any special needs that have arisen and to offer continuing assistance.
- Calhoun and Gordon County leadership remain in contact and cooperation on many levels that include administration, fire, law enforcement, EMA, EMS, E9-1-1, recreation, and senior center.
Local Schools
- 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.
Elections
- Early/Advance Voting was ceased at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020.
- 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.
Courts
- Are following the Order of the Supreme Court
Sheriff’s Office
- Suspended in-person visitation
- Jail lobby will be closed except for bonds
- The Sheriff’s Office business lobby will be closed to the public.
- Detainees are being screened outside of the building
- Suspended inmates from working outside of the building
Fire Department
- The firefighters of Gordon County remain at a constant state of readiness and training.
- 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.
Building and Grounds
- The staff is providing a higher level of sterilization and wipe downs in high traffic areas.
- Hand cleaning stations are set up in Gordon County Government Plaza as long as supplies of sanitizer last. Inventory of hand sanitizers and disinfectants is running low.
- Notices are being posted on entries telling people to stop and do not enter if sick or exposed to someone who is sick.
Tax Assessor
- Encouraging e-filing and reminding the public of April 1 deadline for returns and providing forms by mail on request.
- Has arranged office for social distancing
- Making a drop box available
Tax Commissioner
- Pushing notices of online services.
- Hand cleaning stations in use
- Installing “cough shields” at teller stations
- Making a drop box available.
Ag Center
- Meetings in the conference room are canceled
Redbone Ridges Landfill
- Santek Environmental confirms that the landfill and convenience centers remain fully operational and fully staffed. They will continue to operate on normal hours.
Other Departments
- Building Inspection, Public Works, and Animal Control are open at this time.
Hospital
- Entrance points have been limited and screening stations are open at all available entrances
- Visitation has been limited
Other Organizations
- 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
- Library is closed
According to the DPH website update at noon on March 17th, confirmed cases in the state of Georgia increased in the last twenty-four hours by twenty-five cases bringing the total number in the state of Georgia to one hundred and forty-six. However, Gordon County confirmed cases remains at two.
Gordon County will continue to work diligently to evaluate measures that will assist in protecting our citizens and visitors during this difficult time. We will update if and as changes are made to our government operations and public buildings. Please continue to monitor CDC and DPH websites for the latest information on how to protect yourself and your family.
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Calhoun Gordon County COVID-19 Task Force Update
March 16, 2020
For Immediate Release
On Monday, March 16, 2020, the Calhoun Gordon County COVID-19 Task Force met to discuss continued preparedness for COVID-19 response.
Local Government, Public Safety, Public Health, and Public Schools officials addressed their preparedness efforts and potential community needs.
The Emergency Operations Center has been activated in a monitoring capacity and the task force strongly recommends that everyone and all organizations adhere to the CDC guidelines of not meeting in groups of 50 or larger and to practice social distancing.
For the best source of information, please visit the following website:
Georgia Department of Public Health https://dph.georgia.gov/
#flattenthecurve
City of Calhoun and Gordon County COVID-19 Update
March 13, 2020
For Immediate Release
Calhoun and Gordon County government officials met this morning at 10:00 a.m. to continue planning regarding the COVID 19 situation.
Following the Governor’s outline for limiting the crowd exposure and protecting a vulnerable population, Calhoun and Gordon County have agreed to take preliminary steps to close the Senior Center. Steps will be taken to ensure that the seniors will receive their meal service and we will have staff making daily welfare calls to our seniors.
Both the City of Calhoun and Gordon County Parks and Recreation Departments will close their gyms and will be closed to organized activities, games, practices, and all gatherings. The parks will remain open for walking and passive activities but the intention is to limit social interactions. The recreation departments will be open for the March 24th Presidential Preference Primary.
The conference room of the Gordon County Agriculture Service Center will be closed to public meetings.
We would like to remind everyone that both City and County online services are available for those who do not want to be in public areas. Please see the City and County websites and social media accounts for more details concerning tax payments, utility payments, court services, etc.
Calhoun and Gordon County continue to attend briefings and gather information. The central theme is to be prepared but do not panic while we all work together to promote and maintain a healthy Gordon County.
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One Confirmed Case of COVID-19 In Gordon County
March 12, 2020
For Immediate Release
The Georgia Department of Public Health has reported that there is one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Gordon County. For more information, please visit their website at https://dph.georgia.gov/georgia-department-public-health-covid-19-daily-status-report.
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COVID-19 Calhoun Gordon County Task Force Continues to Review Plans
March 10, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The public safety group of the COVID-19 Calhoun Gordon County Task Force met today to review and update response plans and protocols. This meeting was part of an ongoing effort to help keep Calhoun and Gordon County public safety prepared for not only a potential Coronavirus case but any type of infectious disease they may encounter to include seasonal flu. This group meets regularly throughout the year to accomplish a seamless response when responding to calls for help.
To date there have been no reported positive cases of COVID-19 within Gordon County, however, neighboring counties do have confirmed cases. The Calhoun Gordon County Task Force assures our citizens that we are working to stay as up to date as possible in this emerging situation.
The overall risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low; although elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions may have increased risk for COVID-19. The best prevention measures for any respiratory virus are:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and develop a fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
Community members, who have questions, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.org or call the local Public Health Department at 706-624-1444. There is also a State Department of Public Health number which is 1-866-PUB-HLTH.
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Gordon County and Calhoun City Leaders Form COVID-19 Task Force
March 3, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gordon County Health Department, Emergency Management Agency, AdventHealth Gordon hospital and EMS, Gordon County and Calhoun City officials, city, county, and state law enforcement, city and county fire department, city and county school system officials, and long-term care facilities are working in collaboration to closely monitor and prepare for the community’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19). Together they have formed the COVID-19 Calhoun Gordon County Task Force that will continue to meet on an ongoing basis.
Although there have been no reported cases of coronavirus in the county to date, community leaders are taking this situation very seriously. Hospital and medical facilities have implemented assessment protocols for all patients and guests.
Health care providers who suspect COVID-19 infection in a patient should report them immediately to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at 1-866-782-4584 and ask for a Medical Epidemiologist.
Schools continue to follow their regular health protocol of disinfecting surfaces and communicating standard precautions. School officials are asking parents with sick children to please keep them at home. Schools continue to update parents with informational fliers and electronic communication as necessary.
Community members who have questions, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov or call the local Public Health Department at 706-624-1444.
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CALHOUN/GORDON COUNTY JOINT AGENCY MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, February 27, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Counties around the state and nation, including Gordon County, are monitoring the evolution of the coronavirus (COVID-19). We have recently received several inquiries about the impact of the Wuhan coronavirus on our community. We continue to keep the health and well-being of our citizens and visitors as our highest priority. There have been no reported cases of the coronavirus in Calhoun, Gordon County or the state of Georgia.
Our government and public safety teams continue to receive updates and guidance on signs and symptoms of the coronavirus. We are working closely with the Gordon County Department of Public Health, and we are monitoring information that is being released from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Calhoun and Gordon County governments and public safety personnel along with AdventHealth Gordon will begin weekly meetings beginning on Tuesday, March 3rd to plan for and prepare to respond to any potential case of coronavirus within Gordon County.
We ask citizens and visitors to follow regular health protocols of disinfecting surfaces such as countertops, handles, doorknobs, computer keyboards, and other highly touched areas. Although there have been no reported cases of the coronavirus in our county or state, there are preventative measures you can take, which are the same as for the flu. They include:
- Washing hands frequently
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Staying home if you are sick and running a fever
- Coughing or sneezing into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it and then throw the tissue in the trash
We will update our website and social media channels if any significant information becomes available and we will work hard to keep citizens notified of contingency plans if an outbreak should occur.
Jim Ledbetter, County Administrator
Paul Worley, City Administrator
Sheriff Mitch Ralston, Gordon County Sheriff’s Office
Director Courtney Taylor, Gordon County Emergency Management Agency
Chief Doug Ralston, Gordon County Fire & Rescue Department
Chief Tony Pyle, Calhoun Police Department
Director Debbie Vance, Gordon County E-911
Chief Lenny Nesbitt, Calhoun Fire Department
Director Mike Etheridge, AdventHealth EMS
