Gov. Kemp’s Latest EO: Guidance on Bars & Nightclubs, Restaurants & Summer Camps

Today, May 12, Gov. Kemp released his latest Executive Order in response to COVID-19. This newest. Watch the full press conference and find key points from the conference below.

• Live performance venues, bars and night clubs must remain closed through May 31, 2020
• Sheltering in Place for vulnerable populations remains in effect until June 12, 2020
• Gatherings of more than 10 people remain banned for all non-critical businesses including social groups, informal groups and sports
• Starting May 14, 2020 summer day camps can operate if they follow measures outlined in the governor’s executive order
• Restaurants can allow 10 patrons per 300 square feet of public space and increase party size to 10 per table
• Gov. Kemp also announced the rollout of the Healthy Georgia Collaborative, a contact tracing tool to help map and isolate the spread of COVID-19.

In order to help member cities digest the various items in this Executive Order, GMA is working to create a summary of the order, which will be shared in tomorrow’s GMA alert to all cities.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 15: GMA Survey of COVID-19 Cities’ Expenses 

Many thanks to cities that provided a response to GMA’s COVID-19 Expenses survey. Due to additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department on May 4, GMA is keeping the survey link open to provide cities with an opportunity to 1) submit a response if you have not already done so; and 2) update your city’s response using the latest guidelines, which are much broader and more flexible than the initial guidelines issued by Treasury. For example, under the latest guidance, cities may be able to request reimbursement for public safety/public health payroll expenses. Cities could also offer a grant program for customers who are unable to pay their utility fees and request reimbursement from CARES Act to cover these costs. For any questions, please contact Becky Taylor, Holger Loewendorf or Joel Wiggins of the GMA staff.
 
Please complete the GMA COVID-19 Expenses survey ASAP. The survey deadline is this Friday, May 15, at 5 p.m.

GMA Municipal Webinar: Back to Business

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 2 p.m.
Register Today!

This free webinar will focus on ways to safely and effectively open cities for business to include communication strategies to better inform and engage citizens, human resource practices for city employee safety, and a discussion on hosting public meetings and social distancing.  

 Direct Registration Link: https://webinar.ringcentral.com/webinar/register/WN_pqcRrCI3TbK1KX_kDKJlmw

Tell Congress that Cities Are Essential!

GMA is calling on every city official in Georgia to remain in touch with federal leaders to explain what is going on in your communities and the challenges you are  facing financially as a result of the coronavirus. Members of Georgia’s Congressional delegation must hear directly from city officials about the challenges you’re facing and how they can help. Visit this page or contact Becky Taylor for more information.
 
GMA is also encouraging cities to join the National League of Cities (NLC) and cities from across the nation to tell members of Congress that municipalities need direct support and economic relief now through NLC’s Cities Are Essential campaign. This campaign will uplift the stories of our communities and residents and receive aid where it can make the biggest difference. NLC is asking for at least $500 billion over two years for local governments, to help cities respond recover and reopen. NLC has put together some critical resources and tools to combat myths, get your message out and connect with federal partners in Washington. Act now!

APPLICATION DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY: FEMA Funding for Firefighters

FEMA has released the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the $100 million Assistance for the Firefighters Grant Program(AFGP), which was a part of the CARES Act to purchase personal protective equipment and supplies The deadline for applications is May 15.

Omnia Partners Shares COVID-19 Planning, Preparation & Response Resources

As the country begins to reopen, OMNIA Partners is available to help source cities’ most crucial needs. Per the Office Depot contract, there are KN95 masks and 3 ply masks available. Visit this page for more PPE product specifics and contact Frank Radcliff for more information.  

GMA's Coronavirus Resource Center

Cities are encouraged to visit GMA’s regularly updated COVID-19 Resource Center for Municipal Leaders for pertinent resources.

Additional Resource:

• DPH’s COVID-19 Testing Site List
• GEMA & State Agencies Share List of PPE Vendors
• GDEcD Georgia Suppliers of Critical Items to Fight COVID-19
• GMA’s Resources for Reopening City Offices
• Public Works COVID-19 Strategies: Impacts, Innovations and Lessons Learned
• PRESS PLAY: Athens-Clarke County COVID-19 Response
• WATCH NOW: GMA’s Municipal Budget Forecasting & Impact Analysis in Uncertain Times
• WATCH NOW: COVID-19 and Georgia's Homeless Population: Impact and Solutions
• N-95 Decontamination Made Available by Battelle
• Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open
• Georgia Department of Public Health – COVID-19
• CDC’s COVID-19 Resource Database
• National League of Cities COVID-19 Toolkit
• ICMA Coronavirus Crisis Response: Resources for Your Community
• Atlanta Regional Commission Georgia COVID-19 Statistics
• FEMA’s Coronavirus Fact vs. Myth website
• ARC’s Virtual Public Engagement Guide