Georgia's cities are on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak. With more cases occurring across the state on a daily basis, it’s important for local leaders to know where to find timely, accurate information. The pages in this section will provide municipal leaders the information they need about the threat this virus poses as well as suggestions for actions to take to safeguard their communities.
DCA Provides Program Updates & Deadline Extensions due to COVID-19
Find detailed information on the updated programs, application deadline extensions and more.
Commissioner of Georgia Department of Public Health Updates Mayors on COVID-19
Dr. Kathleen Toomey, MD and Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health, shared an overview of the current status of the novel COVID-19 pandemic and the state’s ongoing response from her medical perspective. In the call, she also answers some frequently asked questions from city leaders about the virus.
You can listen to the call here.
GMA Shares FAQs & Model Ordinance
GMA has created a Frequently Asked Questions document for our members containing analysis of questions GMA staff have received over the first weeks of this crisis. City officials are strongly recommended to consult with the city attorney before taking any actions related to this crisis. The information contained in this FAQ should not be considered or construed as legal advice.
GMA encourages cities to use this model ordinance to establish a uniform measure aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Local Governments with Emergency Ordinances
Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
Functioning critical infrastructure is imperative during the response to the COVID-19 emergency for both public health and safety as well as community well-being. This document gives guidance to State, local, tribal and territorial jurisdictions and the private sector on defining essential critical infrastructure workers. Read the full memorandum here.
News: Georgia’s Cities Urged to Declare Public Health Emergencies to Protect the Public
GMA is urging municipal leaders in all of Georgia’s 538 cities to declare public health emergencies with guidance from the model ordinance created by the association (see below). These public health emergencies will slow the rise of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Georgia and establish a uniform measure aimed at controlling the spread of the disease.
Read the full article for more details.
COVID-19 Presentations from Infectious Disease Expert
GMA hosted Dr. Carlos del Rio twice to share with city officials and staff, and Georgia county leaders. He is an Emory infectious disease expert, a professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and executive associate dean for Emory at Grady Memorial Hospital. Del Rio has been identified by Emory as one of the key health care professionals who can speak about many facets of the COVID-19 outbreak.
March 23: Protecting the Public during the COVID-19 Pandemic
March 19: Preparing for the COVID-19 Pandemic Slides
Georgia Department of Public Health
Daily Status COVID-19 Status Report