As COVID-19 continues to impact local schools, business and governments, the Telegraph is working to keep our readers informed about decisions that will impact them. This list will be updated throughout the day. If there’s an item you believe should be included in this list, please email breaking@macon.com.
Here is what you need to know about how the new coronavirus is affecting Middle Georgia:
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE REPORTS COVID-19 DEATH
A contractor at Robins Air Force Base, who was last at work in mid-March, has died as a result of COVID-19, according to a press release from the base.
The individual died on April 3 after being treated for respiratory complications and later tested positive for the new coronavirus.Read more here.
HOUSTON HEALTHCARE OFFERS COVID-19 INFO LINE
Houston County Healthcare has aCOVID-19 Information Line vailable from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m Monday through Friday, according to a Facebook post.
The number is 478-352-INFO, or 478-352-4636.
Individuals are asked to call the line if they are experiencing symptoms that include fever with temperature greater than 100.4, new cough and new shortness of breath.
Callers will be able to speak with a nurse, the post said.
MACON-BIBB SUSPENDS YARD AND BULK WASTE
Starting Wednesday, Macon-Bibb’s Solid Waste Department will temporarily suspend all collection of containerized yard waste, large piles of yard waste and bulk waste.
This will allow crews to help with Advanced Disposal Services’ collection of household garbage, with more garbage being placed on the curb as people shelter in place due to COVID-19, according to The Hub, Macon-Bibb’s e-newsletter.
“We tried to maintain services as much as we could early on, but with more people staying home, cooking home, and cleaning out their houses, the amount is beginning to overwhelm all of our crews,” Solid Waste Director Pat Raines said in the newsletter. “Our first priority has to be on protecting public health, and that means focusing on garbage instead of leaves and branches.”
From March 2 to March 6, Solid Waste Department crews collected 91 tons of garbage and that number increased to 172 tons from March 30-April, the newsletter said.
Monday, more than 50 tons was collected with crews not able to finish Monday’s route. “Those totals are the additional amounts above what ADS collected,” the newsletter said.
ADS picks up the rolling carts of household garbage, and Solid Waste Department crews collecting the garbage in additional cans or sitting on the ground. ADS continues to collect recycling.
The Solid Waste Department is asking that people be patient.
“If garbage is not picked up on the day it’s supposed to, go ahead and leave it out because we may not have had time to make it there that day,” Raines said. “This will be a temporary change as our community continues to shelter in place to protect everyone’s health, and once the need for additional collections is reduced, we will reinstate the other services.”
Call 478-803-0499 with questions or to report a missed pickup.
GEORGIA OFFERS CORONAVIUS SUPPORT LINE
The Georgia COVID-19 Emotional Support Line offers 24/7 free and confidential assistance to callers needing emotional support or resource information about the COVID-19 pandemic.
The support line is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals and others who have received training in crisis counseling. Call 866-399-8938, the Georgia Department of Behaviorial Health and Developmental Disabilities posted on Facebook.
MIDDLE GEORGIA CASE NUMBERS
The Telegraph will provide updates twice a day on the number of cases reported fromMiddle Georgia counties f ollowing the state’s noon and 7 p.m. updates.
STATEWIDE CASE NUMBERS
The Telegraph will also provide updates twice a day on the number of cases reported in Georgia and update the live map below. This story and map are based on the most recent information from the Georgia Department of Public Health.